The 20 Best Derm-Approved Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin
Looking for effective moisturizers, let alone the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin, is hard for everyone. But, no matter your skin type (even skin that tends to be oilier and predisposed to acne breakout), it is, indeed, possible to find the best face moisturizer that works for you.
Part of the challenge is that people with acne-prone skin do everything in their power to keep oiliness away. The thought process here is that moisturizers—some of which contain oil and can leave a greasy feeling on the skin—would cause more breakouts. However, dermatologists agree that moisturizing is an essential step in every skin-care routine, one that can even help soothe and prevent acne if done correctly. “It may seem counterintuitive, but oily skin types need a moisturizer in order for their complexion to stay healthy and balanced,” Joel Schlessinger, M.D., a dermatologist in Omaha, Nebraska, tells SELF.
How to pick a moisturizer for acne-prone skin
So what are the best skincare products for acne-prone skin? When it comes to finding the right moisturizer, keep in mind that not every moisturizer will work for your skin. There are a few key words to look for when shopping for an acne-friendly daily moisturizer. “You always want to look for an oil-free, noncomedogenic brand for acne,” New York City–based dermatologist Michele Green, M.D., tells SELF. If the product is noncomedogenic, that means it’s less likely to clog pores and, therefore, less likely to cause a breakout.
But not all acne-prone skin is oily (not to mention there are different types of acne). In fact, dry skin, normal skin, sensitive skin, basically any skin can be prone to breakouts as well. Acne causes can depend on all kinds of environmental, hormonal, and genetic factors. For those skin types, it’s still important to look for noncomedogenic acne treatment or facial cleansing products to avoid adding any more oil to the situation, but you’ll need to find a moisturizer that also addresses your skin’s other concerns, like dryness.
In order to get the lowdown on some great moisturizer options that won’t break you out, we turned to dermatologists to find out which products they consider the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin and how to moisturize your face. Read on to find a moisturizer that’ll leave your skin feeling hydrated—and never greasy.
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1La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
The Effaclar line from La Roche-Posay is a top pick among dermatologists. Note that this moisturizer (like any standard moisturizer) doesn’t have UVA or UVB protection—so you’ll need to layer sunscreen on top—but it’s great for oily skin, Sejal Shah, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City, tells SELF.
“I often recommend Effaclar Mat by La Roche-Posay because it mattifies skin and refines pores,” Tamara Lazic Strugar, M.D., associate clinical professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, tells SELF. "It’s also oil-free and non-comedogenic, which is great for acne-prone skin types."
2Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Dr. Strugar also recommends CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion to her patients, as it’s non-comedogenic, oil-free and fragrance-free, and provides SPF 30 protection. “This moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which provide hydration, and niacinamide, which helps decrease inflammation associated with acne or acne-treatments,” she explains.
3Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer SPF 15
“I really like Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer, because it’s very lightweight, non-comedogenic, and alcohol-free, so it won’t irritate acne-inflamed skin,” Rachel Nazarian, M.D., a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, tells SELF.
4Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer
“Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer is the perfect moisturizer for blemish-prone skin in the winter,” Dr. Nazarian explains. “The lightweight, non-greasy formula is rich in mineral and botanical extracts, including antioxidant green tea, to help soothe dry skin without clogging pores.”
6Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
If you have acne-prone skin that is also very sensitive, Dr. Green suggests this classic Cetaphil moisturizer. The product is a dermatologist favorite, non-comedogenic, and super affordable.
9Senté Dermal Repair Cream
While most dermatologists recommend using an oil-free moisturizer, Jason Emer, M.D., based in Los Angeles, tells SELF that “not all face oils can cause breakouts.” He recommends this noncomedogenic moisturizer, which has argan oil along with vitamins C and E.
10ROC Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 30
Julie Mervak, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, told SELF previously that this moisturizer containing SPF 30 is one she specifically recommends for those with oily, acne-prone skin.
11Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
This daily moisturizer with SPF 30 is a SELF editor favorite because of its light-yet-moisturizing formula. And it’s another of Dr. Mervak’s recommendations for oily, acne-prone skin.
12Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream
If your skin is on the oilier side, you might prefer a gel-based formula over a creamy one because gels generally feel less greasy and less suffocating on the skin. And, Dr. Mervak says, oily skin is most likely to get the benefits of a gel formula like this one.
13La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
If your acne-prone skin is also dry, be on the lookout for a moisturizer that contains ceramides, Temitayo A. Ogunleye, M.D., assistant professor of clinical dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, told SELF previously. Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and help seal in moisture. This moisturizer has ceramides as well as niacinamide, an ingredient that may help regulate the product of oil on the skin.
14Cerave Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Those with normal or combination type skin should look for a no-nonsense moisturizer, like those from CeraVe, Dr. Mervak says. But if the classic CeraVe moisturizer is a little too thick for you, this lighter version—which also contains SPF 30—may be just what you’re after.
16Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins
This gentle exfoliating night cream won a 2019 SELF Health Beauty Award for best product for oily and acne-prone skin. It also earned our dermatologists’ approval because it’s oil-free.
17Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer
Jerome Potozkin, M.D., previously recommended this hydrating moisturizer from Olay for anyone whose skin is both prone to acne and sensitive, calling it “a great moisturizer for sensitive, irritated skin prone to redness. Many of our acne patients enjoy this product. Another benefit is that this product is fragrance-free.”
19Cetaphil Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30
“For combination skin or oilier skin, I often recommend Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil-Absorbing Moisturizer,” Linda C. Chung Honet, M.D., FAAD, previously told SELF. “It has the ability to hydrate while its mattifying ingredients wick away surface oil and shine. It is ideal for patients who are suffering from acne and oilier skin, but still needing a moisturizer to mitigate against the drying effects of topical acne medications.”
20First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oil-Control Moisturizer
First Aid Beauty’s oil-control version of its standard (and much-adored) Ultra Repair Cream won a 2020 SELF Healthy Beauty Award for the best moisturizer for oily skin. With a lightweight formula that leaves skin feeling hydrated yet matte, it’s a nourishing addition to your acne-fighting skin care routine.
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