Have oily-skin that feels more like an oil-reservoir? You know that a moisturizer is important but can’t find one that agrees to your skin? That’s exactly what I’ve struggled with pretty much all my life. Various trials & errors and spending money on all highly-raved, oily skin friendly drugstore moisturizers finally gave me a few that really work on my oily, sensitive skin type that waits for a reason to break out!
Personally, I don’t believe in spending a lot on moisturizers unless you are struggling with skin issues like damaged skin barrier, rosacea, etc. A basic moisturizer that does its job is more than enough. But with oily skin, you need to be careful to not pick a formula that’s heavy and might make your skin oilier than it was before. In short, save the bucks for your actives!
I’ve had a not-so-great experience with the much-raved Neutrogena’s & Garnier’s which led me into making it my life’s purpose (Yes, I’m exaggerating) to find a good moisturizer that ACTUALLY works for oily skin and doesn’t cost a bomb.
While I haven’t tried all the moisturizers available in the world because that’s practically impossible, these are the few best moisturizers for oily skin that work, cost less and are easily available in India.
*Affiliate links have been used. It just means I get a small amount if you make a purchase through them at no extra cost to you.
1. Aroma Magic Juniper Berry Oil Free Moisturiser
Price: INR 190 for 100ml
If I had to pick one from this big list of best moisturizers for oily skin, Aroma Magic juniper berry moisturizer would always be my first preference for oily skin types. Its watery texture that gets absorbed quickly giving a matte finish is what every oily-skinned woman needs. This moisturizer hydrates the skin and gives it a healthy appearance. The presence of anti-oxidants like Juniper berry and Cucumber protects the skin from free radicals. It also has an SPF 15 for additional sun protection but that doesn’t mean you skip sunscreen.
It’s 100% free of petrochemicals, phthalates, toxic ingredients, parabens, artificial fragrance and colour, for those who consider these factors while making a purchase.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Gets absorbed immediately
- Gives a matte finish
- SPF 15
- Convenient pump packaging
- Cruelty-free
- Watery texture
Cons:
- Some people are allergic to essential oils so this might not work for them.
Buy it here.
2. Plum Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer
Price: INR 470 for 50ml
A gel-based, lightweight formula by Plum that gets quickly absorbed and gives a shine-free finish. I wouldn’t call the Plum Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer completely matte, instead, it gives a moist finish. Even people with normal and combination skin can give it a try during summers. A very hydrating moisturizer that gives soft and supple skin. It also has green tea which is a great anti-oxidant and glycolic acid which lightly exfoliates dead skin cells. So you get a brighter complexion!
Free from parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, SLS, DEA and PABA.
Pros:
- Gel-based formula
- Quick absorption
- Highly moisturizing
- Rich in ingredients like green tea & glycolic acid
- Sturdy pump packaging
- Cruelty-free & Vegan
Cons:
- Has added fragrance that might irritate your skin
Note: The picture used here is of a sample. The full-size product comes in a sleek pump packaging.
Buy it here.
3. Miniso Aloe Vera Moisturizing Cream
Price: INR 350 for 50g
A soothing, aloe vera based moisturizer that is lightweight and gets instantly absorbed into the skin. This doesn’t give a heavy or tacky feeling. I have used this moisturizer post shaving my face and it calmed the skin like nobody’s business. The only downside for me is its tub packaging, which looks beautiful, but feels unhygienic & inconvenient.
Pros:
- Lightweight gel formula
- Gives moist finish
- Very hydrating
- Calming due to the presence of aloe vera
- Can be used post-shaving
Cons:
- Tub packaging is very inconvenient
- Not cruelty-free
4. Lotus Herbal Alphamoist Alpha Hydroxy Skin Renewal Oil-free Moisturiser
Price: INR 295 for 80ml
Enriched with the goodness of Grape extract, Aloe Vera and Milk Enzyme, this moisturizer nourishes the skin and leaves it moisturized. It gets absorbed quickly but I find it to be slightly greasy on my nose which is an unofficial oil-reservoir. This moisturizer would work with almost all skin types during summer. Even people with dry skin who need a lightweight moisturizer can go for this one.
Pros:
- Cruelty-free
- Comes in a pump packaging
- Lightweight texture
- Nose becomes oily within a few minutes
- Suitable for a wide range of skin types.
Cons:
- Could’ve been more mattifying
Buy it here.
5. Plum Green Tea Renewed Clarity Night Gel
Price: INR 575 for 50ml
Image source: Amazon
Another gem from Plum, this lightweight gel nightly is enriched with green tea, liquorice, willow bark, ginkgo and goji berry extracts that results in clearer and smoother skin. It also has argan oil to hydrate your skin without making it greasy. This one is lighter than the Plum mattifying moisturizer so it can also be used at day time during summers. The gorgeous tub packaging is a minus, though! (Dipping your fingers and all that shenanigans?) It is slightly above the INR 500 mark but you will find this on sale often for less than INR 500.
This product is 100% vegan, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and not tested on animals.
The brand claims it is not suitable for dry skin, cystic acne and extremely sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Lightweight gel
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Helps in healing acne scars
- Cruelty-Free & Vegan
- Gives smooth & supple skin
Cons:
- Tub Packaging
Buy it here.
6. The Face Shop Damyang Bamboo Fresh Soothing Gel
Price: INR 450 for 300 ml
Image source: Amazon
A hydrating soothing gel that contains bamboo extract from Damyang, this Face Shop Damyang Bamboo Fresh Soothing Gel is a versatile product that can be used as a moisturizer for long-lasting hydration, post-shaving or waxing your face and/or body or just to soothe your skin after a long day in the sun. You get a whopping 300ml of product that is going to last you for a very long time.
Pros:
- Very hydrating
- Doesn’t feel heavy
- Soothes sensitive and sun-burnt skin
- Extremely affordable
Cons:
- Not cruelty-free
Buy it here.
Conclusion
Even if there was no price tag restriction of INR 500, these moisturizers would still be in the list of the best moisturizers for oily skin. The only additions would be a few products that aren’t available in India like The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.
Apart from the given list, Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser is another well-known, hydrating and lightweight moisturizer that I have heard good things about. I haven’t used it personally because I have decided to not buy from brands that test on animals further. (It was launched only a few months ago in India.) If that doesn’t bother you, this is another good option to try.
Saif says
Maam now a days in winter am using Aha glow S and at night clindamycin allantoin gel based with retoin A 0.025 …now am getting itching and dryness in my skin especially near by nose could u suggest me moisturizer.
Rifat Yaseen says
CeraVe Healing ointment 🙂
Sneha halder says
Can u also share budget hyaluronic and vut c serum.
Rifat Yaseen says
Buy The Ordinary Hyaluronic acid + b5 directly from cult beauty. You will get it for 400 bucks I believe. First order makes you eligible for free shipping on using the code CBWELCOME. Stay away from instagram sellers when it comes to TO. Also, vitamin c me check Tiam’s on jolse.com.
Sneha halder says
Don’t like the plum one though.. It made my skin too matte… What about Nivea light moisturizer.. Will try the aroma magic one
Rifat Yaseen says
Nivea light doesn’t work for me at all. For dry-combination skin, it’s good. It makes my T-zone oily. Which plum one, the clarity gel? Aroma magic is also very light and watery, maybe you will find that too matte as well. Try Miniso aloe cream in that case. I think that would work well for you☺️