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The 16 best moisturizers for acne-prone skin in 2024, according to dermatologists
- Best overall
- Best drugstore
- Best for breakouts
- Best for dry skin
- Best for combination skin
- Best for sensitive skin
- Best hydrating
- Best for mattifying
- Best oily skin
- Best lightweight
- Best luxury
- Best for melanated skin
- Best for mature skin
- Best for dull skin
- Best tinted
- Best with SPF
- What to look for
- FAQs
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Everyone needs a good face moisturizer in their skincare regimen, no matter how many hydrating serums and active ingredients you use. It's a crucial skincare step for all skin types — especially dry skin and acne-prone skin — that thirst for the extra moisture to protect the skin barrier. There's a misconception that those with oily skin should avoid moisturizer, but doing so can actually cause your skin to produce more oil. For acne-prone skin, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nkem Ugonabo shares with Business Insider that she likes lightweight moisturizers that are non-comedogenic to avoid clogged pores on the skin but are hydrating enough to keep moisture levels in balance.
After sifting through all the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin, speaking with an expert, and testing a few selections ourselves, we're ready to crown the Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer as the overall best option. This lightweight moisturizer works well on all skin types and won't irritate with the nourishing formulation of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalene. With the low price tag, you can stock up on this moisturizer without breaking the bank, and the quickly-absorbing formula keeps skin flake-free in the winter and greasy-free in the summer. For when you're having particularly stubborn breakouts, Kiehl's Expertly Clear Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin with Salicylic Acid is a great treatment gel that dries out active pimples.
If you're looking to revamp your skincare routine, keep reading to discover more of the best face moisturizers for acne-prone skin that match your specific skin type and desired consistency.
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Our top 5 picks for the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin
This no-fuss moisturizer has a cult following for its ability to nourish sensitive skin without causing future breakouts.
This acne-treatment lotion applies like a thin gel and dries instantly to target current breakouts.
This thick gel-cream is designed to repair the skin barrier with three intense hydrators that absorb quickly to minimize overloading blemishes that may cause acne.
e.l.f. SKIN expands its roster with this calming water cream formulated to minimize blemishes and control excessive oil production, all at a drugstore price.
This K-beauty essential is a rich, dense cream that works to hydrate skin while helping its ability to absorb moisture. “Using this everyday has visibly improved my very dry skin,” says associate style editor Gabrielle Chase. “I never travel without it.”
Staff Pick
This no-fuss moisturizer has a cult following for its ability to nourish sensitive skin without causing future breakouts.
Stock up on this dermatologist-approved moisturizer that our expert, Dr. Ugonabo, also recommends for those with acne-prone skin. This moisturizer for acne-prone skin gets the "best overall" award from us for its simplistic formula that's free of parabens, fragrances, and pore-clogging ingredients like lanolin. All skin types can benefit from using this moisturizer, especially if the rest of your routine is already filled with nourishing ingredients (squalene, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides) with a creamy texture that softens the skin's barrier without product overload. You can apply this moisturizer twice daily (or whenever your skin thirsts for relief) without fearing irritation or looking like a greasy donut.
This acne-treatment lotion applies like a thin gel and dries instantly to target current breakouts.
Reduce blemishes with this targeted treatment infused with salicylic acid for surface acne, niacinamide for post-acne marks, and glycerin for moisture. After giving this acne treatment a test drive, this contributing writer can confirm that the thin texture may feel drying on some skin types and recommends using an additional moisturizer (like Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane) during cold months. During your day or night routine, apply a thin layer of this lightweight gel on the areas most affected by acne.
This thick gel-cream is designed to repair the skin barrier with three intense hydrators that absorb quickly to minimize overloading blemishes that may cause acne.
When it comes to the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin, you'll hear a lot about skin barrier health because it's really that important. For sensitive skin types easily irritated by thick creams or certain ingredients, pick up a bottle (or two) of the Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream from the Korean skincare brand Skin1004. The lightweight formula is non-sticky and sits smoothly on the skin without clumping or pilling with other layered products. Skin will feel nourished and stay moisturized, while the Centella asiatica extract (a known acne-fighting ingredient) cares for blemishes on and beneath the surface.
e.l.f. SKIN expands its roster with this calming water cream formulated to minimize blemishes and control excessive oil production, all at a drugstore price.
