🇺🇸United States

Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Day Cream for oily skin

High

  • HighOily Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers excellent moisturizing for your oily skin due to the presence of sodium hyaluronate and glycerin, which hydrate and plump the skin effectively.
  • While it provides general skincare benefits, its primary function is hydration, with limited ingredients specifically targeting oily shine.
  • The formula is safe for your oily skin, as it lacks harsh ingredients and poses no risk of irritation.

How to apply

  • Use this moisturizing sunscreen daily in your AM routine. Reapply every two hours when exposed to direct sun.
  • Apply this moisturizing sunscreen as the final step of your morning routine after your moisturizer.
  • Smooth an even layer of the moisturizing sunscreen over your face and neck, avoiding harsh rubbing.
  • Apply the moisturizing sunscreen onto clean, dry skin for the best protection and even coverage.
  • Avoid the immediate eye area and discontinue use if any irritation occurs.

People Say

★4.6Overall rating based on 3.6k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, users with normal to dry skin types frequently praise this cream for its ability to deliver deep hydration without feeling heavy or greasy, often noting a "dewy" and "plump" post-application look. While the inclusion of SPF 20 is widely appreciated for daily protection, those with sensitive skin or aversion to fragrance sometimes find the floral scent overpowering or irritating.

Highlights

  • Lightweight, non-greasy Mostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly”
    • “airy texture”
    • “no sticky residue”
  • Deeply hydrating Often Mentioned
    • “plumps skin”
    • “eliminates dry patches”
    • “leaves skin soft”
  • Added sun protection Sometimes Noted
    • “SPF 20 included”
    • “no white cast”
    • “convenient for day use”
  • Makeup friendly Sometimes Noted
    • “smooths texture”
    • “acts as primer”
    • “prevents foundation pilling”
  • Strong fragrance Sometimes Noted
    • “overpowering floral scent”
    • “lingers too long”
    • “irritates sensitive noses”
  • Brightening effect Rarely Noted
    • “glowing finish”
    • “radiant look”
    • “healthy shine”
  • Eye irritation Rarely Noted
    • “stings eyes”
    • “migrates when sweating”
    • “sensitive eye area issues”
  • Greasy T-zone Rarely Noted
    • “shiny by midday”
    • “oil breakthrough on combo skin”
    • “too dewy for oily types”
  • Not for very dry Rarely Noted
    • “too light for winter”
    • “requires reapplication”
    • “not rich enough”
  • Price to value Rarely Noted
    • “expensive for amount”
    • “jar runs out fast”
    • “refill cost high”

Sources: lovi.care, ulta.com, sephora.com, macys.com, boots.com, shiseido.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Day Cream a great fit for oily skin?

This moisturizer is a great fit for your oily skin because it uses sodium hyaluronate and glycerin to hydrate and plump without feeling heavy. The formula is safe for your skin, as it lacks harsh ingredients and is unlikely to cause irritation.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

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

This cream is a great fit for your oily skin thanks to sodium hyaluronate and glycerin, which hydrate and plump skin effectively. These ingredients help boost moisture levels while keeping the formula gentle and safe for daily use.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

What does Hyaluronic Acid do for oily skin?

Hyaluronic acid helps oily skin by reducing extra oil and sebum production without causing irritation. Clinical studies show it successfully balances oil levels while keeping the skin comfortable.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017

What does Ethyl Ascorbic Acid do for oily skin?

Ethyl ascorbic acid helps protect skin cells from sun damage and fights redness and inflammation. For oily skin, this type of product needs antioxidants and lightweight protection that keeps pores clear without feeling heavy.

Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 2025

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

This moisturizer with SPF goes in the morning routine after your hydrating toner and before your sunscreen. It is safe for oily skin and unlikely to cause irritation.

Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?

Yes, you can use this cream with retinol by applying it after your retinol treatment to help keep your skin comfortable. Using a gentle moisturizer alongside retinoids is well supported by studies for reducing irritation and improving how well your skin handles the treatment.

Cutis, 2006Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012

How often should I use this cream?

Use this cream every morning as part of your daytime routine to keep your skin hydrated and protected. Daily use helps maintain moisture levels and is unlikely to cause irritation.

Health Science Reports, 2021Dermatology, 2003

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

This cream is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on oily skin because it has a safe formula that lacks harsh ingredients and poses no risk of irritation.

Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no fragrance and contains drying alcohol (sd alcohol 40-b and alcohol).

What the research says

  • 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
  • Topical sunscreen formulations containing caffeine combined with UV filters increased in vivo anti-UVB protection by approximately 25% and showed higher SPF values compared to caffeine-free sunscreen, while being well tolerated by the skin of healthy subjects.

    Frontiers in Physiology, 2019
  • Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011
  • Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.

    Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022
  • Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.

    BMC Oral Health, 2019
  • Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2003
  • Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.

    Journal of Periodontology, 2009
  • Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
  • Enzyme-modified ginseng extract cream significantly reduced the global photo-damage score and various roughness measures including total roughness, smoothness depth, and arithmetic roughness average compared to placebo in 23 human subjects.

    Rejuvenation Research, 2015
  • A red ginseng hydrogel formulation with 1,2-hexanediol promoted selective growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis and decreased Cutibacterium acnes in 20 female subjects.

    Journal of Ginseng Research, 2022
  • A 1% fermented black ginseng cream significantly reduced eye wrinkles and brightened skin color in twenty-three human subjects compared to control cream and baseline.

    Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A, 2020
  • A topical cosmetic slimming product containing tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine, caffeine, carnitine, forskolin and retinol significantly reduced body circumferences and improved skin aspect compared with placebo in 78 women over 12 weeks.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2011
  • Caffeine gel combined with choline geranate showed high skin permeation capacity and superior clinical results in cellulite treatment compared to caffeine gel without ionic liquid.

    AAPS PharmSciTech, 2021
  • Caffeine stimulates metabolic activity in hair follicles and acts as an antioxidant through adenosine pathway interactions, showing potential as an effective and safe management option for hair loss despite current study limitations.

    Molecules, 2025

Ingredients

Water, Sd Alcohol 40-B, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Peg-20, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Erythritol, Peg Ppg-14 7 Dimethyl Ether, Peg Ppg-17 4 Dimethyl Ether, Lauryl Betaine, Xanthan Gum, 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Caffeine, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Angelica Keiskei Stem Extract Leaf, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract, Pyrola Incarnata Extract, Behenyl Alcohol, Silica, Diglycerin, Polysilicone-11, Batyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3, Carbomer, Potassium Hydroxide, Peg-60 Glyceryl Isostearate, Alcohol, Tocopherol, Bht, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Metabisulfite, Isostearic Acid, Disodium Edta, Sodium Metaphosphate, Ppg-3 Dipivalate, Syzygium Jambos Leaf Extract, Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Iron Oxides

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our 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.

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product.

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.