When you have acne-prone or oily skin, it sometimes seems like every skincare product is against you, clogging pores and leaving skin greasy or covered in troublesome acne. Fortunately, there are plenty of face creams and moisturizers that work wonders for oily and acne-prone skin to give it the hydration it needs without causing breakouts or looking greasy.
It might seem counterintuitive to moisturize oily, acne-prone skin, but acne-fighting products can leave skin feeling extra-dry as result. Skipping this critical step may leave you plagued with rough, flakey, and red patches, which only brings more attention to your breakouts.
“Did you know that not using a moisturizer can cause even more breakouts?” Renée Rouleau, celebrity esthetician and trusted skincare expert, points out. “Bacteria breeds in oil. When moisturizer is avoided, the skin dehydrates and sets off a response to produce more oil. This newly produced oil accumulates on the skin, resulting in a breeding ground for bacteria, which makes existing breakouts last longer and leaves a hospitable environment for new breakouts to form.”
On this page you will find the best options on the market to help deal with this once and for all.
OUR SKINCARE EXPERTS HAVE EVALUATED OVER 100 OF THE TOP ACNE MOISTURIZERS & reviewed thousands of customer reviews
This post features 5 carefully chosen moisturizers for acne-prone skin with the most effective results available in the market today. When I say carefully, it means that our listing is based on the analysis of over 3140 real user reviews, dermatological tests, and in depth understanding of the brands behind these products.
Our team of skincare experts and dermatologists only picked the highest rated and most successful products that work best for acne prone skins.
Top 3 Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin – Editor’s PicksIf you’re in a rush, here’s our top pick for the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin. |
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#1 – Misumi All Day Moisturizer with SPF 30, $34.95
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Best moisturizer that won’t clog pores or aggravate acne
5.0 stars out of 5
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#2 – PTR Water Drench Hydrating Moisturizer, $52.00
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Suitable for: Oily skin
4.5 stars out of 5
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#3 – SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, $83.00
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Suitable for: Aging Skin
4.3 stars out of 5
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How We Chose the Best Acne Moisturizer
Here are a couple of factors we keep in mind when choosing the best acne moisturizer.
1. Quality of Ingredients
As a moisturizer, it’s important to use long lasting ingredients with a natural ability to capture and retain moisture like beeswax or palm wax. These natural substitutes are not-irritating and won’t aggravate acne or sensitive skin. Make sure your moisturizer is oil-free and non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores.
2. Regimen Sets
If the moisturizer is part of a larger kit of skincare products designed to manage acne-prone skin, that is a bonus, as it’ll ensure the moisturizer works well with the other products you’re using. “I recommend acne kits because sticking to one product line, with products designed to work well with one another, will have the most effective results.”
We’ve gathered and evaluated over three thousand real customer reviews. This is a no censor, no filter skincare review zone. We say it like it is.
4. Test Results
Yup, our skincare experts test all our top products on real individuals battling various types breakouts.
5. Customer Service and company Policy
We only recommend companies that we trust operate with integrity, are good to their customers and their environment, and have hassle-free return policies and exceptional customer service.
Reviews can be an easy way to narrow down your search for new products, like the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin. Commerce hubs like Sephora and Amazon rack up opinions, giving you throngs of insider tips from people who have actually tried the products you’re looking at. It’s the easiest way to get a fairly comprehensive look at what a product claims vs its actual effectiveness.
According to thousands of reviewers, these are the five best moisturizers for acne-prone skin in 2019.
Now only $34.95 (2-3 Months Supply)
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Finally a moisturizer for acne-prone skin that does it all! Misumi’s Wrinkle Free All Day Moisturizer has proven time and time again to be extremely effective. It is our favorite moisturizer because it’s non-comedogenic, oil- and fragrance-free, and provides SPF 30 protection. The best part is that it uses natural ingredients to hydrate and protect the skin, and it also provides an anti-aging bonus by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
Unlike many acne products nowadays that contain harsh chemicals that irritate the skin, all of Misumi’s products are based on natural and healthy ingredients. Their Wrinkle-Free All Day Moisturizer is a unique and powerful blend of Beeswax and Palm Wax, which are both great for locking in moisture. The formula also features Octyl Methoxycinnamate and Zinc Oxide which are two healthy and safe alternatives for sun protection.
This brand has been a favorite about dermatologists and high-end skincare specialists for over 25 years but has only just been made available directly to consumers lasts year. The moisturizer can be bought on it’s own but Misumi also offers a three-step acne skincare kit. Their Clear Skin 3-Step System includes the All Day Moisturizer, as well as their signature AHA 10% Skin Perfecting Cleanser and their best-selling Pore Purifying Toner that everyone (from teens to adults) has been raving about. The set is valued at over $100 but is sold at only $79.95 or at $64 if you buy it under subscription.
When it comes to strength, effectiveness and quality, we are yet to find an acne system on the market that beats this one. Check out the before and after photo of a real user.
