Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream
- Made For: Combination to Oily Skin
- Helps With: Hydration; Oil Control
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CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel delivers the best of both worlds- it is extremely hydrating while also absorbing excess oil for a nice mattifying effect as the day progresses, thanks to its formula with vitamin E and niacinamide. It is perfect for those with combination to oily skin because it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic. I personally love how soothing it feels and how good of a job it does locking in hydration without feeling heavy.
Product Details
Moisturizing is an essential step in any skincare routine, but it’s important to choose the right formula for your skin type. Oily and combination skin types can benefit from choosing facial moisturizers that provide long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy or sticky upon application—like CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream. This lightweight gel-cream moisturizer features an oil-absorbing technology that helps absorb excess oil and rebalances the skin, leaving it neither too oily nor too dry.
The non-greasy formula feels refreshing upon application and quickly absorbs into the skin with a matte finish. It contains beneficial ingredients (like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide) and is formulated with MVE Delivery Technology to supply all-day hydration while helping to restore the skin’s protective barrier. Developed with dermatologists, our Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, paraben-free, and suitable for all skin types (including sensitive and acne-prone skin). It also layers well under makeup, without pilling. Use this gel-cream formula daily for visibly reduced pores over time and hydrated, healthier-looking skin.
Key Features & Benefits
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MVE® Delivery Technology
Controlled release for all day hydration -
Non-Comedogenic
Won't clog pores -
Fragrance Free
To avoid fragrance irritation -
Oil-Absorbing Technology
Silica and other powders help absorb excess oil. -
Rebalances Oily Skin
Leaves skin neither too oily nor too dry
Key Ingredients
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Ceramides
A key component of your skin's natural barrier, which is essential for keeping moisture in and harmful elements out. -
Hyaluronic Acid
Helps retain skin's moisture balance and gives the skin a smooth, healthier-looking appearance. -
Niacinamide
May help calm skin, reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and increase moisture in the skin’s uppermost layer.
Please be aware that ingredient lists for the products of our brand are updated regularly. Please refer to the ingredient list on your product package for the most up-to-date list of ingredients to ensure it is suitable for your personal use.
How To Use
Steps
Tips
- Apply CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream twice a day after cleansing as part of your daytime and nighttime skincare routine
- Can be used alone or under makeup
- Avoid direct contact with eyes; if contact with eyes occurs, rinse thoroughly with water
When
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Time of Day:
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Treat
- Moisturize
- Protect
Where
Skincare Solution Finder
PERSONALIZED SKINCARE DEVELOPED WITH DERMATOLOGISTS READY AT YOUR FINGER TIPS
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the causes of oily skin?
Oily skin is caused when your skin produces an excess of sebum (your skin’s natural oils). Sebum plays an important role in helping your skin retain moisture, but too much of it can leave your complexion looking shiny and greasy. The amount of sebum your skin produces is largely determined by genetics. However, other factors can influence how oily your skin looks and feels—these include hormones, age, stress, and warm, humid weather. Improper skincare may also play a role in triggering excess oiliness.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), washing your face with a harsh, alcohol-based cleanser can irritate your skin and potentially lead to increased oiliness. Instead, the AAD recommends a skincare routine for oily skin that includes a gentle cleanser and an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen.1 To learn more about the causes of oily skin, head to this article: Why Is My Skin So Oily? -
Do I need to use moisturizer if I have oily skin?
Moisturizing is an essential skincare step for all skin types, including oily skin. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to “dry out” your skin if it’s on the oilier side. Skipping moisturizer or using drying skincare products can cause oily skin to become dehydrated—meaning it lacks water (rather than oil) in its uppermost layer. According to the Cleveland Clinic, when your skin becomes dehydrated, it can cause your sebaceous glands to produce even more oil. Keeping your skin hydrated may help keep oiliness at bay, since your sebaceous glands won’t have to work as hard to compensate for lost moisture, per the Cleveland Clinic.2
Instead of foregoing moisturizer, CeraVe recommends choosing a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that’s designed for oily skin—like our Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream. This facial moisturizer is an excellent option for those with combination to oily skin. It helps rebalance your skin (so that it’s neither too oily nor too dry) and delivers all-day hydration while helping to restore the skin’s protective barrier.
