:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(2999x0:3001x2)/Best-Moisturizers-for-Acne-Prone-Skin-PEO-social-e15aab304fff476ea34bb0b3bc591210.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500,1000&ssl=1 "We Tested Nearly 20 Formulas to Find the Very Best Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin")
Hydration is one of the most important aspects of any skincare routine, especially for those with dry skin. However, oily and acne-prone skin can also benefit from regular hydration, which can help balance acne-prone skin and, with the right ingredients, can help treat it.
“Oily or acne-prone skin is still in need of proper moisture and hydration to operate efficiently and look its healthiest,” Dr. Michael I Jacobs, a board-certified dermatologist, associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and medical technology director at Cortina, tells PEOPLE. Dr. Jacobs says the overall texture and formulation matter in moisturizers for acne-prone skin and advises against anything too heavy as this can wreak havoc on oil production.
With this in mind, our PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of moisturizing formulas designed for blemish-prone skin and took 19 out for a real-world spin. After considering ingredients, texture, absorbency, and overall efficacy, we narrowed down the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin.
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After testing 19 top moisturizers for acne-prone skin, we were most impressed by the Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Acne Facial Moisturizer. The drugstore formula is enriched with salicylic acid which gently exfoliates the skin, improves the skin’s texture, removes excess oil, and reduces pore-clogging dry skin buildup.
When testing this moisturizer, we immediately loved the overall texture and found that its lightweight consistency makes it easy to spread and absorb efficiently into the skin. The bottle also features a pump cap, which feels accessible and practical, making it a more convenient option for everyday use.
After four weeks of testing, we noticed an overall improvement in our skin. Not only did our complexion look and feel more hydrated and resilient, but our blemishes also cleared up with regular use.
Size: 4 ounces | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid
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For a more splurge-worthy top selection, consider the Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer. It’s formulated with several impressive ingredients for acne, including a salicylic acid blend and natural BHAs, which provide gentle chemical exfoliation and help keep pore-clogging dry skin and excess oil production at bay.
The moisturizer has a thick consistency, which we were a little concerned about at first. However, when applied to the skin and fully absorbed (which takes a few minutes), the moisturizer had a more lightweight feel that absorbed into the skin and layered well with other formulas, especially serums. With regular use, we found that the Tata Harper Moisturizer made our skin look clearer and more radiant, plus it helped reduce overall redness and decreased inflamed blemishes.
Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Tazman pepper berry, salicylic acid blend, natural BHAs, saw palmetto
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Improves the overall look of skin
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Helps keep new breakouts at bay with regular use
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Buttery texture is easy to apply
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Dries matte
For another budget-friendly moisturizer for acne-prone skin, consider the Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer. We love the soft, buttery texture that is easy to apply all over the complexion, and the matte finish. It’s great for those looking for a cheap moisturizer for oily skin types that also experience breakouts.
When testing this formula, we didn’t notice a major difference in the look of previous blemishes. However, our skin appeared much more hydrated (without the issue of excess oil), and, with regular use, it helped keep new blemishes from forming.
Size: 3 ounces | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid
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Thick and creamy consistency
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Lightweight enough for warm weather
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Provides skin with beneficial moisture
For a more splurge-worthy option, consider the Dr. Barbara Stürm Clarifying Face Cream. Formulated with balloon vine, viper’s bugloss, and sunflower seed oil for their deep conditioning properties, zinc for its ability to remove excess sebum, and bistorta root extract to add a touch of glow, this hydrating formula can improve the skin’s texture by softening and nourishing the skin.
We love this formula because it has that luxe feel that we expect with a higher-end price tag and it actually works at hydrating the skin. The texture is thick and creamy but has a more lightweight feel once applied to the skin, so you get the best of both worlds. And, despite that heavier consistency, it’s still lightweight enough to wear in warm weather, too. During testing, we noticed increased hydration and didn’t experience any new breakouts.
