The 14 best moisturizers for acne prone skin that soothe and protect

Are you looking for the best moisturizers for acne that will not disappoint you? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. Looking for the right moisturizer that hydrates acne-prone skin without exacerbating breakouts or causing discomfort is challenging. That’s why we’ve spent time researching the greatest solutions on the market and picking some of the best. So, scroll down and check out  the 14 best moisturizers for acne-prone skin below.

Does moisturizer help with acne?

Yes, moisturizers can play a beneficial role in managing acne. While they don’t directly treat acne lesions, a good moisturizer can help maintain the skin’s hydration balance. Some acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, may cause dryness or irritation. Using a moisturizer helps counteract this dryness and prevents the skin from overproducing oil in response, which can contribute to acne.

It’s crucial to choose a non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and oil-free moisturizer, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Look for products labeled as “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” to reduce the risk of worsening acne. Additionally, some moisturizers contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which can help hydrate the skin without clogging pores.

Always consult with a dermatologist to determine the best skincare routine for your specific acne concerns.

The 14 good moisturizer for acne

Selecting the best face moisturizer for acne-prone skin may pose a challenge, but fear not. Keep scrolling to explore dermatologist-trusted, best-selling products. These products are made to give your skin the right amount of moisture and ingredients that fight acne. They help you get clear, healthy-looking skin. It doesn’t matter if your skin is oily, combination, or dry – we’ve got what you need.

Paula’s Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer

Paula’s Choice Oil-Free Moisturizer is our top pick because it’s great for skin that tends to break out. Paula’s Choice has a special line just for acne-prone skin, and this moisturizer does a lot – it hydrates, makes pores smaller, and calms redness. It has helpful stuff like niacinamide for better skin tone, pumpkin and blueberry to soothe redness from acne, and ceramides to make your skin stronger. Just so you know, the biggest size is only two ounces.

Tiege Hanley ACNE Cream 

The Tiege Hanley ACNE Cream is great at keeping your skin moisturized without making acne worse. It’s made to not clog your pores, which helps treat existing acne and stop new pimples from forming. Since the cream is strong, it’s a good idea to be patient and do a small test on your skin, especially if it’s sensitive. This cream does more than just basic acne care – it targets current pimples and prevents new ones. It won’t clog your pores, which is important for people who often get acne. Also, it gives your skin moisture without making it greasy, which can make acne worse. Keep in mind, though, that it’s a bit expensive, so think about that when deciding if you want to buy it.

The Inkey List Omega Water Cream

This light gel moisturizer gives your skin hydration that lasts all day without feeling greasy. The main ingredient is the brand’s omega ceramide complex, full of good omegas that hydrate and fix your skin barrier. It also makes your skin more elastic and firm. With a lot of glycerin, it brings moisture into your skin without making it too wet. Niacinamide in it helps control oil and reduces redness. It takes a bit of time to soak into your skin completely.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel Face and Neck Moisturizer 

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel for Face and Neck is a good option if you have acne. It’s a light, not oily moisturizer that soaks in fast, leaving your skin feeling soft. It has hyaluronic acid, a natural moisturizer in your skin, which makes your skin softer and smoother by holding onto water. The unique gel formula is quick like a gel but moisturizes like a cream. It’s oil-free, won’t clog pores, and works for all skin types. Remember that this product might not provide sufficient moisture for extremely dry skin, may not be effective for severe acne, and the packaging can differ.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Afterglow Moisturizer

For those of us dealing with acne-prone skin and dull complexion, Sunday Riley’s moisturizer is a great choice. Packed with brightening vitamin C, it tackles uneven skin tone and moisturizes with antioxidant-rich ingredients. Although it might look a bit greasy by the end of the day, it creates a radiant base for makeup and keeps your skin soft and hydrated, thanks to sodium hyaluronate. The added allantoin helps acne-prone skin stay healthy, but be cautious if you have very sensitive skin, as vitamin C can be irritating.

La roche posay moisturizer

If you want a moisturizer that keeps your skin safe from the sun, stays light on your skin, and won’t make you break out, check out La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair UV SPF Moisturizer. We’ve been using it for a few weeks and it’s really good. It’s light and doesn’t make your skin oily, and dries quickly, so you can put on makeup right away. We like that it has niacinamide and glycerin, which are good for soothing and moisturizing your skin, especially if you have acne. It also protects your skin from the sun with SPF 30, which is important. But, there are a couple of things to know. It has a bit of a chemical smell that not everyone might like. Also, if your skin is very dry, this might not be hydrating enough on its own. And if you use too much, it might make your skin look a bit white, so use a little bit at a time.

