which moisturizer is best for oily skin

Which Moisturizer Is Best for Oily Skin in Pakistan?

Oily skin can be a blessing (glow, youthfulness) but also a challenge: midday shine, frequent breakouts, clogged pores. If you're asking which moisturizer is best for oily skin, you’re not alone.

Many people skip using moisturizer, but this can make things worse. When skin is dry, it produces more oil to fix the damage. The secret is choosing the right kind of moisturizer: one that hydrates without clogging or making you greasy.

Here at Lumabelle, we believe in making your skin healthy, balanced, clear, and radiant, not just temporarily matte. In this guide, we discuss what features to look for. We also cover which ingredients to include and avoid.

You will learn how to use moisturizers in your routine. We will share good, affordable options that are easy to find. Finally, we will explain what makes our Lumabelle formulation special.

You can read our other blog post which moisturizer is best for dry skin.

Why Oily Skin Needs Moisturiser Too?

which moisturizer is best for oily skin
  • Barrier function: Even oily skin has a barrier (the skin’s natural protective layer) that can become damaged. If you over-cleanse, use harsh products, or skip moisturiser, you can compromise your barrier. That leads to water loss and causes your skin to overproduce oil to compensate.

  • Preventing over-drying → less oil production: Good moisturisers help maintain hydration without triggering more sebum (oil) production.

  • Soothing & anti-inflammatory effects: Many moisturizers for oily, acne-prone skin have ingredients that calm redness. They also reduce irritation and help heal blemishes.

So yes: skipping moisturizer is a mistake. The key is which moisturizer is best for oily skin, one that supports your skin without making it shine worse.

Key Features & Ingredients: What the Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin Contains

When asking which moisturizer is best for oily skin, these are the features you want. These help distinguish the good from the mediocre or harmful.

Feature

Why It Matters

Lightweight texture (gel, gel-cream, water-based)

These absorb quickly, add hydration but don’t sit heavily on skin. They allow skin to breathe.

Non-comedogenic

Means won’t clog pores, essential for acne-prone skin.

Oil-control/ mattifying agents

Ingredients like silica, certain clays, and mattifiers help reduce shine.

Humectants: hyaluronic acid (or sodium hyaluronate), glycerin, aloe vera, panthenol

Draw water into the skin without adding oil. Great hydration.

Barrier-repairing ingredients: ceramides, niacinamide, cholesterol

Strengthen skin so it’s less reactive, less oily due to dehydration.

Soothing / anti-inflammatory: green tea, centella, allantoin, aloe, etc.

Helps calm acne and irritation.

Light or no fragrance / low irritants

Fragrance, heavy essential oils, some alcohols can cause irritation, trigger breakouts.

SPF in daytime (optional but important in Pakistan’s sun)

Sun damage worsens post-acne marks, oiliness, and skin aging. If your day moisturiser has SPF, it’s a win.


What to Avoid: Ingredients & Formulations That Aggravate Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

To answer which moisturizer is best for oily skin, it is just as important to know what not to put on your skin.

  • Heavy occlusive oils: mineral oil (sometimes ok in small amounts but can feel heavy), coconut oil (can clog pores), petrolatum (good for dry skin but often too heavy)

  • Dense creams / very rich emollients: those meant for dry skin typically feel too heavy for oily skin

  • Alcohols that dry the skin out (denatured alcohol etc.): drying can lead to rebound oil production

  • Strong fragrances or essential oils, especially if you are sensitive or acne-prone

  • Over-use of exfoliating acids combined with strong moisturisers, can irritate barrier

Best Moisturiser Types for Different Conditions

Different oily skin needs may require different types of moisturizers. This depends on the weather, time of day, skin breakouts, or after using active ingredients like retinol or exfoliants.

Condition

What Type / Features of Moisturiser

Hot, humid climate (like summers in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore etc.)

Very lightweight water gel or gel-cream; mattifying; non-sticky; fast absorb; minimal oils.

Daytime

Use a lighter formula. It should have SPF or you can layer SPF on top. Avoid heavy textures that mix poorly with sweat, sunscreen, or makeup.

Night / after treatments

Slightly richer but still non-comedogenic. It helps repair the skin barrier. It soothes irritation from treatments. You can use it as a leave-on mask or cream if your skin feels sensitive.

Acne-flare period

Use moisturisers with anti-inflammatory agents; avoid potential irritants; keep formula simple.

Best Affordable Moisturizers in Pakistan: Options & What to Look For?

Part of which moisturizer is best for oily skin depends on your budget. Here are some affordable (yet good-quality) options available in Pakistan, what to expect, and price ranges.

