When looking for the best moisturizer for oily skin, the options can be overwhelming. Two names that spring to mind to consider are Clinique vs La Roche-Posay. But which one really makes sense for your skin type?
If you have oily skin, you’re no stranger to the constant search of the best moisturizer for oily skin. You need something that moisturizes without causing you breakouts, so the argument of Clinique vs La Roche-Posay makes sense here. Both brands are cult-favorites among skincare enthusiasts — but they have different formulations and benefits that are suitable for oily skin.
In this post, we’ll go to the bottom of what they have to offer, regarding the best moisturizers for oily skin respectively. We’ll compare their ingredients, textures, benefits, and what people are saying to help you determine which one you’d like to try.
Did you know?
Even oily skin can be dehydrated A lot of people think oil, so they resent the idea of moisturizer.” But the right products can balance oil production and help your skin look fresh and healthy.
Quick Comparison Table: Clinique vs La Roche-Posay
Feature | Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel | La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturizer |
---|---|---|
Texture | Lightweight gel | Mattifying cream |
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Thermal spring water, Sebulyse |
Oil Control | Moderate | High |
non-comedogenic moisturizer | Yes | Yes |
Dermatologist-Recommended | Yes | Yes |
Hydration Level | High | Moderate |
Fragrance | Fragrance-free | Light fragrance |
Skin Type Compatibility | Oily, combination, or dry skin | Oily and acne-prone skin |
1. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Jelly

A Overview:
Clinique is a popular name among dermatologist-recommended skincare, known for its allergy-tested and fragrance-free choices.
Their moisturizer for oily skin Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Jelly is created to keep your skin properly hydrated without adding grease or gunk — which is exactly what you’re looking for if you’re out there shopping for the best moisturizer for oily skin. This one fits in very well with the lifestyle of clear, balanced skin.
Snag the Moisturizing Jelly here, and give your skin that perfect weightless hydration it’s been craving.
Key benefits:
- Moisture: Contains hyaluronic acid that provides deep moisture.
- Oil Control: Aids in controlling excessive sebum production to block oily shine.
- Dermatologist Recommended Skincare: Only the strong, yet gentle 2% da coach acne treatment can clear & prevent pimples and blackheads.
Texture, Feel & Suitability
The most leading cause of why clinique vs la roche-posay for oily skin are often compared is the texture. The gel-cream formula from Clinique applies cool and refreshing. It sinks in fast with no oily residue.
If you’re one of the people who hate thick creams that sit on your face, this is for you. The texture is right for day and lays well under SPF and makeup.
Battle Outcome: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Quickly absorbs and does not leave a greasy residue.
- Great for sensitive skin or those who like no added fragrances.
- Includes hyaluronic acid and glycerin for good hydration.
- Good for oily, combo, and even dry skin types.
Cons
- Inadequate for super oily skin.
- More expensive than some drugstore options.
2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Moisturizer
A Overview:
Yet another sensitiveskin stalwart, La Roche-Posay. Their best moisturizer for oily skin La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Moisturizer is meant to calm while moisturizing — ideal if your oil production is accompanied by redness or irritation.
On the hunt for a dependable mattifying moisturizer? Shop here.
Key Ingredients:
- Hydration: Formulated with glycerin to provide deep hydration without greasiness.
- Soothing: The added thermal spring water calms redness and inflammation.
- Non-Comedogenic: Developed for acne prone and oily skin, it’s not going to clog pores.
- Dermatologist Tested Skin Care: Brand Respected, Known Worldwide as a Leading Skincare Expert.
Texture, Feel & Suitability
La Roche-Posay’s version is a fluid lotion that’s applied with ease and there’s no film left behind on your skin. It’s light, but still has pretty good staying power on oily skin — curbing the shine without becoming splotchy shiny a few hours in the day.
This is best moisturizer for oily skin is a good fit for sensitive oily skin in particular so it would be a good choice if redness or blemishes come with your oiliness.

Battle Outcome: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Hides the shine and shrinks the look of pores.
- Rich in thermal spring water to relax and calm the skin.
- Gives a nice smell without being too strong.
- Targeted for oily and acne prone skin types.
