12 Best Mattifying Moisturizers for Those with Oily Skin

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 13, 2024
Best Mattifying Moisturizers for Those with Oily Skin
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In Summer, when the oil and sweat can absolutely ruin any makeup look, having the best mattifying moisturizer in your skincare routine can truly change the game!

Our contributor, Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist and published author, says, “Mattifying moisturizers typically contain ingredients that absorb excess oil, giving the skin a smoother appearance and reducing the visibility of pores.”

James Welsh, former stylist and Skincare enthusiast shared tips on how to work with oily skin, “The more you try to strip your skin of oil and completely get rid of it, the more troubles you have with oil, and the more oil you find on your skin.”

It is no secret that managing and maintaining oily skin can be a mammoth task and it is especially exhausting to avoid all the sheen caused by the oils. This makes it all the more important to choose products that control the oil and shine on the skin while also prioritizing skin hydration. Whether dry or oily, every skin type has its own moisturizing needs.

To help you tend to these needs in the most stylish way possible, we have brought you a list of the 12 best mattifying moisturizers in the market today. Whether you are looking for protection from Sun damage, or help with minimizing pores, this list has something for everyone! Let’s dive right in!

12 Best Mattifying Moisturizers

The Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Absorbing Moisturizer is every oily-Skinned person’s dream come true. The product works for sensitive and oily skin types. It absorbs excess oil from the skin, mattifies the skin by controlling the neutralizing shine, and hydrates the skin. With active ingredients like avobenzone 3%, octocrylene 7%,and  octisalate 5%, this CETAPHIL moisturizer is the best mattifying moisturizer on the market today. The product is oil-free, has no added fragrance to it, and feels light on the skin. Because of its amazing oil control qualities, it may also help with acne.

Pros
  • SPF 30 protection from UVA/B rays
  • Absorbs excess oil
  • Reduces shine
  • Hydrates the skin
Cons
  • Chemicals may irritate the eyes
  • Best in Hydration

    Acure Incredibly Clear Mattifying Moisturizer

    Acure Incredibly Clear Mattifying Moisturizer
  • The vegan, paraben-free, Acure Incredibly Clear Mattifying Moisturizer has lilac extract and chlorella which hydrates the skin and improves the texture. It also contains evening primrose, and COQ10 which helps in maintaining the suppleness of the skin. A little bit of the product is sufficient to spread generously and evenly on the skin. The product lasts long and is cost-effective. If you are looking for a matte face moisturizer that would help with your skin texture, and tone, and will hydrate your skin, in addition to being matte, then this Acure product is the one for you!

    Pros
    • Improves skin texture
    • Cost-effective
    • Hydrates the skin
    • Non-greasy texture
    Cons
    • No SPF
  • Best in Ingredients

    La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer for Face

    La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer for Face
  • The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer is your best friend if you are looking for a product to relieve you from large pores and excessive oil production. It also contains Lipo- Hydroxy Acid or LHA which is a Skin exfoliant and helps in skin renewal.

    The moisturizer also contains vitamin E and vitamin C that add glow to the skin. This moisturizer reduces oil on the skin, helps in minimizing the appearance of the pores, controls shine, and gives the skin a matte finish.

    Pros
    • Exfoliates the skin
    • Nourishing vitamins
    • Long-lasting matte effect
    • Light and pleasant fragrance
    Cons
    • May irritate sensitive skin
  • Best in Skin Benefits

    Formula 10.0.6 Seriously Shine Free Mattifying Moisturizer

    Formula 10.0.6 Seriously Shine Free Mattifying Moisturizer
  • With active ingredients like aluminum starch octenyl succinate, and salicylic acid, the formula 10.0.6 Seriously Shine Free Mattifying Moisturizer gives your skin a matte finish. It contains Aloe-Vera which softens the skin, and bamboo extract which absorbs excess oil. The formula of the product does not clog pores, making it a great choice for everyone with oily skin. The best thing is that its matte and oil-free effect lasts all day. The moisturizer has a light and soothing fragrance to it andis quite affordable when compared to its peers, which makes it the perfect moisturizer for everyday use.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Controls Shine
    • Hydrates
    • Absorbs excess oil
    Cons
    • May feel dry on combination skin
  • Best in Texture

    Bioderma Mattifying and Moisturizing Face Cream

    Bioderma Mattifying and Moisturizing Face Cream
  • The Bioderma Mattifying and Moisturizing Face Cream works for combination and oily skin types. Its formula contains salicylic acid that controls shine and gives a matte finish to the skin. Its formula prevents the clogging of pores and targets sebum quality to minimize skin imperfections. It contains a selection of perfecting powders, moisturizing ingredients, and mattifying agents that give your skin a smooth texture. The product is neither sticky nor greasy, and does not dry the skin out excessively, making it an ideal choice.