Size: 0.67 ounces, 1.69 ounces | Key Ingredients: Balloon vine, viper’s bugloss, sunflower seed oil, zinc, bistorta root extract
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People / Kate Donovan
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Cooling effect feels nice on the skin
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Texture is a mix between a gel and a cream
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Leaves no sticky or greasy residue
Sensitivity is a little more common in acne-prone skin, especially if you have uncomfortable or painful breakouts. For a moisturizer that is gentle enough to apply on sensitive and acne-prone skin, we recommend the Cosrx AC Collection Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer. This moisturizer for acne-prone skin features a formula elevated by Propolis extract, aloe vera water, green tea water, and niacinamide to nourish and soothe the skin while providing lots of hydration and reducing the look of swelling and inflammation in blemishes.
We tested this formula on ultra-sensitive skin and found that its texture is a mix of gel and cream, which provided lightweight yet effective coverage that didn’t irritate the skin. Additionally, this moisturizer has a cooling effect that soothes the skin upon contact and feels like a relieving exhale on irritated blemishes.
Size: 2.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Propolis extract, aloe vera water, green tea water, niacinamide
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If you have oily skin that is prone to acne, the Dr. Jart Teatreement Moisturizer is our top pick for the best lightweight moisturizer. Formulated with niacinamide to reduce swelling and inflamed skin along with tea tree for its antimicrobial properties, this moisturizer has a creamy look but glides on like a gel, providing plenty of hydration without weighing skin down.
We tested this formula on ultra-sensitive and acne-prone skin and found that the included tea tree provides a cooling effect that helps soothe the skin upon application. Additionally, we were also impressed by how well the formula absorbs into the skin and doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue. With each use, we saw a significant improvement in hydration, and over time, our complexion appeared to have a more natural-looking glow.
Size: 1.69 ounces | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, tea tree leaf extract, tea tree leaf oil, 4-terpineol
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Those with oily and acne-prone skin need a moisturizer that can properly hydrate without adding excess oil to the complexion. With this in mind, the Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer is our top pick for the best oil-free product. This moisturizer is enriched with essential amino acid derivatives, algae-based tighteners, and red marine algae that work together to improve elasticity, tone, tighten, and target fine lines and wrinkles while providing lots of lightweight nourishment.
Since the formula is oil-free, it soaks into the skin with ease and is lightweight enough to hydrate the skin without provoking excess oil production. When testing this formula, we found that it hydrated the skin without the all-too-common added shine, and it had a nice cooling sensation that felt amazing on irritated and inflamed skin.
Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Essential amino acid derivatives, algae-based tighteners, red marine algae
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Hyaluronic acid is one of the best and most hydrating ingredients you can find in a moisturizer — and it just so happens to be incredibly lightweight. The Murad Clarifying Oil Free Water Gel includes hyaluronic acid along with salicylic acid and Korean red pine to help exfoliate and balance the skin’s microbiome.
We love this formula because despite having a lightweight, water-like consistency, the hyaluronic acid provides plenty of deep hydration, while the salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin and creates a complexion with improved absorption. We noticed an overall hydration improvement throughout the testing process, and our skin even stayed hydrated for longer throughout the day.
Size: 1.6 ounces | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, Korean red pine
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Just because a moisturizer is lightweight doesn’t mean it’s not long-lasting. Case in point: The Paula’s Choice Clear Moisturizer is an oil-free formula that is lightweight yet ultra-nourishing for all-day wear. Enhanced with licorice root for anti-aging benefits, hydrolyzed pumpkin seedcake to prevent moisture loss, niacinamide for boosting barrier strength and reducing inflammation, and ceramides for an extra dose of hydration, this formula provides a deep conditioning effect without the risk of excess sebum production.
While it does leave behind some residue — which isn’t ideal for layering makeup — we love how soft and supple this made our skin during the testing period. Additionally, the formula is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin and doesn’t cause additional breakouts.
Size: 2 ounces | Key Ingredients: Licorice root, hydrolyzed pumpkin seedcake, niacinamide, ceramides
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If you’re looking for a moisturizer that is gentle enough for sensitive acne-prone skin, fragrance-free is the way to go. After testing several options, we recommend the Peach & Lily Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer. Formulated with a blend of acerola, allantoin cica, cucumber, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and salicylic acid, this impressive hydrator nourishes, exfoliates, smooths, soothes, and helps reduce inflammation, too.
