12 Best Lotions for Oily Skin That Are Lightweight And Non-greasy
Got greasy, acne-prone skin? Shop for the best lotions for oily skin from our product picks — perfect to hydrate, nourish, pamper, and replenish your skin.
Moisturization can be a tricky business for people with oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. This is because while your skin needs that hydration and nourishment, you need to ensure that it doesn’t get oilier than it already is. Hence, it is pivotal to get your hands on the best lotions for oily skin to give it the care it needs.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu says, “If you have oily skin, I recommend selecting lighter lotions or gel-cream formulations. These are usually lighter on your skin, not as thick and greasy, and absorb faster”. If you apply heavy formulations and highly emollient moisturizers on your oily skin, it is likely to clog the skin’s pores and trigger pimples, whiteheads, and daunting sebum plugs. Meanwhile, people with acne-prone or sensitive skin should look for moisturizers that don’t have overpowering fragrances, mineral oil, and other harsh ingredients that can disturb their skin’s pH levels.
So to help you get your hands on the right product, we have curated a list of our top-recommended lotions for oily skin. Keep reading to know more.
Our Top Picks:
1. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion - Best Overall
2. Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer - Best for Your Face
3. NIVEA Natural Glow Cell Repair Body Lotion - Best Indulgent Fragrance
4. BURT'S BEES SENSITIVE SOLUTIONS Calming Day Lotion
5. MEDIX 5.5 HYALURONIC + BULGARIAN ROSE INSTANT HYDRATION CREAM - Best for a pH Balance
12 Best Lotions for Oily Skin That Are Soothing And Hydrating
1. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing BODY LOTION
This body lotion by Aveeno consists of clean ingredients that intensely moisturize your skin without causing any irritation or side effects. It contains prebiotic oat extracts that effectively promote the growth of microbiomes that are beneficial to your skin (1) (2). Additionally, it acts as an incredible conditioner that makes your skin soft and supple. You can count on this product to nourish and restore neglected areas on your skin that are chapped and weather-beaten. Besides, it is non-greasy and hence, one of the best lotions for oily skin.
Key Ingredients: Prebiotic oat
SPF: None
Skin Type: All skin types, including sensitive skin
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Long-lasting hydration
- Contains no fragrance
- Soothing formula
- Absorbs well into the skin
- Safe for frequent re-application
Cons:
- Inefficient pump
2. GOLD BOND HEALING HYDRATING LOTION
This hydrating lotion contains seven rejuvenating humectants, including aloe vera, jojoba esters, glycerin, hydrolyzed collagen, cetyl alcohol, etc. that pamper, soften and moisturize the skin. The infused collagen and elastin help in thickening the epidermal layer of your skin and reversing the signs of aging, so your skin looks plump and youthful (3). Besides, the product is also rich in micronutrients and other skin-friendly ingredients, which makes it one of the best lotions for oily skin.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, glycerin, hydrolyzed collagen, and jojoba esters
SPF: None
Skin Type: All skin types
Pros:
- Long-lasting hydration
- Boosts skin’s elasticity
- Rich in vitamins
- Fresh, clean fragrance
- Replenishes chapped skin
Cons:
- Contains paraben
3. NIVEA Natural Glow Cell Repair Body Lotion
Perfect for summertime, this body lotion by Nivea has a hydrating, quick-absorbing formula that you can smother on to refresh your skin. It is rich in vitamin C which boosts your skin with antioxidants and helps brighten your complexion. Formulated with camu camu and acerola cherries, the lotion helps improve skin’s elasticity and shields against UV damage. To top off, its sensual citrusy, and musky fragrance makes the skincare experience very enjoyable.
Key Ingredients: Camu Camu, and acerola cherry
SPF: 15
Skin Type: All skin types
Pros:
- Weightless formula
- Protects from sun damage
- Improves skin’s texture
- Non-sticky consistency
- Makes skin soft and supple
- Can be applied on the face
- Safe for frequent re-application
Cons:
- Not the best pick for winter
4. Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer
With this face lotion by Cetaphil, you don’t have to look elsewhere for your oily skin concerns for several reasons. To begin with, the product not only moisturizes your skin intensely but also provides adequate protection from UVA and UVB sun rays. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and pro-vitamin B5 that replenish your skin’s moisture barrier and protect it from external aggressors. The formulation is extremely gentle and doesn’t clog your pores. Plus, it is free from harsh chemicals and is suitable for daily and frequent use.
