These Lightweight Moisturizers Are Total Game Changers for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin (2024)

We updated this article in October 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

Just because your skin produces more natural oils (known as sebum) doesn’t mean you should forego hydration. The best moisturizers for oily, acne-prone skin keep your complexion looking fresh without causing breakouts.

By adding a moisturizer to your routine (specifically one formulated for oily or acne-prone skin), you help keep your internal skin cells hydrated. When your skin cells are hydrated, they’re less likely to over-produce sebum, which may actually help reduce your feelings of oily skin.

This is even more true if you’re using medications or products to treat acne. “Even acne-prone teenagers need to moisturize to keep their skin barrier healthy. The skin barrier can become damaged from drying acne products and medications,” says Arielle Kauvar, M.D., director of New York Laser & Skin Care and clinical professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine. This includes salicylic acid (which works to unclog pores) and benzoyl peroxide (which fights acne-causing bacteria).

Meet the Experts: Arielle Kauvar, M.D., director of New York Laser & Skin Care, Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist at MDCS, Rebecca Baxt, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Baxt Cosmedical, Corey L. Hartman, M.D., founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology

While it is important to home in on the moisturizer for your skin type, there’s also a correct way to apply it. Follow this order: Acne medications go on first, topped with a moisturizer, then sunscreen, and finally, makeup if you choose to wear it, says Dr. Kauvar. However, if you use a retinoid-based product to control acne (like tretinoin or adapalene), apply these over a moisturizer or mixed with one to lessen irritation, she advises.

Our top picks:

Consider these moisturizers that will work wonders on acne-prone skin.

With SPF 30, you can count on this as your go-to moisturizer before heading out the door in the morning. Thanks to its expert blend of ceramides (naturally occurring fats in the skin) and hyaluronic acid (a humectant), dry patches don’t stand a chance—even on sensitive acne-prone complexions. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, further reinforces the skin’s protective barrier.

If you’re applying a moisturizer in the morning, this one contains a broad spectrum SPF 35 to guard against UV rays that darken red marks associated with acne, as well as glycerin and dimethicone (an ingredient that reduces water loss without clogging pores) to seal in hydration. This moisturizer also settles into skin without a chalky residue like some sunscreens are apt to do.

Non-comedogenic, non-greasy, and fragrance-free? Check, check, and check! This lightweight formula does not clog pores, never looks oily on the skin, and keeps delicate areas protected with SPF 30. “I’ve always used expensive moisturizers. I can’t believe it, but this works just as well as those in terms of getting my skin moisturized deep down,” one reviewer raved.

Cetaphil products are a classic for a reason. This non-greasy, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free lotion delivers lightweight moisture for the most sensitive skin types, including those with acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Utilizing glycerin, vitamin E, and dimethicone, it leaves skin feeling naturally soft and smooth.

This silky-smooth formula is a dream for oily skin. It packs hyaluronic acid for nice plumping action, but controls oil throughout the day, thanks to the addition of mineral powders and niacinamide. Plus, it melts in quickly, smooths out pores, and hydrates effectively without a greasy feeling.

Named one of our top tinted moisturizers with SPF, this two-in-one product from EltaMD contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect the skin from sun damage and hyaluronic acid to moisturize and plump out fine lines. The oil- and fragrance-free formula is non-comedogenic and raved about by several dermatologists we’ve talked to for its natural tint and lightweight formula.

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.

Acne-prone skin will drink up this lightweight face moisturizer with pore-minimizing niacinamide, soothing antioxidants, and calming ceramides. It replenishes without clogging pores and is formulated without parabens and fragrances.

“This gentle daily face moisturizer contains both hyaluronic acid and ceramides, so it helps to draw moisture in and support the skin barrier,” says Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell New York Presbyterian Medical Center. “This lightweight formulation can be used all year, is oil-free, and is especially good for those with sensitive skin as it is free of fragrance, parabens, formaldehyde, and other preservatives.”

“This lightweight mattifying moisturizer incorporates grape seed polyphenols which is an antioxidant and silica powder which helps to mattify,” explains Dr. Garshick. “It contains squalane to help hydrate, and together helps to absorb excess oil and reduce the appearance of blemishes without drying out the skin.”

“This lightweight lotion contains birch sap and allantoin helping to hydrate and soothe the skin without clogging the pores,” says Dr. Garshick. “It is a great option for those with oily or combination skin and can be used one to two times daily.”

Formulated for both dry and oily skin, this hydrating face moisturizer is lightweight, oil-free, non-greasy, and rich in minerals and botanical extracts to soothe and unclog pores. Macadamia nut oil helps lock in moisture, and green tea and hyaluronic acid work in tandem to calm and maintain the skin’s hydration.

For the guy looking for a moisturizer designed specifically for men, the Geologie Moisturizing Face Cream with SPF15 is a good option. This double-duty product includes key ingredients hyaluronic acid, niacinamides, and argan oil to help soothe the skin's surface, reduce the appearance of pores, and retain moisture without looking like an oil slick.

The Yes to Tomatoes Daily Balancing Moisturizer is made specifically for blemish-prone skin with ingredients to help balance and restore a healthy appearance. With tomato extract, watermelon extract, sweet almond oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and pumpkin extract, you can recognize and pronounce many of the ingredients included in the formula. It’s a vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested option.

Some gel moisturizers leave a sticky or tacky feeling after application, but reviewers note that the Kinship Supermello Hydrating Gel Cream Moisturizer goes on cool and smooth, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave any lingering tackiness. The vegan and cruelty-free formula also features marshmallow root (with a distinct marshmallow/vanilla scent) to help reduce redness and irritation.

When you want the feel of added moisture, but you don’t want to slather on a cream, Kari Gran’s Hydrating Tonic is the perfect solution. Simply mist a few pumps on your clean skin, and the serum will absorb into your skin. The combination of glycerin and aloe vera helps restore the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture. It’s a good on-the-go product when you want an added boost of moisture throughout the day. You can also mix it with the Kari Gran Essential Serum in the morning for added moisture.

This Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer from Eminence Organic Skin Care includes salicylic acid to help combat clogged pores with natural toners and astringents like cucumber juice and willow bark extract to reduce redness and tone the skin. Additionally, yogurt probiotics work as natural exfoliants (thanks to the lactic acid), while shea butter works as an emollient to help lock in moisture. With additional antioxidant ingredients like coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid, it’s particularly well-suited for fighting small lines and wrinkles found in more mature skin types.

Finding a double-duty SPF moisturizer for melanin-rich skin that doesn’t leave a white cast can be a little tricky, but AbsoluteJOI’s Daily Hydrating Moisturizing Cream offers a solution. This SPF 40 moisturizer comes in two tinted colors—mocha and cafe au lait—to help give an even and smooth skin appearance, without any gray or ashy undertones. The product also includes chamomile to help calm the skin and green tea extract to work as an antioxidant to soothe and repair the skin.