At first, the formula felt a bit oily on the skin, but after around 30 seconds, it fully absorbed into the skin and was barely noticeable. We love that this formula has a natural finish and that the ingredients can work together to reduce the look of acne with regular use. On top of that, it layers nicely with other skincare and makeup formulas.
Size: 2.82 ounces | Key Ingredients: Acerola, allantoin, cica, cucumber, hyaluronic acid complex, niacinamide, salicylic acid
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If you need a moisturizer with some extra oomph, we also love the Skinbetter Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment for its heavy dose of hydration and dewy finish. While delivering deep hydration, this formula remains lightweight, so it’s ideal for acne-prone skin and a perfect choice for those with dry but blemished skin.
Formulated with hyaluronic acid to attract moisture and provide long-lasting nourishment, we noticed that the face lotion improved hydration and enhanced the skin’s texture with a much smoother surface. We also love how the moisturizer provides a dewy look without falling into the greasy territory, so the complexion appears more refreshed and glowy.
Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Natural moisturizing factors, hyaluronic acid
What to Know About Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin
Ingredients
When shopping for moisturizers for acne-prone skin, ingredients are one of the most important things to consider, as this can impact the overall efficacy of the formulas.
Chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid are an excellent ingredient to start with. This can provide gentle exfoliation that keeps pore-clogging dry skin at bay and balances oil production. Salicylic acid can also act as an anti-inflammatory, which can help improve the overall look of blemish breakouts.
In addition, consider lightweight hydrators like hyaluronic acid, which can attract moisture to the skin without feeling too heavy on the complexion. Niacinamide is another ingredient worth considering for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally, this acne-improving ingredient can reduce the overall look of redness and regulate oil production.
In addition to the ingredients, Dr. Jacobs says to only use a non-comedogenic (meaning, it won’t clog pores) and oil-free moisturizer. “Look for a lightweight, gel-textured moisturizer,” he notes. Lightweight moisturizers will ensure the skin gets properly nourished without being weighed down by heavy ingredients that could interfere with oil production and create an environment where acne thrives instead of subsides.
Medical-Grade Formulas
While you can find effective over-the-counter moisturizers for acne-prone skin, Dr. Jacobs notes that it might also be worth considering medical-grade formulas for severe cases. “I recommend consulting with a board-certified dermatologist who can prescribe you a moisturizer that can treat your acne while hydrating,” he notes, adding that a Cleocin moisturizer can be highly beneficial.
People / Kathryn Hendrix
Behind the Scenes
To find the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin, our PEOPLE Tested team began by researching dozens of top formulas before narrowing it down to 19 formulas. From there, we conducted real-world testing over four weeks to get a better idea of how each moisturizer performed when applied to a variety of acne-prone skin types.
- Absorbency: During the testing period, we considered everything from the formulation and packaging to the initial feel and absorption rate.
- Texture: We also looked at the consistency and texture of each moisturizer, the wearability, hydration levels, and how they made the skin look.
- Appearance: Throughout this process, we took rigorous notes on our experiences, carefully sharing insights on whether or not the formulas absorbed well or left behind an oil slick, actually hydrated the skin with regular use or just acted as a temporary barrier, and how gentle each formula felt on acne-prone complexions (which often feels sensitive and inflamed due to breakouts).
- Effectiveness: After four weeks of testing, we compiled our notes and examined each experience to get a good idea of how the moisturizers stacked up to our high standards.
From there, we narrowed down our selections into different categories, including options for dry and acne-prone skin as well as oily and acne-prone.
People / Riley Shea
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin, Jessie first thoroughly reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights to get an idea of their overall experiences with each of the 19 formulas tested throughout the four-week testing period. From there, she connected with top skincare expert and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michael I Jacobs to learn more about why moisturizer is an essential step in skincare (even if you have acne), what to look for in moisturizers for acne-prone skin, and answer some of our top questions about the formulas. As a result, she curated this list of the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin.
Our Expert Panel
Dr. Michael I Jacobs is a board-certified dermatologist, associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and medical technology director at Cortina.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.