If you’re battling acne, there are some skincare products you should avoid, but there’s one you shouldn’t miss: moisturizer.
However, it can be difficult to find a moisturizer that’s good for acne-prone skin and won’t clog pores, cause irritation, or leave your skin feeling tight or greasy.
“Look for moisturizers that are labeled oil-free or noncomedogenic, as they’re less likely to clog pores,” advises Dr. Marie V. Hayag, a dermatologist at Fifth Avenue Aesthetic Medical Center. Choosing a quality moisturizer for acne-prone skin is especially important if you use products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which can dry out your complexion.
According to Dr. Hayag, water-based products contain humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. She also suggests looking for soothing ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and green tea.
So how do you know which cream, gel, or lotion is best?
We spent hours researching the most popular and best-selling products, poring over customer reviews, and taking advice from Seeked Dr. Hayag to find out.
Keep scrolling to find the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin.
1. Murad Clear Oil-Free Hydro-Gel
When it comes to caring for acne-prone skin, Murad is a trusted brand you can count on. That’s why our favorite is the Clear Hydro-Gel, an ultra-light, non-comedogenic formula.
It hydrates the skin with hyaluronic acid, heals and soothes with ginger root extract, and curbs breakouts with very gentle salicylic acid.
We also love that this oil-free moisturizer contains Korean red pine extract, a natural antimicrobial that inhibits the spread of acne-causing bacteria.
2. Best Value: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion:
Are you on a budget? Then opt for Selevi. Oil-free and non-comedogenic, this dermatologist-recommended lotion contains essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin for light hydration.
3. Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Unscented Moisturizing Lotion: At the drugstore, Cetaphil is everywhere.
This large pump bottle is packed with skincare ingredients like niacinamide (vitamin B3), vitamin E, and glycerin.
Although it contains a small amount of plant oil, it is said to even out skin tone and reduce oil production.
4. Best SPF: EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46: Board-certified dermatologist Martha H. Viera, MD, FAAD, advises moisturizing with sunscreen: “Avoid heavy oils that can clog your pores.”
She recommends EltaMD UV Clear, a non-comedogenic formula with an invisible SPF 46.
5. Best Skincare: Tula Breakout Star Acne-Fighting Moisturizer: Tula Breakout Star contains a high-potency salicylic acid BHA (beta hydroxy acid), according to doctors.
Hayag is one of the best ingredients for treating acne. 3 “It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and helps exfoliate the skin,” she explained to Byrdie.
6. Best Skincare: 111Skin Y Theorem Day Cream Light NAC Y2:
Sure, it’s expensive, but just one pump of 111Skin Y Theorem Day Cream Light NAC Y2 (a lightweight version of the brand’s best-selling day cream) is enough to moisturize your entire face.
Ingredients include hyaluronic acid to enhance hydration, niacinamide to reduce inflammation, and antioxidants to form a barrier and protect the skin from irritation.
In addition, the product contains a patented complex called NAC Y2, which 111Skin says reduces the effects of environmental damage.
Rather than clogging pores, the formula plumps the skin and smoothes fine lines.
7. Best Korean Beauty: CosRx AC Collection Light Soothing Moisturizer: Our growing Korean beauty brand CosRx Light Soothing Moisturizer is a nourishing cream that balances acne-prone skin.
It provides light hydration and contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like propolis, green tea, aloe vera, and allantoin.
8. Best Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer for Mornings: Use Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer in the mornings.
This cruelty-free, lightweight lotion comes in a clear finish and provides broad-spectrum SPF 15 protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
9. Best Paula’s Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer for Afternoon: For your evening skincare routine, we recommend Paula’s Choice Clear.
This oil-free moisturizer is enriched with ceramides, humectants, licorice root extract, and niacinamide to soothe, hydrate, and refresh acne-prone skin.
10. Best Mattifying Fluid: Caudalie Vinopure Hydrating Mattifying Fluid:
We also love Caudalie Vinopure, an oil-controlling lotion that hydrates and absorbs oil at the same time to balance acne-prone skin.
What’s the secret? Squalene is extracted from olives and is a natural skin oil. The theory behind it is that when skin gets squalene, it produces less squalene.
11. Best Moisturizer: Tatcha Water Cream: This moisturizer from Japan’s favorite skincare brand is a great moisturizer for dry, acne-prone skin.
The oil-free formula contains a nourishing and soothing blend of green tea, seaweed, hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts.
12. Best Resurfacing Product: ROSEN Skincare Tropics Moisturizer. Rose Tropics Moisturizer contains bromelain to gently exfoliate and fight dead skin cells and uneven skin texture.
The lightweight formula also provides light hydration and brightening kojic acid for a radiant complexion.
13. Best Soothing Product: Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Restoring Cream. If you suffer from red, reactive skin, Avène Tolerance Control is the best choice.
The brand’s highlight is mineral-rich thermal water, which is proven to reduce inflammation while also having healing and moisturizing properties.
14. Best Blackhead Removal Tip: Origins Clear Improvement Pore Clearing Moisturizer. Are you troubled by blackheads?
Thanks to a blend of bamboo charcoal and salicylic acid, Origins Clear Improvement reliably unclogs pores and dissolves sebum while preventing new skin blemishes from forming.
15. Best Gel: Basic Butter Radiant Face Jelly If you prefer gels, Radiant Face Jelly is the one for you.
While this natural moisturizer contains some plant oils, it’s formulated to balance oil production without clogging pores.
Your complexion will be hydrated and moisturized without feeling greasy or shiny.
16. Best for mature skin: Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer. Formulated for acne-prone skin, this oil-free moisturizer absorbs quickly and hydrates without feeling greasy.
Amino acids help eliminate fine lines, while algae extract firms mature skin.