Fresh Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Cream

Acne doesn’t care how old you are, and if you have mature skin with clogged pores, you know that well. The Fresh Black Tea Anti-Aging Moisturizer is made with ingredients that won’t cause pimples. It has ceramides to make your skin stronger and squalane to keep it protected and moisturized. The hero ingredient, BT Matrix, is like retinol and comes from black tea and rambutan leaf extracts, helping your skin that’s weakened as you get older. The result is a great moisturizer that’s also anti-aging and doesn’t make your skin oily. However, it has a natural smell from the herbal ingredients and may not be suitable for everybody. 

Mighty Patch Hero Cosmetics Clear Collective Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer

We really like the Mighty Patch Hero Cosmetics Clear Collective Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer for people with acne-prone skin. It’s full of good stuff, doesn’t have any irritating colors or fragrances, and is easy on your skin. You can use it after cleansing and toning, and it’s great under makeup because it’s light and won’t cause breakouts. Just keep in mind that it might make your skin a bit oily, the tube might not be completely filled, and the product might come out too quickly.

TATCHA The Water Cream

Tatcha creates products that give your skin a lovely, radiant appearance without causing greasiness. The Water Cream is among these fantastic products, suitable for combination skin because of its light gel-cream formula that won’t clog pores. It contains Japanese leopard lily, which helps manage oil and soothe redness, promoting balanced skin renewal. The Hadasei-3 complex, featuring algae, green tea, and rice, fortifies your skin to retain moisture – like quenching your skin’s thirst. A noteworthy point is that the cream is packaged in a jar, which might not be the most hygienic option.

COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Moisturizer

The COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Moisturizer is a light and gel-like cream that works well for repairing your skin. It contains snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and betaine, all working together to make your skin less red and reduce fine lines. The snail stuff forms a barrier that makes your skin plump, hydrated, and calm. It’s an everyday cream that goes on smoothly and makes your skin look radiant. The main thing in this cream is snail secretion filtrate, which has “mucin” that’s excellent for keeping your skin extra moisturized. It helps fix damaged skin and adds moisture deep into your skin, making it perfect for dry or damaged skin. They get the snail stuff in a safe and eco-friendly way in a place where snails like to be, and then they use it to make the cream. However, it might not be suitable for you if you’re allergic to snails. Some people might find it feels a bit slimy, and it might not be strong enough for serious acne.

Cerave moisturizer for acne

This lightweight and oil-free lotion is designed to make your skin feel good. It has hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which are like special ingredients that help keep your skin hydrated and calm. They won’t block your pores, which is a good thing. The lotion also has ceramides, which are like little helpers that strengthen your skin and make sure it doesn’t lose moisture. But, here are a few things to keep in mind: Some people might feel that it’s a bit slimy when they put it on, and if your skin is really, really dry, this lotion might not be enough for you. So, it’s good to know these things before you decide to use it.

Cetaphil gentle clear mattifying acne moisturizer

We’ve been using Cetaphil Face Moisturizer for a few weeks and our skin looks much better. The moisturizer is light and dries quickly, making our skin not shiny. It is good for sensitive skin and has 0.5% Salicylic Acid to stop breakouts and make skin better. With plant things and a prebiotic complex, it feeds our skin and soothes redness. This moisturizer, suggested by dermatologists, protects against five signs of sensitive skin: weak skin barrier, irritation, roughness, tightness, and dryness. But, it does have a smell and might not be good for really oily skin. Some people might find it makes their skin too dry.

Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer

This formula is proven by doctors and has fast-acting 0.5% salicylic acid. It helps clear and stop breakouts by cleaning the skin, getting rid of extra oil, and reducing whiteheads, blackheads, and swelling. Also, it has super moisturizing hyaluronic acid that doesn’t feel heavy. It’s great for making wrinkles and age lines look smaller, fixing the skin, and hiding acne scars. It works for all skin types, even if your skin is sensitive. The formula is clean, made from plants, and doesn’t have sulfates, alcohol, fragrance, parabens, gluten, and it’s vegan and cruelty-free. While it’s effective, it may leave your face a little shiny, similar to sunblock after a couple of hours. Also, it may not be the most moisturizing option for those with super dry skin.

