Think oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser? Think again. Our skincare specialists at Habillon Pharmacy have curated the 5 best non-greasy moisturisers that keep your skin balanced, clear, and hydrated.

If you have oily skin, skipping moisturiser might feel like the logical thing to do. Less product means less shine, right? Unfortunately, the opposite is often true. When your skin is dehydrated (even if it is oily), your sebaceous glands go into overdrive, producing even more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture. The result? More shine, more congestion, and more breakouts.

The solution is not to skip moisturiser entirely but to choose the right one. The best moisturisers for oily skin are lightweight, non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t block your pores), and packed with ingredients that balance sebum production while delivering meaningful hydration.

At Habillon Pharmacy, we see this concern every day. That is why our skincare team has put together this carefully researched guide featuring five dermatologist-approved and customer-loved moisturisers that work beautifully on oily and acne-prone skin.

A quick note from our team: Every skin is different. While all five moisturisers below are formulated for oily skin, we recommend patch-testing any new product before full-face use. Our in-store skincare advisors are always available to help you find the best match for your specific concerns.

1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M — Best for Acne-Prone Skin
2. COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream — Best for Barrier Repair
3. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cream — Best Lightweight Hydrator
4. Purito Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream — Best for Sensitive Oily Skin
5. Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream — Best Gel-Cream for Combination-Oily Skin
6. Quick Comparison Table
7. How to Build Your Oily Skin Moisturising Routine
8. Myths About Oily Skin, Debunked
9. Frequently Asked Questions

Before we get into the products, let us clear up a few widespread misconceptions that could be making your oily skin worse.

Myth

“Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser.”

Truth

Oily skin and dehydrated skin are not the same thing. Oily skin produces excess sebum; dehydrated skin lacks water. You can be oily and dehydrated at the same time — in fact, stripping your skin dry (by skipping moisturiser or over-cleansing) signals your skin to produce even more oil.

Myth

“Any moisturiser will clog my pores.”

Truth

Non-comedogenic moisturisers are specifically formulated to avoid pore blockage. Gel-cream textures, hyaluronic acid-based formulas, and water-light emulsions hydrate without adding any heaviness or greasiness to the skin.

Myth

“The shinier my skin, the more hydrated it is.”

Truth

Shine comes from excess sebum (oil), not from water content. Hydrated skin looks plump and even-toned, not necessarily shiny. A good oily-skin moisturiser can hydrate your skin while also helping to mattify and control oil throughout the day.

Effaclar Duo+M Anti-Blemish Corrective Gel Moisturiser

Best for: Oily, acne-prone skin dealing with blackheads, blemishes, and post-acne dark marks.

The Effaclar Duo+M is arguably the gold standard when it comes to moisturisers for oily and blemish-prone skin. This is the number one dermatologist-recommended brand for breakout-prone skin. It actively targets the root causes of breakouts while keeping your skin balanced and comfortable all day long.

What sets this formula apart is its triple-targeted action. It tackles blackheads by gently unclogging pores, corrects existing blemishes and imperfections, and fades stubborn post-acne marks and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — a particularly common concern for deeper skin tones. Clinical studies back this up: visible results can be seen in as little as eight hours, and up to three times fewer breakouts with consistent use over 42 days.

The lightweight gel texture sits beautifully under makeup and SPF, absorbing quickly without leaving any residue. It is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and suitable for use on the face, back, and chest.

• Salicylic Acid (BHA) — gently exfoliates inside the pore, preventing blackheads and congestion
• LHA (Lipo-Hydroxy Acid) — a derivative of salicylic acid that provides gentler exfoliation for smoother skin texture
• Niacinamide (2.3–2.8%) — regulates sebum, reduces redness, brightens post-acne marks, and strengthens the skin barrier
• Zinc PCA — controls excess oil and minimises pore appearance
• Mannose — a humectant that locks in moisture for a visibly smoother surface
• Phylobioma Active — La Roche-Posay’s patented ingredient that targets the specific skin bacteria linked to breakouts

• Results visible in 8 hours
• 24-hour hydration
• Fades post-acne marks
• Hypoallergenic & non-comedogenic
• Suitable for all skin tones
• Can be used on body (back/chest)

• You’re using other active ingredients — introduce gradually
• You have very sensitive or dry skin — may feel slightly drying initially

Habillon Pharmacy Tip Use Effaclar Duo+M as your morning moisturiser. Its mattifying effect helps control shine throughout the day, and it layers well under sunscreen. If you’re also using a retinol or AHA exfoliant in your evening routine, apply them on alternate evenings to avoid over-exfoliation.

Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream

Best for: Oily skin that is also sensitised, post-breakout, or showing early signs of ageing.

The COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream is one of the best-selling Korean skincare products of all time — and for very good reason. With over 13 million units sold globally, this K-beauty staple has built a devoted following among those who once thought a 92% snail mucin formula sounded strange but quickly became converts after feeling the results.

Despite the rich-sounding percentage, the texture is a lightweight gel-cream that absorbs surprisingly quickly and leaves a smooth, velvety finish rather than a greasy one. This makes it genuinely workable for oily skin types, especially those dealing with post-breakout redness, irritation, or sensitised skin that needs gentle repair.

Snail secretion filtrate is naturally rich in collagen, elastin, glycolic acid, and allantoin. These components work together to support the skin’s natural renewal process, fade scarring and texture, reduce visible redness, and deeply hydrate without clogging pores. Clinical testing by the Dermacosmetic Skin Science Laboratory in Korea confirmed the formula delivers over 230% more hydration, with visible improvements in radiance and skin smoothness.

• 92% Snail Secretion Filtrate — repairs the skin barrier, supports healing, and provides deep hydration
• Sodium Hyaluronate (1,000 ppm) — draws water into the skin for plumping, lasting hydration
• Allantoin — soothes and softens irritated skin, accelerates natural skin renewal
• Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) — boosts hydration and calms inflammation
• Adenosine — anti-ageing ingredient that reduces the appearance of fine lines and supports skin firmness
• Arginine — an amino acid that protects against free radical damage and improves collagen synthesis

• Excellent for post-breakout repair
• Absorbs quickly, no greasiness
• Fragrance-free, paraben-free
• Cruelty-free (ethically sourced mucin)
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Anti-ageing adenosine included

• You are vegan (contains snail-derived ingredient)
• Packaging is a tub (fingertip application can be messy)

Habillon Pharmacy Tip This cream works brilliantly as a night moisturiser to accelerate skin recovery after a breakout. Apply it after your serum and allow it to fully absorb before lying down. For active acne spots, it can also be applied as a spot treatment (the allantoin helps calm inflammation overnight).

Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream

Best for: Oily or combination-oily skin that needs pure, lightweight hydration without any heaviness — especially great in warm and humid climates.

If you have oily skin and want nothing more than a clean, no-fuss moisturiser that simply hydrates without any drama, the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream is the one for you. This Korean gel cream is purpose-built for oily and combination skin types, and it excels at exactly what it promises: deep, lasting hydration with absolutely zero greasiness.

What makes this formula so effective is its five-type hyaluronic acid system. Rather than using a single form of hyaluronic acid at one molecular weight, Isntree layers five different types — each of a different molecular size — to deliver hydration at multiple depths within the skin. Low-molecular HA penetrates deeper layers to hydrate from within; higher-molecular HA sits closer to the surface to lock that moisture in and prevent it from evaporating.

The texture is a clear, cooling gel that absorbs almost immediately and leaves no film or residue behind. Users with oily and combination skin consistently praise it for giving them that refreshed, plump-skin feeling without adding shine. Several users have noted it is the only moisturiser that has worked for them in Kenya’s warm, humid climate.

• 5-Type Hyaluronic Acid Blend — multi-depth hydration: sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, and more
• Sodium PCA — a natural moisturising factor that prevents skin dehydration
• Centella Asiatica Extract — calms redness and supports the skin barrier
• Licorice Root Extract — brightens skin, inhibits melanin (great for post-acne marks), and regulates oil production
• Houttuynia Cordata Extract — antibacterial properties that fight acne-causing bacteria and control sebum
• Green Tea & Chamomile Extracts — antioxidants that soothe and protect against free radical damage

• Absorbs instantly — no wait time
• No sticky or greasy residue
• Fragrance-free and dermatologically tested
• Excellent for hot, humid climates
• Non-comedogenic
• Brightening licorice extract included

• You have very dry skin — this may not be rich enough year-round
• You need active blemish treatment — this is purely hydration-focused

Habillon Pharmacy Tip This is a perfect morning moisturiser for hot Nairobi days. Because it absorbs so quickly and leaves zero greasiness, it makes an excellent base under sunscreen and foundation. Apply on slightly damp skin for even better hydration uptake — the hyaluronic acid will bind to the water already on your skin.

Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream

Best for: Oily skin that is also sensitised, experiencing barrier damage, or prone to redness — especially after using active ingredients like retinol or acids.

