It is a common misconception to assume that acne is caused by a particular skin type. This is not strictly true, because both dry and oily complexions can suffer with the condition. While oily, clogged pores are a major cause of breakouts, flaky skin creates tiny bumps under the skin which also lead to zits and inflammation.
So, there is no such thing as a moisturizer which is perfect for everybody. We all have slightly different skin types, so it is important to find a product which works for you. Sometimes, it will be trial and error, because finding a good moisturizer isn’t easy. That is why we compiled this list to try and help point you in the right direction.
If you have oily or combination skin, steer clear of moisturizers which also contain oils. They can end up contributing to the problem. On the other hand, if your face is very dry, using a slightly oily moisturizer might be a way to redress the balance. Otherwise, stick with lightweight formulas and non-greasy ingredients.
Similarly, it is best for all skin types to prioritise lotions and creams with natural ingredients. The fewer harsh chemicals, colourings, and fragrances that your moisturizer contains, the kinder it will be to your pores. The best products are those with labels like hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and paraben free.
At A Glance: Choosing The Right Moisturizer For You
For a formula which won’t exacerbate oily skin, try Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer. It is oil free and promises to increase hydration, without making the skin sticky or greasy.
If you’re keen to keep harsh chemicals away from your face, this Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer is a great option. It has an all-natural formula, which uses probiotics to rebuild defenses and protect against external stressors.
Cetaphil DermaControl Moisturizer is a triple threat when it comes to moisturizers for acne prone skin. It provides a ‘three in one’ formula, which combines a hydrating agent, a sunscreen, and an oil control system.
Maybe you should get on board with the Burt’s Bees revolution and give their Natural Acne Solutions Daily Moisturizer a try. It is made with all natural plants and flowers for that super nourishing and organic effect.
With Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer, you can hydrate your skin, unblock problem pores, clear breakouts, and protect your face from UV rays. There is nothing this moisturizer cannot do, and it is very affordable to boot.
Retinol Surge Moisturizer is a very popular choice for acne sufferers. It is considered to be one of the best on the market because it combines sophisticated anti-aging technology (retinol) and robust, zit fighting vitamins and hyaluronic acid.
Finally, the Clinique Pep-Start HydroBlur Moisturizer is lightweight, even though it applies quite thick. The unique ‘blur’ formula smooths the appearance of not just spots, but fine lines and small wrinkles too.
Best Moisturizer For Acne Prone Skin Review
Ranking | Company | Key Features | Price Guide | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | x1 / x5 | Moderate | ||
#2 | x1 / x5 | Above Average | ||
#3 | x1 / x5 | Great Deal | ||
#4 | x7 | Moderate | ||
#5 | x1 / x7 | Great Deal | ||
#6 | Cell content | Moderate | ||
#7 | Cell content | Above Average |
Salicylic acid is a known spot killer, so it’s great to see it play a vital role in this Clean and Clear Moisturizer. It is suitable for use on all skin types, but it is especially handy for those with dry patches. The oil-free formula means that it is never too thick or sticky. The lotion feels surprisingly lightweight on the skin.
While moisturizing and hydrating, the product targets and treats pimples. After a week, you should have a brighter, clearer looking complexion. As there is no oil in this moisturizer, it can be applied to faces with problem t-zones. For example, if you tend to get breakouts and zits between your eyebrows, the lotion won’t clog pores or contribute to a build-up of oils.
What We Liked
- Great for oily skin (no oil in formula)
- Salicylic acid eliminates pesky spots
- Consistency is lightweight
- Hydrates and locks in moisture
Not Crazy About
- Large bottle (might not be good for travel)
- Salicylic acid can be harsh on some skin types
If you struggle with breakouts, this Clear Skin Probiotic lotion might just be the best moisturizer for acne prone skin that you ever use. It contains a complex combination of botanical actives, probiotics, and marine algae (yes, really). Together, they help to unblock pores, draw out impurities, and hydrate and rebalance the skin.
One of the things that we loved about this moisturizer is that it contains no harsh chemicals. There are no artificial colorants, parabens, mineral oils, GMO, PEG, petrolatum, silicone, or formaldehyde. It really is a natural, nourishing product. The addition of probiotics is really important as they protect the skin from not just spots, but also the impact of air pollution.
What We Liked
- Probiotics protect against external stressors
- Botanical actives hydrate and rebalance skin
- All natural moisturizer (no harsh chemicals)
- Helps restore natural barrier to skin
Not Crazy About
- Seaweed/algae creates unusual smell
- A tad on the pricey side
This Cetaphil DermaControl Moisturizer is a very comprehensive form of nourishment for your face. The ‘three in one’ formula combines a hydrating agent, an oil control system, and a sunscreen protector to provide a full on treatment. It visibly reduces dry patches and leaves the complexion feeling softer to the touch.
Plus, the innovative micro pearl technology works to create a robust, matte finish. There are no parabens and no artificial fragrances, so you don’t have to worry about exposure to unsuitable chemicals. The patented Oleosome formulation contains fewer filters, so the lotion makes its way into the pores much faster.
What We Liked
- Hypoallergenic/non-comedogenic
- Can be used in conjunction with acne meds
- Visibly soothes redness and dryness
- Provides SPF protection
Not Crazy About
- Causes cosmetics to wear faster
- Contains oil (may not be great for oily skin)
- Do not rub into eyelids (it can burn!)
