Mattifying Moisturizer
Mattifying Moisturizer
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, fast-absorbing gel-cream moisturizer that delivers daily hydration while mattifying shine. Formulated with silica and dimethicone crosspolymer to control excess oil, this fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula is designed for combination to oily skin but suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Oil-Mattifying Formula
Silica and dimethicone crosspolymer work together to absorb excess sebum and keep skin looking beautifully matte all day long.
Texture & feel
SENSORYOil-Mattifying Formula
Silica and dimethicone crosspolymer work together to absorb excess sebum and keep skin looking beautifully matte all day long.
Lightweight Hydration
Glycerin delivers deep hydration without heaviness. 95% of women in an independent study agree this moisturizer feels lightweight on skin.
Perfect Makeup Base
Wears beautifully under makeup with no pilling or balling. Creates a smooth, mattified canvas for flawless foundation application.
Gentle & Minimal Formula
Only 16 ingredients. No fragrance, parabens, or common irritants. Tested for skin irritancy and allergy, suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Free from ferments, fatty acids (C11-C24), esters, and polysorbates. Silicone and glycerin-based formula does not feed malassezia yeast.
Contains no pore-clogging oils or waxes. Officially labeled non-comedogenic by the brand and dermatologist tested.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free (no denatured alcohol), and tested for both skin irritancy and allergy. Minimal ingredient list reduces risk of reactions.
Dimethicone and dimethicone crosspolymer provide mattifying and smoothing effects. Generally well-tolerated but some individuals may prefer silicone-free options.
A widely-used preservative considered safe at concentrations up to 1% by the EU Scientific Committee. Present here in standard preservative amounts.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerin ~5-10%Proven
A powerful humectant naturally found in the skin. Draws moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to keep the surface hydrated. Listed as the second ingredient, indicating a significant concentration.
- Research: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and even hyaluronic acid.
- Function: Humectant, skin protectant, and moisture barrier support.
- Safety: Naturally occurring in skin, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic. Widely considered one of the safest cosmetic ingredients.
Dimethicone ~3-5%Proven
A synthetic silicone derived from natural quartz that creates a breathable, protective barrier on the skin. Smooths texture, fills fine lines, and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
- Function: Emollient, skin protectant, and texture enhancer that gives a silky smooth feel.
- Mattifying: Helps control surface oil and creates a velvety matte finish.
- Safety: FDA-approved for use in cosmetics and OTC skin protectants. Non-comedogenic in standard concentrations.
Silica ~2-4%Proven
A naturally occurring mineral (silicon dioxide) used as a fine, porous powder. The key mattifying agent in this formula that absorbs excess oil and keeps skin shine-free throughout the day.
- Function: Oil absorber, mattifier, and texture enhancer that improves spreadability.
- Mechanism: Porous, spherical structure absorbs sebum at the skin surface without disrupting hydration levels underneath.
- Bonus: Also acts as a soft-focus agent that scatters light to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer ~1-2%Promising
An advanced cross-linked silicone elastomer that provides a unique silky, powdery finish. Works synergistically with silica to enhance oil absorption and extend the matte effect.
- Function: Texture enhancer, mattifier, and formula stabilizer.
- Feel: Creates the characteristic lightweight, bouncy gel-cream texture of this product.
Hydroxyacetophenone <1%Promising
A multifunctional ingredient that serves as both an antioxidant and a preservative booster. Helps protect the formula and skin from free radical damage while extending product stability.
- Function: Antioxidant protection, preservative enhancer, and skin conditioning.
- Safety: Considered gentle and well-tolerated, suitable for sensitive skin formulations.
16 ingredients
Water/Eau/Aqua, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Silica, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Decylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Potassium Hydroxide
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and night after cleansing and toning. Apply before sunscreen in the AM. Pairs well with the Mary Kay Mattifying Cleanser for a complete mattifying routine.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Start with a clean canvas. Use the Mary Kay Mattifying Cleanser or your preferred gentle cleanser to remove impurities and excess oil.
Apply Toner (Optional)
If you use a toner, apply it now and allow it to fully absorb before proceeding to the moisturizer.
Dispense & Apply
Squeeze a dime-sized amount onto your fingertips. Gently smooth the gel-cream over your entire face and neck using upward, outward motions.
Allow to Absorb
Wait about 30 seconds for the formula to fully absorb and set. Your skin should feel smooth, hydrated, and matte to the touch.
Follow with SPF or Makeup
In the morning, follow with sunscreen. This moisturizer wears beautifully under makeup as a mattifying primer base.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have combination to oily skin that gets shiny throughout the day
- You want a lightweight moisturizer that doesn't feel greasy
- You need a mattifying base under makeup
- You have sensitive skin and need a fragrance-free option
- You prefer a simple, minimal ingredient list
- You're looking for a pregnancy-safe and fungal-acne-safe moisturizer
- You want an affordable, no-fuss daily moisturizer
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin and need intense hydration or occlusive ingredients
- You're looking for active ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid
- You prefer silicone-free skincare formulations
- You want anti-aging benefits like peptides or retinol
- You need SPF in your moisturizer
- You prefer natural or organic-only ingredient formulas
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThis is the target skin type. Silica and dimethicone crosspolymer absorb excess sebum and keep skin mattified for hours without feeling dry.
Balances T-zone oiliness while glycerin provides hydration to drier cheek areas. Lightweight enough not to overwhelm any zone.
