If shiny T-zone and breakouts are your concerns, then you might be avoiding lightweight moisturisers to keep your skin dry and sans greasiness. However, as ironical it sounds, it is a fact that oily skin becomes oilier and more disposed to acne when dehydrated. When the skin lacks water and you skip using a moisturiser, it overcompensates by producing more oil. Excess sebum production further leads to breakouts and blemishes. Hydrating oily skin is the most underrated way to balance and calm. Pro tip: Don’t forget to exfoliate. Not only will your inflammation and redness be soothed, but also the skin will appear brighter and smoother.
Ahead, read through our curation of new-age lightweight moisturisers for oily skin.
D’you In My Defence
![Image may contain Bottle Lotion and Shaker](https://assets.vogue.in/photos/621653c9a93addfec2de5c60/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/d'you_In%2520My%2520Defence_Barrier%2520building%2520Skin%2520Food_2.jpg)
Repair your skin’s natural barrier with D’you’s newly launched ceramide moisturiser, which locks in moisture, prevents dryness and irritation. It uses a high concentration of ceramides with patented dispersion technology that makes the formulation extraordinarily lightweight and non-greasy.
Earth Rhythm Phyto-Gel
![Image may contain Bottle](https://assets.vogue.in/photos/621654539ea2881d6229075d/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/earth-rhythm-phyto-gel.jpg)
Packed with gotu kola and horsetail extract, Earth Rhythm’s gel-based moisturiser is formulated to calm acne-prone and sensitive skin. Its plant-based actives can be layered with retinol and vitamin C too.
Dr G HA Intense Moisturiser
![Image may contain Bottle Shaker and Cosmetics](https://assets.vogue.in/photos/621654b6fe8c76a216865ae4/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Isaac-1-6-21-029.png)
It’s a lightweight moisturiser but still packs in plenty of hydration thanks to advanced hyaluronic acid technology, which provides 24-hour hydration.
Vaunt Skincare – The Calm Cream Moisturizer
![Image may contain Bottle Shaker Cosmetics Aluminium and Tin](https://assets.vogue.in/photos/621652179ea2881d6229075b/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/vaunt.jpg)
Here’s a multi-purpose moisturiser to complement your acid and actives-packed routine. Along with skin-soothing cica and nourishing oats, it also has a blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants.
Pixi pHenomenal Gel
![Image may contain Bottle Cosmetics and Lotion](https://assets.vogue.in/photos/62165198ebdec575e92bff9f/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/pixi%2520.jpeg)
This ultra-light gel moisturiser sinks into the skin without leaving a trace. A combination of horse chestnut extract, witch hazel, and ginseng evens out complexion while aloe vera soothes and hydrates.
Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturiser
![Image may contain Bottle Shaker and Cosmetics](https://assets.vogue.in/photos/62165139ebdec575e92bff9d/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/laneige.jpg)
Besides plumping, it refines the skin giving it a smooth air-brushed feel. It’s an excellent buy if you are inclined towards Korean beauty products.
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
![Image may contain Cosmetics](https://assets.vogue.in/photos/62165084a93addfec2de5c5e/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/clinique.jpg)
The refreshing, oil-free gel cream is an updated version of Cliniques’ cult-favourite moisture surge formula and gives the skin an instant moisture boost.
Daughter Earth Calendula + Ceramide Daily Moisturiser
![Image may contain Bottle Shaker and Cosmetics](https://assets.vogue.in/photos/62165022fe8c76a216865ae2/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/daughter%2520earth.png)
Made up of a host of skin-friendly botanicals, from wild sea berries to calendula it has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and calm sensitive, reactive, and stressed skin.
Dr Barbara Sturm Face Cream Light
![Image may contain Cosmetics](https://assets.vogue.in/photos/62164f9cebdec575e92bff99/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/dr%2520sturm.jpg)
Grape-seed oil, ginger root extract, and hyaluronic acid deliver powerful hydration in this light, sensorially-pleasing moisturiser. Its hero ingredient is purslane, an anti-ageing powerhouse, which helps calm the skin and reduce the visible signs of irritation.
Elemis Pro-collagen Marine Cream
![Image may contain Bottle and Cosmetics](https://assets.vogue.in/photos/62164f88fe8c76a216865ae0/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/elemis.jpeg)
The lightweight formula is clinically proven to improve skin texture in 4 weeks. It contains plant-based marine actives that help hold moisture and fight fine lines and wrinkles.
Chemist at Play Combination Skin Face Moisturiser
![Image may contain Bottle and Cosmetics](https://assets.vogue.in/photos/62164ef6ebdec575e92bff97/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/chemist%2520at%2520play.jpg)
This budget-friendly ceramide moisturiser is enriched hyaluronic acid, enzymes and 1 % pentavitin that’s a plant-derived hydration hero. It boosts radiance, repairs skin barriers, and combats acne.
Sebamed Moisturising Cream
![Image may contain Bottle Lotion and Cosmetics](https://assets.vogue.in/photos/62164e52a93addfec2de5c5c/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/seb0012.jpeg)
The formula contains vitamin E and boasts of a clinically proven pH of 5.5, a level at which skin best maintains its barrier.
This article first appeared in Vogue