Oily skin does not mean you “don’t need a moisturizer.” On the contrary, this skin type still requires proper hydration. The key is choosing the right formula that suits your skin condition to help control excess oil, reduce the risk of clogged pores, and maintain a healthy skin balance in the long term. When the skin becomes dehydrated, it may actually produce more oil to compensate, leading to a greasier appearance and a higher chance of breakouts.
What to Consider When Choosing a Moisturizer
Oil-Control Ingredients
Choose a moisturizer that contains ingredients that help balance sebum production, such as Niacinamide, Zinc, Salicylic Acid, and Hyaluronic Acid, which help reduce excess oil and make the skin look smoother and more refined.
In particular, Niacinamide not only helps control oil production but also reduces inflammation, fades post-acne marks, and improves the appearance of enlarged pores with consistent use.
Zinc helps regulate sebum production, while Salicylic Acid (BHA) gently exfoliates the skin and helps prevent clogged pores, making it especially suitable for acne-prone skin.
Although Hyaluronic Acid does not directly reduce oil, it helps hydrate the skin, preventing dehydration that can trigger excess oil production.
Gel or Lightweight Texture
Oily skin is best suited for lightweight textures such as Gel, Gel-Cream, or Water-based lotion, as they absorb quickly, feel non-greasy, and do not burden the skin. In contrast, heavy creams or oil-rich formulas may form a thick layer on the skin, potentially disrupting pore function and increasing the risk of clogged pores, especially for oily skin types. Choosing a lighter texture, such as a moisturizer for oily skin, helps the skin “breathe” more comfortably and reduces the likelihood of long-term breakouts.
Balanced Hydration
Even though oily skin may appear well-hydrated, it can actually be dehydrated underneath, causing the skin to produce more oil to compensate.
Therefore, it is important to choose a moisturizer that focuses on hydration rather than oil addition.
Key ingredients such as Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Panthenol help draw moisture into the skin and retain hydration effectively.
When the skin is properly hydrated, its balance improves, leading to reduced oil production and less greasiness throughout the day.
Avoid Pore-Clogging Ingredients
Oily and acne-prone skin should avoid heavy or overly occlusive ingredients such as Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, and Lanolin.
While these ingredients can effectively lock in moisture, they may feel too heavy for some skin types and increase the risk of clogged pores.
Certain dense plant oils may also accumulate in pores and contribute to breakouts in oily skin. Choosing products labeled as non-comedogenic, such as a moisturizer for oily skin, helps minimize the risk of acne and pore congestion.
Choose According to Climate
Hot and humid climates like Thailand naturally cause the skin to produce more oil.
Therefore, it is best to choose moisturizers that are oil-free, lightweight, and non-comedogenic.
Gel or water-based textures help reduce stickiness and prevent the skin from feeling heavy during the day.
For those who spend most of their time in air-conditioned environments, a slightly more hydrating yet still lightweight formula may be suitable to prevent dehydration without clogging pores.
Adapting skincare to the climate helps maintain a healthier oil balance rather than over-drying the skin.
Why Do Oily Skin Types Need Moisturizer?
Many people believe that oily skin does not need a moisturizer because it might make the skin even greasier. However, in reality, all skin types require proper hydration, and oily skin can actually be dehydrated. When the skin lacks moisture, it compensates by producing more oil, which can lead to excessive shine, clogged pores, and acne breakouts.
Using a suitable moisturizer for oily skin helps replenish water in the skin, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce moisture loss. This allows the skin to maintain a healthy balance, preventing overproduction of sebum. As a result, the skin becomes smoother, breakouts are reduced, and makeup tends to last longer without becoming overly oily throughout the day.
Therefore, the more oily your skin is, the more important proper hydration becomes. The key is not to avoid moisturizer, but to choose the right one that is lightweight and suitable for your skin type.
Moisturizer for oily skin is still important because oily skin can be dehydrated, which may lead to increased oil production and breakouts. The right moisturizer helps balance sebum, support the skin barrier, and keep skin hydrated without feeling greasy. Lightweight, gel-based, oil-free, and non-comedogenic formulas are best, especially those with ingredients like Niacinamide, Zinc, and Hyaluronic Acid. Avoid heavy or pore-clogging ingredients to help keep skin clear, smooth, and balanced.
For those looking for a moisturizer for oily skin (มอยส์เจอไรเซอร์สำหรับผิวมัน) , the Sébium range from Bioderma is another popular option in the dermocosmetic category. It is specially formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. The line includes dermatologist-recommended cleansing and skincare products, such as facial cleansers for oily skin (like gel cleansers and micellar water), as well as moisturizers designed for blemish-prone skin. These products are commonly available at department stores and leading beauty retailers nationwide.
