Facial moisturization has come a long way such that it is no longer unmanly for a man to moisturize.

A red flaky Skin that keeps peeling off is not a sexy look on a man no matter how rugged you want to look which is why you need to include a premium face moisturizer in your daily care routine.

However, not all moisturizers are good and you may have a hard time finding the one that suits your skin type.

Top 5 Oil-Free Moisturizers for Men (Summary)

For more detailed and complete product reviews on benefits and features, keep reading.

Men who struggle with oily skin in particular need to be very careful with the moisturizers they use. Maintaining an oil-free skin if you are in this category can feel like an ever ending battle with your body.

An oily skin most of the time will lead to acne breakouts, ugly blackheads and not to mention walking around with a shining face all the time is not something anyone desires.

Oily skin is not only a problem when you are young, but the problem can persist even in your adulthood if it goes untreated. 

Sure, you may cycle through countless facial products, but if you don’t get it right with the kind of products you should be using on your particular skin type, then you will never get the results that you desire and that’s where oil-free moisturizers come in.

11 Best Oil-Free Moisturizers for Men on the Market

1. Neutrogena

Neutrogena is specifically designed for daily use by people with sensitive skin. The product has a water-based composition that provides effective hydration with utmost gentility on sensitive skin.

The oil-free formula is ultra-light and gets absorbed into the skin quickly without leaving a greasy or shiny residue. It does not contain alcohol, thereby eliminating the risk of causing dryness of the skin.

It is irritant-free and leaves the skin smoother and softer. It contains no artificial fragrances or dyes and works without clogging the pores and provides long-lasting hydration that keeps the skin looking younger.

The product is infused with broad-spectrum sun protection, which, in combination with its oil-free moisturizing properties, helps to prevent the skin from showing premature signs of aging.

2. L’Oreal Paris Hydra Genius

L’Oreal Paris Hydra Genius is formulated to provide a long-lasting solution to dry skin. The lightweight formula helps to revive the skin and deliver instant hydration that will last the whole day.

It is composed of aloe water and hyaluronic acid, which help to enhance retention of moisture and skin hydration. The water-based formula delivers hydrating benefits in a gel-like consistency that gets absorbed into the skin quickly.

A moisture lock-power technology keeps the face hydrated for up to 72 hours. It makes the skin supple and smooth without causing excess oil production.

It can be used as a moisturizing primer base before applying other cosmetic products and during the day and at night for radiant and hydrated skin.

3. EltaMD PM Therapy

EltaMD PM Therapy Moisturizer helps to rejuvenate, moisturize and repair your skin while you rest. It is an oil-free, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic formula that helps to restore skin elasticity and vitality.

It contains antioxidants and niacinamide, which work by ensuring rapid metabolism to maximize the skin repair process that takes place nightly. It also helps to improve skin color and tone.

Infused with peptides and ceramides, it helps to diminish visible signs of aging and also strengthens the skin’s natural moisture barrier, thereby preventing excess loss of moisture.

The formula helps to stimulate cell growth and the formation of collagen, which improves the elasticity of the skin. It nurtures the skin for a smoother and supple appearance.

4. Alba Botanica Hawaiian

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Moisturizer uses organic extracts to cleanse and hydrate the skin. It is composed of mainly vegetarian ingredients that provide gentle action on all types of skin.

The formula contains green tea and aloe extracts, which help to minimize the appearance of pores for smoother and radiant skin. It contains antioxidants that replenish lost nutrients and aids skin repair.

It does not contain parabens, phthalates and other harsh chemicals that can dry out the skin. It is hypoallergenic and free from synthetic fragrances.

The cruelty-free product gets absorbed into the skin completely, leaving a silky smooth feeling. It keeps the skin refreshed and supple for a long time.

5. Image Prevention+

Image Prevention+ Moisturizer is an oil-free SPF 32 formula that combines hydration and sun protection benefits for the ultimate skincare solution. The mattifying product delivers premium care for oily and acne-prone skin types.

