It could seem contradictory if the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin are suggested. Since most acne treatments might leave your skin dehydrated, dermatologists recommend using a moisturizer. It helps soothe irritated skin and prevent skin breakage. In addition, the right ingredients in the cream will help reduce sebum production and replenish the skin, making it look fresh and glowing. To help you buy one, we have created a list of some top moisturizers you can consider buying for acne-prone skin.

Does Acne-Prone Skin Need Moisturizer?

Acne may create an oily feel on your skin, so using a moisturizer can be one of the last treatment options. However, if you are into acne treatments involving benzoyl peroxide (1) or salicylic acid, using a moisturizer can help reduce the irritations that these treatments may cause, especially during winter.

Benefits of Using Moisturizers For Acne Prone Skin

19 Best Moisturizers For Acne Prone Skin

1. Best UV Protection:Drmtlgy Anti-Aging Sunscreen + Moisturizer

The advanced non-greasy sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV rays and acts as a moisturizer for sensitive, acne-prone skin. The Drmtlgy anti-aging sunscreen + moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which can moisturize your skin while also protecting the skin from environmental damage. The cream has plant actives from knotweed extract, which can protect the skin from infrared rays. This lightweight SPF 45 formulation will not clog pores and has antioxidant properties that can fight free radicals. It regulates the production of oil and gives your skin a clear, matte look. Pros

Suitable for all skin types Paraben- and fragrance-free Doesn’t leave a white residue Helps correct uneven skin tone Protects from sun damage

Cons

May not blend easily Some may experience flaking around the mouth

2. Best For Inflammation:Era Organics Rosacea Redness Relief Cream

Era Organics Rosacea is formulated with natural ingredients to calm, soothe, and nourish the skin. The cream reduces irritation and inflammation without any side effects of harsh chemicals. It has aloe vera to provide intense hydration, chamomile extract to reduce itchiness, and avocado oil to boost collagen production while healing the skin. The cream also guards against UVA and UVB ray damage as it contains milk thistle, which is an antioxidant. With the added benefit of the “beauty mineral” MSM, this nourishing cream promotes skin rejuvenation and may reduce the appearance of age spots and acne scars. Pros

Free of alcohol, paraben, and mineral oil Fragrance-free Contains vitamin A that helps reduce scarring Supports skin recovery

Cons

May get moldy quickly Consistency might be thicker than expected

3. Best Lightweight:Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer

Fortified with total Soy complex Aveeno clear complexion moisturizer for oily skin nourishes the skin cells while improving skin texture. The oil-free moisturizer contains salicylic acid, which fights acne effectively while preventing new breakouts. Suitable for all skin types, this lightweight cream will not clog pores. It is formulated to reveal the true brilliance of your skin while regulating moisture and nutrient levels. Pros

Fast-absorbing Hypoallergenic formula Non-comedogenic and oil-free Helps improve uneven skin tone

Cons

Fragrance might be strong for some Does not offer SPF protection

4. Best For Improving Skin Texture:Acure Incredibly Clear Mattifying Moisturizer

The Acure Mattifying Moisturizer is fortified with lilac extract and chlorella, enhancing the skin’s tone and providing hydration to rejuvenate your skin. You can control excessive sebum production with this cream while providing balanced nutrition to combination skin. With the added goodness of rosehip, aloe vera, COQ10, evening primrose, and pure argan oil, this lightweight moisturizer improves skin texture. Pros

Cruelty-free Free of sulfate, silicone, mineral oil, petrolatum, and paraben Vegan-friendly formula Suitable for day and night use

Cons

May not be suitable for oily skin May have a peculiar scent

5. Best For Dull Skin:Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer

Enriched with green tea and other essential nutrients, the Proactiv green tea moisturizer provides a daily dose of nutrition to your skin. Green tea is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals while soothing acne-prone skin. Hyaluronic acid and macadamia nut extracts maintain hydration levels and lock in the moisture to soften the skin. Formulated to refresh dull skin, this rich nourishing moisturizer does not clog pores and can be used under makeup. Pros

