The 15 Best Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin in 2023

233

Acne-prone skin is a type of skin that is more susceptible to developing acne, in the form of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes deeper, painful cysts. 

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells, sebum, or bacteria, leading to inflammation and blemishes on the skin.

Acne can occur due to many different reasons, including excess sebum production, clogged pores, hormonal influences, genetics, and external factors, such as environmental pollutants, friction, or others.

Acne-prone skin requires special care to balance hydration while avoiding ingredients that can clog pores or trigger breakouts. 

Whether you’re facing occasional breakouts or persistent acne, it can be a challenging and frustrating experience, but finding the right moisturizer to fight acne can make a big difference in your skincare routine.

In this article, we present you with a list of the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin!

The Best moisturizers for acne-prone skin

1. La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat Face Moisturizer

The Effaclar range by La Roche-Posay is super famous for helping with oily and acne-prone skin.

This cream has an oil-free formula designed to target excess oiliness and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, but also to hydrate the skin gently.

Its super formula contains:

• Lipo-Hydroxy Acid
• Perlite
• Silica
• Glycerin
• Dimethicone
• Salicylic Acid
• La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water

The LHA and salicylic acid gently exfoliate the skin, to unclog pores and prevent the appearance of breakouts, Glycerin and thermal water provide long-lasting hydration, while also calming and soothing the skin.

It is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and sensitive skin-friendly, which makes it a great option for acne-prone skin, but also a great product for oily skin in general.

2. Sesderma Salises Gel Moisturizing Cream

One of the key ingredients in this gel cream is salicylic acid. Known for its exfoliating properties, it helps to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells, preventing breakouts and promoting clearer skin.

With both free and liposomal salicylic acid, it has a dual effect, acting on the surface and in-depth, making it an excellent alternative to topical antibiotics. 

It also contains aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, zinc salts, and a sebo-regulating complex that regulates excessive oil.

It has an oil-free, non-irritating, and non-photosensitive formula, which means, it will not irritate the skin, when exposed to UV rays, making it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.

3. Ducray Keracnyl PP+ Anti-Blemish Cream

This anti-blemish and anti-mark treatment cream was designed for skin prone to acne and problematic blemishes. With corrective action, it evens and perfects the complexion in just 7 days.

It helps to mattify the skin and minimize the appearance of pores, providing a smoother and more refined complexion. Additionally, it helps to fade dark spots.

It contains a powerful combination of Myrtacine, Celastrol, and Vitamin PP.

• Myrtacine: derived from the Australian tea tree, is an antibacterial agent that helps eliminate acne-causing bacteria and has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and swelling associated with breakouts. 
• Celastrol® and Vitamin PP: help to reduce redness and inflammation associated with inflammatory acne.

With a light texture comfortable to wear under makeup, it’s ideal for acne-prone skin and compatible with other acne treatments, including oral medication.

4. Avène Cleanance Women Smoothing Night Cream

If you’re tired of waking up to a new breakout, this night cream is for you! This line was specially formulated for adult women with acne.

It is formulated with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and exfoliating agents that work together to gently remove dead skin cells and unclog pores overnight.

It also contains Avène’s Thermal Water, rich in minerals, which helps to soothe the skin and calm irritation and inflammation.

The regular use of this cream will not only help to clear existing blemishes but also prevent future ones. 

This lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer absorbs quickly into the skin, providing a comfortable and fresh feeling during the night and renewed and soft skin in the morning.

5. Cerave Blemish Control Gel

This is Cerave‘s best seller when discussing acne-prone and oily skin.

It’s a top moisturizer for acne-prone skin because it has an oil-free gel formula with salicylic acid, a powerful ingredient known for its acne-fighting properties that helps to:

• unclog pores
• reduce redness
• minimize the appearance of blemishes

Besides salicylic acid, this gel also contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) offers numerous benefits to the skin, such as regulating oil production, improving texture, and minimizing the appearance of pores.

On the other hand, hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that hydrates the skin without leaving it greasy.

The fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula ensures that it won’t clog your pores, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.

6. A-Derma Biology AC Hydra Compensating Cream

Acne treatments can sometimes leave your skin dry, irritated, and very sensitive. But this is one of the top-rated and most effective moisturizers for acne-prone skin because it was specially formulated to compensate for the dryness caused by some treatments.

One of its key features is the ability to provide intense hydration, while also regulating sebum production, leaving the skin comfortable but free from excessive shine.

Thanks to its formula with aloe vera, it soothes the skin, helping to reduce inflammation and redness.

It also contains Organic Rhealba®, which balances and hydrates sensitive skin, and hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and plumps the skin.

Last but not least, the rice powder helps to absorb excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores, providing a matte finish.

If you are looking to hydrate and balance sensitized skin, this moisturizer is perfect for you! This vegan skincare product contains 99% ingredients of natural origin.

7. SVR Sebiaclear Hydra Anti-Mark Soothing Repairing Moisturizer

This moisturizer was specially formulated for acne-prone skin, but more specifically to hydrate and reduce acne scars.

The SVR product is enriched with 5% niacinamide and with 8% omega ceramides:

• niacinamide is known for its soothing and brightening properties, helping to fade dark spots. It also helps to regulate oil production.
• omega ceramides balance the skin and strengthen the skin barrier.

With a non-comedogenic formula, it hydrates comfortably without clogging pores and preventing new blemishes.

It is an excellent skincare product for combination skin or oily skin with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

9. Bioderma Sébium Kerato+ Anti-Blemish High Tolerance Gel-Cream

With a duo of keratolytic ingredients, this gel cream reduces blemishes and marks, while maintaining the skin moisturized and smooth.

