7 Natural Finish Moisturizers That Deliver Hydration Without the Shine

Natural moisturizers aren’t just marketing fluff—pinky promises. Think of it this way: In the early 2020s, dewy skin ruled the roost; but as soft-focus, blurry makeup looks continue to gain traction, there’s a noticeable shift toward a matte front. Satin foundations and blurring powders offer a solution, but when it comes to skin care, the question becomes more subtle: What if you want hydration without greasiness?

“Natural moisturizers can leave skin looking hydrated, smooth, and with a subtle glow,” says board-certified nurse practitioner Natia Rufolo, FNP, NP-C. Fashion. The result is skin that looks balanced, fresh, soft, and radiant without being overly greasy. “They often achieve this without looking greasy, providing the perfect balance between dewy and matte.”

FashionFavorite natural moisturizer

Image may contain: bottle, cosmetics and lotion

Image may contain: face, head, people, cosmetics and bottle

Board-certified physician assistant Paula Brezavscek, PA-C, echoes this sentiment, noting that these formulas tend to create a smooth, even finish without noticeable shine. As she puts it, they “achieve a balance that looks elegant, effortless and wearable in real life.”

Indeed, in relation to fashion magazine Beauty shopping editor Kiana Murden. For me, it’s all about a formula that doesn’t break me down and doesn’t feel heavy (my non-comedogenic routine means everything to me). On the other hand, she looks for formulas that hydrate without making her look greasy—or, as Brezavscek describes it, a natural, fresh look. In this case, she recommends using a barrier-supporting formula with ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid that hydrates without weighing down the skin.

With this in mind, I wondered if the effectiveness of a moisturizer had anything to do with its hydrating properties. Long story short – no. “The surface effect of a moisturizer doesn’t really reflect its hydrating properties,” says Brezavscek. “That super dewy or smooth look often comes from occlusive ingredients that reflect light, not necessarily from deeper hydration within the skin.”

If you love natural moisturizers, there’s an option to suit all your skin care concerns. “The best moisturizer is one that supports the skin barrier and feels good to use over time,” says Rufolo. Below, shop our picks for 8 of the best formulas to give you a natural glow without the greasiness, many of which were hand-picked by Murden.

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Best overall performance: Merit premium skin moisturizing cream

advantage

Great skin moisturizer

why we like it: Is it a moisturizing cream or a base cream? It’s both. Merit’s moisturizer not only hydrates but also preps skin for a radiant, non-greasy look. This is thanks to a blend of hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, and marula oil. Rest assured, your face will be soft to the touch, whether you decide to go makeup-free or want to make sure makeup doesn’t stick to textured skin.
Editing experience: “Following the Great Skin Instant Glow Serum, Merit’s Moisturizer delivers similar plumping and hydrating results, just not in the way you might imagine. It was the first formula that made me appreciate a more skin-like finish, replacing the shimmery, visibly glowing option in my vanity. There’s nothing not to like about it before makeup or just on its own. There’s no doubt that Merit’s products are underrated.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
Main ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, marula oil, caffeine, peptides
texture: Medium amount of lotion
fragrance: No
most suitable: Normal, oily, combination skin types
size: 0.5 oz/15 ml