Burt’s Bees prides itself on using nothing but natural, nourishing ingredients. It champions the use of plants like clary sage, cotton, willow bark, and peach. This gorgeous acne solutions moisturizer is no exception. The main ingredients are witch hazel, lemongrass, and goldenseal. It also contains natural hops to fight redness and irritation.
There is also a generous helping of salicylic acid in there because it is one of the most effective substances for acne treatments. It reduces the appearance of existing breakouts and controls oiliness in the pores to prevent future spots and zits. Many dermatologists believe that this is the best moisturizer for acne prone skin because it is so gentle.
What We Liked
- All natural plant extracts
- Salicylic acid to fight breakouts
- Natural hops reduces inflammation
- Effective at treating severe acne
Not Crazy About
- Pump applicator is a little awkward
- Consistency is thick (use only a little!)
- Thick, natural ingredients may separate over time
Neutrogena has long been the best choice for affordable skincare. This Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer keeps up the good work because it creates a smooth, soft, younger-looking complexion. It is perfect for oily and combination skin, as there are no oily ingredients in the formula. So, it won’t contribute to any of the problem areas that you’re trying to remediate.
It is also hypoallergenic, which means that even those with very sensitive skin should find this product satisfying. It is lightweight, non-greasy, and contains an SPF 35 sunscreen protectant. It has no artificial fragrance, so exposure to chemicals is limited. If you use this superb moisturizer, you should start to see a dramatic change after 4-7 days.
What We Liked
- Great price for a top brand
- Highly effective for oily skin
- Provides SPF sun protection
- Lightweight, soothing formula
Not Crazy About
- Not great for severely dry skin
- Thick consistency (needs a lot of rubbing into skin)
This is not just lauded as the best moisturizer for acne prone skin, it is also praised as a superb anti-aging lotion. It contains retinol, which has long been a favorite ingredient for the beauty industry. The substance is known for smoothing the appearance of wrinkles, blending uneven skin, and reducing spots and blotches.
It is packed with nourishing ingredients, including wild green tree, which is quite a unique addition to a face cream. The shea butter not only gives it a gorgeous smell, but it also ensures maximum hydration. With vitamin E, vitamin B5, and hyaluronic acid (plant derived), this moisturizer packs a lot of punch.
By combining the elements of a moisturizer and serum, you can minimize and control breakouts without drying the skin. Retinol Surge Moisturizer is cruelty-free and has not been tested on animals. If you don’t like the product, the manufacturer invites you to a refund within ninety days of purchase. You don’t even have to send to bottle back.
What We Liked
- Combines moisturizer and serum
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles too
- Cruelty-free (no animal testing)
- Great for blending uneven skin tone
Not Crazy About
- Can intensify some dry patches
- Consistency is thick (needs to be massaged in)
This Clinique Pep-Start Moisturizer promises to instantly blend and conceal imperfections. While instant might be a bit of a stretch, it does work fast and provide a smooth, balanced complexion. The lotion leaves a matte finish, so it is a good moisturizer to combine with makeup. It is worth remembering that most moisturizers reduce the longevity of cosmetics, but it is usually worth the compromise for soft, clear skin.
The consistency of the product is quite thick, but it applies surprisingly smooth. It is more lightweight than it looks and it doesn’t leave pores overloaded or greasy. If you want to combine a bit of anti-aging with your acne treatments, you’ll be pleased with this moisturizer. It isn’t a miracle worker (or the best anti-aging cream on the market), but it is good at blending fine lines and light wrinkles.
What We Liked
- Effective at blending wrinkles
- Leaves a gorgeous matte finish
- Surprisingly lightweight
- Makes skin look brighter, more even
Not Crazy About
- Makes cosmetics fade faster
- Pricey for a small amount
Choosing The Right Face Wash For Dealing With Acne
It is a common misconception to assume that acne is caused by a particular skin type. This is not strictly true, because both dry and oily complexions can suffer with the condition. While oily, clogged pores are a major cause of breakouts, flaky skin creates tiny bumps under the skin which also lead to zits and inflammation.
So, there is no such thing as a moisturizer which is perfect for everybody. We all have slightly different skin types, so it is important to find a product which works for you. Sometimes, it will be trial and error, because finding a good moisturizer isn’t easy. That is why we compiled this list to try and help point you in the right direction.
If you have oily or combination skin, steer clear of moisturizers which also contain oils. They can end up contributing to the problem. On the other hand, if your face is very dry, using a slightly oily moisturizer might be a way to redress the balance. Otherwise, stick with lightweight formulas and non-greasy ingredients.
Similarly, it is best for all skin types to prioritise lotions and creams with natural ingredients. The fewer harsh chemicals, colourings, and fragrances that your moisturizer contains, the kinder it will be to your pores. The best products are those with labels like hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and paraben free.
Wrap Up
It doesn’t matter how old you are or whether you’re male or female, acne is a frustrating problem. It may seem like a minor gripe to those who haven’t experienced chronic breakouts, but its impact on mood and confidence should not be understated. We hope that, by compiling our favorite moisturizers for acne prone skin, we can help you find an easy, simple way to fight it.