10 Best Moisturisers for Oily African Skin

For as long as we’ve known, having oily skin always comes with its own unique challenges and struggles, some of which range from the occasional appearance of greasiness to full-blown regular breakouts. When you have this skin type, it is necessary that the ingredients in your skincare routine are specially formulated to help with your skin problems, not worsen them.

One of the most important skincare products typically used on a daily basis is a moisturizer, and with oily skin, you need a moisturizer that will not only combat any greasiness but would also hydrate your skin and not clog up your pores. To help you pick out the right kind of moisturizers for your needs, we’ve put together a list of our top 10 moisturizers for oily African skin, alongside useful FAQs that will help you figure out your skincare.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer

Dealing with oily skin can be very tricky, especially since a lot of facial products on the market these days are prone to make your skin even more oily, causing acne and breakouts. Altogether, a moisturizer is a product that we all need to use on a daily basis, choosing the right one that is specially designed for your oily skin is essential. If you’ve been searching far and wide for the ideal moisturizer for oily African skin, then look no further than the Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer.

This product is a lightweight water-based moisturizer, as such, it contains no oils that could clog your pores. Even more, it doesn’t result in greasy or shiny skin, it is also super lightweight. It'll undoubtedly leave your skin feeling smoother after application. This moisturizer has been clinically tested and proven to leave a long-lasting hydration effect on your skin. In fact, three in four women involved in the clinical test agree that it leaves their skin looking and feeling soft and smooth for hours after use.

More so, it is alcohol-free, and as such, does not dry out the skin. This moisturizer can be applied on your face and neck, on its own, or underneath a face of makeup.

Key features

Is non-comedogenic
Is free from any alcohol
Leaves your face feeling smoother and softer
Can be used on very sensitive skin

Cetaphil PRO OIL Absorbing Moisturizer

If you struggle with oily skin, then trust us when we say that you’re going to fall head over heels in love with the Cetaphil PRO OIL Absorbing Moisturizer. This product is more than just your regular moisturizer. It contains a four in one formula designed to meet all your oily skin needs. To start with, the Cetaphil moisturizer is clinically proven to absorb oil from the skin, reducing any greasiness or shininess from your face, and instead, giving you a matte finish. It also works on any possible dryness, leaving you with baby soft skin.

As impressive as that is, it doesn’t end there. This amazing product also doubles as sunscreen, containing SPF 30, which works to protect you from a wide spectrum of UVA and UVB radiation that could cause sunburns. More than that, it also contains Oleosome technology that uses a lower concentration of sunscreen filters so you experience less irritation and more hydration. The Cetaphil PRO moisturizer is very lightweight and absorbs into the skin quickly.

Key features

Absorbs oil and leaves you with a matte effect
Contains SPF 30 for UV protection
Easily absorbent and super lightweight
Relieves dryness and hydrates skin

L’Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Oil-Free Face Moisturizer

Did you know that having oily skin doesn’t mean your skin is hydrated? Our skin needs sufficient hydration to remain healthy, which is what makes the L’Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Oil-Free Face Moisturizer the perfect moisturizer for your oily skin. This daily moisturizer provides your skin with the moisture and hydration it desperately needs. Its special formula contains aloe water found from the aloe Vera plant.

This ingredient is known to have up to 75 nutritional elements. Some of them include 12 minerals, 27 amino acids, and vitamins C and E which have hydrating and soothing characteristics. The L’Oreal moisturizer also contains hyaluronic acid, which is naturally occurring and found on the skin, with properties that enhance moisture retention and skin hydration. The absolute best thing about this product is its hydration power.

Lightweight as it is, this moisturizer is easily absorbent and able to keep your skin looking and feeling hydrated for up to 72 hours after the initial application. If that hasn’t already sold it for you, then it's worth mentioning it also works to reduce excess shine on your face, and it leaves your skin feeling softer and more supple.

Key features

Contains aloe water and hyaluronic acid
Hydrated skin for up to 72 hours after application
Reduces any excess shine or greasiness
Can be used every morning and night

Simple Kind to Skin Face Moisturizer

To achieve truly healthy skin, you don't only need sufficient hydration, but also sufficient nourishment. The Simple Kind to Skin Face Moisturizer is able to provide you with both. This facial moisturizer is kind to your oily skin. It delivers a double hydration power that works for up to 12 hours after application, leaving your skin feeling soft and silky all day long. It equally contains special ingredients, some of which include triple purified water that reduces skin irritation, vitamin B5 known for restoring and softening skin. There's also some glycerin, which hydrates and nourishes skin as well as a blend of healthy multivitamins that improve your skin condition.

These ingredients are guaranteed to work wonders on your skin, and they collectively moisturize, hydrate, and reduce any greasiness. In addition, this rich moisturizer provides your skin with all the nutrients it needs so it feels and looks smoother long term. On top of all that, it is completely non-comedogenic, so it won't clog your pores. It is also free from any harsh chemicals, dyes, and artificial perfumes that could potentially cause skin irritation.