Micro sponge technology helps to absorb oil from the surface of the skin for a flawless and shine-free finish. It can also work as a hydrating and protective makeup primer that helps to create a healthy glow.

With its broad-spectrum UV rays protection, it keeps the skin from getting damaged by free radicals. It also helps to minimize the risk of skin cancer and early signs of aging.

The ultra-light formula can be used daily for optimum skin nourishment and protection. It is made of ingredients that provide a smooth and weightless finish on the skin.

6. Baxter of California

Baxter of California Moisturizer is made to provide healthy-looking skin for men. It is composed mainly of plant-based ingredients that help to nurture all skin types.

A plant-based hydration technology allows the product to get absorbed into the skin quickly to restore the skin’s moisture barrier. It leaves the skin smooth and refreshed with a shine-free finish.

It protects the skin from the damaging effects of the sun and helps to reduce the signs of premature aging. It contains antioxidants which help to repair damaged skin.

It is a lightweight product that can be applied daily to moisturize and soothe the skin and helps to defend the skin against free radicals, thereby reducing damage.

7. Clinique

Clinique Moisturizer is a product for men who wish to have clear, smooth and supple skin. It is an oil-free formula that helps to trap moisture in the skin to reduce dryness.

The lightweight formula is designed to minimize surface oil by preventing excess oil production. It gets absorbed into the skin easily and leaves a matte finish.

It improves the moisture barrier of the skin for optimal hydration. It nurtures and nourishes the skin, thereby increasing the strength and reducing skin damage.

It helps to soothe irritated skin without clogging the pores. It can be used once or twice daily for effective oil control and hydration.

8. Jack Black Clean Break

Jack Black Clean Break Moisturizer is a product that is designed to improve men’s skincare regimen. It is an oil-free facial moisturizer that can be used daily on all types of skin.

It provides a healthy burst of moisture to the skin, which provides hydration for a long time, traps the natural moisture on the surface of the skin and reduces dryness.

It aids collagen formation, which helps to improve the elasticity of the skin for a much younger look. It also helps to improve the texture and even out the skin tone and complexion.

The product provides a light action and penetrates into the skin without clogging the pores. It is free from harsh chemicals that might cause breakouts on the skin.

9. Anthony

Anthony offers moisturizing benefits and adequate protection from the damaging effects of the sun. The oil-free formula glides easily on the skin and leaves a non-greasy, non-shine finish.

It lightly hydrates and smoothes out all types of skin. The product contains amino acids, aloe and chamomile, which help to soothe the skin and retain moisture.

It offers protection from UV rays with a powerful SPF and helps to reduce signs of aging. It gets absorbed into the skin easily without leaving an oily residue.

It helps to minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles for more youthful skin and improves the skin elasticity for a firmer and supple look.

10. VMV Hypoallergenics Spring Fresh

VMV Hypoallergenics Spring Fresh Nourisher is formulated to give people with oily skin the gentle care that they deserve. It is a lightweight moisturizer that replenishes moisture without increasing oil production.

It improves the health of the skin without clogging the pores or causing irritation. The formula keeps oily skin adequately nourished, smooth and healthy.

It is an oil-free product that seals moisture into the skin for long-lasting hydration. It does not contain alcohol or harsh chemicals that might cause breakouts.

The skin absorbs the product easily with a smooth and silky finish. The non-shine and non-greasy finish allow for a matte and fresher look.

11. La Roche Posay

If you’re on the look for a non-comedogenic oil-free moisturizer, you should check La Roche Posay. This product will never clog your pores.

Instead, it works by hydrating your skin and restoring its natural barrier. In addition to not containing any oils, the item also doesn’t have any fragrances and parabens.

Its texture is soft, which ensures easy and fast absorption. After some time, you’ll notice how healthier your skin looks.

It’ll also feel nourished and comforted like you haven’t experienced it in a while. In case you have sensitive skin, make sure to do a patch test, though.

What Is an Oil-Free Moisturizer

Moisturization is very important even for a man since it helps restore moisture that your skin may have lost.

