When you've already got a shiny T-zone, it may seem counterintuitive to apply moisturizer. But the thing is, your oily skin could be producing more oil because it's dehydrated.
READ MORE ABOUT OILY SKIN
- How to Control Oily Skin Without Using Face Powder, According to a Dermatologist
- Facial Washes That Can Help Mattify Oily Skin, Control Shine
If you hate the feeling of wearing creams, especially by day, try looking for hydrating products with liquid or gel formulas—these could be lotions, toners, and essences. These lightweight formulas easily sink into the skin, so they usually don't leave behind a greasy finish.
Add these hydrating finds below to your skincare routine:
1. Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion
P685/170 mL, Watsons
This hydrating "lotion" is like a watery moisturizer—to apply it, you just need to pat the liquid formula on your face. Loaded with four types of hyaluronic acid, it helps locks in moisture in the skin and also softens rough texture like those dry areas around the mouth. It's meant to be used before moisturizing but you can also use it on its own as a light daytime moisturizer!
2. Celeteque Hydration Ultra-Moisturizing Essence
P499, Watsons
You can also keep your skin soft without adding extra shine to your complexion by using an essence. If you've never tried one before, an essence is almost like a serum but it's lighter in weight and less potent. In the K-Beauty world, it's commonly used for an additional layer of hydration—it's usually layered under serums but you can try using it on its own. For an affordable pick, try this hydrating, quick-drying essence from Celeteque, which is packed with hyaluronic acid.
3. Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel
P1,490, Lazada
If you're not a fan of using moisturizer by day, you should at least apply a hydrating sunscreen. This one from Japanese sunscreen brand Anessa has a light gel formula that's quickly absorbed by the skin, leaving you with a nice, matte finish. It can also serve the purpose of your moisturizer as it contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, and glycerin.
4. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
P980, Beauty MNL
Snail mucin is another popular moisturizing ingredient—and yes, it's the excretion from snails. You'll find it in many K-beauty products like this essence from COSRX, which is made with 96% snail secretion infiltrate. Paired with sodium hyaluronate, it deeply hydrates the skin and helps strengthen your moisture barrier without making your skin feel greasy.
READ MORE ABOUT OILY SKIN
- How to Control Oily Skin Without Using Face Powder, According to a Dermatologist
- Facial Washes That Can Help Mattify Oily Skin, Control Shine
5. Pond's White Beauty Perfect Potion Essence
P499, Beauty MNL
If you're dealing with oily, acne-prone skin, this multi-tasking find is for you. Aside from hyaluronic acid, this essence contains niacinamide, which helps improve the skin's texture as well as fade dark marks. To apply it, you can pat the liquid formula on your face or you can also pour it on a cotton pad and sweep it all over your face.
Bonus: Bioten 24H Skin Moisture Moisturizing Gel Cream
P349, Shopee and Lazada
Not all moisturizers feel heavy on the skin. This one from Bioten has a light gel-cream formula that sinks into the skin almost instantly. It's a lighter alternative to your traditional day creams, and it feels quite refreshing too when applied! It contains 100% natural Quince extract, which helps the skin retain moisture.