If your oily skin is also reactive, red, or irritation-prone — perhaps from overuse of exfoliants, harsh cleansers, or environmental stressors — the Purito Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream is the moisturiser your skin has been asking for. This clever K-beauty formula bridges the gap between a lightweight, oily-skin-friendly texture and a powerfully restorative barrier repair cream.

The standout feature here is its impressive 10% panthenol concentration — one of the highest available in any mainstream moisturiser. Panthenol, the provitamin form of Vitamin B5, is a proven skin barrier restorer and anti-inflammatory agent. At this concentration, it delivers genuinely meaningful barrier repair: calming redness, reducing sensitivity, and preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) — the process by which water escapes from your skin into the environment.

Bamboo extract (at 3,497 ppm) pairs with the panthenol to provide antioxidant protection and additional soothing benefits. Niacinamide helps regulate oil production and fade hyperpigmentation, while copper tripeptide-1 — a more advanced ingredient — supports skin regeneration and firmness. Despite all of this activity, the formula remains lightweight enough for oily skin to wear comfortably.

• Panthenol 10% — exceptional barrier-repair agent that hydrates deeply and reduces inflammation
• Bambusa Vulgaris Extract (3,497 ppm) — antioxidant-rich bamboo extract that soothes and protects skin
• Niacinamide — oil regulation, pore minimisation, and brightening of post-acne marks
• Squalane — a lightweight emollient that softens skin without clogging pores
• Madecassoside & Asiaticoside — centella asiatica derivatives that calm redness and support healing
• Copper Tripeptide-1 — a peptide that promotes skin regeneration, wound healing, and firming

• Highest panthenol concentration for barrier repair
• Balances oil and reduces shine
• Ideal alongside active ingredient routines
• Calms and reduces redness
• Clean formula — no harsh alcohols or parabens

• Slightly richer texture than pure gel formulas — may feel heavier in very hot weather
• Not specifically targeted for active breakouts (use Effaclar Duo+M for that)

Habillon Pharmacy Tip Use the Purito Bamboo Cream on nights when you are applying a retinol or chemical exfoliant — it acts as a buffer to cushion any potential irritation and accelerates overnight barrier recovery. It also works excellently as a targeted treatment on sensitised patches of skin throughout your face.

Best for: Combination-to-oily skin looking for a multi-tasking moisturiser that brightens, hydrates, and provides anti-ageing benefits all in one step.

The Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream has quietly built an enthusiastic following among skincare enthusiasts who want a single moisturiser that does many things well. Its “345” name is a nod to its multi-layered formula: designed to target three key skin concerns (hydration, brightening, and barrier repair) across four skin layers, in five steps of action. It sounds complex — but on the skin, it simply feels like an elegant gel-cream that absorbs beautifully and leaves your complexion looking refined and luminous.

The formula leans on a sophisticated ingredient deck. Three types of hyaluronic acid deliver layered hydration similar to the Isntree approach. Niacinamide works on oil control and tone-evening. Ceramide NP strengthens the lipid barrier. Adenosine provides anti-wrinkle support, and centella asiatica derivatives including madecassoside and asiaticoside calm inflammation and redness. Resveratrol adds powerful antioxidant protection against pollution and UV-induced damage. All of this in a gel-cream texture that feels appropriately light for oily skin types.

Compared to the Purito Bamboo Cream, the Dr. Althea 345 has a slightly silkier, more gel-like finish that suits oilier skin a little better. Where the Purito excels at barrier repair, the Dr. Althea 345 excels at brightening and long-term skin quality improvement.

• 3-Type Hyaluronic Acid — hydrates at multiple skin depths for lasting plumpness
• Niacinamide — brightens post-acne marks, regulates sebum, and minimises pores
• Ceramide NP — replenishes the skin’s lipid barrier to prevent moisture loss
• Adenosine — reduces the appearance of fine lines and supports skin elasticity
• Centella Asiatica (Madecassoside & Asiaticoside) — powerful anti-inflammatory botanical extracts for calm, even skin
• Resveratrol — potent antioxidant that protects against environmental ageing
• Oligopeptide-1 — supports skin repair and regeneration

• Silky gel-cream — ideal for oily skin
• Multi-tasking: brightens, hydrates, protects
• Strong brightening with niacinamide
• Anti-ageing adenosine and resveratrol
• No harsh alcohols, parabens, or sulfates

• Less widely available than other picks — check stock at Habillon Pharmacy
• Not specifically anti-acne — pair with a targeted treatment if breakouts are your main concern

Habillon Pharmacy Tip The Dr. Althea 345 works brilliantly as an all-in-one step if you want to simplify your routine. Its niacinamide content means you may not even need a separate brightening serum — just layer it after your toner or essence and follow with SPF in the morning.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Not sure which to choose? Here is a quick overview to help you decide at a glance.