Lightweight Oil-free Suitable for sensitive skin Helps reduce redness

Cons

May have a strong scent May be too greasy for some Does not protect from sun

6. Best For Reducing Wrinkles:Lavo Daily Moisturizer Cream

The Lavo daily moisturizer cream has a unique blend of botanical ingredients, which help lock in moisture to make your skin feel smooth and soft. The azulene and aloe vera create a protective layer that blocks pollutants and bacteria that cause skin inflammation and irritations. With an impressive combination of botanical extracts like sage, rosemary, ginseng, hazelnut along with vitamins A, B, C, and D, this cream is a veritable powerhouse. It works to tighten pores, refines skin tone, and hydrates skin. Ideal for men and women with sensitive and oily skin, this cream is non-greasy. Pros

Cruelty-free Free of paraben and fragrance Suitable for day and night use Works as a primer base for makeup

Cons

May take time to absorb Some foundations may oxidize if applied over this cream

7. Best Quick-Absorbing:PCA Skin Clearskin Moisturizer

With just the right blend of botanical extracts and vitamins, the PCA Clearskin moisturizer gives your skin a radiant glow. It contains niacinamide, which is an antioxidant that controls oil production while maintaining moisture levels. Marigold flower, cucumber, and lemongrass extracts have a calming effect and clarify skin tone. The addition of vitamin A and borage seed oil reduces redness due to irritants and ensures your skin is well nourished. This quick-absorbing, lightweight cream is the ideal choice for solving your oily skincare issues. Pros

Suitable for sensitive skin Recommended by dermatologists Helps prevent new breakouts Free of harsh chemicals

Cons

Quantity may not be enough for some May not work well with makeup

8. Best For Summers:Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion

Murad Skin Perfecting lotion is ideal for hot and humid summers because it contains allantoin and arnica, helping reduce sebum production and soothe the skin. It has the additional benefits of Queen of Meadow extract, which prevents dry skin, and retinol promotes the natural rejuvenation of cells and keeps pores unclogged. Panthenol and honey extracts have replenishing properties. Pros

Suitable for combination skin Lightweight Shine-free Helps minimize the appearance of pores

Cons

May not be moisturizing enough for winters Some may experience dry patches

9. Best Non-Drying:Lauda Botanicals Oily Skin Control Moisturizer

Lauda Botanical Moisturizer is a perfect blend of botanical ingredients to provide all the moisturization your skin needs. This moisturizing cream is fortified with tea tree oil and salicylic acid. It can be used on oily skin to control sebum production and shrink pores, leaving your skin smooth and clean. This non-drying cream provides an ideal pH balance for your skin while reducing pores, inflammation, and irritation. Suitable for men, women, and teenagers, the moisturizer can make the skin appear flawless and youthful. Pros

Suitable for using under foundation Suitable for all skin types Lightweight No harsh ingredients

Cons

May have a peculiar smell Some may experience flaky skin

10. Best For Hydration:Tree To Tub Deep Hydrating Moisturizer

Tree to Tub hydration moisturizer, rich in antioxidants and vitamins, is an ideal product to restore the skin’s youthful radiance. It uses green tea, which can significantly reduce acne, ginseng, and rose water that regulates the skin while reducing excess oil that clogs pores. High absorption benefits come from hyaluronic acid blended with Vitamin B5 to ensure deep penetration and no buildup. The combination of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Cocoa Butter promotes collagen and makes the skin softer. While maintaining the desired level of hydration, this moisturizer can maintain the skin’s pH balance. Pros

Helps illuminate the complexion Doesn’t leave a residue Free of irritants and harsh chemicals Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