The advantage of this moisturizer is that besides hydrating and regulating oil production, it also helps to treat and prevent both acne and acne scars.

To achieve these results it has an effective formula enriched with powerful ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid (BHA): exfoliates the skin, unclogging pores and helping to prevent pimples, but also blackheads.
• Glycolic Acid (AHA): promotes skin cell turnover and helps to improve skin texture.
• Zinc Gluconate: to regulate sebum production and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• D.A.F. (Dermatological Advanced Formulation) Patented Complex: to enhance skin tolerance and reduce sensitivity, making this gel cream also a great skincare product for sensitive skin.

With a non-comedogenic, high-tolerance formula, this cream is perfect for acne-prone skin especially those who experience issues related to excess keratinization, like the accumulation of dead skin cells.

10. Uriage Hyséac Hydra Restructuring Skincare

One of the greatest moisturizers for acne-prone skin because it’s specially created for skin sensitized and dehydrated by acne treatments. The Uriage product soothes, restructures, and moisturizes the skin.

It contains a unique combination of high tolerance alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which provide gentle exfoliation, promoting skin cell turnover and enhancing the skin’s texture.

Thanks to the Uriage Thermal Water and the patented Cerasterol-2F complex, this product helps to restructure and strengthen the skin barrier, while respecting its natural physiology.

Dermatologically tested, non-comedogenic, and with a lightweight formula, this moisturizer is ideal for acne-prone skin that is dehydrated, irritated, sensitive, and prone to redness, due to treatments.

11. Isdin Teen Skin Acniben Sebum And Pimples Control Gel-Cream

Explicitly designed for teenage skin, the gel cream provides targeted care for blemish-prone skin.

This super complete formula contains:

• zinc PCA which acts as a sebum regulator, preventing excess oiliness
• niacinamide which helps to regulate oil as well, but also prevents redness and irritation.
• hyaluronic acid which provides hydration and elasticity to the skin, giving it a silky, but non-greasy finish.

This non-comedogenic, oil-free formula is the best moisturizer for teenagers with oily, acne-prone skin.

12. Vichy Normaderm Phytosolution SOS Sulphur Paste

Although the aim of this article is to find the best facial moisturizers for acne-prone skin, you know a spot treatment is a must for anyone with acne.

This way, this Vichy paste is meant to be placed right over active pimples to help them heal faster and reduce their appearance and redness.

It contains 10% sulfur, to quickly dry out blemishes, niacinamide to help soothe the skin, and glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin, making it smoother.

With a hypoallergenic formula, it is suitable for all skin types with active acne, including sensitive skin. 

13. Caudalie Vinopure Stop Pimples Salicylic Spot Solution

Another convenient and effective spot treatment for acne-prone skin is this one, from Caudalie.

While not technically a moisturizer, it is worth mentioning for its ability to target individual pimples and speed up the healing process. 

It is formulated with 100% pure salicylic acid of natural origin, which unclogs pores and refines the skin grain.

It also contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), which reduces enlarged pores and soothes the skin, and a 100% pure tea tree essential oil with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

This formula is also vegan and has 97% of natural origin ingredients.

14. Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF30

This oil-absorbing facial moisturizer prevents excess oil production, reducing the appearance of oiliness throughout the day, but also preventing clogged pores.

At the same time, it hydrates your skin gently, replenishing moisture levels while also protecting the skin from the damage caused by UVA and UVB rays with SPF30.

It features a micro pearl technology, which absorbs surface oil for a matte finish, and an Oleosome technology that uses a low concentration of sunscreen filters for minimal irritation with significant hydration.

This non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and lightweight formula is perfect for acne-prone skin.

15. Paula’s Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer 

If you’re looking for a moisturizer that won’t clog your pores, this is an award-winning choice.

This lightweight formula hydrates the skin without making it greasy and also provides an antioxidant action.

It contains naturally soothing antioxidants, sourced from pumpkin and blueberry, which calm redness, and also ceramides, which strengthen the skin’s surface. 

Niacinamide improves skin tone, eliminates dryness, brightens the skin, and reduces the appearance of pores.

This formula is suitable for all skin types prone to acne, including skin with signs of dehydration.

How to choose the right facial moisturizer for acne-prone skin

Thankfully, there are a lot of options to hydrate acne-prone skin. When selecting a moisturizer, there are a few key factors to consider.

First and foremost, look for products that are labeled “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free”, like most of the products above. These products are less likely to clog your pores and contribute to breakouts. 

If your skin is sensitive or sensitized by acne treatments, opt for gentle formulas, without irritating ingredients or artificial fragrances.

Finally, consider your skin type. If you have oily skin, you may want to hydrate and mattify the skin at the same time. But dry skin can be prone to acne as well. In this case, choose a creamier moisturizer to effectively hydrate your skin.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, acne-prone skin requires special care to address its unique challenges, such as excess sebum production, clogged pores, and inflammation.

Finding the right and the most appropriate moisturizer to fight acne is a crucial step in maintaining a balanced and healthy skincare routine. Fortunately, there are plenty of effective options available to suit various skin types and concerns.

When selecting a moisturizer for acne-prone skin, it is essential to choose products labeled as “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” to prevent pore-clogging. Gentle formulas without irritating ingredients or artificial fragrances are also preferable, especially for sensitive or sensitized skin.

Remember that while moisturizers are essential for keeping the skin hydrated and balanced, they are just one component of an effective acne-fighting skincare routine.

Moisturizers aren’t going to single-handedly eliminate your acne, so you usually have to combine them with other skincare products. Especially a good cleanser and face sunscreen, since acne and dark spots definitely tend to worsen due to sun exposure.

Also consider consulting with a dermatologist to tailor a comprehensive approach that meets your specific needs and helps you achieve clearer, healthier skin.