Oily skin is a full-time job. You’re either blotting, powdering, or mourning a fresh foundation application by 10 AM.
The real trick? Finding a moisturizer that hydrates without adding to the problem — most either do nothing or feel like a grease slick.
This is Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream. $38. I was skeptical of the “24-hour hydration” claim for my shiny skin.
Oil-Free Gel-Cream
It’s a true blue gel — not a lotion pretending to be one.
Glacier Glycoprotein
Their signature for pulling moisture from the air into your skin.
Imperceptible Pore-Clogging
Tested as non-comedogenic, which is the bare minimum but crucial.
Photo: Linh Ha / Unsplash
It’s simple. No fragrance. The hero is that Glacier Glycoprotein — it’s their plant-derived humectant. The rest is about oil control and barrier support.
- Antarctic Glycoprotein: Binds hydration to skin for hours
- Salicylic Acid: A tiny amount to gently clear pores
- Squalane: Mimics skin’s own oil without clogging
- Vitamin E: Basic antioxidant protection
Photo: Lucas Sankey / Unsplash
Cool, jelly texture. Sinks in stupid fast — like, 15 seconds and you’re done. Zero residue. It feels like putting nothing on, which is the highest compliment.
After two weeks, my skin stopped overproducing oil by 3 PM. The surprise? It works under sunscreen without pilling. A true miracle.
Photo: Tariq Iqbal / Unsplash
My midday blotting sessions cut in half. Foundation still breaks up in my T-zone — let’s be real — but it’s slower. Pores look the same. No new breakouts.
It does one job perfectly: hydrates oily skin without weight or shine. That’s rare. I’ll repurchase for summer.