If you struggle with breakouts, there are some skincare products you should avoid but one you should never skip: moisturizer. Most likely, you’re using treatments like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and/or tretinoin to treat your acne, which can leave it a bit vulnerable to redness and irritation. With the right moisturizer, you can protect your skin barrier and treat breakouts at the same time.
Still, finding a moisturizer for acne-prone skin that doesn’t clog pores, cause irritation, or make skin feel uncomfortably tight or greasy can be challenging. That’s why we tested 19 different moisturizers to find out which ones truly met their claims about treating acne. After consistently using each moisturizer over the course of four weeks, we rated each formula on consistency, absorption, hydration, and the overall improvement of our skin. Here are the best moisturizers that actually hydrated and healed our acne at the same time.
Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best Budget: Best with Salicylic Acid: Best Splurge: Best Gentle: Best for Redness: Best for Oily Skin: Best Oil-Free: Best for Dry Skin: Best with SPF:
Best Overall
Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer
What We Like
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Reduces breakouts
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Hydrates skin without feeling heavy or greasy
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Pairs well with other products
What We Don’t Like
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Takes a few minutes to absorb
Active Ingredients: Jojoba oil, hordeum vulgare leaf juice | Skin Type: Acne-prone | SPF: None | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Tata Harper is known for high-performing skincare products boasting ingredients grown on the brand’s Vermont farm, and this moisturizer did not disappoint. While traditional acne products can be harsh and medicinal, this formula uses a blend of plant oils and botanical extracts to fight blemishes. And it works. After using the moisturizer consistently for one month, we had fewer breakouts, and any blemishes that we did have were less red and puffy than usual. This checks out, as the formula’s two key ingredients are jojoba oil and honey, both of which are known to heal acne and boost hydration without clogging pores.
We loved the smooth, soothing consistency of the moisturizer and the light botanical scent. It did take a few minutes for the formula to absorb into our skin, but once our skin soaked it up, the moisturizer didn’t feel heavy or greasy. While sometimes moisture can be fleeting, our skin was hydrated even into the night. Yes, this bottle is a bit more pricey, but it truly is one of the best moisturizers for acne we ever tried—it hydrates and treats acne—so we think it’s worth it.
Who It’s For
If you’ve tried every acne-fighting product out there but haven’t found a winning formula, we recommend investing in this unique plant-powered moisturizer that reduces breakouts and increases hydration.
Best Budget
Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Acne Facial Moisturizer
What We Like
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Reduces frequency and severity of breakouts
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Lightweight and hydrating
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Improves tone
What We Don’t Like
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Contains fragrance
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, soy | Skin Type: Acne-Prone | SPF: None | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Using a moisturizer with salicylic acid is a good way to keep breakouts at bay, as the beta hydroxy acid removes excess oil and dead cells from the skin to keep the pores clear, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner. However, you also run the risk of overdoing it and drying out your skin. With only a 0.5% concentration of salicylic acid, this Aveeno moisturizer gently unclogs without causing irritation. Whenever we applied this moisturizer, we got a refreshing dose of hydration. The lightweight formula absorbed quickly, and though we enjoyed the scent, it didn’t linger either. We used this moisturizer daily, and our breakouts decreased not only in frequency but also in severity. A huge win for us. Overall our skin felt stronger, more hydrated, and better toned, thanks to tone-correcting soy.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for an effective moisturizer without a hefty price tag, this drugstore-favorite brand delivers an acne moisturizer that delivers the results you would expect from a much more expensive product. It reduces acne, hydrates skin, and evens tone and texture, all in a sleek pump bottle.
Best with Salicylic Acid
Naturium Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Moisturizer 0.75%
What We Like
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Contains an effective yet gentle amount of salicylic acid
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Treats acne while also hydrating
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Layers smoothly under makeup
What We Don’t Like
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Not everyone is a fan of the scent
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, dimethicone | Skin Type: Acne-Prone | SPF: None | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
With a slightly higher concentration of salicylic acid (0.75%) than other popular moisturizers, Naturium strikes the sweet spot of preventing pimples while hydrating the skin at the same time. It also contains dimethicone, which Dr. Zeichner says helps form a protective seal over the skin without causing pimples. The moisturizer had a medium thickness—not watery yet not heavy—and absorbed quickly. Feeling light and comfortable on our skin, it layered smoothly under makeup, and we never felt like our foundation was sliding off. At the end of the day, our skin still felt hydrated. As someone with sensitive skin, we appreciated that the moisturizer was fragrance-free and didn’t tingle or irritate our skin, even though it contained salicylic acid. By the end of the testing period, our pimples had diminished and our leftover acne scars were starting to heal. We can’t believe how well this moisturizer from our favorite Target brand worked!