One of the more bothersome (beauty-centric) feelings is unpacking from a long day of travel only to realize you're almost out of your favorite moisturizer (or worse; you left it at home). Whenever in doubt, and if you're looking for an inexpensive option, go to your closest drugstore or pharmacy and seek out e.l.f. Specifically, reach for this lightweight moisturizer that applies like a water cream to quickly absorb into the skin while leaving the face soft. A balance of salicylic acid, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid makes up this green-colored acne moisturizer to control excessive sebum production, prevent new blemishes, and even out the skin tone.
Staff Pick
This K-beauty essential is a rich, dense cream that works to hydrate skin while helping its ability to absorb moisture. “Using this everyday has visibly improved my very dry skin,” says associate style editor Gabrielle Chase. “I never travel without it.”
"I've been wearing this to treat my dry skin almost daily for the past year, and it's the only face cream that helps my face feel hydrated for days at a time," says Gabrielle Chase, associate style editor. A key ingredient in the Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream is its high-density ceramides, which when synthesized, can boost your skin's ability to retain moisture. It also contains palmitic acid, which builds up the lipid barrier of your skin to protect it from bacteria.
"If you're like me and prone to hormonal acne flare-ups, this cream is safe and comfortable to wear even when breaking out," says Chase. For chronic acne, Aestura has a Theracne collection infused with hylauronic acid and zinc.
Read more about this K-beauty best-seller in our full Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream review.
Staff Pick
This oil-free moisturizer is ideal for dry skin that needs help with firming and plumping with a medium-weight cream that instantly nourishes.
After testing this moisturizer in the dead of winter, Business Insider's Associate Style & Beauty Editor, Gabrielle Chase, was impressed after two uses (morning and night) of this creamy moisturizer. "This medium-weight, non-greasy formula is completely oil-free, so it's safe to wear if you're prone to hormonal breakouts like I am. It also didn't congest the clogged pores on my nose in the slightest. You may need to use a few extra pumps to get a longer-lasting effect, but it's gentle enough to layer on," shares Chase. This moisturizer from Shani Darden softens the skin with Hydrosella, peptides, and squalene for an oil-free formulation that leaves skin perfectly balanced between moisturized and soothed for acne treatment.
This intensive moisturizer offers 120 hours of hydration and is designed for dry, sensitive skin.
If your acne skincare routine includes salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or retinol, your complexion is probably thirsty for hydration. Combat dehydration with this moisturizer from Laneige that nourishes skin to minimize irritation and strengthen the complexion. Hero ingredients squalene and hyaluronic acid offer skin-softening abilities to promote a healthy skin barrier with each use. The rich texture absorbs quickly with the water-like consistency that melts into the skin as it's massaged across the face.
This oily-skin-approved face moisturizer helps eliminate excess oil, shine, and the appearance of pores. It’s also non-comedogenic and dermatologist- and allergist-tested; as such, it’s suitable for sensitive skin, too.
Since oily skin is prone to acne, you'll want to avoid heavy skincare products that clog your pores and leave your skin looking shiny. That's where this mattifying moisturizer from La Roche-Posay comes in with the formulation of zinc pidolate to neutralize excessive oils on the face without drying out the skin. Skin will feel hydrated after each use, and blemishes can heal without causing more.
Staff Pick
This hydrating gel cream promotes plump, healthy skin while the slightly matte finish keeps shine at bay.
The last thing oily skin types need is an oily moisturizer clogging pores and causing more blemishes in its wake. And to confirm what you've probably heard before, yes, oily skin types need moisturizer. That's why this gel cream from Gen-Z's beloved brand Dieux Skin is one of the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin and is a top pick in our guide on the best moisturizers for oily skin. Its jelly-like texture wraps skin in glycerin, ceramides, and amino acids to plump and firm skin without flooding an already oily complexion. Our testers praised this moisturizer for its lightweight texture that quickly absorbs into the skin while keeping the complexion hydrated and flake-free, even in below-freezing temperatures.
This light, non-sticky cream will quickly absorb into the skin without leaving acne-prone skin dry or irritated.
