The goal isn’t to remove oil completely—it’s to balance it. The right moisturiser hydrates the skin barrier, prevents excess shine, and keeps acne under control.
Why Oily Skin Still Needs Moisturiser
Oily skin doesn’t mean hydrated skin. Stripping oil with harsh cleansers or skipping moisturiser leads to dehydration, which triggers even more oil production. Moisturisers help maintain the barrier that keeps moisture in and pollutants out.
“Many Nigerians assume oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser. That’s not true. The key is a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that locks in hydration without clogging pores. Ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides work well in our humid climate.” – Dr. Adaeze Chukwu, Lagos-based dermatologist
What to Look For When Buying a Moisturiser for Oily Skin
Lightweight Texture
Choose gel or lotion textures. Avoid thick creams that trap sweat and sebum.
Non-Comedogenic Formula
Look for “non-comedogenic” on the label—it means the product won’t clog pores.
Active Ingredients
- Niacinamide: controls oil and evens tone
- Hyaluronic acid: hydrates without heaviness
- Ceramides: strengthen the skin barrier
- Zinc or salicylic acid: help manage breakouts
SPF Protection
SPF is essential in Nigeria’s tropical sun. Moisturisers with SPF 15–30 reduce UV damage and pigmentation.
Price and Accessibility
Check local availability. Many international brands are now sold through trusted Nigerian stores like Medplus, Jumia, HealthPlus, and Kuddy Cosmetics.
7 Best Moisturisers for Oily Skin in Nigeria (2025 Edition)
1. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 30
Lightweight, oil-free, niacinamide + ceramides.
- Benefits: Hydrates and protects with SPF 30. Strengthens barrier.
- Price: ₦13,000–₦15,000
- Where to Buy: Jumia Nigeria
- Pros: Non-greasy, fragrance-free, broad-spectrum SPF.
- Cons: Slightly higher price point.
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
- Benefits: Lightweight gel, hyaluronic acid, absorbs instantly.
- Price: ₦11,000–₦13,000
- Where to Buy: Jumia Nigeria
- Pros: Absorbs fast, works under sunscreen or makeup.
- Cons: No SPF; needs separate sun protection.
3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
- Benefits: Controls shine, refines pores, oil-absorbing micro-powders.
- Price: ₦18,000–₦20,000
- Where to Buy: Jumia Nigeria
- Pros: Excellent mattifying effect, dermatologist-tested.
- Cons: Premium pricing.
4. Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser
- Benefits: 12-hour hydration, non-greasy, safe for sensitive skin.
- Price: ₦6,500–₦11,000
- Where to Buy: SkinBazaar NG, Glow County
- Pros: Affordable, easy to find, gentle.
- Cons: No SPF.
5. Nivea Perfect & Radiant Even Tone Day Cream SPF 15
- Benefits: Brightens, hydrates, SPF 15.
- Price: ₦8,500–₦9,000
- Where to Buy: Smartie Mart
- Pros: Affordable, adds subtle radiance.
- Cons: Slightly heavy for very oily skin.
6. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
- Benefits: Hydration without oil; protects skin barrier.
- Price: ₦11,000–₦15,000
- Where to Buy: Eval Beauty Store
- Pros: Clean formula, fragrance-free.
- Cons: No SPF; small size for price.
7. Beauty Formulas Tea Tree Moisturiser
- Benefits: Reduces breakouts, antibacterial.
- Price: ₦5,000–₦6,500
- Where to Buy: Limited availability (HealthPlus, Kuddy Cosmetics)
- Pros: Good for acne control.
- Cons: Hard to find; strong tea tree scent.
Comparison Table
| Product | Key Ingredients | SPF | Price (₦) | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CeraVe AM SPF 30 | Niacinamide, Ceramides | 30 | 13,000–15,000 | Jumia |
| Neutrogena Hydro Boost | Hyaluronic Acid | – | 11,000–13,000 | Jumia |
| La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat | Sebulyse Tech, Zinc PCA | – | 18,000–20,000 | Jumia |
| Simple Hydrating Light | Pro-Vitamin B5, Glycerin | – | 6,500–11,000 | SkinBazaar |
| Nivea Perfect & Radiant | Vitamin E, Licorice Extract | 15 | 8,500–9,000 | Smartie Mart |
| The Ordinary NMF + HA | Amino Acids, Hyaluronic Acid | – | 11,000–15,000 | Eval Beauty |
| Beauty Formulas Tea Tree | Tea Tree Oil, Glycerin | – | 5,000–6,500 | Limited availability |
Expert Skincare Tips for Oily Skin in Nigeria
- Don’t skip moisturiser; use daily after cleansing and sunscreen.
- During harmattan, switch to slightly richer formulas; dry air strips moisture.
- In humid months, stick with gels or water-based lotions.
- Avoid alcohol-heavy toners; they trigger oil rebound.
- Double cleanse at night if you wear makeup or sunscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I use moisturiser if my face is already shiny? Yes. Lightweight hydration helps balance oil production.
- What moisturiser works best under sunscreen? Gel-based options like Neutrogena Hydro Boost or Simple Hydrating Light.
- Are imported moisturisers safe to buy on Jumia? Yes, always from verified stores with good reviews.
- What’s best for oily, acne-prone skin in Nigeria? CeraVe AM SPF 30 and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat.
- How do I adjust my routine during harmattan? Add serum or switch to cream-gel for hydration.
- Is there a budget moisturiser that still works? Simple Hydrating Light and Nivea Perfect & Radiant.
Summary
Oily skin still needs hydration—especially in Nigeria’s mix of humid and dry seasons. Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers with ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and SPF make all the difference. Whether you choose CeraVe AM for protection, Neutrogena Hydro Boost for freshness, or Simple Hydrating Light for value, consistency is key.