Best For: Sensitive, oily, normal, combination, and acne-prone skin
Pros
- Non-irritating formula that does not clog pores
- Locks in and retains moisture for the whole day
- SPF 30 bonus
- Developed specifically for acne-prone skin but is also great for smoothing wrinkles and restoring youthful skin
- High concentration of premium quality ingredients
- Made in the USA in an FDA licensed facility
- Their chief chemist has been making some of the world’s leading acne products for over 25 years. This is their most effective formula to date.
- Lots of loyal customers who say Misumi has been the only thing that has worked for them. Real reviews with before and after photos to prove it.
- They are so confident you will see fast results that if you haven’t noticed a difference within 3 weeks, they will give you your money back.
- 60 Day Money Back Guarantee
Cons
- The moisturizer consistency is a little thick, although it is non-greasy and absorbs quickly into the skin.
- The acne kit clears the skin from the inside out instead of drying it out like most spot treatments or BP products, so it can take longer to see results for some customers. You’ll generally see clearer skin in two to six weeks of use (or else they guarantee money back).
Pro tip: Choose a subscription plan (30 or 60 days) and get 20% savings. Easy cancellation anytime. Or opt for the Clear Skin 3-Step System and get three great acne products at a hugely discounted price.
Best moisturizer ever
This moisturizer is first and only moisturizer that does not irritate my skin. It doesn’t make me oily at all. I love love this stuff!!!
Best moisturizer ever
I was a little skeptical of the Wrinkle-Free All Day Moisturizer the first time I used it because it goes on a little thick; however, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the moisturizer was absorbed and ready to start the makeup application process. My skin is very sensitive and this moisturizer hasn’t caused my skin to breakout like so many others I have tried!
CHECK OUT CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF misumi Complete Clear 3-Step kit
The BEST products for adult acne!
Ever since I turned forty, I’ve been struggling to keep adult acne at bay. Finding the right product for my skin that works has been so tough, especially since I need something for the lines and wrinkles as well as the acne. I’m so In love with Misumis acne kit. The cleanser toner and moisturizer is basically all I need and all I use now for both acne and anti-aging. My skin is clearer and brighter. My pores are noticeably smaller too! I’ll be purchasing more.
#2 – Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Cloud Cream
$53.00 (1-2 Months Supply)
This ultra-silky gel cream from Peter Thomas Roth is perfect for oily, acne-prone skin because it’s lightweight, fragrance-free (to reduce potential irritation), oil-free, and packed with hyaluronic acid and ceramides for much-needed moisture. Apply this one at night as the last step in your skin care routine for healthier, calmer-looking skin come morning.
Pros:
- really solid night time moisturizer for acne
- contains 30% concentrated hyaluronic acid
- very light, watery consistency
- soft and brighter complexion
- great for all skin types
Cons:
- Texture is very light so it works more as a hydrating nighttime serum. We’d love for PTR to come up with a daytime equivalent with an added SPF protection.
#3 – SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Moisture-Enhancing Gel
$83.00 (1-2 Months Supply)
Coming at #3 is SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Moisture-Enhancing Gel. For a more luxurious option, check out SkinCeuticals line of premium skincare. This lightweight gel features vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid to attract moisture that doesn’t feel greasy. And thanks to its addition of botanical extracts and antioxidants, this pick is also great for those with fine lines and wrinkles.
Pros:
- Ideal solution for dry and aging skin
- Won’t clog your pores
- Oil-free, non-comedogenic and dermatologist approved
Cons:
- Not specifically for acne-prone skin but this formula won’t clog pores or aggravate acne
- Price point is high. You can get Misumi’s 3-piece acne kit plus grab a quick lunch and still spend less than on SkinCeuticals’ Hydrating Gel. However, if you can afford to splurge, we guarantee this is a great choice for hydrating your skin.
#4 – La Roche-Posay Toleriane Fluide
$29.90 (1-2 Months Supply)
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This oil- and fragrance-free moisturizer is best suited for oily and combination skin. It’s formulated with glycerin (a humectant that draws water to the skin) and squalene (an emollient that creates a protective barrier) for a boost of hydration. Still, it quickly sinks in and leaves behind a matte finish, so you don’t have to worry about shiny spots.
Pros:
- Simple and affordable
- Great for sensitive skin
- Lightweight texture absorbs fast
- Matte finish
- Oil-free formula
Cons:
- Does not provide SPF protection
- New formula is not as effective as the original formula. Mixed customer reviews
#5 – Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum
$61.50 (1-2 Months Supply)
This Clinique serum was a winner in our Anti-Aging Serum tests at the Good Housekeeping Institute. The fast-absorbing serum also firms and softens your skin, and it’s great for under makeup. “When I wear makeup, I prefer serums to moisturize before application,” says Danusia Wnek, a chemist at the GH Beauty Lab. “I love the way my makeup wears over it.”
Pros:
- Non-greasy
- Won’t clog pores
- Helps to lighten dark spots
- Helps to restore youthful skin
- All round great moisturizer
Cons:
- Not specifically for acne-prone skin
- Focuses more on anti-aging
Conclusion
If you’re tired of products that clog pores or aggravate acne, try one of the top rated moisturizers for acne-prone skin in our list and let us know what works (or doesn’t) for you. We’re constantly updating our list to give our readers the most current and best products to test and try for themselves.