    Pros
    • Non-greasy and non-sticky
    • Doesn’t clog pores
    • Controls shine
    • Contains salicylic acid
    Cons
    • Doesn’t contain SPF
  • Murad Oil & Pore Reducing Facial Moisturizer

    Murad Oil & Pore Reducing Facial Moisturizer
  • The Murad Oil & Pore Reducing Facial Moisturizer contains SPF 45 which offers brilliant protection from sun damage. It is a lightweight lotion that has an instant minimizing effect on the pores, reduces shine, controls oil, and lasts for up to 10 hours. The formula contains microspheres that trap oil on your skin and give it a mattified and blurred appearance. It also contains extracts of African yellow wood bark and avocado which help in reducing excess oil and minimizing the pore size.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Minimizes pores
    • Reduces shine
    • Protects from Sun damage
    Cons
    • Not fragrance-free
  • Embryolisse Hydra Matte Emulsion

    Embryolisse Hydra Matte Emulsion
  • The Embryolisse Hydra Matte Emulsion is a cream moisturizer that works well for combination to oily skin types. The product offers shine control and also reduces excessive sebum from collecting on the skin surface. This apricot-scented mattifying moisturizer contains hyaluronic Acid, vitamin E, shea butter, and tapioca starch, all of which are super-moisturizing in nature. The formula feels lightweight on the skin and doesn’t feel greasy. It absorbs into the skin quickly to give a mattified and oil-free finish to the skin.

    Pros
    • Non-greasy texture
    • Hydrates and controls shine
    • Minimizes pores and oil
    • Feels lightweight
    Cons
    • Doesn’t contain SPF
  • Covergirl Clean Fresh Skincare Mattifying Oil-free Moisturizer

    Covergirl Clean Fresh Skincare Mattifying Oil-free Moisturizer
  • The Covergirl Clean Fresh Skincare Mattifying Oil-free Moisturizer is the perfect product for your skin if you want radiant, plump, and supple skin that looks fresh all day long With its 24-hour hydration and oil-free formula, this moisturizer can work wonders on normal to oily skin types. It gets absorbed into the skin pretty quickly and feels lightweight after application. It’s easy on the pocket and is definitely worth the buy.

    Pros
    • Long-lasting Matte look
    • 24-hour Hydration
    • Gets absorbed into the skin quickly
    • 100% vegan
    Cons
    • Doesn’t minimize pores
  • Yon-Ka Creme 93 Mattifying Moisturizer

    Yon-Ka Creme 93 Mattifying Moisturizer
  • With the elegant fragrance of lavender, rosemary, and ylang, the yon-ka Creme 93 Mattifying Moisturizer is a product that balances oil and gives a matte finish to the skin. The lightweight moisturizer from Yon-ka combines botanicals and vitamins to offer many skincare benefits like protecting your skin from environmental factors that cause early aging. The moisturiser also nourishes your skin intensively. Its formula helps in minimizing pores and also balances the pH of your skin. With pumpkin seed extract and olive oil, the formula helps you to improve your skin’s overall health and look and feel younger!

    Pros
    • Has an elegant fragrance
    • Has an elegant fragrance
    • Minimizes pores
    • Balances oil
    Cons
    • Doesn’t contain SPF
  • Erno Laszlo Mattifying Gel Moisturizer

    Erno Laszlo Mattifying Gel Moisturizer
  • The Erno Laszlo Mattifying Gel Moisturizer is a magical product. With a formula that is compatible with all skin types this product is fit for skin care routines across all seasons. It is a gel-based moisturizer with mattifying and hydrating qualities. Ingredients like squalene and Erno Laszlo’s special hydrating sugar complex instantly moisturize your skin and help it stay hydrated for an incredibly long time. Using this product helps you enjoy moisturized, mattified, and smooth skin for the rest of your day.

    Pros
    • Minimizes pores
    • Gets absorbed quickly
    • Deeply hydrates the skin
    • Improves complexion
    Cons
    • May be strong on sensitive skin
  • Anthony Instant Fix Oil Control for Men

    Anthony Instant Fix Oil Control for Men
  • The Anthony Instant Fix Oil Control for Men is a cream-based product that minimizes pores, hydrates the skin, and controls oil, while also giving a matte finish to the skin. The formula contains highly moisturizing vitamin E and smells like orange and citronella. Now, that's a unique-smelling moisturizer that can feel refreshing. With its instant shine control effect, this moisturizer makes it very easy to manage oily skin. The silica in this cream-based product absorbs excess oil immediately helping you achieve a natural-looking matte finish that can help you escape the horrors of an oily t-zone.

