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.

15 Best Shampoos For Color-Treated Hair

Switching up your hair color is a fantastic way to revamp your appearance and let your personality shine. However, the dyeing process can leave your hair feeling parched, delicate, and the color may lose its luster. To maintain the vibrancy and well-being of your colored locks, choosing the right shampoo is crucial. Pharmacies and salons boast an array of hair care products specially crafted for colored hair. These goodies pledge to moisturize, boost shine, and safeguard your hair hue from the harsh aftermath of potent cleansers. If you’re unsure about which product suits your colored hair best, feel free to contact us as we reveal some of the best shampoos for colored hair below!

Best Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair Overall: Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Olaplex shampoo, favored by hairstylists and users alike, not only gently cleanses the hair but also restores damaged hair bonds. This effect contributes to healthier, shinier, and more color-resistant hair. The hair care system comprises Olaplex Shampoo No. 4, Olaplex Conditioner No. 5, and Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3. Among them, Olaplex Shampoo No. 4 stands out as the most popular choice among consumers. The product helps achieve soft and manageable hair while reducing hair loss during washing. Some people suggest enhancing the product by changing the fragrance for an improved user experience.

Best Drugstore Shampoo : L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo is infused with the rejuvenating essence of rosemary. Specifically designed for dry hair, this product deeply replenishes moisture, leaving hair irresistibly soft and boasting a luminous shine. Particularly suitable for color-treated hair, immerse yourself in the subtle and delightful scent of rosemary as you care for your hair. Many users have provided highly positive reviews, noting that the product is non-toxic and has been used without harm for several years.

Best Luxury Shampoo: Oribe Shampoo For Beautiful Color

This luxurious shampoo is crafted with a blend of natural oils and extracts to gently cleanse and nourish color-treated hair. The product features extracts from argan, maracuja, and bamboo, balancing both the hair and the scalp to fortify and enhance. It leaves the hair clean and adequately moisturized, restoring its original health with healing oils. Despite its delightful scent, the high price and small bottle size limit the benefits compared to its cost.

Best Shampoo For Fine: Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo

This formula delicately cleanses without causing color fading or weighing down thin hair. It also contains UV protection to prevent color fading. OUAI Fine Shampoo and Conditioner, designed for thin hair, gently clean and nourishing. Biotin and chia seeds enhance thickness, providing a full and voluminous look. OUAI is dedicated to embracing a fulfilled life, accepting imperfections, and creating high-quality hair care products with the best ingredients. While some users reported excessive hair shedding, others found it to be satisfactory.

Best Shampoo For Oily: Sachajuan Colour Protect Shampoo

The Sachajuan product line from Sweden is an ideal choice for cleansing and maintaining moisture in the hair, especially when you want to protect color-treated hair but face the challenge of greasy hair post-shampoo. Despite being sulfate-free, this formula still provides a low-acid cleanser to preserve color. The product utilizes the brand’s exclusive Ocean Silk Technology derived from algae rich in calcium, manganese, zinc, and magnesium. This helps balance the scalp and enhance shine without compromising the natural beauty of the color.

Best Shampoo For Curly:  Virtue Recovery Shampoo

This shampoo is renowned for its ability to tame curly hair and provide easy manageability. Its special formula includes several standout ingredients to protect hair color. Hydrolyzed quinoa enhances shine, pomelo extract restores the scalp, and baobab seed oil softens the hair. The product is also infused with the exclusive Alpha Keratin 60ku, a human keratin protein designed to repair damaged hair. Reviews emphasize that the shampoo effectively addresses stubborn curls, leaving the hair soft, voluminous, and shiny.

Best Shampoo For Highlighted Hair: Kérastase Blond Absolu Hydrating Illuminating Shampoo

Highlighting your hair can enhance its color, but it often leads to dryness and breakage. Kérastase addresses this issue with a shampoo containing hyaluronic acid, a moisturizing agent that binds water molecules to hair strands, preventing dryness. Additionally, edelweiss flower extract promotes thicker, stronger locks. Although it contains sodium laureth sulfate, a cleansing agent approved for preserving color, it’s sulfate-free. In spite of the violet bottle, it’s not a purple shampoo, but it effectively neutralizes brassy tones and enhances shine for a radiant finish.

Best Shampoo For Red Hair: Love Beauty And Planet Blooming Color Shampoo

Love Beauty And Planet’s color-safe shampoo is made up of 93% naturally-derived ingredients, featuring ultra-nourishing murumuru butter and hydrating Bulgarian rose. Infused with coconut oil, it effectively seals in moisture, resulting in bouncy and soft locks. The brand prioritizes sustainability by using recycled plastic bottles and adhering to cruelty-free testing practices, while the ethically sourced extracts provide a delightful fragrance to their shampoos.