Product

Approx Price*

What Makes It Good / Trade-Offs

Jenpharm DermiVe Oil Free Moisturizer (SPF20)

Very affordable locally (~ PKR 700-1,200 depending on offers) TheSkinFit

Oil-free, relatively light; good for daytime; may not give very deep hydration at night.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Mid-affordable (~ PKR 3,300 or lower when on sale) TheSkinFit

Water gel base, feels cool, good humectants; may need layering in winter or if skin feels dehydrated.

Metafil Moisturizing Cream

Local brand; prices vary but generally cheaper than imported high-end ones Derma.pk+1

Lightweight variants are better; avoid thick versions if skin is very oily.

Physiogel (light formulations)

More premium but often sale prices bring it into mid-range in Pakistan; availability in derm stores or online Reddit

Known for seeing barrier-repairing ingredients; especially helpful if skin is sensitive.

Prices fluctuate depending on retailer, offers, authenticity etc.

What to look for when buying:

  • Always check for “non-comedogenic”, “ oil-free” on packaging.

  • Check the ingredients list — is there glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, light soothing botanicals?

  • Avoid “thick cream”, “rich nourishing cream” etc., unless for night use or very dry patches.

  • Test a small patch (jawline, behind the ear) for several days to ensure no breakouts.

How to Include Moisturiser in Your Oily Skin Routine?

To do justice to which moisturizer is best for oily skin, choosing one is half the job; how and when you use it matters too.

  1. Cleanse gently: Use a face wash suitable for oily, acne-prone skin. Too harsh cleansers strip skin, which leads to more oil.

  2. Tone (optional but helpful): Use alcohol-free toners to balance pH; toners with niacinamide or mild botanicals can help.

  3. Serums / actives (if any): If using salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, etc., allow those to absorb properly before applying moisturizer.

  4. Apply moisturiser: Use a pea-sized amount for face, a little less for full oily skin; gently massage until absorbed.

  5. Sun protection: During the day, follow with sunscreen (preferably oil-free, non-comedogenic; some day moisturisers combine SPF).

  6. Night routine: Might include slightly more nourishing moisturiser, especially if skin is irritated or after treatments.

  7. Weekly mask / exfoliation: Clay masks, or mild exfoliants, help control oil, unclog pores; do not overdo, 1-2 times/week is enough.

How Lumabelle’s Moisturiser for Oily Skin Is Formulated & Why It Stands Out?

You may be wondering which moisturizer is best for oily skin. At Lumabelle, we created our formula for oily and acne-prone skin. It works well in Pakistan’s climate.

  • Light gel-cream / water-gel texture: fast absorbing, non-sticky, feels cool and fresh even in heat.

  • Key humectants: hyaluronic acid (for lightweight hydration), glycerin.

  • Barrier repair + oil control: niacinamide (regulates sebum + reduces inflammation), ceramide-like lipids.

  • Mattifying finish: using lightweight mattifiers so you get less shine, more soft natural finish.

  • Non-comedogenic & minimal irritants: fragrance-free or very low, no heavy essential oils, no dense waxes.

  • Packaging & value: packaged hygienically, good size so cost per ml is competitive; available online + selected stores in Pakistan.

If you choose the Lumabelle moisturizer for oily skin, you’re choosing something based on skin science + real local climate and conditions.

FAQs

Can I get matte finish from moisturiser alone?

Some moisturisers have mattifying agents but they often work best in combination with a mattifying primer or oil control powder/sunscreen. If you have very oily T-zone, you may see shine after hours,but a lightweight, mattifier-infused moisturiser helps delay that.

Best moisturizer for acne-prone skin?

Look for non-comedogenic formulas, including niacinamide, possibly mild salicylic acid or BHA in serum step (but not too many strong actives). Avoid irritating ingredients. Use gentle cleansers. Use moisturiser even when using acne treatments to prevent peeling/dryness.

Can oily skin be dehydrated?

Yes! Oiliness refers to oil/sebum levels; dehydration refers to water inside skin. Oily skin can be dehydrated, causing it to overproduce oil. That’s why hydrating moisturisers with humectants are essential.

How often should I re-apply moisturiser?

Twice a day is a good rule (morning + night). If skin feels tight or after sun / office air con etc., you might need a light layer. But avoid over-layering heavy creams which can trap oil.

What is the best face wash for oily skin, in relation to moisturizer?

Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser (gel or foam) that removes oil and dirt without stripping. Harsh cleansers make skin reactive and cause more oil. After cleansing, use a gentle toner or serum, then moisturiser. If you use harsh soap or multiple washes, even the best moisturizer won’t fully help.

 

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