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Face Moisturizer

Considering a daily facial moisturizer is helpful for preventing breakouts and improving your skin, Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Facial Moisturizer is a good choice. We noticed a clear improvement in how our skin looked and felt. The formula is light and absorbs quickly, leaving our skin soft and smooth. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic, suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. This moisturizer has 0.5% salicylic acid, which helps control and prevent acne blemishes. The Total Soy Complex in it evens skin tone and improves complexion for a healthier look. Despite having a mild scent, it could still irritate those with sensitive skin. While this formula generally works well for most people, it may not be effective for everyone, and some might still experience acne.

Considerations for Acne-Prone Skin Moisturizers

When picking a moisturizer for skin prone to acne, pay attention to a few things:

Ingredients

Check for non-comedogenic ingredients that won’t clog your pores. Good choices include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide.

Texture

Pick a light, oil-free moisturizer. Stay away from thick creams because they can block your pores, and that can lead to acne. 

SPF

If you’re often outside, get a moisturizer with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from the sun.

Fragrance

Choose a fragrance-free moisturizer to avoid irritating your skin and causing breakouts.

Price

Think about your budget, but investing in a good-quality product can really help your skin. Balance cost with quality when making your choice.

FAQ

1. Is face moisturizer good for acne?

Yes, doctors might suggest using moisturizers alongside treatments for acne, especially when prescribing things like benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid. Also, there’s some evidence suggesting that moisturizers on their own can help improve signs and symptoms of acne.

2. Should I moisturize my face everyday if I have acne?

Yes, you should moisturize your face every day if you have acne, as long as you choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Put it on two times a day after washing your face. Don’t use things like astringents or rubbing alcohol because they can make your skin even drier.

3. Can acne be 100% cured?

Even if the medicine your doctor suggests helps your skin get better, it doesn’t cure acne. You have to keep using it regularly, even when your skin looks good, to stop acne from coming back. There’s no cure for acne, and products that say they can cure it are not telling the truth.

4. What age is acne the worst?

Almost 90% of teenagers, between 14 and 19 years old, deal with acne. If someone has a lot of acne that’s considered moderate to severe, they usually need extra help with acne treatments.

5. Does drinking water help with acne?

Drinking more water, about 68 extra ounces each day, really helps your skin stay hydrated. Being well-hydrated also boosts your immune system, helping your body fight infections, which can stop acne from happening.

Conclusion

Finding the right moisturizer for acne-prone skin is crucial for maintaining a healthy and clear complexion. Personal preferences, skin type, and specific needs should guide the choice of a moisturizer, ensuring it strikes the right balance between hydration and acne prevention. The best moisturizer is one that not only nourishes the skin but also complements an individual’s skincare routine, promoting overall skin health and well-being.

18 BEST SHAMPOOS FOR OILY HAIR IN 2024

It might be difficult to find a shampoo that works well for people with oilier hair types. The mixture ought to cleanse hair thoroughly without depriving it of essential oils, amplify its inherent luster, and prolong the intervals between shampoos. Your entire hair care regimen will function flawlessly with the ideal oily hair-friendly shampoo. If you have been struggling with finding the answer to the question of what is the best shampoo for oily hair, you have come to the right place.

NÉCESSAIRE SHAMPOO

Nécessaire, a company well-known for its sophisticated formulae and stylish branding, has done it again with this shampoo. A fragrance-free shampoo may sound uninteresting to some, but for those who get headaches easily, have allergies, or want their perfumes to steal the show, it’s a dream come true. The product has a creamy, gel-like texture, and we were really impressed with how nicely it lathers. When you gently massage your scalp, a creamy cluster of bubbles will form, providing a sensory sensation while you cleanse your hair and scalp. But for certain clients, it could be a little too drying but it’s still a good shampoo for oily hair.

KRISTIN ESS CLARIFYING SHAMPOO

We recommend this shampoo if you’re seeking an affordable option that will effectively cleanse your oily hair. Its unique strengthening component helps to minimize the look of damaged strands, and we adore that it effectively removes oil and filth without overly drying out the hair. Despite being appropriate for all hair types, its lightweight texture makes it especially simple to work through fine hair. It doesn’t lather very well on the first shampoo, so you’ll probably want to shampoo twice with this recipe. However, once it breaks through the first layer of grime, it lathers brilliantly, usually on the second shampoo.