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a 2-in-1 product that moisturizes and treats acne without irritation, this is it. Plus, it’s under $20.
Best Splurge
Dr. Barbara Stürm Clarifying Face Cream
What We Like
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Treats both acne and aging
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Luxurious feel
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Doesn’t irritate skin
What We Don’t Like
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Unpleasant smell
Active Ingredients: Zinc, macadamia nut oil, vitamin C and E | Skin Type: Acne-prone, mature | SPF: None | Size: 1.69 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Yes, spending over $200 on a cream may seem like a huge investment, but considering that this one treats both acne and fine lines and wrinkles, the price is relatively reasonable because you are practically getting two products in one. Formulated by the revolutionary Dr. Barbara Sturm, this cream helps those with the predicament of having both acne and anti–aging concerns. Yup, acne doesn’t always just stop when you reach adulthood. Zinc removes excess sebum that can contribute to pimples, while a blend of plant oils strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier and restores its balance. Vitamins C and E help prevent aging and reveal a brighter, more radiant tone.
The result is a thick and creamy moisturizer that feels luxurious yet absorbs quickly and leaves a lightweight, hydrated feel. Our skin tends to freak out whenever we try new products, but we experienced no redness or tingling, and we actually had zero breakouts during the testing period. Yay! We didn’t see a major improvement in fine lines and wrinkles after a month, but we think it might take more time to see significant results. We weren’t a fan of the medicinal scent, but eventually, we got used to it.
Who It’s For
With vitamins, plant oils, and minerals, this is a worthy investment for those who want to treat both acne and signs of aging in one product.
Best Gentle
Murad Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel
What We Like
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Extremely lightweight
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Gentle
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Moisturizing
What We Don’t Like
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Doesn’t have SPF
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid | Skin Type: Acne-prone, sensitive | SPF: None | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Murad is a tried-and-true brand you can count on when it comes to caring for acne-prone skin. With that said, our number one pick is the Clarifying Water Gel, an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula. It hydrates with hyaluronic acid, heals and soothes with ginger root extract, and keeps breakouts at bay with a very mild dose of salicylic acid. We also like that this oil-free moisturizer contains Korean red pine extract, a natural antimicrobial that inhibits the spread of acne-causing bacteria.
Thanks to its water gel texture, the moisturizer was extremely lightweight, and we couldn’t feel it on our faces. We have very sensitive skin, yet we didn't have any irritation, redness, or tingling when using this product. By the end of the testing period, our skin was clearer and more hydrated. While we do wish this formula contained SPF, its simplicity can be ideal for those with very sensitive skin.
Who It’s For
Those with highly sensitive skin who can’t stand heavy products and complicated formulas will enjoy this gentle, water-gel moisturizer.
Best for Redness
Dr. Jart+ Teatreement Moisturizer
What We Like
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Reduces redness
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Lightweight
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Leaves skin with a healthy glow
What We Don’t Like
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Hydration doesn’t last all day
Active Ingredients: Tea tree leaf extract, niacinamide | Skin Type: Inflamed, Acne-prone | SPF: None | Size: 1.69 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
One of the most annoying side effects of acne is skin redness. Thankfully, with moisturizers like this one from Dr. Jart+, you can soothe inflammation instantly. The main active ingredient is tea tree leaf extract, which is known to kill acne-causing bacteria, as well as help decrease inflammation. The moisturizer also features a Green Calming Complex—including green tea extract and aloe vera—to soothe and hydrate.
Every time we applied this lightweight moisturizer to our skin, we felt a refreshing cooling sensation and watched as our skin’s redness disappeared. We were left with rejuvenated, glowy skin, likely due to the niacinamide, which further helps to reduce redness and brighten blemishes. We also appreciated how the moisturizer didn’t leave a residue or clogged pores, and we didn’t notice a spike in breakouts during the testing period. While we adored the initial glow the cream gave us, it didn’t necessarily last all day, so we recommend reapplying throughout the day for glass skin.
