# Paula's Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Superior · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/oily-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United States.

Brand: [Paula's Choice](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/paula-s-choice)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for oily skin; a few moisturizers fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Excellent suitability for your oily skin is provided by niacinamide for seboregulation and licorice root extract for anti-inflammatory action, which also helps control oil and reduce shine.
- Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate offer excellent moisturizing benefits, hydrating and plumping your skin effectively.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing components.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/oily-skin): High (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Niacinamide, Blueberry Fruit Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Ceramide Np, Hydrolyzed Pumpkin Seedcake

## What the research says

- Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25381913/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Topical hyaluronic acid filler serum combined with Botulinum toxin type A lengthened the duration of the toxin's effect in reducing wrinkles compared to Botulinum toxin type A alone. ([Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/))
- Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))
- Applying a topical product containing blueberry extract and Pro-xylane following micro-focused ultrasound significantly improved global aesthetic improvement, skin elasticity, and fine lines compared to standard moisturizer in 50 patients. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40635529/))
- Topical usage of blueberries may prevent skin damage from environmental stressors by inducing an active skin response against noxious effects. ([Antioxidants, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37371992/))
- Pretreatment with blueberry extracts prevented ozone-induced ROS production, NLRP1-ASC scaffold formation, and CASP1 and IL-18 transcripts across 2D, 3D, and human skin explant models. ([Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32855770/))
- Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism. ([Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26273313/))
- Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide. ([Advanced Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39783908/))
- Topical application of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Sophora japonica flavonoid-rich fractions individually and in combination significantly increased the wound healing rate and reduced oxidative stress compared to wound and Nolaver-treated groups. ([Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37049756/))
- Topical treatment with pumpkin seed oil-loaded niosomes decreased fallen hairs by 44.42% and increased the anagen to telogen ratio by 1.4-fold after 8 weeks compared to initial conditions. ([Pharmaceuticals, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36015077/))
- Topical application of prickly pear, pumpkin, and linseed oils significantly reduced clinical signs of acute inflammation, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress in carrageenan-treated rats compared to the normal saline-treated group. ([BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32802857/))

## What reviewers say

This lightweight gel-cream moisturizer is highly recommended for oily and acne-prone skin, effectively hydrating without causing breakouts or a greasy feel. However, users with combination or dry skin report it's not moisturizing enough, especially in colder weather, and some notice an initial scent.

- Liked: Lightweight, non-greasy (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Acne-prone skin safe (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Insufficient hydration (often mentioned)
- Liked: Reduces redness, soothes (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Poor price-value (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine every day to keep your face fresh.
- Apply this moisturizer after cleansing and toning, but right before your SPF in the morning.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and let it absorb fully.
- Apply on clean, slightly dry skin to help control that oily shine.
- Avoid the eye area and do a quick patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes Paula's Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer a great fit for oily skin?

Paula's Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer is a great fit for your oily skin because it uses niacinamide and licorice root extract to control oil and reduce shine while calming the skin. It also includes glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to hydrate without heavy oils, and it is very safe and unlikely to cause irritation.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for oily skin?

Niacinamide and licorice root extract make this cream a great fit for oily skin because they help control oil and reduce shine. Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate also hydrate and plump your skin effectively, while soothing components keep irritation unlikely.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Niacinamide do for oily skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oily skin by significantly reducing excess oil production and shine. It is well tolerated and may improve skin texture without clogging pores.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16766489/), [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

### What does Blueberry Fruit Extract do for oily skin?

Blueberry Fruit Extract helps protect oily skin from everyday damage and irritation caused by pollution and sun. It is rich in antioxidants that may calm the skin, reduce redness, and keep the skin smooth and healthy.
Sources: [Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19199288/), [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34679686/)

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This cream goes as the final step of your morning routine and evening routine. It is a great fit for oily skin because it contains niacinamide and licorice root extract to help control oil and reduce shine while keeping your skin hydrated.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31461548/)

### Can I use this cream with salicylic acid, and in what order?

You can use this moisturizer with salicylic acid by applying your salicylic acid treatment first and following with the cream. This helps keep your oily skin hydrated while soothing potential irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/), [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26293170/)

### How often should I use this cream?

This moisturizer is a great fit for your oily skin and is well-suited for daily use as part of your morning and evening routine. It is very unlikely to cause irritation due to its soothing ingredients, and it helps control oil and reduce shine while keeping your skin hydrated.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32141711/), [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/)

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This cream is a great fit for oily skin and is unlikely to cause irritation or breakouts because it features soothing components and lacks harsh ingredients. Niacinamide and licorice root extract help control oil and reduce shine, while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate keep your skin hydrated without feeling heavy.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Can I use this cream around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this moisturizing treatment around your eyes and on your body because its lightweight formula is gentle and safe for delicate skin. Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate help hydrate and plump the skin effectively while keeping irritation very unlikely.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $49.95 at Amazon
- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $15.88 at Amazon
- [Anua Heartleaf 78% Soothing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/anua/heartleaf-78-soothing-cream/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $25.00 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $15.60 at Amazon
- SPF: [CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — $14.97 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com: $42.00 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HZWXGJ7?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Ethyl Macadamiate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Triethylhexanoin, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Pumpkin Seedcake, Blueberry Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Prunus Serotina Fruit Extract Prunus Avium Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Tripeptide-29, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Panthenol, Sodium Pca, Adenosine, Lecithin, Arginine, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Isohexadecane, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/oily-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/paula-s-choice/clear-oil-free-moisturizer/for/oily-skin