Best Mattifying Gels for Oily Skin in 2023

Oily skin can be a real challenge, with constant shine and greasiness that can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. One solution to this problem is using a mattifying gel, which is specifically designed to reduce the appearance of excess sebum and keep your skin looking matte for longer periods of time. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is the best for you? This article will discuss the best mattifying gels for oily skin and how to choose the right one for your skin type.
But before we deep dive, here already the answer to how to choose the right mattifying gel for oily skin and which one is the winner in our comparison of 2023:
For choosing the right mattifying gel, pay attention to the ingredients: you should watch out for ingredients like zinc, L-PCA, trehalose, hyaluronic acid, and sodium polyacrylate. Zinc helps normalize sebum production and limit the proliferation of malignant bacteria that cause acne, L-PCA is a highly moisturizing molecule that increases the effectiveness and bioavailability of zinc. Trehalose keeps the skin hydrated. Hyaluronic acid reinforces the hydration effect while giving a refreshing effect. Sodium polyacrylate gives the cream a soft and velvety after-feel while not being sticky. All these ingredients are represented in our winner: OPHIR Mattifying Gel, a mattifying, astringent, and moisturizing face gel that keeps your oily skin hydrated while controlling the excess sebum.

Summary
In this article you’ll find:
How to choose the right mattifying gel for your skin type
“Say Goodbye to Shine: The Benefits of Using a Mattifying Gel on Oily Skin”
Top 5 mattifying products for oily skin
How to Choose the Right Mattifying Gel for Your Skin Type
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that not all mattifying gels are created equal. Some may contain harsh ingredients that can dry out your skin, while others may not be effective at controlling sebum. It’s important to find a balance between controlling shine and maintaining hydration.
When looking for a mattifying gel, pay attention to the ingredients. Look for zinc which helps normalize sebum production and limit the proliferation of malignant bacteria that cause acne. In addition, look for gels that contain L-PCA which is a highly moisturizing molecule that increases the effectiveness and bioavailability of zinc.
Another key ingredient to look for is trehalose. A super hydrating active ingredient that acts over timer for non-stop hydration. One super ingredient that you will have probably heard of is hyaluronic acid. These ingredients reinforce the hydration effect while giving a sensation of freshness.
“Say Goodbye to Shine: The Benefits of Using a Mattifying Gel on Oily Skin”
One of the main benefits of using a mattifying gel is that it helps to control shine and reduce the appearance of excess oil. These gels work by absorbing excess sebum and leaving your skin with a matte finish that lasts for hours. This can be particularly beneficial for those who have to face long hours at work or school and want to look fresh and presentable throughout the day.
In addition, many mattifying gels contain ingredients that can help to unclog pores and reduce the appearance of acne. Zinc helps to normalize sebum production and limit the proliferation of malignant bacteria that cause acne.
Another benefit of using a mattifying gel is that it can help to balance the skin’s oil production. By using a mattifying gel regularly, you can help to regulate the amount of oil your skin produces and prevent it from becoming too oily. This can help to prevent the formation of new acne and improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Top 5 mattifying products for oily skin

Top 5 – Mattifying products for oily skin
- Ophir Gel Opacizzante
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
- Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Cloud Cream
- La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat Anti-Shine Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin

1. Ophir Gel Opacizzante
Ophir Gel Opacizzante is a powerful mattifying gel that is designed to control shine and oiliness for up to 24 hours, giving you an ultra-matte finish that lasts all day long. This gel is specifically formulated to target oily or combination skin, providing a mattifying astringent effect to keep shine under control without drying out the skin.
One of the key active ingredients in this gel is a combination of zinc and L-PCA, which is known to help unclog pores and control excess sebum. Additionally, this gel also contains moisturizing ingredients that help to hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
This gel is ideal for young, oily, or combination skin types, and can be used as a daily moisturizer or as a mattifying primer before makeup application. Its formula guarantees an ultra-matte finish and hydrated skin, making it a popular option among those looking to keep their skin looking fresh and flawless throughout the day.
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer designed to hydrate the skin while providing a matte finish. The gel formula is infused with hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps retain moisture and provides intense hydration without clogging pores. The non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth and refreshed. It is suitable for oily skin and for those looking for a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer that provides hydration and a matte finish. It can be used alone or as a base for makeup.
3. Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a lightweight, water-based serum that is designed to deeply hydrate the skin. The formula is infused with hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps to retain moisture, to provide intense hydration without leaving a greasy feeling. The serum also contains ceramides, which help to restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier and provide hydration to improve skin elasticity. The non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed. It can be used alone or under a moisturizer, and it’s suitable for all skin types, including oily skin. It’s also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores. This serum is an excellent choice for those looking to boost hydration levels in their skin while also maintaining a matte finish.
4. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Cloud Cream
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Cloud Cream is a lightweight, water-based moisturizer that is formulated to provide intense hydration to the skin while also giving a matte finish. The cream contains hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that helps to retain moisture, to provide hydration to the skin without leaving it feeling greasy. The formula also contains Ceramides and Glycerin, which help to restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier, and provide hydration to improve skin elasticity. The cream is oil-free and absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth and refreshed. It’s suitable for all skin types, including oily skin and can be used alone or under makeup. It’s also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores. This cream is an excellent choice for those looking for a hydrating moisturizer that can provide hydration while also maintaining a matte finish.
5. La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat Anti-Shine Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin
La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat Anti-Shine Face Moisturizer is a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that is specifically designed for oily skin. The formula is designed to control shine, reduce the appearance of pores, and hydrate the skin without leaving it feeling greasy. The moisturizer contains sebum-regulating ingredients that help to control excess oil production and Mattifying Micro-Powders which absorb excess sebum to help maintain a matte finish. The formula also contains thermal spring water, which helps to soothe and calm irritated skin. This moisturizer can be used alone or as a base for makeup and is suitable for daily use. It’s also non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores. This moisturizer is an excellent choice for those with oily skin who want to control shine, reduce the appearance of pores, and hydrate their skin while maintaining a matte finish.
Which Application Method is Best for Oily Skin
When it comes to treating oily skin, there are two main application methods: spot treatment and all-over application. Both methods have their own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand the differences between them in order to choose the best one for your individual needs.
Spot treatment is a method of applying a product directly to specific areas of the face where oiliness is most prevalent, such as the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). The advantage of this method is that it allows you to target specific problem areas, rather than applying a product all over your face. This can be especially beneficial if you have localized areas of oiliness rather than an overall oily complexion. It’s also a good choice for those who want to avoid over-drying the skin.
All-over application, on the other hand, involves applying a product to the entire face. This method is best for those with an overall oily complexion, as it ensures that all areas of the face are treated. It’s also a good choice for those who want to maintain a consistent level of hydration throughout the entire face.
Both methods have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand the differences between them in order to choose the best one for your individual needs. A good approach is to start with a spot treatment, then if you don’t see improvement or you’re not satisfied with the results, you can move to an all-over application. It’s always important to consult with a skincare professional or a dermatologist before starting any skincare routine, they will be able to evaluate your skin and recommend the best approach for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, oily skin can be a challenging condition to deal with, but with the right skincare routine and products, you can achieve a matte and hydrated complexion. Mattifying gels are a great option for those with oily skin, as they help to control shine and oiliness, minimize the appearance of pores, and provide hydration. When choosing a mattifying gel, it’s important to consider ingredients such as zinc, L-PCA, trehalose, hyaluronic acid, and sodium polyacrylate, which can help to control oiliness, protect the skin and keep it hydrated. Additionally, it’s important to decide whether you want to use a spot treatment or an all-over application method, depending on the severity of your oiliness and the specific needs of your skin. With the right mattifying gel and application method, you can say goodbye to shine and achieve a matte and hydrated complexion.
Remember, it’s always best to consult with a skincare professional or a dermatologist before starting any skincare routine.