The 11 best moisturizers for acne-prone skin that won't make you break out

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. 

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.

In our guide to the best sunscreen moisturizers, Dr. Dendy Emgleman recommends the Community Sixty Six Everyday Mineral Moisturizer with SPF 30 for those with acne-prone skin. Dr. Dendy says that because the formula contains zinc oxide, a mineral UVA and UVB ray protector, which "deflect[s] the sun's rays and sit[s] on the surface of your skin," it's far "less likely to break you out." It does have a dewier finish than some mattifying sunscreens, like another one of our favorites, the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen, but it blends in smoothly and never leaves a white cast.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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 for combination skin from Shani Darden softens the skin with Hydrosella, peptides, and squalene for an oil-free formulation that perfectly balances skin between moisturized and soothed for acne treatment.

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.

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.

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.

Ingredients:

Dr. Ugonabo recommends looking for facial moisturizers infused with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, as these ingredients offer nourishment while keeping the skin hydrated. The best moisturizers for acne-prone skin provide deep moisturization to repair the skin while exfoliating ingredients treat blemishes, dark spots, and acne marks. 

For those with oily skin, "It might be helpful to use a matte moisturizer that contains [acne-fighting] ingredients such as salicylic acid," shares Dr. Ugonabo. According to the AAD, avoid using comedogenic skincare ingredients like coconut oil, lanolin, or silicone, along with alcohol, which can dry out the skin.

Consistency:

Facial moisturizers are available in a plethora of consistencies and textures that you'll want to be conscious of when picking a face cream for acne-prone skin. Gel and gel cream options like the Dieux Skin Air Angel Gel Cream are made to quickly absorb into the skin while leaving the epidermis supple and soft. Meanwhile, rich creams like Shani Darden Skin Care Hydration Peptide Cream are on the thicker side to provide deep moisture for dry skin without clogging pores. 

Since this skin type is prone to both dryness and oiliness, it's important to find a lightweight moisturizer that won't clog your pores but is creamy for nourishment and hydration of the skin barrier. If you're prone to excessive oil that keeps the blemishes coming, use a mattifying formula (like La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat) made with some form of non-drying astringent to absorb oil on the skin. Sometimes, your acne-prone skin is on the dry side, and you'll want a moisturizer with a dewy formula (like Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream) that's formulated with ceramides to nourish the outer layer of the skin for that glass skin look. 

What type of face cream is best for acne-prone skin?

Facial moisturizers are usually described as three different types: Emollients, humectants, and occlusives. It's important to pick the right type of moisturizer as the different formulations can impact the varying skin types. 

An emollient moisturizer, like the Erno Laszlo Soothing Relief Hydration Emulsion, is best used for dry skin types that need extra soothing and hydration. If you have acne-prone skin, you'll want to avoid using occlusive moisturizers that often have a thicker, greasier texture on the skin. These products are most regularly used to lock in moisture as opposed to adding moisture. Finally, according to the Cleveland Clinic, humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are more lightweight than occlusives, making them ideal for oily skin types that need moisture without the greasy texture. 

How often should you apply a moisturizer if you have acne-prone skin?

Depending on the specific product you're using, you'll want to apply a moisturizer for acne-prone skin at least twice a day. This skincare rule is the same regardless of your skin type or concerns, and yes, that means oily skin, too. That's why it's vital to use a moisturizer that is good for daily application. 

Can too much moisturizer make acne worse?

When applying your moisturizer for acne-prone skin, be mindful that there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. If you overuse your moisturizer (especially if it's thick in consistency), you risk clogging your pores, wasting product, and damaging your skin barrier with the product overload. Dr. Ugonabo adds, "It's imperative that acne-prone patients look for non-comedogenic moisturizers, meaning that won't clog their pores, so this way it doesn't contribute further to their acne."

Excessive product can lead to heightened sebum production and greasy skin, making acne breakouts worse. On the other hand, if you don't use moisturizer at all, your acne can get worse. "Moisturizing is still important for acne-prone skin as it helps build a healthy skin barrier," confirms Dr. Ugonabo. Think of skincare as the Goldilocks story; you don't want to use too much or too little of any product. 

Is hyaluronic acid good for acne?

Hyaluronic acid is most likely already in the formulation of your favorite products for several good reasons. This skincare ingredient has been studied for its reparative and hydrating benefits for acne-prone skin and aging skin. As a form of humectant, hyaluronic acid in acne skincare helps moisturize the skin without clogging pores, reducing blemishes in return. All skin types can benefit from using a hyaluronic acid moisturizer or hyaluronic acid serum to add deep hydration without leaving behind a greasy texture.

What does non-comedogenic mean?

A non-comedogenic product is one that is formulated to be less likely to clog pores or cause acne. This is because it rarely includes occlusives (typically rich oils or butters) which are known to cause comedones, blackheads, and whiteheads. Products featuring the non-comedogenic label undergo testing before they're allowed to make that claim.

Dr. Ansell notes in our guide to the best moisturizers for combination skin that it's best for those with acne-prone skin "to look for [a] non-comedogenic [formula], which means it won't clog pores (and cause problems in the oily areas)."