However, buying a moisturizer involves more than just picking something off the shelves of your local drug store. The most important factor that most people often overlook when buying moisturizer is their skin type.

Your skin type to a great extent determines the kind of moisturizer you get and this is where you need to get it right.

Men with oily skin in particular need to take this seriously. If you have been struggling with oily skin all your life, that means that you are prone to acne breakouts and blackheads.

The last thing, therefore, you need to do is get a moisturizer that adds more oil to your skin. An oil-free moisturizer, in this case, is a special kind of moisturizer that balances out the oils that the skin produces such that it doesn’t produce too much to lead to an acne breakout. 

Oil-free moisturizers are made specifically for people who have oily and sensitive skin. If you have oily skin, for instance, you can choose to moisturize or not but the safest option would be using an oil-free moisturizer. 

Benefits of Using an Oil-Free Moisturizer

If you have oily or combination skin, the best thing you can do for your skin is to use an oil-free moisturizer, after all, good skincare products should cleanse and hydrate your skin. 

Here are a few benefits of using an oil-free moisturizer that you didn’t know about. 

Keeps the Skin Clear and Less Oily

The skin is the largest organ of the body and it is often neglected. For men, in particular, skipping the moisturizer is never a problem but you are not doing your skin any justice.

The skin, therefore, tries to balance this by producing its own oils from the sebaceous glands and at times it may produce too much oil which is what leads to what is called oily skin.

If you have oily skin, you are prone to acne breakouts and using an oil-free moisturizer can help clear the skin and reduce the amount of oil that it produces. 

Doesn’t Clog Your Pores

While some oils like squalene oil can be hydrating and nourishing to the skin, those who have oily skin will always have clogged pores due to excess oil production. Clogged pores are the leading causes of acne breakouts.

As such if you are in this category, you need to use water-based moisturizers since these ones don’t clog the pores. 

Prevents Premature Skin Aging

Hydration is one of the key things to do if you want to have youthful skin. Lack of it will often lead to an aged saggy skin due to collagen decline.

Collagen is an important protein that is responsible for plump and taut skin. By providing the skin with hydration and antioxidant vitamins, you are promoting collagen formation. 

If you have oily skin, it would be in your best interest to ditch the harmful oil-based moisturizers for oil-free ones that are packed with antioxidants to prevent premature skin aging. 

Additionally, eye creams for men will reduce dark circles which is something that you need to consider. 

Protects the Skin

At the end of the day, whether you have normal or oily skin, your main goal for using a moisturizer is to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and other contaminants in the air that can end up drying your skin.

This is why it’s very important that you ensure that you have used an oil-free moisturizer before you step outdoors. 

How Does an Oil-Free Moisturizer Work

Weather shifts are inevitable which is why you need to ensure that you moisturize your skin every day. 

Dry skin, for instance, needs something that prevents water from evaporating from the deepest layers, which can lead to dry and peeling skin. Because of that oils like lanolin, petrolatum and mineral oils are included in oil-based moisturizers.

If you have naturally oily skin, however, the last thing you want is a moisturizer that has a lot of heavy oils which is why oil-free moisturizers are ideal for you. 

Oil-free moisturizers use ingredients that work the way oil-based ones does. They occlude the skin by providing a barrier that seals in moisture. 

Ingredients included in such moisturizers include isodecyl laurate, polyisobutene, trisiloxane, and dimethicone.

These are not as heavy as those found in oil-based moisturizers and they balance out oil production ensuring that pores are not clogged which is the leading cause of acne breakouts. 

Types of Moisturizers for Men

Just like you would use anti-aging cream for your skin type, moisturizers exist for specific skin types. There are moisturizers for oily, normal and dry skin or a combination of all. Moisturizers also exist in different forms and they include; 

Lotion

Compared to cream, lotion is not as heavy and it’s an ideal moisturizer for almost everyone. If you don’t know what lotion to buy, to be on the safe side, consider going with a non-comedogenic lotion.

This means that it won’t clog the pores which can lead to serious acne breakouts and blackheads. Most lotions are also thin enough in such a way that they don’t leave a greasy or shiny finish when applied. 