Key Ingredients: Edelweiss extracts, and panthenol
SPF: 35
Skin Type: All skin types
Pros:
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Plush with skin conditioners
- Very nourishing
- Long-lasting hydration
- Alleviates sun damage
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Free from parabens
Cons:
- Expensive
5. BURT'S BEES SENSITIVE SOLUTIONS Calming Day Lotion
Just a few pumps of this day lotion by BURT’S BEES are enough to luxuriously soothe your skin and provide long-lasting moisture. It contains the goodness of aloe vera that intensely replenishes the skin while rice milk makes your skin plump and youthful (4). The lotion is formulated with 98.8% naturally derived ingredients that are generously nourishing and do not tamper with your skin’s pH level. Besides, the pump dispenser of the product is so hygienic and easy to use that you cannot help but reach out for more.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, and rice milk
SPF: None
Skin Type: All skin types, especially sensitive skin
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic
- Improves moisture barrier
- Softens skin’s texture
- Anti-inflammatory
- Free from harsh ingredients
- Gentle on acne-prone skin
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Alleviates redness and irritation
Cons:
- Feels a bit sticky
6. MEDIX 5.5 HYALURONIC + BULGARIAN ROSE INSTANT HYDRATION CREAM
You will fall in love with how this hydrating product by Medix feels against your skin as it is refreshing and smells divine. It is an invigorating lotion for oily skin that is plush with humectants such as aloe vera and shea butter that resurface your skin, make it soft and supple, and also protect its moisture barrier. Besides, it has a pH level of 5.5 which matches with that of your skin. To top off its benefits, the product is free from parabens, sulfates, alcohol, triclosan, and animal-derived ingredients.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, and Bulgarian rose
SPF: None
Skin Type: All skin types
Pros:
- Cruelty-free
- Non-toxic
- Rich in botanicals
- Controls oil production
- Intensely moisturizing
- Does not clog your pores
- Toning and astringent properties
- Fragrance is not overpowering
Cons:
- Excessive ingredients
7. VANICREAM Moisturizing Lotion
Specifically formulated to be gentle on the skin, this moisturizing lotion by Vanicream is free from synthetic dyes, fragrances, parabens, and other harsh ingredients. The product is perfect for sensitive skin and has been awarded a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association. Plus, the product absorbs adequately into the skin and helps replenish chapped, neglected, and weather-beaten areas. The lotion is free from botanicals and essential oils that may trigger allergies in some.
Key Ingredients: Purified Water, petroleum jelly, and propylene glycol
SPF: None
Skin Type: Most skin types, especially sensitive skin
Pros:
- Non-greasy
- Gluten-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Luxuriously hydrating
- Spreads easily
- Contains no fragrance
- A little goes a long way
Cons:
- Petrolatum may not suit everyone
8. Parachute Advansed Soft Touch Body Lotion
As the name suggests, this body lotion for oily skin makes your skin incredibly soft and smooth. While the formulation is lightweight, it absorbs fast into your skin and penetrates ten layers to boost your skin’s health overall. And, its Unique Moisture Lock technology ensures that your skin’s natural lipid barrier stays protected. The product is safe for regular use as it is free from toxins, mineral oil, sulfates, phthalates, and other harsh ingredients.
Key Ingredients: Coconut milk, and honey
SPF: None
Skin Type: All skin types
Pros:
- Non-sticky
- Rich, creamy consistency
- Helps improve skin’s elasticity
- Boosts natural glow
- Intensely moisturizing
- Long-lasting benefits
- Cost-effective
Cons:
- Not suitable for the face
9. CLINIQUE Clarifying Lotion
This clarifying face lotion for oily skin helps remove excess oil, pollution, and debris from your skin and works like a makeshift exfoliator. It contains salicylic acid — a marvelous chemical exfoliant that retexturizes your skin and gives it an even tone. Plus, it is fortified with hyaluronic acid and glycerin that mollify your skin after the pore-cleansing action and make it plump and healthy. The product has a weightless formulation that quenches your skin’s thirst without making it feel greasy or icky.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, witch hazel, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin
SPF: None
Skin Type: Oily
Pros:
- Feels refreshing
- Provides solutions to multiple skin problems
- Makes skin smoother
- Brightens the complexion
- Climate Pledge Friendly
Cons:
- Contains denatured alcohol
10. CETAPHIL Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion
One of the best lotions for oily skin, this product by Cetaphil is infused with hyaluronic acid that makes the skin soft, plump, and beautiful. The product has a refreshing, lightweight formula that does not clog your pores or trigger any breakouts — perfect for oily and acne-prone skin. It instantly hydrates your skin and protects its natural water content from drying out. Besides, it is extremely safe to use and can be re-applied multiple times in a day without causing any problems.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, caprylyl glycol, and glycerin
SPF: None
Skin Type: Oily, combination, and sensitive skin types
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Replenishes skin’s barriers
- Contains no fragrance
- Long-lasting moisture
- Soothes irritation
- No unnecessary ingredients
Cons:
- Not suitable for winter
11. Dove Body Love Light Hydration All-season Body Lotion
