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Finding the best moisturizer for acne prone skin can be quite a daunting task. Even though the sole purpose of a moisturizer is to help you get smoother and fairer skin, some moisturizers can sometimes come with ingredients that trigger acne breakouts.
To help our readers find the best moisturizer for their skin, we have compiled a list of the best face moisturizer for acne prone skin. Read on and find out which one you should get!
How To Find The Best Face Moisturizer
There are hundreds of moisturizers in the market today. If you want to find the best moisturizer for dry skin, the best moisturizer for oily skin, the best moisturizer with spf, or the best daily moisturizer, we suggest following these simple tips to get the best bang for your buck.
Ask a dermatologist
One thing that many people often forget to do is ask for a medical professional’s advice. Try asking a dermatologist what kind of moisturizer can work best for your skin. Professional advice is the best way to get a safe product for your skin.
Check the labels
You’d be surprised as to how much information is actually listed at product labels. Most moisturizers have labels that tell if it’s best suited for oily, sensitive, or acne prone skin.
Check the ingredients
Try looking for moisturizers that come with ingredients and formulas that prevent acne breakouts such as salicylic acid acne formulas, retinol, alpha hydroxy acid, and exfoliants.
Another thing that you may want to keep a lookout for is a water based moisturizer or one that comes with a hypoallergenic formula. Going fragrance-free is another thing that can help guarantee the best results for acne prone skin.
Lastly, make sure that the moisturizer you are getting comes with SPF protection. The best SPF moisturizer can provide you with hydration and protection from the sun’s skin-drying rays.
The 5 Best Moisturizers For Acne Prone Skin
Rank | Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
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After doing extensive research and testing, we have finally determined the best rated face moisturizer that you can use if you suffer from acne prone skin.
Now that you know how to find the best moisturizer for acne sensitive skin, let us now dive into our list of the 5 best moisturizers for acne prone skin.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Moisturizer
Are you looking for an oil free moisturizer for acne prone skin? Finding the right kind of moisturizer that won’t make your skin look a lot more shiny than it already is can be a bit hard, especially when there are hundreds of these products in the market today.
One of the best oil free moisturizers that we have found is the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 sunscreen. What we liked about this moisturizer is that it comes with an oil-free formula packed with hyaluronic acid and niacine amide that can help you get healthy skin.
We also loved how this product came with ample SPF protection that can protect your skin from the harmful UVB and UVA rays from the sun. It doesn’t even feel heavy on the skin once applied. What’s more is that it can be used for all kinds of makeup.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Has SPF 46 | Finding an original one can be a bit tricky |
Is recommended by dermatologists | The pump can be ineffective sometimes |
Doesn’t clog pores | Is usually out of stock |
Is oil-free | |
Can be used with makeup |
User Reviews:
A lot of users who bought this product enjoyed how it came with effective SPF protection. Users also loved how this face moisturizer for oily skin doesn’t dry out their skin. However, users did say that this product came with a container that has a pump that can easily get worn down.
Things We Didn’t Like:
- Dermatologists like this product
- It works well with makeup
- Is great for oily skin
Things We Didn’t Like:
- There are a lot of fakes in the market
- Its container can get broken easily
- The cream can be a bit hard to get out of the container when broken
Another product that we consider as the best moisturizer for acne is the Retinol Cream Moisturizer.
What made us include this product in this list is its interesting set of features and ingredients such as jojoba oil, shea butter, green tea, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E.
Another thing that we loved about this product is that it can actually improve your skin. It doesn’t clog pores, it doesn’t cause breakouts, and it can be used for sensitive skin. What’s more is that it can be used to get rid of those pesky signs of aging such as dark spots and fine lines. It can even be used to alleviate skin darkening.
Moreover, unlike other moisturizers, this one doesn’t come with any strong scent. Which is why we recommend it for people who have a low tolerance for scents.
Lastly, this product is supported by a 100% money back guarantee that you can rely on if you ever find yourself unsatisfied with the product.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Has anti-aging properties | Can take awhile to cause visible effects |
Can be used by men and women | Doesn’t come with a great scent |
Feels lightweight | Can take very long to make fine lines disappear |
Is great for sensitive skin | |
Can be used with makeup | |
Comes with a 100% refund guarantee |
User Reviews:
Users who loved this product said that this was in fact the best moisturizer for acne prone skin because it doesn’t cause or exacerbate breakouts. Users also liked how this product significantly improves skin darkening.