Cream

Cream is much thicker than lotion and it is therefore recommended for use by those who have dry skin.

During winter it is always advisable to use a heavier cream since your skin is likely to dry out more during such times. 

Ointment

Compared to lotion and cream, ointments are the thickest. They also have the highest concentration of oil and as such tend to not only be heavier but thicker than other facial products. 

Gel

Gels are the lightest and have a less greasy feeling. They also have a base that disperses ingredients like alcohol, water, and liquid fat and feel cooler on the skin. 

Anti-Aging Moisturizer

While you can’t stop the effects of aging, using an anti-aging moisturizer can significantly slow down the aging signs on the face like wrinkles.

Anti-aging moisturizers are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants as well as free radical-fighting ingredients that help deal with an aging skin without risking your health. 

Energizing Moisturizer

Just like your lips will always be soft if you use a lip balm, energizing moisturizers contain caffeine as an ingredient and we both know how caffeine will provide that jolt that you need in the morning to face the day. 

Such moisturizers also contain antioxidants and other ingredients that enhance blood circulation. 

SPF-Infused Moisturizers

Using a moisturizer that has sunscreen included in it gives you an added advantage of moisturizing the skin and at the same time protecting it from the harmful effects of UV rays.

Additionally, facial products that have SPF also prevent wrinkles as well as brown spots that are likely to occur due to premature aging of the skin when one is exposed to the sun for long periods.  

Ingredients to Look for in an Oil-Free Moisturizer

When you are looking for an oil-free moisturizer, the most important factor that you need to consider so that you can get a product that works perfectly for you is the ingredients. 

Glycerin

One of the most important ingredients in oil-free moisturizers is glycerin which helps in re-moisturizing the skin. 

With glycerin, the lotion will always make your skin feel soft as well as flexible without aggravating problems like on the sensitive T-zone. 

Vitamin E and SPF Protection

Vitamin E and SPF are active ingredients that are found in most oil-free moisturizers. Such moisturizers are ideal for everyday use and they help protect the skin from harmful UV radiation and restore the moisture for a smooth face. 

White Tea

White tea is an antioxidant and it’s another ingredient that is found in oil-based moisturizers. The ingredient helps deal with the effects of skin aging that may be caused by too much sun exposure. 

Basil

Basic extracts are used in face moisturizers to give the skin a soft and smooth feel after every use. 

With 100 percent plant extracts, such moisturizers help relieve stress on the face while leaving it looking and feeling silky smooth. 

Sea Kelp

Moisturizers containing sea kelp have a high concentration of essential minerals, vitamins, algin and carrageenan which are beneficial for the skin. 

Sea kelp has noticeable smoothing and moisturizing properties and unlike other products, such a moisturizer doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily and greasy after use. 

Antioxidants

Antioxidants come in handy in repairing damaged skin and they exist in different forms from vitamin A, vitamin C, green tea and pomegranate. 

They are scientifically proven to neutralize unstable oxygen molecules that can break down the skin’s collagen causing wrinkles and other skin damage. 

Retinol

Retinol is a common ingredient that is often found in skincare products. It acts as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells while at the same time boosting collagen and elastin production by stimulating cell repair at the deepest levels. 

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

These are naturally found in fruit products and tend to be mildly acidic. They are added in moisturizers to clear dead cells on the skin while smoothing out the skin and are mild enough to be used regularly. 

Ingredients to Avoid in an Oil-Free Moisturizer

Now that you know what ingredients you need to consider when buying an oil-free moisturizer, which ones do you stay away from? 

Alcohol

There are so many skincare products that contain alcohol as an ingredient. While alcohol has some healing properties, you need to be careful with it.

Moisturizers that contain alcohol are often harsh and tend to irritate the skin. However, fatty alcohols like lanolin moisturize and strengthen the skin. 

Mineral Oil, Petroleum and Petrolatum

The reason why you need to avoid such products in a moisturizer is that they suffocate oily skin further by clogging the pores which increases your risk of developing acne breakouts and blackheads. 