Who It’s For
Whether you are suffering from active breakouts and/or leftover acne scars, this moisturizer calms redness and prevents future breakouts.
Best for Oily Skin
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Moisturizer
What We Like
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Mattifying
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Primes the skin for makeup
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Very lightweight
What We Don’t Like
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Can dry out skin at first
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, kojic acid, licorice root | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | SPF: None | Size: 3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Oily skin and acne often go hand in hand, and if your skin is truly an oil slick, you might wonder why you even need to use a moisturizer? Well, completely skipping out on hydrating products can actually cause your skin to overproduce sebum, making it even more oily. Instead, it’s best to use a non-comedogenic moisturizer like this one from Cetaphil that helps reduce oil and pimples. Salicylic acid takes another leading role in this moisturizer to unclog pores and prevent breakouts. It’s met with nourishing botanicals, including kojic acid and licorice root to help fade acne scars.
The formula has a soft, thick feel yet it instantly dissolved into our skin as if it wasn’t there. It absorbed excess oil, leaving our skin smooth, matte, and buttery soft. It does an amazing job as a primer for makeup, creating an oil-free, velvety base for foundation and other products. Granted, it’s not the most hydrating moisturizer we tried—the brand does warn it can dry out your skin during the first week of use, which did happen to us—but for those trying to get their oily skin under control, this might provide just the right amount of moisture.
Who It’s For
While this may not be moisturizing enough for those with dry skin, it’s a great product for those who want to mattify their oily skin and create a smooth base for foundation.
Best Oil-Free
Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer
What We Like
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Pairs well with other products with active ingredients
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Cooling effect
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Lightweight and absorbs well
What We Don’t Like
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Can leave dark skin looking ashy
Active Ingredients: Essential amino acid derivatives, red marine algae | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | SPF: None | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you already use strong ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin to treat acne, it’s usually best to skip out on salicylic acid in your moisturizer and instead use a simple cream that soothes and hydrates. This oil-free formula from Kate Somerville is extremely gentle and hydrating, with only amino acids and red marine algae to help plump skin and improve elasticity and firmness. Putting on this cream was a treat—it provided an immediate cooling effect and seemed to awaken our pores, in a good way. With a lightweight, water-like consistency, it soaked into our skin quickly and layered beautifully with our tretinoin cream and sunscreen. There never was any irritation, even when combining this moisturizer with other products. At the end of the testing period, our skin looked very good with no new breakouts and our dark spots starting to fade. We paired this cream with a vitamin C oil, which seemed to be a dream team when dealing with dark spots and acne scars.
We were a little disappointed, though, that the cream didn’t leave us with a more of a glow. Though we could feel that our skin was hydrated, our deep complexion looked a little ashy, similar to how sunscreen can leave darker skin tones looking grayish.
Who It’s For
This moisturizer is ideal for those looking for a simple, oil-free moisturizer that you can easily incorporate into your existing acne-fighting routine. However, it may not work for those with really dry skin or darker skin tones.
Best for Dry Skin
skinbetter science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment
What We Like
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Leaves skin plump and dewy
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Smoothes and softens
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Provides all day hydration
What We Don’t Like
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Can pill under makeup
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamin C | Skin Type: Dry, mature, acne-prone | SPF: None | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Having dry skin and acne can make you feel like you’ve been cursed twice, as it can be hard to find products that address both issues without making the other worse. Yet Skinbetter Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment deeply hydrated our skin without causing breakouts. The magic can be partly explained by ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and jojoba oil which are all known to provide superb hydration without clogging pores. Treating fine lines and wrinkles, this formula is also a good option for those with mature skin.
While the formula may be too heavy for those with oily skin or those used to light moisturizers, we loved how luxurious it felt on our skin. It soaked in quickly, leaving our skin moisturized, plump, and dewy. And unlike some other moisturizers we tested, the hydration lasted all day. Though we didn’t see a direct improvement in our acne at the end of the testing period, our skin felt smoother and softer, and our acne didn’t get worse. Our main complaint was that sometimes the moisturizer caused our makeup to pill, so it might be better to use at night.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a moisturizer to fix your dry skin without triggering breakouts, this formula will plump and hydrate without any irritation.
