Key ingredients: lipohydroxy acid, salicylic acid, glycerin | Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Do oily skin types need a moisturizer?

Even if you have an oily complexion, your skin can still become dehydrated, so it still needs moisture on the reg. "Those with oily skin can still have dehydrated skin, which means it can have high sebum levels, but low water content," New York City-based dermatologist Claire Chang, MD shared on the hydration episode of Allure's The Science of Beauty podcast. So if richer, heavier face moisturizers meant for dry skin seem to lead to excess oil or even clog pores, switching to the a gel moisturizer for oily skin can help. These tend to deliver hydration in a lighter, more refreshing manner.

Which moisturizer ingredients benefit oily skin types?

The good news is that there are many mattifying, oil-balancing ingredients out there for grease-prone complexions. One of the most popular is niacinamide, an antioxidant that brightens skin as well as evens tone and minimizes sebum production. "Niacinamide works with your skin's natural chemistry to improve overall skin texture by rebuilding a lipid layer, minimizing the appearance of pores, and preventing UV damage and inflammation as an antioxidant," says Brandith Irwin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle. Dr. Irwin adds that niacinamide is also helpful in reducing breakouts, making it a great addition to any acne-prone skin type’s routine.

For a more intensive oil-minimizing treatment, we recommend an exfoliating acid like salicylic acid. This beta-hydroxy acid is the smallest in molecular size of all exfoliating acids, meaning it penetrates the skin at a deeper level. “[Salicylic acid] can deeply penetrate the skin to unclog pores and work on the skin's surface to dissolve dead skin cells and balance excess sebum," says Howard Sobel, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. He notes that salicylic acid also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties for targeting blemishes.

Meet the experts

• Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist
• Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Brandith Irwin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle
• Howard Sobel, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.