However, it does come with its downsides since some users noticed how this product took longer to make their fine lines and age spots disappear.
Things We Didn’t Like:
- It doesn’t have a strong scent
- It can whiten skin
- Doesn’t feel heavy on the face
Things We Didn’t Like:
- Anti-aging effects can take a while to be visible
- Doesn’t come with a great smell
- Is not sweat proof
One of the best non comedogenic moisturizers in the market today is the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. What made us include this product in our list of the best moisturizer for acne is its ability to provide 24-hour hydration for the skin.
Another great thing about this product is that it is hypoallergenic and it comes with a controlled-release technology that can help refresh the ceramides in your skin. This means more hydration for the day.
Moreover, if you are the type of person who isn’t into strong fragrances, then you might want to check out this product some more because it doesn’t come with any overwhelming scents.
Lastly, this moisturizer replenishes the balance of the lipids in your skin. It creates this layer of protection that ultimately helps your body prevent hydration loss.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Can provide 24-hour hydration for the skin | It doesn’t come with a nice scent. |
Comes with hyaluronic acid | Doesn’t work well with makeup |
Is hypoallergenic | Is not sweat proof |
Is non-comedogenic | |
Is great for aging skin |
User Reviews:
People who used this acne moisturizer loved how this product provided them with enough hydration to prevent dryness throughout the day. Users also liked how this moisturizer didn’t come with irritating scents. Lastly, users stressed that this is a truly great choice for aging skin.
Things We Didn’t Like:
- Is completely animal product-free
- Is ideal for all types of skin
- Is clean and easy to use
Things We Didn’t Like:
- Can take a while to take effect
- Is a bit pricey to use considering it doesn’t take effect quickly
- Comes in a small bottle
Cetaphil Dermacontrol Moisturizer
If you have read any cetaphil oil control moisturizer reviews, then we’re sure you must be familiar with the Cetaphil Dermacontrol Moisturizer.
This face moisturizer for oily skin comes with a 3-in-1 formula that can help you get UVB and
UVA protection, ample hydration for the day, and enough oil control to prevent your face from looking all shiny and greasy.
What’s great about this moisturizer is that it comes with a lightweight formula that won’t feel sticky or heavy once applied to the face. It’s formula doesn’t even contain parabens and overwhelming fragrances.
Moreover, this moisturizer is also hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic, making it a great choice for most skin types.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Is ideal for oily skin | Doesn’t come with anti-aging properties |
Comes with SPF 30 | Can take some time to show visible effects |
Feels lightweight on the face | Doesn’t come with a nice smell |
Is non comedogenic | |
Is hypoallergenic | |
Is great for sensitive skin | |
Doesn’t clog pores |
User Reviews:
People who have used this item applauded hot it absorbs quickly onto the skin. Many users of this product declared that it is the best moisturizer for oily skin and the best moisturizer for acne since it doesn’t cause breakouts and it doesn’t make their face look shiny.
However, some users did say that this product can leave you with a burning feeling, especially around the eyes.
Things We Didn’t Like:
- It is hypoallergenic
- It is noncomedogenic
- Is absorbs very quickly onto the skin
Things We Didn’t Like:
- Can leave you with a burning feeling
- Doesn’t have a fragrant scent
- Doesn’t show immediate results
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Facial Moisturizer
The last product in our list of the best moisturizer for acne is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Facial Moisturizer.
What we liked about this acne moisturizer is its impressive set of features. This oil free moisturizer is dermatologist tested, noncomedogenic, and comes with a light matte finish. We specifically liked how this product can be used with all sorts of makeup. Unlike other moisturizers, this one will not make your makeup look all smudged.
This moisturizer also comes with skin health-boosting ingredients such as glycerin, salicylic acid, and glyceryl. It doesn’t even come with harsh fragrances that can irritate the nose.