Cons
- You may not get enough moisture for extremely dry skin.
- It is thicker than gel formulations, so if you have extremely oily skin you may prefer something lighter.
Ingredient Spotlight: How They Stack Up
Ingredient | Clinique Moisturizer | La Roche-Posay Moisturizer | Function |
---|---|---|---|
Hyaluronic Acid | Yes | No | Deep hydration and moisture retention |
Glycerin | Yes | Yes | Humectant that draws moisture into skin |
Aloe Vera | Yes | No | Soothing and calming properties |
Thermal Spring Water | No | Yes | Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, calming agent |
Real Results: How They Perform Side by Side
If you are trying to figure out is Clinique vs La Roche-Posay better for oily skin, which one performed best can be about how your skin type is & what you prefer. Both brands offer superior hydration with their non-clogging moisturize formulas.
Clinique is usually great at offering a light fresh gel-cream that works in warmer weather and oilier skin, that is not too sensitive. It has a cooling sensation and gives a matte look that a lot of people love. In the meantime, La Roche-Posay works wonders for anyone in need of extra soothing benefits, particularly if you have sensitivity or redness along with your oily complexion. Its lotion texture combines a hydrating and a soothing ingredient, which then transforms into a matte state on the skin.
In addition to the no-brainer hydration, both brands also emphasize heavily on dermatologist-backed skincare beliefs — which means you’re not slathering on just any old moisturizer, you’re applying one designed with your skin’s health in mind.
My Pro Tip: If you have oily skin that is also sensitive or prone to redness, try La Roche-Posay first. If your skin isn’t too sensitive to most products and actually prefers something a bit more hydrating (and lightweight) in the way of a gel, you might be best off with Clinique. Never switch creams without doing a patch-test!
What Users Are Saying: Real Experiences
Here is what I found after my own personal use and from user reviews about the Clinique and La Roche-Posay Moisturizer.
I put both brands to the test for more than a month, and I found a few differences. With Clinique, my skin was moisturized, but without a sheen. It absorbed fast and made makeup application easy. But in dry spells I found it helped to layer with a hydrating serum to avoid dryness in some areas.
My skin felt more soothed with La Roche-Posay, particularly after long days in the sun or light irritation. The lotion was light and seemed to balance oil well, but took a while to dry all the way so the makeup wouldn’t feel slightly tacky.
“I’ve tried so many moisturizers, but this gel-cream by Clinique feels like the most moisturizer-y moisturizer that was designed for oily skin and services any forthcoming shininess all day. It is non-comedogenic moisturizer and feels so refreshing!”– Jessica
“La Roche-Posay moisturizer is hands down the best for my oily, sensitive skin. It’s light and soothing, and I love that it’s dermatologist-recommended skin care.”- Marcus
Wrapping Up: Choosing the best moisturizer for oily skin
The decision between Clinique vs La Roche-Posay for oily skin really comes down to your skin type and. personal preferences. Both brands are known for their dedication to offering effective, non-comedogenic moisturizer choices that deliver hydration without clogging pores, which is perfect for those who possess oily skin.
If you like a light, cooling gel-cream, I would say Clinique is your best. Its hyaluronic acid and aloe vera enriched formula is very hydrating and also keeps sebum at bay. What users say: “I like the way this absorbs and have been noticing less oil throughout the day.”Many users like that it’s easily absorbed and leaves a matte look, which is great for layering makeup on top. But for anything dryer or for seasonally changing skin, you will likely have to layer it over other hydrating products.
Or if you skin is oily, sensitive type, La Roche-Posay might be a good fit. Its calming thermal spring water formula also works to soothe irritation and provide moisture. A lot of users rave about how it balances oil production well, without feeling uncomfortable and it’s great for those who are sensitive or prone to redness, too.
Two great products with a dermatologist-approved skincare approach so you can feel good about the way you pamper yourself. While you’re weighing your choices, take into account your individual concerns and daily routine. A great, natural-looking, healthy complexion is what every girl wants, right? Because, as we all know, healthy skin is happy skin, and taking care of your skin is an investment in your confidence, so do it right, and make it worth it.