Best Shampoo For Blondes: Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Shampoo

For those dealing with overprocessed, straw-like hair, Matrix offers a solution to reduce breakage and rejuvenate strands. The pH-balancing formula, enriched with citric acid, strengthens weakened bonds and provides much-needed moisture. Buyers highlight its pleasant lathering, effective cleansing, and appealing scent.

Best Sulfate -Free Color Safe Shampoo: TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Color Shampoo

This budget-friendly shampoo by TRESemmé features keratin for smooth and frizz-free hair while protecting color. The Keratin Smooth System with Lamellar-Discipline transforms unruly hair into a sleek look for up to 72 hours. The Pro Style Technology, enriched with amino acids and ceramide, enhances hair strength and manageability with continuous use. Enjoy a frizz-free, silky look for 72 hours. Trusted ingredients include a cruelty-free, PETA-certified formula, free from Parabens, Mineral Oil, and DMDM Hydantoin.

Best Shampoo For Brunettes: DpHue Color Fresh Shampoo

Maintaining a vibrant brunette shade between salon visits can be challenging, whether you’re covering grays or enhancing your color. DpHue’s color-safe shampoo, co-founded by celebrity colorist Justin Anderson, is known for its gentle formula that helps preserve color intensity. Infused with kumquat extract for added shine and sunflower seed extract to protect from UV damage, this shampoo is a go-to for keeping your color fresh between appointments.

Best Lightweight Feel: Fekkai Technician Color Shampoo

For an eco-friendly choice, consider using this shampoo that bears the Leaping Bunny certification. Enriched with an antioxidant elixir and Pro Vitamin B5, it provides protection against heat, sun damage, and color fading. This high-quality salon-grade shampoo features the special Mirabelle plum seed oil, known for extending the vibrancy of hair color. Whether you fancy bold or subtle hues, this shampoo guarantees a prolonged and radiant color experience.

Best For Fighting Frizz: Smoothing Anti-Frizz  Shampoo

This shampoo distinguishes itself by addressing the negative impact of humidity on hair, particularly color-treated strands that are susceptible to heightened breakage. Its superior moisturizing and nourishing properties effectively combat frizz, leaving hair silkier and smoother. Notably, the results endure for up to 72 hours post-wash, delivering prolonged relief from frizz. Beyond enhancing color vibrancy, the specialized formula acts as a protective shield, reducing the risk of damage from environmental factors. Embrace the confidence that comes with consistently maintaining sleek and resilient hair through the enduring effects of this moisture-rich shampoo.

Best For Frequent Washers: R+Co Gemstone Color Shampoo

R+Co Gemstone Color Shampoo is designed to counteract the detrimental effects of humidity on hair, especially color-treated strands that are prone to increased breakage. The color-protecting complex formula is crafted not only to enhance the gloss of the pigment but also to address issues of tangling, making the hair strands shiny, smooth, and easily manageable. This not only helps preserve the desired color but also maintains the best hair dyeing experience for you.

How We Chose The Best Shampoos For Color-Treated Hair

In our quest for the top shampoos for color-treated hair, we focused on key ingredients that effectively cleanse, nourish, and strengthen dyed strands. Our carefully curated selection caters to diverse hair types, from curly to fine and dry textures, while considering various shades such as blonde, brunette, or auburn. Drawing on insights from our experts with in-salon experience and analyzing customer reviews, we identified standout product characteristics. To guide your choice, prioritize color-safe ingredients with humectants like glycerin, avoid harmful agents, opt for sulfate-free formulations, and use clarifying shampoos sparingly to prevent accelerated color fading, particularly in the initial weeks post-coloring. We’ve curated options to suit different budgets, ensuring choices that blend affordability with luxury.

How Do You Protect Color-Treated Hair?

To maintain freshly colored hair, it’s advisable to wait at least 24 hours before washing to minimize color fading. Washing color-treated hair two to three times a week is ideal, with rinsing and conditioning suggested on non-shampoo days. Choose dry shampoos without alcohol and avoid sulfates, as they can strip color. To extend color life, reduce heated styling tool use, especially high-temperature flat irons, and always use a heat protectant with UV protection to shield hair from damage and sun-induced fading.

Conclusion

In the list of hair care products, shampoo plays a crucial role, especially when used for colored hair. Choosing the right shampoo can significantly impact both maintaining the color and the health of the hair. Effective shampoo for colored hair not only helps remove dirt but also prevents the fading process. After considering the aforementioned products and following our advice, if your choice aligns with your hair type, you’ll undoubtedly not only help maintain the color and health of your colored hair but also ensure that your hair remains fresh and attractive. Additionally, you can also explore various hair vitamins.