Without a doubt, this product is truly one of the best daily moisturizers today since it has passed strict clinical testing and is ideal for most skin types including sensitive skin.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Is great for sensitive skin | Doesn’t last the whole day |
Is oil free | Isn’t sweat proof |
Is non comedogenic | Comes in a small tube |
Is recommended by dermatologists | |
Doesn’t come with overwhelming fragrances | |
Works well with makeup |
User Reviews:
People who bought this product loved how this acne moisturizer works like a primer. It works very well with all kinds of makeup and it doesn’t feel heavy on the face. On the downside, users did say that this product could’ve came in a larger tube.
Things We Didn’t Like:
- Works very well with makeup
- Is light weight on the face
- Is oil free
Things We Didn’t Like:
- Cannot solve anti aging problems
- Comes in a small amount
- Is a bit pricey considering the amount
Top Acne Moisturizer Comparisons
Rank | Our Choice | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pictures |  |  |  | |  |
Products | |||||
Brand | EltaMD | LilyAna Naturals | CeraVe | Cetaphil | La Roche-Posay |
Features | SPF, Vitamin B3, Hyaluronic acid, and Lactic acid | Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Green Tea, Shae Butter and Jojoba Oil | Hyaluronic acid and ceramides | SPF, micropearls, and ceramides | Glycerin, Salicylic acid, Glyceryl, and Sarcosine |
Hypoallergenic | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Oil-Free | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
SPF | 46 | No | No | 30 | Yes |
Quantity | 1.7 oz | 1.7 oz | 16 oz | 118 ml | 1.35 Fl. Oz |
Type | Sunscreen | Cream | Cream | Cream | Cream |
Price |
Alternatives For Acne Moisturizers
If you ever run out of acne moisturizer or if you don’t have any access to the best moisturizer for acne, you can rest easy knowing that you can always get moisturized skin with a couple of homemade alternatives.
If you don’t suffer from oily skin, one great alternative for acne moisturizer are oils [1]. Some of the best oils that can serve as a natural moisturizer for acne are Argan oil, Apricot Kernel oil, Jojoba oil, Sweet Almond oil, Avocado oil, Hemp Seed oil, and Grapeseed oil. All you have to do is dilute a couple of drops in water and spread a small amount on your face when needed.
Another mix that you can use to moisturize your face is a combination of Vitamin E, Coconut oil, and Lavender essential oil [2]. Mixing these three ingredients will provide you with a nice cream-like substance that you can use for the whole day.
Tips and FAQs
To help you achieve the best results from the best moisturizer for acne, here are a couple of tips and FAQs on how to moisturize the face.
The first thing you need to remember is to hydrate your face in a prompt manner. If the skin in your face feels a little flaky or tight, you might as well apply some of that acne moisturizer.
Keeping a lookout for these kind of stuff will allow you to get a fully hydrated face throughout the day. Other signs of dryness that you need to look out for are itching, redness, rough skin, fine lines, and ashy skin [3].
Other things that you need to keep in mind are the ingredients and the formula that you're moisturizer comes with. Keep a lookout for hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, and SPF-filled moisturizers.
Also take note that every moisturizer can have a different effect on your skin. If you feel like the moisturizer you are using has exacerbated your acne breakouts or dry skin, we highly advise you to stop using that product at once.
Lastly, always try to seek the advice of a medical professional. Never feel shy to ask for the advice of a dermatologist. They know what’s best for your skin and their advice can help prevent any incorrect choices that can worsen the condition of your skin.
best moisturizer for acne
The Winner: The Best Moisturizer For Acne
After hours of extensive research and deliberation, we finally came to the conclusion that the winner of this roundup is the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum moisturizer.
What made this product the best moisturizer for acne is its formula that can provide you with SPF protection. Unlike other moisturizers, this one comes with a high SPF 46. It’s oil-free, it doesn’t clog pores, and it works very well with all kinds of makeup.
Lastly, it comes with several skin health-boosting ingredients such as Vitamin B3, Hyaluronic acid, and Lactic acid, making it a truly great choice for most skin types.
Well, there you have it! A quick guide that will help you find the best moisturizer for acne.
We hope you enjoyed this article as much as we enjoyed writing it for you. Stay around for more beauty tips!