10 Expert-Approved, Ultra-Rich Oily Skin Moisturizers That Won’t Give You Breakouts

The conundrum posed to anyone with oily skin is: how do I moisturize with a product that has some weight to it, but also won’t leave me with covered in greasy bumps? Though I would categorize myself as combination, meaning I’m always trying to fix something, this winter was a particularly slick one that forced me to find an answer. Because while I love a good air-whipped formula or lightweight lotion, they simply didn’t get the job done and eventually, my skin was somehow oily and flaky at the same time. If “the struggle is real” were actually in the dictionary, a picture of my face would have been next to it. So to say I needed a list of rich moisturizers for oily skin that actually work would be an understatement.

As it turns out, the issue doesn’t really begin with moisturizer. According to Cayli Cavaco Reck, Founder and Creator of Knockout Beauty, we first need to stop assuming that our skin is actually oily. What you’re really seeing is skin that is unbalanced, thus only presenting as oily. “With this in mind toner is a really important step for balancing the skin,” she says. Whether a cleanser leaves you dry or your hormones are out of wack, this crucial step combined with a moisturizer will do the trick.

Also, remember that your moisturizer doesn’t necessarily need to feel rich, but the ingredients should be. Reck’s go-tos for keeping skin moisture-balanced are Vitamin A and Vitamin B3. The former is best recognized as the key ingredient in retinol, an exfoliant that improves texture and tone. B3, also known as niacinamide, is a water-soluble molecule that helps retain moisture once it’s been put into the skin. When combined in a routine, they get the job done and then some.

“Using a cream like La Creme Venom that has Tamanu Oil, a form of vitamin A, allows you to use a rich cream that is also not going to break you out. January Labs Day and Night Creams are also great for this purpose,” says Reck of her favorite skin soothers. “The day cream is rich in vitamin B, which is the ultimate skin problem solver. The night cream has a lactic acid so it will help to return the skin to its naturally more content acidic state while also gently exfoliating. Kat Rudu Jet Secret is also great.”

Ahead, more moisturizers for finally eliminating the grease keeping you from that spring-ready glow.