Moisturiser for Oily Skin in Malaysia: How to Choose

Reviewed by Faisal Ismail, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Healez and former beauty therapist · Updated 3 November 2026 · 6-minute read

Yes, oily skin needs moisturiser. Choose a light, non-comedogenic gel or lotion with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, and apply it twice a day after cleansing. The right one leaves your skin comfortable rather than tight or greasy, sits well under sunscreen, and doesn't bring new breakouts.

Why oily skin still needs moisturiser

Oil and water aren't the same thing. Oily skin makes plenty of oil but can still be short on water, especially after strong cleansers, acne treatments or a day in air-conditioning. Skipping moisturiser can leave skin tight and irritated, and over time it wears down your skin barrier. Dermatologists recommend a moisturiser made for acne-prone skin, applied twice a day after washing.

What to look for

Non-comedogenic. Look for "non-comedogenic" or "won't clog pores" on the label.
A light texture. Gels and lotions sink in quickly and feel comfortable in humid weather.
Hydrating ingredients. Humectants such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and saccharide isomerate help skin draw in and hold water.
Barrier support. Ingredients such as ceramides, fatty acids and other lipids are part of your skin's natural barrier.
Soothing extras, such as centella asiatica or green tea extract, if your skin is easily irritated.
Gentle on sensitive skin. If your skin reacts easily, choose gentle, alcohol-free products and patch test first.

Which texture suits your skin?

Skin type	Texture to try
Oily or acne-prone	Gel or light lotion
Combination	Light lotion; a little extra on drier cheeks
Oily but dehydrated	Light lotion over a hydrating mist
Dry	Richer cream
Sensitive	Simple, soothing formula; patch test first

What to skip

Heavy, greasy creams that sit on the skin in humid weather.
Anything that stings when you apply it.
Using several moisturisers at once. One good one is enough.

How to apply it

Cleanse with a gentle cleanser.
Mist, then apply your serum if you use one.
Smooth a small amount of moisturiser over your face and neck. Add more only if your skin still feels tight.
In the morning, follow with sunscreen. At night, moisturiser is your last step.

Signs you've found the right moisturiser

Your skin feels comfortable, not tight, an hour after applying.
No stinging or redness when it goes on.
No greasy film once it has settled.
No new clogged pores in the weeks after you start using it.
Sunscreen sits well on top without pilling.

Signs it isn't working

Still tight? It may be too light, or your cleanser may be too harsh.
Shiny within the hour? Try a lighter texture or use less.
New bumps or blackheads? Switch to a non-comedogenic option.
Stinging? Stop using it. Your skin barrier may need a break.

Our moisturiser: Daily Regenerative Soothing Moisturiser

We made Daily Regenerative Soothing Moisturiser for sensitive and acne-prone skin in our weather. It combines hypochlorous acid (HOCl) with centella asiatica, cynanchum atratum and scutellaria baicalensis extracts to help soothe skin, saccharide isomerate to help bind moisture, and meadowfoam seed oil to help prevent moisture loss. It comes in 30 g and a 10 g mini.

For a simple routine, pair it with our Ultra Defensive Calming Cleanser and Barrier Restorative Hydrating Essence, or get the essence and moisturiser together as a set. For more on hydration, read why skin hydration is essential for a healthy skin barrier.

Pregnant or trying to conceive? Healez's position is that these products are safe to use during pregnancy and while trying to conceive. Please check with your doctor before adding anything new.