May have a strong scent May be too greasy for some

11. bioClarity Clear Skin Routine

The bioClarity Clear Skin Routine provides a simple three-step treatment that can be used with a lightweight moisturizer twice a day to promote healthy skin. The three tubes that clean, treat, and restore the skin contain effective plant-based anti-acne ingredients, reducing allergies and inflammation. The healing properties of chamomile, green tea extract, and cucumber can help repair skin and soothe irritation, while salicylic acid and oat kernel exfoliate and effectively treat acne. The exclusive formula gel with chlorophyll reduces redness and restores the balance of the skin. The Skin Smoothie non-greasy moisturizer is fortified with botanicals like Jojoba, shea, licorice, pure argan oil, and olive to soften your skin. Pros

Non-toxic Vegan-friendly Free of fragrances and synthetic colors Antioxidant-rich

Cons

Some may experience flaking May not be suitable for those who wear makeup regularly

12. Epic Organicum Aloe Vera Moisturizing Cream

Epic Organicum Aloe Vera Moisturizing Cream is designed to soothe inflamed skin. It has a super-moisturizing effect and can provide nutrition to your skin. The combination of organic aloe from Hawaii and aloe arborescens from Africa promotes skin healing while repairing damaged cells. Infused with hemp seed oil and grape seed oil, this cream has antioxidant properties and regulates oil production. The cream also contains hydrolyzed collagen and blue-green algae to firm the skin and reduce signs of aging while giving you a fresh, clean, and glowing complexion. Apart from the benefits of vitamins A and C, this gentle exfoliating formulation may help protect the skin from rosacea, psoriasis, cracked, dry, sunburn, and eczema. Pros

Suitable for dry skin Quick-absorbing Cruelty-free Free of paraben and gluten

Cons

May have a watery consistency May have a peculiar smell

13. Paula’s Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer

Paula’s Choice’s transparent oil-free moisturizing cream uses a niacinamide formula to improve skin tone while eliminating all traces of flaky skin. Infused with pumpkin and blueberry extracts, it calms and strengthens the skin. It provides moisture without adding gloss or grease. The lightweight structure keeps the pores clear and minimizes the occurrence of acne. This non-greasy, breathable formula contains ceramides and skin-renewing peptides to calm redness and antioxidants to reduce inflammation. Pros

Unscented Leaping Bunny-certified Paraben-free Suitable for nighttime use

Cons

May not be suitable for dry skin May be thicker than expected

14. Pharmagel Pharma Clear Medicated Moisturizer

Pharmagel Pharma Clear medicinal moisturizer has non-comedogenic and hydrating properties that can stimulate collagen production, improving skin elasticity. The moisturizer contains salicylic acid to fight acne-producing bacteria and prevent new breakouts. The combination of sodium hyaluronate and sodium PCA, and vitamin E can rejuvenate the skin. This moisturizer can treat multiple skin conditions like acne, dryness, redness, and inflammation. Pros

Helps improve the appearance of scar tissue Includes antibacterial ingredients Lightweight Paraben-free

Cons

May have a strong smell Texture might be a bit slimy

15. Kosmatology Lemongrass Face Moisturizer

Kosmatology Lemongrass contains herbs and essential oils and provides the skin a perfect matte look. Its key ingredients are lavender, rosemary, and lemongrass. Lavender balances the oil production of the skin, making it beneficial for both oily and dry skin, while rosemary with antimicrobial properties is excellent for acne-prone skin. Lemongrass is a natural toner and shrinks pore size to tighten the skin and make it feel firmer. The hemp seed oil and grapeseed oil base make this formulation lightweight and non-greasy. Pros

No parabens, BHT, or phthalates Cruelty-free Vegan-friendly Does not clog the pores

Cons

May not help with white heads Results may be slow

16. First Aid Beauty Oil-Free Mattifying Gel

First Aid’s lightweight matte gel moisturizer has a patented formula that provides the perfect balance of oil and hydration levels. Containing anti-oil ingredients such as FMLT Sebocure, Zinc PCA, and Lecithin, this gel reduces sebum production while reducing pores and dark spots. The airy texture will not clog pores and is absorbed quickly to give a non-greasy matte effect. Using a special peptide blend, this moisturizer can enhance collagen production and smoothen wrinkles. The presence of antioxidants reduces inflammation and helps the skin heal. Use this preparation in the morning and evening to restore a youthful and firm complexion without visible fine lines. Pros