Key features

Works to both hydrate and nourish your skin
Hydrates up to 12 hours after application
Is free from dyes, harsh chemicals, and perfumes
Contains vitamin B5, glycerin and healthy multivitamins

Paula’s Choice SKIN BALANCING Invisible Finish Gel Moisturizer

When it comes to oily skin, you need a moisturizer that is specially formulated to suit your needs, by people who actually understand what your skin needs. Paula’s Choice SKIN BALANCING Invisible Finish Gel Moisturizer is created by skincare visionaries who have a common passion to transform the way you take care of your skin. This skin moisturizer is designed with you in mind, having undergone clinical trial and testing so you are left with a product that actually works. Paula’s Choice moisturizer is equally super light and highly absorbent.

Ideal for oily skin, it delivers on hydration as well as protection from external environmental assault. Amongst its list of ingredients is niacinamide, which has pore reducing properties that will leave your skin looking smoother. It also contains anti-aging antioxidants and skin-restoring ingredients that will improve your skin’s appearance. In addition to this, it contains vitamin C, which evens out the skin tone and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Regardless of whether your concerns are oiliness, acne, wrinkles, or dryness, this product is ideal for all.

Key features

Contains niacinamide to reduce pores
Works to hydrate the skin and protect from sun
Includes skin-restoring and anti-aging ingredients
Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines

The Body Shop Tea Tree Mattifying Lotion

The Body Shop Tea Tree Mattifying Lotion is the perfect solution for excessively oily skin. This face lotion is very light, making it easily absorbable by the skin. It is also non-oily and non-comedogenic, and as such, does not contain any ingredients that could clog your pores or cause breakouts. This product is a lot more than that though. Excessive oiliness is caused by dehydration of the skin; however, this moisturizer hydrates the skin, and as a result, reduces the sebum production and appearance of greasiness on your face.

Clinically tested and tried, this hydrating lotion is proven to give you clearer and smoother looking skin in only a week. It also leaves a matte effect on your skin for an effortlessly glowing look. It gets better, the moisturizer is equally void of gluten and parabens, suitable for blemish-prone skin, plus, it is 100 percent vegan.

Key features

Is free from gluten and parabens
Gives a clearer appearance in one week
Is 100 percent vegan
Has a mattifying effect on the face

Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer

Whether you’re going out looking all-natural, or you’re leaving your house with a full face of makeup, the moisturizer you use, determines how you’ll look at the end of the day. With the Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer, you never have to worry about blotting out excess oil produced throughout the day, because this product is designed to combat oily skin issues. The moisturizer itself uses a Sebulyse technology that specifically targets excess oil for the purpose of refining your pores and giving you a smooth and mattifying finish.

This moisturizer also acts as a source of hydration for your skin. Amongst its list of ingredients are antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin A, all known for their hydration effect. When used on a daily basis, this moisturizer leaves your skin not only feeling more hydrated but also looking clearer as well. It is equally free from oil and is non-comedogenic. Altogether, it comes in a super light formula that is easy to apply and absorb into the skin.

Key features

Is completely non-comedogenic
Is free from oils and parabens
Has been dermatologically tried and tested
Can be used on a daily basis

Olay Complete Lotion All Day Face Moisturizer

What’s better than a regular moisturizer? A moisturizer that takes care of more than one need, and that’s exactly what the Olay Complete Lotion All Day Face Moisturizer. This face moisturizer is a hydration lotion with an ultra-lightweight formula that is easily absorbed into the skin, giving you hydration for up to 48 hours after use. However, it is a whole lot more than that. The Olay face lotion also doubles as a sunscreen and is formulated with a patented SolaSheer technology.

It further contains SPF 15 in order to protect you from sun damage and prevent visible aging that comes from being exposed to UVA and UVB. It is equally rich in antioxidants, as well as vitamins E, B3, and C, all of which work together to help achieve and maintain healthy-looking and feeling skin. This lotion is further free from any oils, so it's the last thing that'll clog up your pores, causing breakouts. It is also non-greasy, leaving you with a glowing appearance instead of a shiny or greasy one.

Key features

Is free from any oils
Doubles as a moisturizer and sunscreen
Contains antioxidants and nourishing vitamins
Provides up to 48 hours of hydration protection

Garnier SkinActive 3-in-1 Face Moisturizer

Trust us when we say that you’ve never come across a face moisturizer quite like this. The Garnier SkinActive 3-in-1 Face Moisturizer is a 3 in 1 product guaranteed to meet all your oily skin needs. First of all, this lotion functions as a daily face moisturizer; hydrating your skin and reducing the production of sebum. As a result, it reduces the chances of acne breakouts. It also acts as a night cream, seeing as it hydrates your skin while you sleep, and a facial mask that provides it with its essential nutrients.

This face cream comes in a lightweight formula that instantly mattifies upon application, leaving you with skin that not only feels but looks perfect. The content of this moisturizer is made with 96 percent naturally sourced ingredients, and green tea is a vital component, known for nourishing and balancing facial oils. This face lotion equally comes in a vegan formula and is produced without any mineral oils, making it non-comedogenic.

