Ceramide Moisturiser for Oily Skin: Do Oily Skin Types Need One?
Updated November 1, 2026 · 2 sources
Yes, oily skin can still use a moisturiser. Oily skin makes more surface oil, but oil and water are not the same thing, and skin can feel tight or dry after cleansing even when it looks shiny later in the day. A ceramide moisturiser applies lipids similar to the skin's own to the surface. Epidora Barrier Repair Moisturiser contains ceramides, cholesterol, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Use a small amount, after your serum, morning and night.
Oil vs hydration
It helps to separate two ideas:
- Oil (sebum) is made by glands in the skin. Oily skin makes more of it, which shows up as shine.
- Hydration is about water held in the skin’s outer layer.
The outer layer of skin holds water partly thanks to lipids between the cells, and ceramides are a major one. A review in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology describes ceramides as the main lipid in these layers and says they play an essential role in the skin’s water barrier.* [1] That barrier is part of every skin type, oily skin included.
Why oily skin types still use moisturiser
- Cleansing can leave skin tight. Washing an oily face, especially more than twice a day, can leave it feeling dry and uncomfortable.
- A serum step fits inside a full routine. If you use a niacinamide serum, a moisturiser after it keeps the routine comfortable.
- The barrier isn’t about shine. Ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids form the skin’s lipid barrier regardless of how oily the surface looks.* [1]
What a ceramide moisturiser adds
Epidora Barrier Repair Moisturiser contains a Ceramide Complex (3 ceramides + cholesterol), plus:
- Hyaluronic acid, a humectant that holds water in the skin’s surface layers.
- Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3. In lab studies, nicotinamide (niacinamide) increased the production of ceramides and other barrier lipids in skin cells, and applying it to skin raised ceramide levels in the outer layer.* [2] That research was not done on Epidora products.
This was a lab study on skin cells and did not test a skincare strength. These studies did not test Epidora products.
- Allantoin, a skin-conditioning ingredient.
- Licorice root extract, a plant extract.
- Vitamin E, for antioxidant support.
It contains fragrance. The full ingredient list is on the pack.
Who it suits
- Amount: start with a small, pea-size amount; use a little more on areas that feel tight.
- Check first: if you react to fragrance, read the full ingredient list.
- Ask your doctor: if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or under a doctor’s care for a skin condition.
How oily skin should use it
- Cleanse and pat dry.
- Apply 2–3 drops of Epidora Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1% Serum.
- Take a small amount of moisturiser, about pea-size to start, and smooth it onto your face and neck.
- In the morning, finish with Epidora Sunscreen as the last step.
If it feels like too much, use less, rather than skipping it.
More detail: How to Use a Ceramide Moisturiser for Face and Skincare Routine for Oily Skin.
Common worries
"Moisturiser will make my face oilier." Moisturiser and oil are different things: a moisturiser adds water-holding ingredients and lipids to the surface. If your face feels heavy after applying it, use a smaller amount rather than dropping the step.
"I’ll just use a serum and skip moisturiser." The serum and moisturiser have different jobs. The serum carries the main actives; the moisturiser adds water-holding ingredients and barrier lipids to the skin’s surface.
"Humid weather means I don’t need it." Keep the step, but adjust the amount. Many people use less in the morning in humid months.
Frequently asked questions
When should oily skin use moisturiser, morning or night? Both. Use it after your serum in the morning and at night.
How much is enough for oily skin? Start with about a pea-size amount for the face and neck. Add a little only if skin still feels tight.
Can I use it on the T-zone? Yes, in a thinner layer than on drier areas.
Where does makeup go? After sunscreen, once it has settled.
Mistakes to avoid
- Skipping moisturiser entirely.
- Using a large amount.
- Washing your face many times a day to remove shine.
- Applying moisturiser on top of sunscreen.
Pairs with
- Epidora Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1% Serum: before the moisturiser.
- Epidora Sunscreen: after the moisturiser, as the last morning step.
Read more about ceramides in Ceramide Cream for Face.
Saved on this device. View wishlist on epidora.in (separate list there).
Precautions
Patch test before first use. Contains fragrance. For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Stop if irritation persists. Avoid if you are allergic to any listed ingredient. See a doctor if a skin problem is persistent, painful, spreading or getting worse.
Published research on these ingredients (not studies of Epidora products)
- Coderch L, López O, de la Maza A, Parra JL. Ceramides and skin function. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2003;4(2):107-29. PMID 12553851. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12553851/ doi:10.2165/00128071-200304020-00004
- Tanno O, et al. Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier. Br J Dermatol. 2000;143(3):524-31. PMID 10971324. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10971324/ doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2000.03705.x
*Ingredient results from published studies. Results may vary with skin type and routine.