Fragrance-free, allergy tested, and irritancy tested with only 16 gentle ingredients. Specifically designed and approved for sensitive skin.
Non-comedogenic and oil-free formula won't trigger breakouts. No active acne-fighting ingredients, but won't aggravate existing acne.
Provides basic hydration via glycerin but lacks richer emollients, ceramides, or occlusives. Best layered with a hydrating serum underneath for dry skin types.
A solid lightweight daily moisturizer. Normal skin types may prefer something with more active ingredients for added skincare benefits.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Instant Matte Finish
Skin feels hydrated yet visibly matte within seconds of application. The gel-cream absorbs quickly leaving a smooth, non-greasy surface perfect for makeup.
95% noticed lightweight feelReduced Daytime Shine
With consistent twice-daily use, you should notice that your skin stays mattified longer throughout the day with less need for blotting or touch-ups.
80% noticed less midday shineBalanced, Healthier-Looking Skin
Skin's moisture balance improves as glycerin supports the skin barrier. Oil production may begin to normalize as skin no longer overcompensates for dehydration.
75% noticed improved skin balanceLong-Term Matte Comfort
Consistent use helps maintain a healthier moisture-oil balance. Makeup wears better and skin appears smoother with a natural matte finish throughout the day.
70% reported improved makeup wearRatings by platform
180+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely lightweight and fast-absorbing — 95% of women agree it feels lightweight
- Excellent matte finish without drying out the skin
- Fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin
- Wears beautifully under makeup with no pilling
- Minimal ingredient list (only 16 ingredients) reduces irritation risk
- Good Housekeeping Seal of approval
- Affordable at $20 for a 3 oz tube
- Safe for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fungal acne
- 37% post-consumer recycled packaging
Criticized
- No active ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid
- Mattifying effect may not last all day for extremely oily skin
- Only available through Mary Kay consultants — not in drugstores
- No SPF protection included
- May not provide enough hydration for dry skin types
- Contains silicones which some users prefer to avoid
- Lacks anti-aging or brightening benefits
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESVery similar mattifying gel-cream concept with silica-based oil absorption. Adds ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid for added skin benefits. Also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. Widely available at drugstores.
Lightweight gel-based hydrator with hyaluronic acid. Focuses more on hydration than mattifying. Finish is more dewy than matte but still lightweight and non-greasy. Contains fragrance in the original version.
French pharmacy mattifying moisturizer with sebulyse technology for pore-tightening. More targeted oil-control formula but at a higher price point. Contains micro-exfoliating LHA for added anti-acne benefits.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
36 MONTHS36 months after opening
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required.
Squeeze tube with screw cap. 37% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic as part of Mary Kay's sustainability commitment.
Yes — 3 oz size is TSA-compliant for carry-on luggage. Tube format is leak-resistant and easy to pack.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This moisturizer contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients flagged as concerning during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The formula is based on water, glycerin, silicones, and silica — all of which are considered safe. However, always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your skincare routine during pregnancy.
Yes. This formula is fungal acne safe. It does not contain fermented ingredients, fatty acids (C11-C24), esters, polysorbates, or oils that feed the malassezia yeast responsible for fungal acne. The silicone and glycerin-based formula makes it one of the safer options for those dealing with pityrosporum folliculitis.
Yes. Since this moisturizer contains no active exfoliants or treatment ingredients, it pairs well with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Apply your active treatment first, allow it to absorb, then follow with this moisturizer. The gentle, soothing formula can actually help buffer irritation from stronger actives. If using retinol at night, apply the moisturizer after the retinol has absorbed.
This moisturizer is specifically designed for combination to oily skin types. It excels at controlling excess oil and shine while providing lightweight hydration. It's also excellent for sensitive skin due to its minimal, fragrance-free formula. Those with dry skin may find it insufficient on its own but can layer it over a hydrating serum. It's suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.
The mattifying effect is immediate — you'll notice a smooth, matte finish within seconds of application. For longer-term oil control benefits and improved skin balance, most users report noticeable differences within 1-2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. By the 4-week mark, your skin's overall oil production may become more balanced.
Apply this moisturizer as the last step of your skincare routine before sunscreen and makeup. The typical order is: cleanser, toner, serum/treatment, then this moisturizer. In the morning, follow with sunscreen. It also works as a mattifying primer base directly under foundation.
No. This product is officially labeled non-comedogenic by Mary Kay and has been dermatologist tested. It has a comedogenic rating of 0/5, meaning none of its ingredients are known to clog pores. The oil-free, silicone-based formula sits on the skin surface without penetrating into pores. It's safe for acne-prone skin.
This product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 36 months (3 years), which is exceptionally long for a skincare product. The preservative system (phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, ethylhexylglycerin) keeps the formula stable and safe for extended use. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight for best results.
Verdict: Mary Kay Mattifying Moisturizer is a solid, no-frills gel-cream that does exactly what it promises: lightweight hydration with a matte finish. Its greatest strengths are its minimal 16-ingredient formula, impressive safety profile (pregnancy safe, fungal acne safe, non-comedogenic), and genuinely comfortable texture that 95% of women find lightweight. At $6.67/oz, it offers good value. Where it falls short is in the active ingredients department — competitors like CeraVe include ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid at a lower price. Best for those who want a simple, gentle mattifying moisturizer without unnecessary additives, and an excellent choice for sensitive or reactive skin types who can't tolerate complex formulas.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 3 |
Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 0 |
Silica
Absorbent, Abrasive
|
|






