For years, oily skin has been misunderstood. The idea that shine means you can skip moisturiser altogether has lingered far too long, fuelled by old-school formulas that focused on stripping oil rather than supporting the skin barrier. Thankfully, skincare has moved on, and so has our understanding of what oily skin actually needs.
The key distinction lies in hydration versus moisture. Hydration refers to water in the skin, while moisture relates to oil. Oily skin often has plenty of the latter, but is frequently dehydrated, which can leave it overcompensating by producing even more oil. That’s why the best moisturisers for oily skin are lightweight, water-based and hydrating, rather than rich or occlusive.
