If you have oily skin, you already know the daily struggle — your face feels greasy within hours, makeup doesn’t stay in place, and choosing a moisturizer feels like walking through a minefield. Pick something too heavy, and you’ll look shiny all day. Pick something too light, and your skin feels dry and tight.
I’ve been dealing with oily skin for years, and like many of you, I’ve spent countless hours reading reviews, watching YouTube videos, and scrolling through beauty blogs just to find the right face cream. I went through recommendations on sites like The New York Times, Wirecutter, Lifewire, and dozens of skincare forums. But honestly, every expert seems to say something different — and that just adds to the confusion.After all this digging, I noticed two products that kept coming up again and again in people’s discussions and top-rated lists:
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (24 Hr Hydration for Normal/Oily Skin)
Both are loved for oily skin, both have thousands of positive reviews, and both are affordable. But which one actually works better? Let’s take a closer look.
1. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid
The Ordinary has built its reputation on being honest and minimalist — no unnecessary marketing, no exaggerated claims, just simple formulas that deliver results. This moisturizer is one of their most popular products, and it’s designed to protect and hydrate your skin’s surface.
What makes it stand out is something called Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs). These are the same ingredients naturally found in your skin — amino acids, fatty acids, urea, ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Together, they help maintain hydration without clogging pores or leaving a greasy film.
The texture is light but creamy, and it absorbs surprisingly fast for a formula that’s so nutrient-rich. Unlike some moisturizers that sit on the skin, this one sinks in quickly, leaving your face feeling soft but not shiny.
For oily skin types, that’s a big deal. You want moisture without the slick look, and The Ordinary really gets that balance right. Another plus is its price point — it’s budget-friendly compared to most high-end moisturizers that promise similar results.
However, because it’s a no-frills product, it doesn’t come with added benefits like SPF or anti-aging ingredients. It’s purely a hydrator — simple, effective, and ideal for layering with serums or sunscreen during the day.
Best for:
- People who want a basic, reliable moisturizer
- Those with sensitive or acne-prone oily skin
- Anyone who prefers fragrance-free, minimalist skincare
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (24 Hr Hydration for Normal/Oily Skin)
Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost line has become a skincare favorite worldwide, and the Water Gel version is especially loved by those with oily or combination skin. Its claim to fame? A refreshing, lightweight gel texture that feels almost like splashing water on your face — but with long-lasting hydration.
The key ingredient here is Hyaluronic Acid, a powerful humectant that draws moisture from the environment and locks it into your skin. What’s special about Neutrogena’s version is how it combines that hydration with an oil-free formula that feels clean and breathable.
Once applied, it gives a cooling effect and instantly plumps the skin, making it look fresh and smooth. There’s no greasy residue, and it layers beautifully under sunscreen or makeup.
One thing users often mention is that it helps control oil throughout the day — probably because it keeps your skin hydrated enough that your sebaceous glands don’t overproduce oil to compensate.
The downside? It does contain fragrance and some synthetic ingredients, which can be irritating for people with very sensitive skin. But for most oily skin users, it feels like a dream — light, refreshing, and effective.
Best for:
- People who like a gel texture
- Oily and combination skin types
- Those who want hydration with a smooth, matte finish
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Try?
If you prefer a simple, ingredient-focused moisturizer without any fragrance or extras, The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is a safe bet. It’s especially good if you have sensitive, acne-prone oily skin and like to keep your routine minimal.
But if you want something that feels refreshing, instantly hydrating, and gives your skin that “just drank water” look, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel might win your heart. It’s light, absorbs fast, and works well under makeup or sunscreen.
At the end of the day, both are excellent choices — and it might just come down to texture preference. Personally, I’m still torn between the two, but I might start with Neutrogena for the daytime and keep The Ordinary for night use.
Have you tried either of these? Share your experience — it could really help others (and me) make a decision!
👉 Try The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
👉 Try Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
