Oil-Free Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin: 5 Options Compared

Acne-prone skin still needs hydration, but many moisturizers feel heavy or greasy. Oil-free formulas are water-based, not oil-based. That is why they are often recommended for oily or combination skin. This comparison looks at five oil-free moisturizers sold on Nykaa, each built around a different active ingredient.

All five are sold on Nykaa. Review counts below reflect purchase and review volume, not fit or quality.

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We don’t show a price here because it wasn’t checked in the last 24 hours — the listing may have changed. Price last checked 2026-09-10 for all five. Confirm the current price at checkout.

• Plum 2% Niacinamide & Rice Water Moisturiser pairs niacinamide at 2% with rice water. Niacinamide is commonly used to help regulate oil production and support the skin barrier. Rice water is used mainly as a soothing, hydrating ingredient. It has 66,740 reviews.
• Dot & Key Vitamin C + E Super Bright Gel Moisturizer combines Vitamin C and Vitamin E in one gel, positioned around brightening. Vitamin C is an antioxidant linked to brightening effects. Vitamin E is a lipid-soluble antioxidant that helps stabilize it. It has 133,119 reviews.
• Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer states its panthenol concentration at 10%. Vitamin B5 is a humectant that attracts and holds moisture at the skin’s surface. It also supports the skin barrier. It has 98,609 reviews.
• Ponds Super Light Gel Oil-Free Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid is built around hyaluronic acid in a light gel texture. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that binds water at the skin’s surface. It has 675,918 reviews, the highest count in this group.
• The Derma Co Oil-free Daily Face Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid also uses hyaluronic acid for surface hydration. It is formulated for daily use. It has 6,685 reviews, the lowest count in this group.

Pick based on what your skin needs most.

If you want oil control support, pick Plum’s Niacinamide & Rice Water Moisturiser.

If brightening is the priority, pick Dot & Key’s Vitamin C + E Super Bright Gel Moisturizer.

If barrier support from a humectant matters most, pick Minimalist’s Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer.

If you want a light gel texture, pick Ponds’ Super Light Gel Moisturizer.

If you want a hyaluronic acid formula built for daily use, pick The Derma Co’s Oil-free Daily Face Moisturizer.

shop these oil-free moisturizers on Nykaa