If your skin is acne prone, or even if you just deal with subtle flare-ups, moisturizing is an important part of your skincare routine that needs to be a priority. This step of skin care can sometimes get overlooked, as a common myth is that you want to dry out the skin to rid the acne. Many acne medications can dry out the skin, making moisturizing an even higher necessity. Moisturizing can actually loosen sebum that is built up in pores, thus helping to potentially discourage breakouts from occurring.
Some things to avoid while looking for a facial moisturizer if you have acne prone skin are ingredients that can clog the pores. Clogged pores lead to breakouts, so to avoid causing breakouts because of the ingredients in your moisturizer, try to stray from petroleum, silicones, or mineral oils. You will also want to be aware that your moisturizer should not contain alcohol, as the drier your skin becomes, the more oil it produces, which can lead to breakouts.
In regards to ingredients to look for, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide in a moisturizer can help fight existing breakouts, while helping prevent new acne. Types of moisturizers that work best for acne prone skin are gels, oil-free, lightweight, and water-based, thus helping give you the amount of moisture appropriate without causing clogged pores or contributing to future breakouts. A common buzzword to look for is “non-comedogenic”.
Below you will find information on various moisturizers for acne prone skin that received good reviews for various reasons. Products range in prices for all budgets and have a multitude of benefits to help moisturize your acne prone skin. There is a selection of naturally derived products, products containing acne treatment, and others that work solely as a moisturizing lotion or cream. Read on to find out which product could be right for you on your journey to healthy, vibrant skin.
Top Five
#1. Cetaphil Dermacontrol SPF30 Moisturizer
This affordable moisturizer is specifically made for acne prone skin and utilizes a unique Oleosome technology, which allows for greater hydration and less irritation of the skin. Providing a matte finish to the skin, this product is recommended to reduce dryness of skin that is also being treated with acne washes and topical medicine. Also offering protection from the sun, this moisturizer is an all-around good choice for those dealing with acne-prone skin who want to also eliminate shine caused by excess oil. On average, this product was rated 4.2 out of 5 stars. Customers liked that the product felt light and non-greasy after application.
Price: $12.96
#2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin
Recommended across the board is Neutrogena’s oil-free moisture with sunscreen, specifically formulated for sensitive skin. This moisturizer has Broad Spectrum SPF 15 and is non-comedogenic so it will not clog your pores. This can also be bought at a drugstore, making it extremely accessible to anyone. This moisturizer is a lightweight, day-to-day moisturizer, and comes in four different varieties allowing you to choose the formula best for you. With over 1,300 customer reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5 stars, this moisturizer comes highly recommended for those with acne prone skin.
Price:$9.37
#3. Christina Moss Naturals Organic Facial Moisturizer
This natural, organic option is an unscented facial moisturizer that is handcrafted to give your skin the nutrients it needs. There are no harmful or toxic chemicals, making it great for especially sensitive skin. This cream is concentrated and allows a little to go a long way, which can be an important factor to those looking for an affordable product that lasts a long time. This product is also cruelty-free and offers customers a satisfaction guarantee with the purchase. This product is an obvious choice as a top contender, as it has over 4,000 reviews and averages 4.3 out of 5 stars. Customers loved how well this moisturizer worked for their skin and boasted about the fact that it contains natural ingredients.
Price: $25.99
#4. Origins VitaZing SPF 15 Energy-Boosting Moisturizer with Mangosteen
What makes this moisturizer unique is its ability to assist in evening out your complexion while hydrating and boosting energy. VitaZing contains a mineral pigment technology which goes on clear and then develops a gradual hint of color. This hint of color can help those struggling with blotchy skin, and create an even, clean complexion. Two other strengths of this product are its abilities to absorb oil as well as protect skin from the sun. The mangosteen in its formula helps to create a radiant glow, giving skin a brighter appearance. This moisturizer comes highly recommended by customers, having a 4.9 out of a 5-star average review.
Price:$44.99
#5. Era Organics Tea Tree Face Cream for Oily, Acne Prone Skin
While Era Organics may not be a household name, it’s ratings show that it is well deserving of becoming one. With over 400 customer reviews, this product received an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Containing organic and natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, St. Johns wart, White Willow Extract, and Aloe Vera, this is another great option for those who hold natural ingredients as a high priority. Tea tree oil is a natural remedy known for helping to treat acne, and this face cream is a soothing, hydrating option. This face cream is also cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. It is recommended for all skin types and can hydrate oily, dry or combination skin.
Price:$14.87
Other Highly Rated Moisturizers
Proactiv+ Green Tea Moisturizer
Proactiv is a well-known name in the acne solutions world, and this product is specifically made to incorporate acne medication to not only moisturize, but to help treat current breakouts. Containing minerals and botanicals such as green tea, this moisturizer is a non-greasy way to help boost your complexion. Users boasted about how this moisturizer is a miracle worker to help the aftermath of drying acne cleansers and treatments, averaging 4.3 out of 5 stars in customer reviews. This moisturizer can be used alone or in conjunction with their other treatments that go hand in hand.