OUAI DETOX SHAMPOO

With the use of this clarifying product, buildup and grease can be removed from the scalp along with pollutants, free radicals, and other impurities. Though some find its aroma somewhat too much, people adore that it contains apple cider vinegar to aid in its purifying properties. We think you’ll adore this formula if the aroma isn’t an issue for you. This pick has a rich texture, produces a silky lather, and is designed to be used in the shower for several minutes to properly do its magic. You should anticipate having perfectly clean hair after rinsing it out. 

REDKEN HAIR CLEANSING CREAM

Hard water contains a lot of minerals, which over time can build up in the hair and cause it to seem greasy and lifeless. It’s a good idea to use a shampoo that works to neutralize mineral buildup, like this one, if you regularly shower in hard water. This solution eliminates excess oil from the scalp and minerals like copper, iron, magnesium, and calcium that are commonly present in hard water with just one shampoo. It’s quite clarifying the first time around, so you won’t need to shampoo and rinse twice with it. It also produces a delicate lather that’s easy to massage around the head.

LIVING PROOF PHD TRIPLE DETOX SHAMPOO

If you have oily hair in addition to color or keratin treatments, you may find yourself in a difficult situation because frequent shampooing might reduce the longevity of these treatments. The fix: An excellent purifying shampoo that is safe for color and keratin. It works to totally cut through extra oil to reveal squeaky clean, smooth, and lustrous hair without affecting color or treatments. It is made with an anionic polymer to eliminate impurities and buildup and activated charcoal to absorb oil. This shampoo, like the most on our list, may feel a little drying on your hair because it is best suited for oily scalps.

AG CARE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SHAMPOO

Sulfates are not intrinsically harmful; in fact, they function as detergents in shampoo compositions. These substances can be very good in removing extra grease from oily hair, but they typically receive a poor rap because they can be a touch harsh and stripping for those with dry or damaged hair. This shampoo is for you, though, if you’d rather stick to sulfate-free formulations and still need something to thoroughly clean oily hair. It takes some getting used to because the lightweight texture is a little watery, but it does lather and requires less product to do the job.

dpHUE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SHAMPOO

Unlike many strong shampoos that eventually fade color treatments, dpHUE’s mild cleanser-like shampoo kept our hair color vibrant and consequently increased the intervals between salon appointments. With apple cider vinegar for cleaning and aloe vera, ginger root extract, and lavender for soothing the scalp, the recipe is extremely gentle. Because of this, it didn’t foam up like conventional shampoos and we had to rinse it twice or more to get a clean feeling. Similar to the Ouai choice, apple cider vinegar isn’t particularly loved by consumers, but this product’s softness is excellent.

ORIBE SERENE SCALP OIL CONTROL SHAMPOO

This shampoo is rich without being overly thick, which is different from most light and sudsy shampoos for oily hair. It contains green sea algae and a prebiotic made of sugar to fight oil at its source. It also balances the microbiome of your scalp to help restore your hair to its natural state and produces just the right amount of oil to hydrate your hair without making it feel heavy. Those with thin hair who believe they can’t get their roots totally clean are the target audience for this shampoo. For individuals with thicker hair, the quantity of product offered for the price makes this shampoo difficult to recommend, but if it will help you avoid washing your hair every few days, it’s well worth the cost. 

DIVI SHAMPOO

This shampoo resembles a hybrid of a shampoo and a scalp serum. Tea tree oil, betaine, and menthol invigorate your scalp and senses while also removing harmful build-up from your hair and scalp. It lathers like a shampoo but penetrates like a serum. Excess oil is drawn to the tea tree oil, which then locks onto and removes it as it runs down the drain. Just a plus is the pump bottle. Some persons who are allergic to essential oils or have sensitivity to fragrances may find it too powerful, even though many enjoy the invigorating perfume and exciting experience. 

AVEDA ROSEMARY MINT PURIFYING SHAMPOO

White vinegar helps to clarify oily hair, and micelles aid in gently removing product build-up from hair. The vinegar works especially well to remove wax-based products from your hair without being harsh or stripping. All hair types, from extremely thin to extra thick, are ideal candidates for lightweight excellence. This shampoo gives just enough slide to fine hair that tangles easily when wet, making it simple to massage the product all the way into the roots. Your regular shower gains an aromatherapy element from the invigorating rosemary scent, which turns it into a luxurious sensory experience that encourages you to take your time applying the product to your lengths and ends.

