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Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream

This gel-cream moisturizer is designed to mattify and smooth skin, making it a great option for those who struggle with excess oil and visible pores. It also works well as a primer, preparing the skin for makeup application.

Sephora price

$26.00

Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.

Sephora reviews

4.3 / 5

About 103 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

Cruelty-FreeNiacinamideBest for Oily SkinVeganGlycerin: Hydrates.Customized Power Primers: Create a smooth base for makeup.Willow Bark Extract: Smooths skin.PoresUneven Textureand Oiliness

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

4.2 / 5 overall fit

A lightweight, mattifying moisturizer that doubles as a makeup primer, ideal for oily and combination skin types.

Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream

Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026

Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.

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What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

A priming moisturizer that mattifies skin and visibly minimizes pores without drying you out or leaving a tight, powdery finish.

NormalCombinationand OilyPoresUneven Textureand Oiliness

Massage into skin after cleansing in the morning and at night.

Use as a primer/moisturizer before applying makeup.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

A solid choice for oily and combination skin that needs shine control and a smooth canvas for makeup. It delivers on its promises without over-drying.

Makeup wear

Many users appreciate how this moisturizer improves makeup application and longevity, noting a smoother finish and less oil breakthrough.

Comfortable wear

Despite its mattifying claims, reviewers find it comfortable to wear all day, without the tight or dry feeling some mattifying products can cause.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

  • Oily and combination skin
  • Anyone seeking a mattifying moisturizer
  • Users looking for a makeup primer and moisturizer in one

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

  • You have very dry or dehydrated skin
  • You prefer rich, emollient moisturizers

Routine fit

Where this fits in your routine

Apply this moisturizer after cleansing and any treatment serums. It can be used both in the morning and at night. In the morning, it serves as both your moisturizer and a primer for makeup.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.

What it actually does well

  • Mattifying effect
  • Minimizes the appearance of pores
  • Works well as a makeup primer
  • Lightweight texture

Where it starts to feel redundant

  • May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin
  • The priming effect might be redundant if you don't wear makeup

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning and Night

Suitable for both morning and evening routines. As a morning step, it preps skin for makeup. At night, it provides oil-balancing hydration.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.2/ 5 overall

A lightweight, mattifying moisturizer that doubles as a makeup primer, ideal for oily and combination skin types.

Texture

4.5 / 5

The gel-cream texture is refreshing and absorbs quickly, leaving a smooth, matte finish.

Oil Control

4.3 / 5

Effectively controls shine throughout the day without making skin feel tight or dry.

Priming Ability

4.4 / 5

Creates an excellent base for makeup, helping it to apply smoothly and last longer.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Solvent

Water/Aqua/Eau

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base of the formulation.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

Draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.

Usually helps with

Dryness, hydration

Watch for

Film Former

Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps to create a smooth, matte finish and absorb excess oil.

Usually helps with

Mattifying, smoothing

Watch for

Humectant/Solvent

Propanediol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A hydrating ingredient that also helps other ingredients penetrate the skin.

Usually helps with

Hydration, penetration

Watch for

Exfoliant/Antioxidant

Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract

Badness

2.0 / 10

Contains natural AHAs to help gently exfoliate and improve skin texture.

Usually helps with

Texture, tone

Watch for

Potential for mild irritation in sensitive skin

Humectant/Preservative Booster

Pentylene Glycol

Badness

0.0 / 10

Adds hydration and helps preserve the formula.

Usually helps with

Hydration, preservation

Watch for

Absorbent

Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps to absorb oil and create a smooth, matte finish.

Usually helps with

Mattifying, oil absorption

Watch for

Skin Conditioning

Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract

Badness

2.0 / 10

A fermented ingredient that can help improve skin hydration and barrier function.

Usually helps with

Hydration, barrier support

Watch for

Active

Niacinamide

Badness

2.0 / 10

Helps to regulate oil production, minimize the appearance of pores, and improve skin tone.

Usually helps with

Oiliness, pores, tone

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated, but some may experience mild flushing or irritation

Absorbent

Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

A natural ingredient that can help absorb excess oil.

Usually helps with

Oil absorption

Watch for

Emollient/Occlusive

Dimethicone

Badness

1.0 / 10

Provides a smooth feel and can help create a barrier on the skin.

Usually helps with

Smoothing, barrier

Watch for

Can feel heavy for some, may clog pores for acne-prone individuals

Exfoliant

Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract

Badness

3.0 / 10

Contains natural salicylates (similar to salicylic acid) that can help exfoliate and smooth skin.

Usually helps with

Texture, pores

Watch for

Can cause irritation or dryness in sensitive skin

Thickener/Emollient

Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to thicken the formula and provide a smooth feel.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

Emollient

Squalane

Badness

0.0 / 10

A moisturizing ingredient that mimics the skin's natural oils, providing hydration without greasiness.

Usually helps with

Hydration, softening

Watch for

Antioxidant/Preservative Booster

Hydroxyacetophenone

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps to protect the formula and boost preservative efficacy.

Usually helps with

Preservation

Watch for

Emollient

Isononyl Isononanoate

Badness

1.0 / 10

Provides a smooth, non-greasy feel on the skin.

Usually helps with

Smoothing

Watch for

Emulsifier/Thickener

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to stabilize the formula and create a pleasant texture.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

Thickener

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to thicken the product and improve its texture.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

Emulsifier

Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to blend oil and water ingredients.

Usually helps with

Emulsification

Watch for

pH Adjuster

Potassium Hydroxide

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the product.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

Thickener

Carbomer

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to thicken the product and create a gel-like consistency.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

Emulsifier/Preservative Booster

Glyceryl Caprylate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to emulsify ingredients and boost the preservative system.

Usually helps with

Emulsification, preservation

Watch for

Thickener

Glyceryl Polyacrylate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to thicken the product.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

Antioxidant

Tocopherol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A form of Vitamin E that helps protect the skin from environmental damage.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant protection

Watch for

Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to blend oil and water ingredients.

Usually helps with

Emulsification

Watch for

Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-4 Cocoate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to blend oil and water ingredients.

Usually helps with

Emulsification

Watch for

Chelating Agent

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.

Usually helps with

Formula stability

Watch for

Emulsifier

Polysorbate 60

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps to mix oil and water ingredients.

Usually helps with

Emulsification

Watch for

Emulsifier

Sorbitan Isostearate

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps to mix oil and water ingredients.

Usually helps with

Emulsification

Watch for

Preservative/Exfoliant

Sodium Salicylate

Badness

3.0 / 10

A salt of salicylic acid, it can help preserve the formula and offer mild exfoliation.

Usually helps with

Preservation, mild exfoliation

Watch for

Potential for irritation, especially in sensitive skin

Humectant/Preservative Booster

1,2-Hexanediol

Badness

0.0 / 10

Adds hydration and helps preserve the formula.

Usually helps with

Hydration, preservation

Watch for

Humectant/Preservative Booster

Caprylyl Glycol

Badness

0.0 / 10

Adds hydration and helps preserve the formula.

Usually helps with

Hydration, preservation

Watch for

Compare before you buy

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this moisturizer good for oily skin?

Yes, this moisturizer is specifically formulated for oily and combination skin types, offering a mattifying effect and oil control.

Can I use this as a makeup primer?

Absolutely. The product is designed to double as a primer, creating a smooth, matte base for makeup application.

Will this dry out my skin?

While it mattifies, it contains hydrating ingredients like Glycerin and Squalane to prevent over-drying. However, very dry skin types might need additional hydration.