COSRX takes acne care seriously — looking at you Acne Pimple Master Patch, a Tik-Tok obsessed product —so it's no shock that their moisturizers are also made for acne-prone skin. This lightweight formula is one of the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin because of its ability to help soothe and treat acne without a thick formula coating the skin. The brand's formulation of Centella Asiatica recovers the skin without irritation, while the lightweight formula calms sensitive skin.
This soothing emulsion is formulated as a rich cream to create lasting hydration while replenishing the skin barrier.
Treat yourself to an upscale skincare routine with this luxury skincare from the truly iconic brand Erno Laszlo, which has been connecting the science of skincare and skin health since 1927. All skin types can benefit from this lightweight cream that minimizes dryness with the ceramide-rich formulation. However, sensitive skin types will especially appreciate the soothing natural ingredients of red sage, ginger, and Bisabolol (German chamomile). Housed in a thick glass bottle with an easy-touch pump, you'll want to keep this luxury skincare item on display like the star-studded clientele of Erno Laszlo probably did (and do).
This day cream is rich in texture to provide intense hydration without a greasy residue, while the added niacinamide helps reduce dark spots like acne marks.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), melanated skin is prone to dark spots and hyperpigmentation due to blemishes and other forms of acne. If you're dealing with post-acne marks from picking at pimples or sun spots from extended sun exposure, add this rich facial cream to your daily routine. Grown Alchemist designed this moisturizer for all skin types; however, those with melanated skin will appreciate the added niacinamide to reduce dark spots along with the moisturizing reishi mushroom and antioxidants to protect skin from free radicals produced by UV rays. Skin will feel nourished throughout the day as the skin barrier is replenished with nutrients after consistent use.
This subtly exfoliating moisturizer is made for all skin types; however, those with mature skin will appreciate the added bakuchiol that refines pores and fine lines.
Not only is the CLEARstem facial cream a favorite of this contributing writer, but folks on TikTok are also praising this formula as one of the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin. Its thin and lightweight formula soothes redness as the bakuchiol promotes cell turnover for a brighter, more even texture. While anti-aging isn't real, the added bakuchiol (retinol alternative), squalene, and ceramides brighten and plump the skin, giving the appearance of a youthful complexion.
This alcohol-free moisturizer applies like a lightweight cream as the ingredients brighten, plump, and soften the complexion.
Dull skin can happen to anyone, especially if you don't care for your skin after exposing it to everyday environmental stressors like smoke, humidity, and UV rays. Remedy this with a hydrating moisturizer, like this one from Peace Out Skincare, to lock in moisture for a healthy barrier, protected from the elements. After the first use, you'll notice skin feeling softer and more hydrated thanks to the added ceramides and squalene. And with continued use, redness and blemishes are reduced with the help of the added bakuchiol. Don't forget to wash your face daily to keep skin dullness away. Pair this moisturizer with the Peace Out Skincare Blemish Balm, one of the best pimple patches for recurrent pimples, for an acne-fighting duo.
Ami Colé enters the skincare category with this tinted moisturizer that applies like a foundation for coverage but with hydrating skincare ingredients.
Makeup infused with skincare, like this tinted moisturizer, has gained popularity in the beauty industry, with more and more shoppers opting for a combination product to streamline their routine. This moisturizer from Black-owned beauty brand Ami Colé, is formulated with enriching ingredients like baobab seed extract to hydrate the skin, pumpkin seed extract to calm the skin, and hibiscus flower extract to protect the skin from free radicals (unstable atoms that damage the skin). With six skin-enhancing shades, this moisturizer works for various skin tones while covering blemishes without a cakey texture clogging pores.
PanOxyl is a household name for acne and this SPF moisturizer combines two steps in one to avoid pore-clogging layering while protecting skin from the sun’s UV rays.
Reach for this oil control SPF moisturizer on the extra hot days that may leave you sweating off your regular sunscreen. The combination of broad-spectrum sunscreen with skin-loving ingredients makes this moisturizer a go-to for those who prefer fewer skincare layers but still need sun protection. Remember, everyone needs sunscreen daily, and this moisturizer protects from UV rays without leaving behind a white cast. Acne-prone skin will appreciate the quickly absorbing formulation of hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to keep skin nourished without irritating any existing blemishes.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
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