How to Choose the Right Moisturiser for Oil Control

If you have oily or combination skin, you’ve probably asked yourself: Do I even need a moisturiser? The answer is absolutely yes - you just need the right one. The truth is, skipping moisturiser can actually make oiliness worse, as your skin overproduces sebum to compensate for lost hydration.

 

In this guide, we’ll help you understand how to choose the best Murad moisturiser for oil control - keeping your skin balanced, hydrated, and shine-free without clogging pores.

 

Why Oily Skin Still Needs Moisture

Even oily skin can be dehydrated, especially in Australia’s warm climate or after using active ingredients like retinol or exfoliants. When skin lacks water, it produces more oil to protect itself, leading to congestion and breakouts.

 

A good oil-control moisturiser doesn’t just mattify - it helps:

 

• Restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier
• Balance hydration levels without heaviness
• Reduce excess sebum production over time
• Keep makeup looking fresh and smooth

 

What to Look for in a Moisturiser for Oily Skin

When shopping for a moisturiser, keep an eye out for these key features:

 

Oil-free and non-comedogenic

Won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

Lightweight hydration

Look for gel or water-based textures that absorb quickly without greasiness.

Balancing ingredients

Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids help regulate oil production and support barrier health.

Mattifying or pore-refining formulas

These help minimise shine throughout the day.

 

Best Murad Moisturisers for Oil Control

Murad Clarifying Water Gel

This refreshing gel moisturiser delivers long-lasting hydration while helping to keep pores clear and skin balanced.

 

Why it works:

• Features salicylic acid to keep pores unclogged
• Hyaluronic acid + amino acids restore hydration without heaviness
• Oil-free formula instantly absorbs and leaves a smooth, matte finish

 

Perfect for: oily, acne-prone, and combination skin types.

 

Murad Nutrient-Charged Water Gel

A lightweight, water-based gel that deeply hydrates while strengthening the skin barrier - ideal if your oily skin also feels tight or dehydrated.

 

Key ingredients:

• Peptides and vitamins B, E, and B5 to restore barrier balance
• Hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration
• Smooths, plumps, and reduces rough texture

 

Perfect for: combination or oily-dehydrated skin that still needs nourishment.

 

How to Layer Your Moisturiser for Oil Control

1. Cleanse: Use Clarifying Cleanser or Clarifying Cream Cleanser to remove excess oil.
2. Tone (optional): Apply a gentle toner to refine pores.
3. Treat: Use serums like Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum or Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum.
4. Moisturise: Apply your chosen oil-control moisturiser evenly over face and neck.
5. Protect: In the morning, always finish with SPF .
6. At night, you can switch to a lightweight hydrating formula like the Nutrient-Charged Water Gel for overnight balance.

 

Extra Tips for Managing Oily Skin

Avoid harsh cleansers - they can strip natural oils and trigger rebound shine.
Use blotting papers or mattifying powders for touch-ups during the day.
Exfoliate 2–3 times per week to prevent clogged pores.
Keep your hands off your face to reduce oil transfer.
Stay consistent - oil balance improves with a regular routine.

 

Conclusion: Balanced, Healthy, Shine-Free Skin

Controlling oil doesn’t mean drying out your skin - it’s about finding the right hydration balance. With Murad’s oil-free and lightweight moisturisers, you can keep shine in check while maintaining smooth, clear, and comfortable skin all day.

 

Explore the full Murad Oil Control Collection to find your perfect match and enjoy a hydrated, matte, and healthy glow.