Best with SPF
Dermalogica Clearing Defense SPF30
What We Like:
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Reduces shine
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Antioxidant protection
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Provides SPF without irritation
What We Don’t Like
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Formula can separate
Active Ingredients: Willow bark, tapioca, green tea extract, Vitamin C | Skin Type: Acne prone | SPF: SPF 30 | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
We all know we are supposed to wear sunscreen every day, but it can be hard to find a sunscreen that doesn’t make breakouts worse when you have acne-prone skin. That’s why we love this Dermalogica moisturizer, which has both SPF and acne-fighting ingredients. Thanks to SPF30 and antioxidant protection from green tea and vitamin C, it’s the perfect product to use in the morning to protect your skin. If you’re worried sunscreen will make your acne-prone skin oily, this one actually uses tapioca to help reduce shine.
This moisturizer was light and easy to spread across our face for an even application of SPF. There was no itching or burning, which we’ve experienced in the past with SPF. We were pleased with how matte our skin looked and that we didn’t have to wait to apply makeup on top. Our skin tends to get dry if we don’t moisturize it religiously, so when our skin's hydration level stayed the same while using this, we knew it meant it actually was working. And we didn’t notice an increase in breakouts after starting this product. We did notice that the formula would sometimes separate, so it’s best to shake it before applying.
Who It’s For
If you want a moisturizer that also contains SPF, this one is perfect for acne-prone skin. It’s lightweight and mattifying, yet it still hydrates and helps soothe redness and brighten acne scars over time.
What to Look for in a Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
- Non-Comedogenic: Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Morgan Rabach stresses the importance of using a non-comedogenic moisturizer if you have acne-prone skin. “This means you can confidently moisturize your skin knowing that the ingredients will not add to clogging your pores, thus making the acne worse,” says Dr. Rabach.
- Humectants: Dr. Rabach says it’s also important to look for water-based moisturizers with humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid—like Murad Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel—as these will draw water into the skin to keep skin moisturized. “Usually, these types of moisturizers feel light and aren’t too thick or heavy,” she says.
- Soothing: Finally, Dr. Rabach says that acne-prone skin needs a lot of TLC, so it’s best to look for soothing formulations with ingredients like aloe, vitamin E, and green tea. She also recommends looking for formulas without fragrance, dyes, or alcohols, which can be too drying. We like the Dr. Jart+ Teatreement Moisturizer, which contains soothing aloe vera and green tea extract.
FAQ
- How often should you apply moisturizers for acne-prone skin?
"Generally, I recommend that those with acne-prone skin moisturize twice a day," says board-certified dermatologist Marie V. Hayag, MD. While you might be tempted to use a lotion or cream less often to avoid clogging your pores or creating a greasy look, you shouldn't have this issue with oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas.
- What should you apply first, moisturizer or an acne treatment?
If you’re using a moisturizer and a separate acne treatment like benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin, you might be wondering what to apply first. “There is debate among dermatologists whether moisturizers should be applied before or after an acne cream. My personal opinion is to apply the moisturizer first to prime and hydrate the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Provided that you are not using a heavy, occlusive ointment, the moisturizer should not interfere with the penetration of the active acne treatment ingredients.”
Why Trust Byrdie
Emily Cieslak is an associate commerce editor, covering all things beauty and fashion. She’s struggled with acne since she was a teenager, so she has a ton of first-hand experience testing different products for acne-prone skin and speaking to dermatologists about the latest ingredients and products. She’s also written extensively about acne for different publications including InStyle, Brides, The Knot, and Real Simple.
For this article, Byrdie consulted these experts:
- Dr. Morgan Rabach is a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical PLLC, a dermatology and facial plastic surgery practice that she started with her sister, Dr. Lesley Rabach. In addition to her private practice, she is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital.
- Dr. Marie V. Hayag, MD is a board-certified dermatologist at Fifth Avenue Aesthetics. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and she also teaches in the Dermatology Department’s Surgery clinic.
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner is a board-certified dermatologist and is an Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Article Sources Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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