    Pros
    • Controls Shine
    • Controls oil
    • Mattifies the skin
    • Minimizes pores
    Cons
    • The effect doesn’t last for long
  • Caudalie Vinopure Oil Control, Hydrating & Mattifying Moisturizer

    Caudalie Vinopure Oil Control, Hydrating & Mattifying Moisturizer
  • The Caudalie Vinopure Oil Control, Hydrating & Mattifying Moisturizer does everything that its name says! It is an unscented product that hydrates your skin, helps control oil production, and leaves a matte finish after application. The formula contains hyaluronic acid that is known to lubricate the skin and promote skin elasticity. Although the product is cream-based, it works well with acne-prone skin. The essential oils and polyphenols present in the product reduce blackheads while silica powder and java tea extract mattify the skin, and olive squalene provides it with much-needed hydration.

    Pros
    • Reduces blackheads
    • Suits acne-prone skin
    • Hydrates the skin
    • Controls oil and mattifies
    Cons
    • Overwhelmingly fragrant

    How to Choose the Best Mattifying Moisturizer

    A lot of thought goes behind picking the right kind of skincare product. Here are some things that you must consider when picking a mattifying lotion for your skin:

    Skin type
    Each skin type has different needs. It is not advisable to use products that are not suitable for your skin type, as it might cause breakouts and other skin reactions. So, based on your skin type, make an informed choice.

    Formula
    A lot depends on the formula of a product. For starters, look for any ingredients that you have found irritating to your skin in the past and try to avoid buying any product that contains them. Also, go for a formula that doesn’t clog pores. 

    Price

    Look for products that offer value for the money you are spending on them. For products that are highly priced, look for the additional skincare benefit they might offer.

    Other Benefits
    Many mattifying face moisturizers come with additional benefits like protection from sun damage, skin renewing serum, or other skin nourishing properties These benefits must definitely influence your choice. Look for a product that tends to most of your skin problems.

    How to Use Best Mattifying Moisturizer in Daily Routine?

    To achieve the flawless application of mattifying moisturizer during your daily skincare routine, follow these basic 4- steps:

    1. Start with a clean face: Choose a face wash or cleanser of your choice to clean your face properly. Make sure you remove any dirt or impurities. 

    2. Time to tone it: Using a toner is very important for your skin’s health. This step helps you restore the pH balance of your skin. 

    3. Apply it like a pro: Take your mattifying moisturizer and use your fingers to spread the product evenly. 

    4. A little goes a long way: Do not use more than the recommended amount as it might cause more harm than good. 

    Applying a mattifying moisturizer is not a very complicated task. All you need is a disciplined routine, and a little bit of patience to achieve the flawless matte look that you are aiming for. 

    The market is abundant with moisturizers that claim to leave a matte finish and control oil, and it can be a frustrating task to pick the right one for yourself, without running into a few skin reactions. We understand this problem, and hence we have done the legwork for you to bring you the best mattifying moisturizers that work wonders with oily skin. Whether it’s oil control, blackheads, or dryness that is bothering you, take cues from the list above and choose your product. Whether you are looking for a product to help you with oil control, deal with annoying blackheads, or protect you from the sun while you spend all your day out and about- our list has a product to help you with all of that and more. 

    Having said that, remember to keep your skin type,  concerns, and pricing in mind when looking for the perfect moisturizer for yourself. Remember, no two people are similar. So, pick the product that suits your skin the best, and doesn’t cause any reactions.

    Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam

    FAQ's

    Is mattifying moisturizer good for oily skin?
    Yes. Mattifying moisturizers help with oil and shine control.
    Is matte moisturizer good for acne-prone skin?
    Yes. Any good matte finish moisturizer doesn’t clog pores, controls oil, and has a lightweight feel to it. All these features work well with acne-prone skin.
    Can I use a mattifying moisturizer at night?
    It is perfectly fine to use mattifying moisturizer as a part of your nighttime skincare routine.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    While our in-house skincare expert Anoushka cannot stress enough the importance of hydration, she too isn’t a fan of the greasy residue several moisturizers leave on the skin! Especially for oil-skin beauties, products that give an icky finish are an absolute no-no! To cater to these needs, Anoushka curated a list of the best mattifying moisturizers, tested them out, and noted her experiences. In this article, she reviewed the products based on the same parameters as any other moisturizer, in addition to their natural, matte finishes. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More