Price: $40.00
Burt’s Bees Acne Solutions Daily Moisturizing Lotion
This product is also included for those who make natural ingredients in their skin products a priority while choosing what is best for them. Burt’s Bees moisturizer for acne prone skin consists of 99% natural ingredients, including lemongrass, witch hazel, hops, and goldenseal. These ingredients specifically help calm irritated skin, creating moisturized and nourished skin. This product also has been tested with results showing that it helps control oil and prevents future breakouts. This product also contains salicylic acid to aid its mission to moisturize and treat. It is non-comedogenic and will not cause pores to become clogged.
Price:$11.99
e.l.f. Daily Hydration Moisturizer
e.l.f. products are unique in that they are high-quality products at extremely low prices. This moisturizer rings in under $10, and averaged 4.6 out of 5 stars from customer reviews. Called feather-light, this moisturizer contains ingredients that help soothe and moisturize skin, including aloe and vitamin E. This is an everyday moisturizer that gets the job done and helps create a more vibrant complexion. Customers liked the subtle smell and how it felt hydrating without being heavy on their skin. This is a moisturizer that can be used both alone or under makeup.
Price:$8.00
Glytone Gentle SPF 15 Rejuvenating Lotion
This lightweight formula is a great option for those with acne prone skin that is also looking to combat aging. Glycolic acid is included in its formula, which can reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This, in combination with an oil-free formula, will help keep skin moisturized and healthy at any age. Also containing SPF 15, this lotion covers all the stops on your journey to moisturized, acne free skin, and customers rate this at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers loved how smooth it went on at application.
Price: $54
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe is a very affordable brand that offers deep nourishment to aid damaged skin. A non-comedogenic lotion with SPF 30, this offers protection against new breakouts and the sun. CeraVe is a controlled release lotion, allowing it to last long amounts of time, penetrating deep to moisturize skin. With an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars, customers like the value and offering of this lotion. This product is sold in a bundle containing two variations to be used in the morning and at night for lasting hydration to moisturize and treat skin.
Price: $31.42 for a bundle of AM/PM lotions
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Facial Moisturizer
This moisturizer is a clear crowd pleaser, with close to 1,000 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5 stars. On top of moisturizing, this product also helps treat and prevent acne, making it a great choice for those looking to get rid of breakouts. Good for all skin types, this lotion takes the guesswork out of a moisturizer, and provides the best of both worlds by containing a medicine that is good for acne called salicylic acid as well as moisturizers. Some customers even stated that it helped clear breakouts in a short amount of time and could be used as a spot treatment if needed.
Price:$16.92 for a pack of three.
Perricone M.D. Pre:Empt Series Hydrating Cream
Perricone M.D.’s hydrating cream provides light moisture for all-day hydration and comfort. Customers love that it felt light on their skin and had no grease. The cream is oil-free, meaning it can moisturize skin without leaving behind an oily residue that can clog pores and cause acne. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars, this product is a great option for those looking for a creamy moisturizer to tackle dryness on their acne prone skin. Customers liked that it felt smooth and light and left their skin feeling moisturized throughout the day.
Price:$62.23
Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion
A well-recognized brand in the skin care industry, dermalogica provides solutions to a multitude of skin issues. Their oil control lotion is no different, as it works to combat shine while hydrating skin. Their oil-free formula is unique in that it contains micro sponges that help absorb as much oil as possible, leaving skin feeling light and matte. Customers rated this product on average 3.7 out of 5 stars and said it helped to minimize breakouts and reduce shine without leaving grease behind.
Price: $38.00
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial gel cream is an oil-free, concentrated formula that provides hydration for all day long moisturization. Containing imperator cylindrical root extract, antarcticine, and cucumber, this product conditions skin and minimizes shine. Customers love that this product hydrates their skin without causing acne, and some even said they feel their skin is a bit tighter using this product. Rated 3.4 out of 5 stars, this product may be a good product for those looking for a new lotion for their acne prone skin. Kiehl’s makes high-quality products that are available to treat a multitude of skin hydration issues.
Price:$72.88
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30
With over 1,200 reviews, this moisturizer is a crowd favorite, combining moisture and sun protection to assist acne prone skin in becoming its best. With an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars, this lotion contains a moisture-rich total soy complex, helping to create radiant skin that is hydrated and even toned. The product also contains natural light diffusers, helping it to live up to its name and give your skin a bright look. This is a great everyday use product, as the added bonus of sun protection makes it something practical and affordable.
price:$13.47
Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Moisture Cushion
This moisture cushion helps the skin retain moisture, thus reducing the appearance of fine lines as well as nourishing acne prone skin. Since it is oil-free, the product does not clog pores and helps to improve skin’s natural barrier. The unique formula contains Japanese marine algae, aloe vera, and other antioxidants, offering hydration and fighting damage to the skin. The aloe vera helps calm inflammation, while glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid work to remove dead skin cells and improve skin’s appearance.