How to Choose the Best Oil-Free Moisturizer

Just like when buying the best conditioner for men, there are so many factors that you need to keep in mind when you are looking for oil-free moisturizers for men. 

Ingredients

This is by far the most important factor to consider and one that is often overlooked. The kind of ingredients in an oil-free moisturizer will determine how it affects your skin afterward.

What you need to look for are ingredients that help balance out the moisture, restore damaged skin and reduce premature aging due to exposure to the sun.

Such ingredients include glycerin, vitamin E, SPF protection, white tea, basil, seal kelp, antioxidants, retinol, and alpha hydroxy acids.

Avoid alcohol since it tends to irritate and dry the skin as well as mineral oil, petroleum, and petrolatum since these clogs the pores leading to acne breakouts. 

Skin Type

There are four different skin types that are considered in the making of moisturizers. They include normal, oily, dry and sensitive skin. 

Sensitive Skin

If you always experience irritation mostly after shaving, chances are that you have sensitive skin. 

In such a case, avoid moisturizers that prolong irritation such as those that contain alcohol and other harsh chemicals. 

You could also apply aftershave every time but an oil-free moisturizer will work perfectly for you. 

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you are better off avoiding moisturizers that have natural oils as their base. Such products will give you a greasy and shiny look.

Instead, look for lightweight moisturizers that have essential oils rather than natural ones. 

Dry Skin

For those with dry skin, moisturizers that contain antioxidants like grape seed oil will work perfectly. Also, look for a moisturizer that contains petroleum jelly as a base. 

Normal Skin

Normal skin is basically the middle ground of dry and oily skin and people who have such skin type can use any moisturizer that has moderate ingredients in which case a water-based moisturizer will work better for you. 

SPF Protection

Even with oily skin, you need to be very careful before going out and that means using a moisturizer. A moisturizer that has SPF protection is much better since you are assured of protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

It is advisable that you look for moisturizers that have SPF protection of above 15 and not lower since this is the maximum protection required. 

Amount

Moisturizers come in different amounts depending on the brand. A majority of the time you will need to balance ounces in the container to determine if you are getting value for your money. 

The expensive brands will have fewer ounces in a container while the cheaper ones will have more ounces making for a bulky purchase. 

There isn’t a right or wrong answer as to how many ounces you should buy, but it’s up to you to determine how much moisturizer you will be using. 

Fragrance

A majority of moisturizers will have a standard scent which is either mint or citrus. Such can be refreshing and pleasing but tend to interfere with deodorant and cologne. 

If you want to use cologne, then you are better off with a non-scented moisturizer and there are a few of those on the market.  

Your Age

As you age, retaining moisture becomes even more important. Your skin dries out faster as you age and it’s important that you do everything within your power to retain moisture as much as you can.

If you start moisturizing when you are young, you are likely to see long term effects when you are older that include reduced skin aging. 

Your Climate

The environment where you live will have a significant effect on your skin. Go with a moisturizer that works whether you live in a dry or warmer climate where harsh weather conditions are common. 

Areas of Use

There are face moisturizers that can be used on the entire body. Such a product is always ideal for men who don’t like using different products and would rather have one lotion they can use for the entire body. 

When buying, check the product carefully, to see where exactly it can be used. Getting a product that can be used in other areas of the body will also give you the best value for your money. 

Brand

When you are buying a face moisturizer, there is no need to get stuck on the brand name. However, there is no harm in going with well-known and trustworthy brands.

The most important thing to consider though should be the ingredients used in which case well-known brands have established products and years of research as well as testing behind such products. 

Price

The pricing of face moisturizers differs from one product to another. As with any hand cream with repairing and moisturizing effects or bar soap with an amazing smell, some moisturizers are worth their price tag regardless of whether they are cheap or expensive. 

To be on the safe side, however, consider the ingredients and your skin type when you are buying a facial moisturizer because your skin and comfort determine the investment. 

How to Properly Apply an Oil-Free Mo