PAUL MITCHELL TEA TREE SPECIAL SHAMPOO

Known for its unique tingling sensation, this best-selling shampoo combines soothing natural ingredients like tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender to help wash away grime and oil, leaving your scalp feeling clean and rejuvenated. It is simple to massage the suds into your scalp and ends because of the lightweight gel-like formula’s good lather and spreading properties. Unlike other shampoos, you can actually feel the cleanness that this shampoo delivers to your locks, which you know is especially crucial if you suffer from oily roots. You save time in the mornings and your style lasts for several days because of that fresh feeling. It’s strong enough to give you a thorough deep clean, but gentle enough to use every time you wash your hair.

R+Co TELEVISION PERFECT HAIR SHAMPOO

Greasy roots are the fastest way to ruin a great hair day. This smoothing shampoo gives you the lustrous, healthy-looking hair you desire while also getting rid of greasy roots. The key is juniper berry extract; it helps balance the oils on your scalp, some of which are good for your hair’s health and help stop build-up before it starts. Glycerin, a naturally occurring humectant, assists in preserving the moisture equilibrium of hair. People adore how this shampoo improves all hair types; for straight hair, it gives body and shine, and for curly hair, it makes curls bouncy and shiny.

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE SUNDAY SHAMPOO

Use Bumble & Bumble’s Sunday Shampoo to start a new weekend ritual. This shampoo is not something you should use every day; instead, save it for the days when you have the leisure to really engage in self-care. This deep cleanser, which is designed to break down oil and product build-up, instantly lifts away all impurities from your scalp for an exceptional clean, enabling you to start the week with even fresher hair. For people with thinner hair who easily become bogged down by heavier products, this shampoo is great.

OGX REFRESHING SCALP+ TEA TREE MINT SHAMPOO

 With a cooling effect, the Refreshing Scalp+ Tea Tree Mint Shampoo is designed to thoroughly clean and refresh the scalp. The two main components of this shampoo are peppermint and tea tree oils. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial qualities that are well-known for helping with dryness and dandruff on the scalp. In contrast, peppermint oil has a cooling effect and has the potential to stimulate the scalp.

VIRTUE FULL SHAMPOO

A volumizing and lightly hydrating solution that clarifies the scalp is necessary for fine hair. With the help of the company’s own Alpha Keratin 60ku protein, which replicates the keratin that naturally exists in the hair, the Virtue Full Shampoo accomplishes precisely that. This ingredient gives this sulfate- and cruelty-free shampoo extra credit because it repairs damage from the inside out.

CURLSMITH WASH & SCRUB DETOX SHAMPOO

Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo’s moisturizing and clarifying composition is ideal for people with curly hair. Perlite, a mineral included in the creamy texture, gently exfoliates the scalp by removing peeling skin and product buildup without changing the natural curl pattern of your hair. Probiotics help maintain the proper balance of germs on the scalp, making it less oily over time. This shampoo helps achieve this goal. However, it should be noted that the company advises starting with its Super Slip Pre-Wash Primer, which is an additional cost. 

K18 PEPTIDE PREP DETOX SHAMPOO

The moisturizing and clarifying formula of Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo is perfect for those with curly hair. A mineral included in the creamy texture called perlite gently exfoliates the scalp by eliminating product buildup and peeling skin without altering your hair’s natural curl pattern. Over time, probiotics help reduce scalp oiliness by preserving the healthy balance of microorganisms on the scalp. This shampoo aids in achieving the objective. It should be mentioned, nevertheless, that the business suggests utilizing their Super Slip Pre-Wash Primer first—a costlier product. It should not, however, be used in place of a regular shampoo; rather, it should only be used as necessary.

BRIOGEO BIOTIN VOLUMIZING SHAMPOO

Briogeo’s Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo claims to lift and volumize fine, lifeless hair without depleting it of moisture. A natural starch called maltodextrin is a part of the mix that covers each strand of hair to give it the volume that finer hair lacks. Ginseng is added to promote blood flow to the scalp while biotin fortifies the ends. Furthermore, even the oiliest scalp types are cleansed by mild chelating agents, revealing hair that feels full and refreshed.

Using a clarifying hair cleanser and giving your scalp a thorough scrub on wash day is one of the greatest ways to treat a greasy scalp. Those with oily hair should first use a shampoo that will absorb the oil and wash the scalp before using products like hair masks and heat protectants. We’ve compiled the top shampoos for oily hair of all kinds, whether your hair is curly, straight, or color-treated. Take a look at our suggestions to make the best buy.