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What is a gel-cream moisturizer?
CeraVe moisturizers come in many varieties, such as lotions, creams, and gels. Our Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream features a unique texture that combines the characteristics of both a cream and gel moisturizer. The water-based formulation is lightweight, non-greasy, and fast-absorbing. It feels refreshing upon application and leaves your skin with a matte finish. -
Who should use CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream?
This product is an ideal pick for anyone with oily skin or combination skin. The lightweight, mattifying formula leaves your skin feeling hydrated without clogging your pores. Although it’s formulated for combination to oily skin, our Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin and acne-prone skin.
Developed with dermatologists, this fragrance-free moisturizer can be used by anyone 13 years of age or older. It’s also suitable for use on all skin tones and layers well under makeup. If you have any questions or concerns about whether CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream is right for your skin’s needs, we recommend consulting a board-certified dermatologist. -
Will this moisturizer clog my pores or cause breakouts?
CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream is non-comedogenic, which means that it’s formulated not to cause clogged pores. It’s ideal for those with combination to oily skin, but can also be used by individuals with acne-prone skin. If you have acne-prone skin, it’s important to remember that acne is not a one-size-fits-all skin issue. Everyone’s acne is different, from the type of acne you experience to when, why, and how often you break out. For this reason, we recommend that those with acne-prone skin work with a board-certified dermatologist to build the right daily regimen for their skin’s needs. -
When should I use this moisturizer for oily skin?
CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream can be used twice daily as part of your daytime and evening skincare routine. Simply apply the lightweight formula to your face and neck after cleansing. If your skincare routine includes toner, eye cream, or facial serum, apply Cerave Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream as the last step—after the other formulas have fully absorbed. Our Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream can be used alone or layered under makeup.
For daytime, remember to also apply a broad-spectrum face sunscreen (with SPF 30 or higher) at least 15 minutes before heading outdoors. We recommend CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint, our tinted mineral sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. This product can be used by all skin types to help reflect the sun’s harmful rays. It features a lightweight, non-greasy texture and leaves skin with a healthy glow. -
What is a good skincare routine for oily skin?
When building a skincare routine for oily skin, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends choosing skincare products that are formulated for your specific skin type.3 Products for oily skin generally help your skin maintain its natural moisture without clogging your pores or leaving your skin feeling greasy. CeraVe’s range of products for oily skin are developed with dermatologists and formulated to be lightweight, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free.
If you’re not sure where to begin, the AAD recommends a daytime and evening routine that focuses on the basics: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen (for daytime).3 You can start your routine with a gentle yet effective cleanser for oily skin—like CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser or CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser—followed by CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream. For daytime, remember to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen as well and reapply it at least every two hours for sun protection. To learn more, check out this gentle skincare routine for oily skin. -
Should I use CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream or CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel?
Both of these products can help support hydrated, healthy-looking skin when used as part of a daily skincare routine. They are both suitable for all skin types (including sensitive skin) and feature lightweight formulas that don’t leave your skin feeling greasy or sticky upon application. Both moisturizers contain CeraVe’s three essential ceramides and other beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
When deciding between these two products, it can be helpful to consider your skin type, skincare goals, and the texture of each formula. Our Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream features a gel-cream formula and a matte finish that’s ideal for those with oily skin and combination skin. This product features oil-absorbing technology that can help reduce shine and balance your complexion.
On the other hand, CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel features a gel texture and a weightless feel on the skin. This formula makes a great option for anyone who prefers a lightweight, refreshing moisturizer feel. Still not sure which is right for you? Head to our Skincare Solution Finder for more advice on the ideal products for your daily skincare routine.
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References
- “How To Control Oily Skin.”American Academy of Dermatology Association. 13 March 2018.
- “8 Tips for Getting Rid of Oily Skin.” Cleveland Clinic, 21 May 2023.
- “Skin Care Tips Dermatologists Use.” American Academy of Dermatology Association, 2024.