Whether you are in the humid tropics or cold and dry mountains, this body lotion by Dove is perfect to rescue your skin. Infused with the choicest skin conditioners, the product intensely nourishes and moisturizes your skin without making it feel sticky or greasy. It has a weightless consistency that absorbs into your skin like a dream and makes it beautiful with regular use. Its nutri-duo formula ensures that its moisture penetrates ten layers deep in your skin and improves its health from inside out.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, cetyl alcohol, and caprylyl glycol
SPF: None
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Pros:
- Paraben-free
- Lightweight
- PETA-certified cruelty-free
- Long-lasting hydration
- Incredible for massages
- Rich, creamy formula
- Nourishes neglected skin areas
Cons:
- Many filler ingredients
12. PHARMACOPIA MINT ARGAN BODY LOTION
With the emollient benefits of argan oil, this body lotion for oily skin seals in your skin’s natural moisture and helps maintain its lipid barrier. In addition, the product contains shea butter, squalene, and aloe vera that pamper, and generously moisturize your skin. The product consists of botanically-derived extracts that are far more effective and nourishing than lab-based skin conditioners. To top off its benefits, the product is free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and animal-derived ingredients.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, aloe vera, babassu oil, argan oil, and jojoba extracts
SPF: None
Skin Type: All skin types
Pros:
- Cruelty-free
- Non-greasy
- Certified organic ingredients
- Refreshes your skin
- Rejuvenating fragrance
- Plush with natural extracts
- Highly absorbent
Cons:
- Not for sensitive skin
Now that you have seen our product recommendations for the best lotions for oily skin, let us go through the following buying guide and steps to make the best of your product.
What to Look for When Buying the Best Lotions For Oily Skin?
Should Not Clog Pores: While this is important for all skin types, people with oily skin should be extra careful that the products they use are non-comedogenic. This means that the product is free from ingredients that can trigger whiteheads, blackheads, sebaceous breakouts or clog pores with sebum plugs and hair follicles. It also helps if the lotion contains mild exfoliants such as citric acid to gently get rid of dirt and impurities that clog your pores.
Humectant Properties: To moisturize oily skin types, it is important to use lotions with refreshing, aqua-based humectants that replenish the skin’s natural water content. For this reason, you should look for lotions that contain humectants such as aloe vera extracts, colloidal oat, plant-based squalene, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, etc. While these ingredients are intensely hydrating, they are oil-free and do not make your skin greasy.
Non-greasy Emollients: “If you just use a humectant without sealing in (your skin’s moisture) barrier, water is likely to flow from your skin into the environment… and your skin will end up feeling more dehydrated”, says Dr. Liu. Hence, it is important that your lotion contains emollients such as avocado oil, argan oil, jojoba esters, coco glucoside, etc.“Emollients are lipid-rich ingredients that really help to lock in the (skin’s) water content so it is less likely to evaporate through your skin.”, she states further. However, for oily skin, ensure that the ingredients in your product are non-greasy and lightweight.
Quick Absorption: Of course, it is important that your lotion absorbs nicely and quickly into your skin to replenish the epidermal layer properly. Besides, this makes the product more efficient to use and you can easily step outdoors right after applying it.
Long-lasting Hydration: No one wants to spend their precious time throughout the day re-applying their moisturizer when they could be doing other important things. Hence, ensure that the lotion you are investing in provides long-lasting hydration.
How to Use a Lotion for Oily Skin?
Step 1: Cleanse your skin of any oil, dirt, or makeup traces with a gentle, water-based face wash. Follow up with a toner and any skincare serum that you regularly use.
Step 2: Take a dime-sized amount of your lotion. Dot your face and neck, or whichever part you are targeting evenly with the product.
Step 3: Ensure the product absorbs well into your skin by blending it in circular strokes. For your face and neck, ensure the strokes are in an upward direction.
Step 4: Follow up with sunscreen or a makeup primer, if you need it.
Moisturizing your skin that is oily and comedone-prone can be tricky. But with the best lotions for oily skin, you can prevent clogging your pores or getting that daunting, greasy sheen while giving your skin the hydration it needs. The above-mentioned products consist of incredible formulations that will give your oily or combination skin the care it needs. Ensure you go through our buying guide before making a purchase. Happy shopping!
Sources:
1. Prebiotic Colloidal Oat Supports the Growth of Cutaneous Commensal Bacteria Including S. epidermidis and Enhances the Production of Lactic Acid
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7826061/
2. The skin microbiome
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3535073/
3. Collagen Hydrolysates for Skin Protection: Oral Administration and Topical Formulationh
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7070905/
4. Rice Water: A Traditional Ingredient with Anti-Aging Efficacy
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Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a...
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