If you have acne-prone skin searching for the right moisturizers can be a difficult feat. “The primary goal of standard moisturizers is to increase hydration and prevent water loss from occurring. Many of these ingredients actually use oil-based products to deliver hydration, which can be super occlusive as they attempt to prevent the evaporation of moisture from skin,” says Board certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian. “Acne-prone skin is more likely to get pimples or clogged pores due to high oil production. Using a moisturizer that improves the skin barrier without exacerbating blemishes, can help you achieve healthy, acne-free skin even quicker.”
Having dealt with dry and reactive skin myself, I understand how important it is to have a good moisturizer on hand. While your cleansers, serums and masks all work together to keep your skin looking and feeling refreshed, moisturizers are an essential component to a well-rounded ritual. But there are so many different formulas, finding one that won’t cause congestion or irritation is paramount. “Using a moisturizer that offsets these issues can reduce breakouts, making it easier to improve acne,” says Dr. Nazarian. So to help you find the perfect moisturizer to add to your skin care routine we poured through tons of customer reviews and consulted with skin care experts to bring you the 13 best moisturizers for acne prone skin.
Best for Everyday
Tower 28 beauty SOS Daily Skin Barrier Redness Recovery Moisturizer
Pros
Great daily moisturizer
Cons
- A bit watery
Sometimes when it comes to skin care it’s best to take it back to the basics, especially when dealing with acne-prone skin. This no-frills hydrating cream was formulated with skin-loving ingredients—like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which instantly soothe the skin. This gentle formula is a great everyday staple for those with sensitive skin.
Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I use this morning and night on my dry and sensitive skin and it never pills or causes breakouts. Has the perfect natural finish and a great price point. I love this line!”
Size: 1.86 oz.
Skin type: All skin types
Pros
- Leaves a glowy sheen
Cons
- Might need to reapply throughout the day
This lightweight moisturizer works perfectly for all skin types and helps to minimize the appearance of pores. With both botanical and algae extracts, this cream nourishes the skin while working to restore the moisture barrier without leaving behind any greasy residue.
Dermstore rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer says: “I’ve tried many moisturizers and thus far this is my favorite one. It goes on super super smooth and looks amazing under makeup. Definitely will be purchasing again.”
Size: 2 oz.
Skin type: All skin types
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Pros
- Doesn’t clog pores
Cons
- Some feel the formula is too lightweight
Even though the goal of a good moisturizer is all day hydration, no one wants to be left with the feeling of greasy residue. This lightweight breathable cream melts into the skin to deeply nourish and replenish without clogging your pores.
Alastin rating: 4.8/5 stars
An Alastin reviewer says: “This moisturizer doesn’t feel runny or too light. It’s creamy, but keeps skin supple without getting greasy. I’ve been using it just for a month, and I like it very much.”
Size: 2 oz.
Skin type: All skin types
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Takes consistent use to see noticeable results
Air Angel is a fitting name for this hydrating cream with its velvety texture that leaves the skin feeling pillow soft. Infused with collagen amino acids, this moisturizer helps to plump the skin and smooth fine lines as ultra-hydrating ingredients like squalane and urea penetrate the skin to deliver intense moisture.
Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: “I’ve always loved a dewy finish to my skin care routine. But sometimes to get that look it can take a lot of products that can feel heavy on my skin. This moisturizer is so lightweight that it feels almost like nothing is on my face. It still gives me that subtle glow that I love without all of the extra work.” —Tasha Nicole Smith, beauty assistant
Size: 2.53 oz.
Skin type: All skin types, Dry skin
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Pros
- Doesn’t leave sticky residue
Cons
- Some don’t like the gel texture
When dealing with acne-prone skin, using a moisturizer that can help treat blemish scars and irritation can be beneficial. This formula uses probiotics and sugarcane derived squalane to hydrate and rebalance the skin. The added ingredient of bisabolol, an extract from chamomile oil, relaxes the skin to treat redness and blemishes.
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I was first introduced to this moisturizer along with the entire line, but this was a standout for me. Even though it works perfectly within the collection it also plays nicely with my other products. I also love the gel texture. It feels different from most moisturizers I’ve tried in the past, but still delivers an ultra-hydrating feel.” —Tasha Nicole Smith, beauty assistant
Size: 1.7 oz.
Skin type: Dry, acne prone skin
Best for Targeting Acne
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Expertly Clear Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
Pros
- Helps prevent new breakouts
Cons
- Can take a while to dry after application
Formulated with salicylic acid this moisturizer helps to lightly exfoliate the skin to fade acne scars and brighten the skin. Packed with acne-fighting ingredients, this moisturizer combats current blemishes and works to prevent new ones from forming while actively hydrating the skin.
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I’ve used this for 6 weeks. This has been a game changer for my adult acne. For the past 6 years, I’ve been getting lots of acne on my chin and sides of my face. I’ve tried many products, and nothing worked. I saw a major difference within 2 weeks of using Khiel’s. I’ve also let my 2 teenage nieces use it, and it helped their acne within days. Best pimple control cream ever!”
Size: 2 oz.
Skin type: All skin types, acne-prone skin
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Best for Long-Lasting Hydration
Shani Darden Skin Care Hydration Peptide Cream
Pros
- Deeply hydrating
Cons
- Some don't like the packaging
Using a hydrating product in your skin care routine is a necessary step regardless of your skin type. A moisturizer should deeply penetrate the skin and provide long lasting hydration. This moisturizing cream from Shani Darden Skin Care uses a blend of squalane, hydrosella, and peptides to deliver up to 72 hours of hydration and support healthy collagen production.