Product	Best for	Texture	Anti-blemish	Barrier repair	Brightening
Effaclar Duo+M	Acne-prone, oily	Light gel	★★★★★	★★★	★★★★
COSRX Snail 92	Post-breakout, sensitised	Gel-cream	★★★	★★★★★	★★★
Isntree HA Gel Cream	Oily, dehydrated	Clear gel	★★	★★★	★★★
Purito Bamboo Panthenol	Reactive oily skin	Light cream	★★★	★★★★★	★★★
Dr. Althea 345 Relief	Combo-oily, ageing	Silky gel-cream	★★★	★★★★	★★★★★

Building Your Routine

Even the best moisturiser will underperform if used incorrectly. Here is how to get the most out of whichever product you choose, structured as a simple morning and evening routine.

Gentle cleanser — use a mild, low-pH gel cleanser to remove overnight oil without stripping the skin. Avoid harsh foaming cleansers.

Toner (optional) — a hydrating, alcohol-free toner can prep your skin and improve moisturiser absorption. Avoid astringent or high-alcohol toners on oily skin.

Serum (if using) — apply any treatment serum such as niacinamide, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid before your moisturiser. Allow 30 seconds to absorb.

Moisturiser — apply a pea-sized to small amount of your chosen moisturiser. For morning, we recommend the Effaclar Duo+M (blemish control), Isntree Gel Cream (pure hydration), or Dr. Althea 345 (brightening + hydration).

SPF 30–50+ — this is non-negotiable. Sunscreen prevents further darkening of post-acne marks and protects against premature ageing. Apply generously as the final step.

Double cleanse — begin with a micellar water or cleansing balm to dissolve sunscreen and makeup, followed by your regular gel cleanser for a thorough clean.

Exfoliant (2–3x per week) — use a BHA or AHA exfoliant to clear congested pores and smooth texture. Do not exfoliate every night.

Treatment serum or retinol — apply any targeted treatment. If using retinol, start slowly (1–2 nights per week).

Moisturiser — for evenings, we especially love the COSRX Snail 92 (repair and hydration) and Purito Bamboo Panthenol Cream (barrier recovery, especially after active ingredient use).

Can I use these moisturisers if I have acne?

Yes. All five moisturisers featured in this guide are non-comedogenic and suitable for acne-prone skin. For active breakouts, we particularly recommend the Effaclar Duo+M, which contains salicylic acid and niacinamide to directly target acne-causing bacteria and unclog pores. The COSRX Snail 92 and Purito Bamboo Cream are excellent choices for calming skin during and after breakouts.

How much moisturiser should I use if I have oily skin?

Less than you might think. A pea-sized amount to a small pump is generally all you need for your entire face. Applying too much can contribute to a greasy feel and may interfere with your sunscreen layering. Start with a small amount, warm it between your fingers, and press it gently into your skin.

Can I use more than one of these moisturisers?

Absolutely. A popular approach is to use different moisturisers for morning and evening, matching the product to your skin’s needs at that time of day. For example, many people with oily skin use the Effaclar Duo+M or Isntree Gel Cream in the morning (lightweight, under SPF) and the COSRX Snail 92 or Purito Bamboo Cream at night (repair-focused). You do not need to use all five — choose based on your primary concerns.

How long will it take to see results?

Hydration improvements are typically noticeable from the first application — your skin will feel more comfortable and plump immediately. For longer-term results such as reduced breakouts, faded post-acne marks, and improved texture, give any new moisturiser a consistent 4–8 weeks before assessing whether it is working for you.

Are these moisturisers suitable for the Kenyan climate?

Yes, and in fact they are very well-suited to it. Nairobi’s warm temperatures and varying humidity levels are exactly the kind of environment where lightweight, non-greasy gel-cream moisturisers shine. The Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cream in particular has received excellent feedback from users in tropical and subtropical climates for its cooling, non-sticky finish. All five products are available at Habillon Pharmacy.

Do I still need sunscreen if I use the Effaclar Duo+M?

Yes, absolutely. The Effaclar Duo+M is a moisturiser and treatment product, not a sunscreen. It contains no SPF protection. Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher as the final step of your morning skincare routine, regardless of which moisturiser you use.

All five products are available at Habillon Pharmacy — in store and online. Our skincare advisors are on hand to help you choose the right option for your specific skin type and concerns.Shop Moisturisers at Habillon Pharmacy →