Key features

Made with green tea
Made with 96 percent naturally derived ingredients
Leaves a mattifying effect on the skin
Non-greasy and fast-absorbing

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

Key features

Is free from any oils
Doubles as a moisturizer and sunscreen
Contains antioxidants and nourishing vitamins
Provides up to 48 hours of hydration protection

FAQs

Why is black skin so oily?

Some people question why black or darker skin tones tend to experience more oiliness than people with lighter or white skin. To address this question, it's necessary first to understand what makes black skin dark. People have dark or black skin due to the high level of melanin in their skin. Melanin is a natural skin pigment and can also determine a person’s eyes and hair color. This skin pigment called melanin has several benefits, including reducing the appearance of aging and protecting darker skin from more obvious signs of sun damage. That being said, people with higher levels of melanin, i.e., black people, are also more likely to have bigger sebaceous glands.

These glands essentially cover up the external layer of skin and hair with oil to lubricate it. However, with larger sebaceous glands, a lot more oil is produced. This is the main reason why black skin is so oily. With more oily skin comes higher tendencies of acne breakouts and hyperpigmentation. That is why it is so important for people with dark, oily skin to use the right kinds of skin products to manage their skin properly.

Why is black skin shiny?

Another common question amongst people with dark skin is why their skin tends to be shinier than people of other races. Black skin is shiny is very similar to why people with black skin tend to have more oily skin types. Dark people having oily or shiny skin is not a myth. In fact, research has shown that more than 65 percent of women who have darker skin actually have either oily skin type or a combination (oily in certain areas of the face and dry on other areas of the face) skin type. So then again, the question of why black skin is shiny arises. Well, as aforementioned, people with higher levels of melanin in their skin are more likely to have larger sebaceous glands.

With larger sebaceous glands, a lot more oil is produced on the skin, leading to shininess. More so, people with darker skin tones, especially those who live in temperate regions of the world, produce even more oil or sebum as their skin tries to combat dehydration. The excess oil produced on the skin can lead to shininess, and it can even result in acne breakouts.

How do you stop African Americans from getting oily skin?

When it comes to your skin type, whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, unfortunately, there is not much you can do to change it. If you struggle with oily skin, it is impossible to change your skin type. While this might sound like bad news to some, the good news is that there are actually certain things to do to manage your oily skin to reduce its oily appearance, shininess, and acne breakouts. To help you out, here are a few things you can incorporate in your skincare routine and lifestyle.

To start with, when washing your face, use a face wash that is soap-free and gentle on the skin. Your face wash should be effective in properly cleansing your face without completely ridding it of its natural oils. If it does, this can cause dryness and damage your skin, which in return can trigger excess production of sebum in an attempt to hydrate the skin.
Make use of a moisturizer that is water-based and/or non-comedogenic. A non-comedogenic moisturizer does not contain any ingredients that could clog your pores, which reduces your chances of getting acne breakouts. Also, avoid moisturizers that contain astringent or high levels of alcohol as they can be harsh on the skin and cause excessive oil production.
Avoid eating certain fatty or oily foods if you have oily skin as they can sometimes trigger excess sebum production. Instead, opt for leafy vegetables, fruits, and lots of water to keep your skin look healthier.

What does it mean if your skin is oily?

Everyone produces oil in their skin, mostly because everyone has sebaceous glands responsible for producing thin layers of sebum to protect the skin. However, some people have more oily skin than others. Oily skin is a result of an excess amount of sebum being produced. For the most part, this is what makes people look greasy and shiny.

If you have oily skin, you may find that your skin can get very greasy quickly, and you are more prone to experiencing acne breakouts than people with dry skin. But what does it mean if you have oily skin? Well, certain factors cause oily skin. So, if your skin has been looking and feeling more oily than usual recently, it may be due to any one of these.

Genes: For some people, oily skin simply runs in the family, so if you notice that members of your family have oily skin, then it may just be a genetic skin type.
Environment: The environment you live in and the weather and time of the year can all affect your skin's oiliness. If you live in dry, humid areas, you may experience more oily skin as your skin tries to hydrate itself by producing excess sebum. The same can be said for people who experience more oily skin in summer.
Larger pores: If you have larger pores, you are more likely to produce more oil. Sometimes, your pores can even become stretched out due to aging or changes in your weight.
Not using a moisturizer: Some people believe that using a moisturizer makes your skin oily; however, the contrary is the case. Moisturizer prevents your skin from getting too dry, which can trigger oil production. Finding the right kind of moisturizer for your skin type is the secret to managing oily skin.

Does oily skin make you look darker?

When your skin is looking oily or greasy, this sometimes indicates that your skin is dehydrated. If your skin lacks moisture, it produces excess oil to try to moisturize or hydrate it. Typically, when you have an oily skin type, it does not make your skin look darker. However, with oily skin, it is more likely for external environmental pollutants like dirt, dust, and soot to settle on your skin, as it would stick to the oil on the surface of your face. This results in a dirtier and darker appearance. Note that this does not mean that having oily skin on its own makes you darker.

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