13 Best Moisturisers For Oily Skin That Are Oil-Free, Lightweight & Gel-Based

When talking about hydration, Clinique is one of our top picks since the brand is known for its extremely hydrating formula and effective products. The Clinique Moisture Surge has a very lightweight, oil-free formula with a gel-like texture, and is packed with ingredients that absorb and lock moisture, making your skin look fresh and plump for hours.

Pro-Tip: We put Clinique Moisture Surge and Laneige Sleeping Mask to the test. Find out who won here.

One of our favourite Korean beauty brands, Laneige products are known to pack a lot of punch in little quantity and this cream is no exception. The Water Bank cream is a cool refreshing gel cream that promises 48-hour moisture retention and helps the skin feel oil-free, keeping the shine at bay. Infused with their patented blue hyaluronic acid and glycerin, the cream is refreshing, moisturising, and soothes the skin.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel claims to instantly boost the skin's hydration levels and over time amplify the skin's natural ability to self-hydrate. Along with being non-comedogenic (which means it won't cause blocked pores), it has a lightweight, oil-free, gel formulation that works well for oily skin. Alternatively, you can also go for the Neutrogena Oil-Free Face Moisturizer, which is a lightweight, non-greasy lotion and also has SPF 15.

Formulated especially for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin, this lightweight, non-greasy lotion absorbs quickly and hydrates the skin while mattifying ingredients help to control the shine. It feels gentle on the skin, does not clog pores, and has SPF 30 for protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays.

The In My Defence moisturiser is Alia Bhatt's current favourite moisturiser and rightly so. It is known for its calming formula, being extremely lightweight, super hydrating, and increasing moisture retention. It is packed with ceramides and claims to fix the skin's barrier and defend the skin against irritation.

Pro-Tip: 7 skincare products in Alia Bhatt's vanity.

Launched in 2020, Minimalist has quickly become a go-to brand for skincare enthusiasts. With a lightweight formula suitable for oily and combination skin, the Minimalist 0.3% Ceramide Barrier Repair Cream is an everyday moisturising cream formulated with 5 ceramides to restore and repair skin's natural barrier and prevent water loss.

The perfect addition to your daily skincare regime, this moisturiser from Earth Rhythm is a lightweight gel cream enriched with the goodness of Centella, horsetail, and sage extracts, which are known to nourish the skin and heal acne. With regular use, it can help balance oil production, keep excess sebum at bay, and strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier, making the skin feel refreshed and hydrated.

The Ponds Super Light Gel Moisturiser literally feels like air and gives a non-sticky fresh feel. Packed with essential ingredients known to regulate sebum production while keeping the skin hydrated, this daily moisturiser is a must-have for anyone looking to rebalance their skin. You can also use it before makeup to get that perfect base.

Infused with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, the Olay Regenerist Whip Cream is an extremely lightweight cream that feels incredibly soft on the skin and gives deep nourishment with a smooth, matte finish for hours.

The Light Day Lotion by Forest Essentials contains lavender water, which is known for calming and rejuvenating the skin. This day-time moisturiser intensely hydrates the skin, without leaving a greasy residue, and also provides protection against the sun with SPF 25.

Recommended for oily skin, this mattifying moisturiser is an effective solution for controlling shine and refining pores. The Plum Green Tea Oil Free Moisturiser controls excess oil, prevents pimples, promotes skin radiance and nourishment, and promises clear, non-sticky skin and long-lasting hydration.

Get the hydration and protection your skin needs with this CeraVe lotion that is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and packed with essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to ensure that the moisture gets locked in the skin. The best part is that it doesn't leave a white residue and won't make your skin greasy. While this is their AM cream that provides sun protection, you can also go for the PM cream, which is more suited for your night-time routine. Since they do not ship to India, you can get it on Amazon here.

Pro-Tip: Here are alternatives to CeraVe's 6 bestselling products.