Price:$68.22
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion
This lotion may be the best of both worlds for people who want a one-stop product to fight acne and moisturize skin simultaneously. With an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, the product does not over dry the skin and claims to reduce breakouts in 8 hours. Containing salicylic acid, the lotion clears breakouts while the natural botanicals help soothe skin. Customers review that the product has cleared up their acne and leaves them with less redness than other treatments, making it great for someone with sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Price:$6.55
Cetaphil Fragrance-Free Daily Moisturizer, SPF 15
The formula of Cetaphil’s daily facial moisturizer is purposefully light to leave a smooth, hydrating result on the skin’s surface. The moisturizer works to help skin retain moisture, and the SPF helps with moderate sun protection. The formula is non-greasy, allowing those who struggle with acne to be able to moisturize their skin without worrying about clogging pores. This product received 3.8 out of 5 stars, and customers liked that it helped soothe their sensitive skin. This product is a good basic moisturizer to have on hand for day-to-day use.
Price:$10.62
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Correct & Cover
This unique product offers acne treatment, moisture, and subtle color to even out skin tone and helps blur acne marks. Containing salicylic acid to treat acne, it also is water based and an oil-free formula that is lightweight and won’t clog pores. The sheer color helps rid the appearance of redness and is available in colors for certain skin tones. The product was rated 3.4 out of 5 stars, and customers liked that it helped conceal the look of acne while hydrating skin.
Price:$8.02
DERMA E Very Clear Moisturizing Anti-Blemish Cream
This moisturizing cream offers a formula to calm and soothe irritated skin. It is formulated to help prevent breakouts and clear current breakouts while preventing clogged pores and issues regarding bacteria. Rated 3.7 out of 5 stars, this cream is popular amongst users who stated that their skin feels more balanced and has a relaxing, light feel and smell. It has a thicker consistency, so may not be ideal for everyone, but is a great option for acne-prone skin. It is also vegan, cruelty-free, and does not contain parabens or sulfates.
Price:$15.60
Claridad Anti-Acne Retinol Moisturizer Face Lotion
Averaging a 4.5 out of 5 stars, this lotion combines treatment for acne while it fights wrinkles and lines. The product contains anti-aging ingredients to allow the restoration of skin to a supple, healthy state. Fighting acne and wrinkles with hyaluronic acid and retinol, this Claridad lotion also includes jojoba oil and aloe vera to soothe irritated skin and even skin tone. Customers felt that it kept their acne at bay while helping their skin to appear younger.
Price:$21.97
Murad Acne Control Skin Perfecting Lotion
Murad’s acne control lotion is made for acne prone skin and is part of a skin regimen that works to clear and smooth skin. With its oil-free hydration, this product is recommended for wear under makeup and helps to retexturize rough skin while soothing irritated skin. Averaging 4.2 out of 5 stars, this moisturizer is a popular one amongst customers and has a great mid-range price point. Customers loved that it kept their skin from flaking and was smooth and easy to apply.
Price:$40.00
Kidskin Calming Moisturizer for Kids & Preteens
Have kids or preteens struggling with acne, but wary of using stronger products? Kidskin is made for kids and preteens and is specifically formulated for sensitive, acne prone skin. Made with white tea extract, this lotion calms and soothes irritated skin, and helps reduce the appearance of large pores and clear up blemishes. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars, this unique formula is a great way to help treat and moisture irritated skin without harsh chemicals and can be used in combination with their other acne treatment products.
Price:$19.99
Mario Badescu Control Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Mario Badescu’s moisturizer aims at healing inflamed and irritated skin while hydrating for a supple appearance. Also recommended to reduce and relieve redness, it is a great follow up to help restore moisture taken away from acne treatments that typically dry out the skin. This product was rated on average 3.4 out of 5 stars, and customers recommended using a makeup primer or matte sunscreen on top to balance outshine. Customers felt that it was a moisturizer they could use year-round,
Price:$18.00
Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Acne Moisturizer with Salicylic Acid
Not only does this moisturizer come with great reviews, averaging 4.3 out of 5 stars, but it also helps clear breakouts and has a refreshing touch of naturally derived pink grapefruit. This non-comedogenic formula is water based which does not clog pores. Salicylic acid in the moisturizer helps those with acne prone skin control their acne, while still giving their skin the necessary moisture it needs and at a great, affordable price point. Customers felt that this product helped keep their skin refreshed and did not leave behind any greasy residue.
Price:$8.78
Simple Kind to Skin Facial Moisturizer, Replenishing Rich
This moisturizer prides itself on simple ingredients to help skin increase its level of hydration, while not irritating skin or clogging pores. The moisturizer contains no dyes, artificial perfumes, or harsh chemicals, so it can help skin that is sensitive and easily irritated by other products. With close to one thousand reviews, averaging 4.2 out of 5 stars, customers loved that the moisturizer kept their skin well moisturized, and helped them tackle particularly troubled, dry areas of skin. At an affordable price point, this product provides excellent benefits at a great price.
Price:$10.99
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