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Best Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin, Backed by Dermatologists
Skin Care

Best Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin, Backed by Dermatologists

18 May 2025


If you’re battling acne, there are some skincare products you should avoid, but there’s one you shouldn’t miss: moisturizer.

However, it can be difficult to find a moisturizer that’s good for acne-prone skin and won’t clog pores, cause irritation, or leave your skin feeling tight or greasy.

“Look for moisturizers that are labeled oil-free or noncomedogenic, as they’re less likely to clog pores,” advises Dr. Marie V. Hayag, a dermatologist at Fifth Avenue Aesthetic Medical Center. Choosing a quality moisturizer for acne-prone skin is especially important if you use products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which can dry out your complexion.

According to Dr. Hayag, water-based products contain humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. She also suggests looking for soothing ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and green tea.

So how do you know which cream, gel, or lotion is best?

We spent hours researching the most popular and best-selling products, poring over customer reviews, and taking advice from Seeked Dr. Hayag to find out.

Keep scrolling to find the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin.

1. Murad Clear Oil-Free Hydro-Gel

When it comes to caring for acne-prone skin, Murad is a trusted brand you can count on. That’s why our favorite is the Clear Hydro-Gel, an ultra-light, non-comedogenic formula.

It hydrates the skin with hyaluronic acid, heals and soothes with ginger root extract, and curbs breakouts with very gentle salicylic acid.

We also love that this oil-free moisturizer contains Korean red pine extract, a natural antimicrobial that inhibits the spread of acne-causing bacteria.

2. Best Value: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion:

Are you on a budget? Then opt for Selevi. Oil-free and non-comedogenic, this dermatologist-recommended lotion contains essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin for light hydration.

3. Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Unscented Moisturizing Lotion: At the drugstore, Cetaphil is everywhere.

This large pump bottle is packed with skincare ingredients like niacinamide (vitamin B3), vitamin E, and glycerin.

Although it contains a small amount of plant oil, it is said to even out skin tone and reduce oil production.

4. Best SPF: EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46: Board-certified dermatologist Martha H. Viera, MD, FAAD, advises moisturizing with sunscreen: “Avoid heavy oils that can clog your pores.”

She recommends EltaMD UV Clear, a non-comedogenic formula with an invisible SPF 46.

5. Best Skincare: Tula Breakout Star Acne-Fighting Moisturizer: Tula Breakout Star contains a high-potency salicylic acid BHA (beta hydroxy acid), according to doctors.

Hayag is one of the best ingredients for treating acne. 3 “It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and helps exfoliate the skin,” she explained to Byrdie.

6. Best Skincare: 111Skin Y Theorem Day Cream Light NAC Y2:

Sure, it’s expensive, but just one pump of 111Skin Y Theorem Day Cream Light NAC Y2 (a lightweight version of the brand’s best-selling day cream) is enough to moisturize your entire face.

Ingredients include hyaluronic acid to enhance hydration, niacinamide to reduce inflammation, and antioxidants to form a barrier and protect the skin from irritation.

In addition, the product contains a patented complex called NAC Y2, which 111Skin says reduces the effects of environmental damage.

Rather than clogging pores, the formula plumps the skin and smoothes fine lines.

7. Best Korean Beauty: CosRx AC Collection Light Soothing Moisturizer: Our growing Korean beauty brand CosRx Light Soothing Moisturizer is a nourishing cream that balances acne-prone skin.

It provides light hydration and contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like propolis, green tea, aloe vera, and allantoin.

8. Best Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer for Mornings: Use Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer in the mornings.

This cruelty-free, lightweight lotion comes in a clear finish and provides broad-spectrum SPF 15 protection against the sun’s harmful rays.

9. Best Paula’s Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer for Afternoon: For your evening skincare routine, we recommend Paula’s Choice Clear.

This oil-free moisturizer is enriched with ceramides, humectants, licorice root extract, and niacinamide to soothe, hydrate, and refresh acne-prone skin.

10. Best Mattifying Fluid: Caudalie Vinopure Hydrating Mattifying Fluid:

We also love Caudalie Vinopure, an oil-controlling lotion that hydrates and absorbs oil at the same time to balance acne-prone skin.

What’s the secret? Squalene is extracted from olives and is a natural skin oil. The theory behind it is that when skin gets squalene, it produces less squalene.

11. Best Moisturizer: Tatcha Water Cream: This moisturizer from Japan’s favorite skincare brand is a great moisturizer for dry, acne-prone skin.

The oil-free formula contains a nourishing and soothing blend of green tea, seaweed, hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts.

12. Best Resurfacing Product: ROSEN Skincare Tropics Moisturizer. Rose Tropics Moisturizer contains bromelain to gently exfoliate and fight dead skin cells and uneven skin texture.

The lightweight formula also provides light hydration and brightening kojic acid for a radiant complexion.

13. Best Soothing Product: Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Restoring Cream. If you suffer from red, reactive skin, Avène Tolerance Control is the best choice.

The brand’s highlight is mineral-rich thermal water, which is proven to reduce inflammation while also having healing and moisturizing properties.

14. Best Blackhead Removal Tip: Origins Clear Improvement Pore Clearing Moisturizer. Are you troubled by blackheads?

Thanks to a blend of bamboo charcoal and salicylic acid, Origins Clear Improvement reliably unclogs pores and dissolves sebum while preventing new skin blemishes from forming.

15. Best Gel: Basic Butter Radiant Face Jelly If you prefer gels, Radiant Face Jelly is the one for you.

While this natural moisturizer contains some plant oils, it’s formulated to balance oil production without clogging pores.

Your complexion will be hydrated and moisturized without feeling greasy or shiny.

16. Best for mature skin: Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer. Formulated for acne-prone skin, this oil-free moisturizer absorbs quickly and hydrates without feeling greasy.

Amino acids help eliminate fine lines, while algae extract firms mature skin.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
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