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I’ve tried tons of moisturizers, but somehow always catch myself coming back to this one. I can see the difference when I use this regularly in my skin routine.”
Size: 2.5 oz
Skin type: All skin types, Dry skin
Best for Decongestion
Tata Harper Clarifying Pore & Oil Control Moisturizer
Pros
- Controls oil production
Cons
- Has added fragrance
Usually when you think about a moisturizer, clarifying isn’t the first word that comes to mind. But this nourishing cream makes a good case for why it should. Created specifically for blemish-prone skin, this cream blends oat ceramides and lemon myrtle to support skin health and protect your skin’s natural oils without congesting your pores.
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I have acne-prone combination skin that can lean oily depending on the weather, and most moisturizers only make my face greasy. However, I’ve been using the Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer for a while now, and it has truly transformed my skin. This moisturizer has made my skin supple and plump, providing hydration and nourishment without causing greasiness or excess oil.”
Size: 1.7 oz.
Skin type: All skin types
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Best Affordable Option
The Inkey List SuperSolutions Acne Clearing Moisturizer
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Has a strong smell
This moisturizer works for all skin types to visibly reduce redness, irritation, and blemishes. Infused with retinol, the acne-cleaning cream helps to exfoliate and resurface uneven textured skin.
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I wish I would have taken a before and after! I’ve had a cystic acne flare up that I’ve been unable to get rid of for 2 weeks. Put this on last night and literally woke up to almost all of the redness, pain, and swelling gone! I’ve never had a break out recover this fast. Yes, the smell is pretty intense, but the results after even just one night absolutely make it worth it.”
Size: 1.7 oz.
Skin type: Acne-prone skin
Best for Protecting The Skin's Moisture Barrier
Paula’s Choice Resist Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer
Pros
- Lightweight texture
Cons
- Strong smell
Known for their blemish clearing chemical exfoliator, Paula’s Choice brings their skin loving technology to this intense hydrating cream. The ceramides in this cream help to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent water loss, keeping your skin looking plump and refreshed. Watermelon seed oil is added as extra support to the ceramides to reinforce the moisturizer’s nourishing properties.
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Amazing product, I have very oily-acne prone skin and this has helped repair my facial barrier. It’s a very lightweight moisturizer and is perfect for oily and combo skin.”
Size: 1.7 oz.
Skin type: All skin types, Dry skin
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Pros
- Gentle
Cons
- Can leave a slight residue
For those who deal with sensitive and reactive skin it’s important to cater to you skin’s moisture barrier. Strengthening your skin’s barrier helps to regulate water loss and ensure that your skin can retain moisture. This rich silky cream soothes and cushions the skin.
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I’ve been struggling with sensitive skin for years, and the Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream has been a game-changer. It’s like a cool compress for my face! The redness goes down almost instantly, and my skin feels soothed and hydrated.”
Size: 1.7 oz
Skin type: All skin types, sensitive skin
Pros
- Absorbs well into the skin
Cons
- Small jar
There is a reason that Summer Fridays has gone viral on Tiktok and continues to be a favorite among beauty lovers. This cream follows in a long line of hydrating and replenishing skin care products. With fruit extract, glycerin, and squalane this moisturizer targets fine lines and blemishes to keep your skin looking and feeling radiant.
Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I had heard all the hype about Summer Fridays products for awhile, and this is the first one I’ve tried. Let me just say…best first impression ever. My skin absolutely drinks this up! It leaves my face with the most luxurious, hydrated feeling that I’m obsessed with. Lays beautifully under makeup and is a godsend for us dry skin ladies.”
Size: 1.7 oz.
Skin type: All skin types
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Pros
- Calming for the skin
Cons
- Not ideal for sensitive skin
When your skin is stressed, it is likely that it will appear dry and tired. This moisturizer relieves excessive dryness and targets fine lines. Made with shea butter and oatmeal, which is known to alleviate and treat skin conditions like eczema, this cream is deeply hydrating and calming.
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Love this product! Have repurchased over and over again and it’s the only thing that keeps my skin from drying out in the winter.”
Size: 6 oz.
Skin type: All skin types
How can moisturizer be beneficial to acne-prone skin?
When we think about treating acne-prone skin, the focus is often on cleansers and active ingredients. But moisturizers are equally as important when trying to keep breakouts at bay. “Inflammation is part of the problem with acne-prone skin, and having an appropriate moisturizer can minimize that, keep skin healthy and happy, and even minimize the post-acne redness and dark marks,” says says Dr. Nazarian. So having a good moisturizer, in addition to an acne-fighting regimen, can complement your overall beauty routine.
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What ingredients should people with acne-prone skin look for in a moisturizer?
Moisturizers are not a one-size-fits-all solution. So knowing what ingredients you are putting on your skin can prevent any adverse reactions. “Some of my favorite ingredients include glycerin, aloe, and panthenol (a type of vitamin B5). All of those do great job of calming the skin and improving the skin’s barrier. I also like products containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which strengthen the moisture barrier and help the skin retain water.”
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Why Trust Elle Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com editors spoke with skin experts about the absolute best moisturizers for acne prone skin. The authors personally tested a number of these products and scoured reviews for the top-rated products on the market.
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Tasha Nicole Smith
Beauty Assistant
Tasha Nicole Smith is ELLE Magazine's beauty assistant. She loves all things hair, makeup, and skincare so you’ll find her talking about it here. She enjoys Marvel movies, a good pair of vintage heels, and lemon drop martinis and also shares a birthday with Beyoncé, which is her go to fun fact.