Vegan Allergy-tested Free of gluten, nano, and nut No harsh or drying ingredients

Cons

Matte effect may not stay long for some Some may experience a sticky feeling

17. Dermalogica Clear Start Clearing Defense Mattifying Moisturizer

Dermalogica Oily Skin Matte Moisturizer protects your skin from sun damage while soothing and nourishing it. The moisturizer uses SPF 30 and doubles as a sunscreen to form a protective layer on the skin to prevent damage from pollutants, UV rays, and accumulated makeup. Made of natural ingredients, such as soothing willow bark, oil-absorbing tapioca, and green tea extract that can reduce fine lines, this lightweight lotion keeps skin acne-free and fresh. Pros

Gluten-free Cruelty-free Vegan No artificial ingredients or paraben

Cons

May have a peculiar smell Some may experience dry patches

18. Humane Oil-Free Moisturizer

Containing soothing antioxidants, the Humane moisturizing cream has an oil-free formula that offers a matte effect. The combination of skin-safe ingredients makes it a winner in all aspects. Hyaluronic acid can lock moisture, while aloe vera can fight acne-causing bacteria and relieve inflammation. Cucumber extract and grape seed extract work together to enhance the natural resources of the skin and promote collagen production. This mild, fragrance-free formulation maintains hydration levels and keeps pores clear. It is light and non-greasy, allowing you to use it after makeup. Pros

Quick-absorbing Protects from free radicals Cruelty-free and vegan Free of harsh chemicals

Cons

Some may find it greasy May not be suitable for sensitive skin

19. Derma-Nu Daily Moisturizer

All-natural ingredients in Derma-nu daily moisturizer make it an effective treatment for sensitive acne-prone skin. It is rich in organic turmeric, which can reduce inflammation. It also contains licorice, which can reduce scars, and gotu kola for cell rejuvenation. Plant-based ingredients like sage and sandalwood can kill acne-causing bacteria. Jojoba oil can nourish and hydrate the skin while being non-comedogenic. The preparation is highly evaluated in terms of antioxidants and is very suitable for repairing damaged skin cells. The moisturizer is suitable for men and women. Pros

Thick and creamy texture Firming effect Lightweight Suitable for day and night use

Cons

May have an intense scent May not be suitable for dry skin

How To Choose The Right Moisturizers For Acne Prone Skin?

Consider the following factors when choosing the right moisturizer.

How To Apply Moisturizer On Acne-Prone Skin?

Cleanse the skin, pour the required amount of non-comedogenic daily moisturizer, and gently massage it on your skin. If your acne-prone skin is prone to irritation or has active breakouts, you can use a targeted moisturizer by applying it on the pores (2). After applying the cream, use a serum rich in hyaluronic acid to balance the skin’s hydration. Dr. Schwarzburg says, “Do a patch test on a small part of your face before using the moisturizer on other parts of your body to ensure it is suitable for you.” He adds, “If you are prone to blackheads or pimples on your nose, or if your nose looks shiny and greasy, you can skip applying a moisturizer to those areas. And unless your skin is severely dehydrated, a thin, lightweight moisturizer is best.”

Why Trust MomJunction?

Poulami Nag is a fashion and beauty product writer. Her passion lies in crafting reliable and engaging content for her readers. She has dug deep into various web sources and user reviews to compile this list of the most effective moisturizers for acne-prone skin. These moisturizers are made of skin-friendly, mild ingredients for optimal nourishment. Poulami also documents a buying guide to help you make a well-informed choice.

References:

Best Night Creams For Acne Best BB Creams For Acne Best Retinol Body Lotions Best Korean Face Creams