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 Primers for Oily Skin For Your Base Flawless with

To produce a smooth base for your face makeup or foundation (and stop it from sliding around all over your face), a decent primer for oily skin will combine blurring, oil-absorbing, and clarifying elements. However, even if you don’t wear makeup, it will still keep your skin matte and free of shine for hours and help keep your pores clean of extra oil and buildup. For those who are still looking for a primer, this list of 15 best primers for oily skin is for you.

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer

This pore-minimizing makeup primer glides on your skin like butter to aid in laying a smooth foundation-application surface. The face is instantly matte and pore-free after using the silicone-based facial primer for oily skin. With this facial primer, which works with all types of foundation—from cushions to sticks to liquids to powders—say goodbye to uneven skin surfaces. Lock your makeup for a flawless filtered effect without emptying your wallet. But if you apply too much, it could become a little clumpy. With its reputation and quality, we can totally say that this is the best primer for oily skin.

Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer

The matte primer’s incredibly lightweight composition leaves your face feeling smooth and silky before applying makeup. The liquid primer’s composition leaves your skin feeling light and seals in your makeup for a very long time. Aid in controlling shine and eradicating oiliness from your skin so that it won’t feel greasy for up to 8 hours. With the pore-blurring effect, you may get rid of pores and get smooth, beautiful skin, which enhances your makeup every time. Although the product appears to apply readily,the foundation does not spread over it smoothly or evenly, but it is still a good, reasonably priced primer.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Shine Killer Mattifying Primer

A primer that lives up to its name is included with NYX Professional Makeup. The oil-absorbing charcoal in the Shine Killer primer is great for preventing greasiness and giving you an ultra-matte look all day. Another plus for individuals who don’t wish to have a negative impact on the environment is the product’s cruelty-free formulation. The canvas you’ve been searching for is yours thanks to the shine killer! The finest primer to keep your base immaculate for hours, however, is not this one if your complexion is really oily.

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

Your makeup? It’s going nowhere. This gel-based face primer has the ability to grip your makeup and give skin a soft-focus impression for a smoother complexion. Prepare your skin with it. This makeup primer hydrates, prepares, and smoothes to perfection, enhancing the look and feel of your skin. It contains potent elements including Hyaluronic Acid. Since the formula is clear, it serves as the best foundation for applying makeup to all skin types and tones. We must warn you before you purchase it that this primer is extremely sticky, so you don’t need to worry about your base, but if there is primer on your eyes, your lashes will get really clumpy.

MILK Hydro Grip Primer

For the past few years, Milk Makeup has been a disruptor in the cosmetics business thanks to its high-performing, vegan products. If you’re looking for a primer that will make your skin appear to be shining from the inside out, Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Primer is a must-have item. Additionally, this product is vegan, nourishes the skin, and prolongs the use of your cosmetics. Everything you were seeking in a primer was provided by this product; it is moisturizing, energizing, illuminating, and long-wearing without seeming unnatural. However, for individuals who like a matte look, it might be too moisturizing.

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Primer

The opulent primer Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer was developed by the Japanese-inspired skincare company Tatcha. It is intended to give a velvety-smooth foundation for applying makeup and to lengthen its wear. Pores, fine wrinkles, and other flaws should appear less noticeable thanks to the product’s formulation of skin-friendly components. Silk powder, a fundamental component of Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer that helps to mattify the skin and produce a soft-focus look, is a vital component. Additionally, it includes a combination of botanical extracts that nourish the skin and offer antioxidant benefits, including green tea, rice, and algae. Contrasted to the majority of goods now on the market, it’s a somewhat expensive primer, but trust us when we say it’s worthwhile.

e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer

The ideal primer is the foundation for the ideal makeup. e.l.f has always been so amazing at making makeup items affordable so you can totally believe us when we say that this primer is a 10 out of 10. This moisturizing primer, which is made with grapes and vitamins A, C, and E, gives you a smooth, flawless canvas for long-lasting makeup application. Excellent for brightening your face and reducing pores before applying makeup. You might experience some issues utilizing the pump dispenser because it is prone to breaking. However, you should give it a try if you don’t mind the packing.

Neutrogena Shine Control Primer

Although Neutrogena’s primer costs $12, don’t let that deceive you into believing it’s ineffective. You’ll be amazed at how long-lasting the product is and how your skin stays shine-free even after wearing it for several hours. Additionally, because it doesn’t dry, it applies smoothly, which can provide you a smooth, even base.  Bear in mind that this product does include scent, so if you have sensitive skin, be sure to test a small area first before using it all over your face.

Illamasqua Matte Veil Primer

Illamasqua’s super-light gel-cream composition can be a hit if you dislike how heavier creams feel on your skin. Oil-free moisturizing elements like glycerin ensure that you don’t become too dry while the mattifying components work to absorb excess oil and essentially create a shine-controlling “veil” over your face throughout the day. Who wants flaky makeup, after all? On oily skin, it most definitely works wonders, however, the cost can be a bit high.

Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance

This oil-control gel cream from Glossier helps to manage shine while moisturizing the face because it is made with niacinamide and glycerin. Its translucency and gel-like texture make it ideal for use under makeup that spreads evenly and dries rapidly. To produce a flawless finish, it also has specialized power primers and willow bark extract. If you want to enhance the look of noticeable large pores and an uneven skin tone, get this. Although this has hydrating elements, if you have especially dry skin in some places, you might not want to use it. 

The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer

We frequently turn to The Ordinary for its inexpensive yet effective skincare products, and we adore this silicone primer for several reasons. First of all, it has a clean formula that is devoid of parabens and sulfates and is vegan. Second, it incorporates cutting-edge adaptable silicone that hydrates and blurs the skin’s surface without leaving any greasiness behind. Downsides? Some reviews do express concern that it can cause makeup to pill and wrinkle.

Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Blur + Smooth Primer

Primer is the first step to flawless! With Maybelline New York’s Master Prime, you may minimize skin issues and enhance your makeup appearance. Your main skin issues will be concealed by this primer, which is made with an active component base made of water. In order to ensure that your makeup lasts all day, it also has a lightweight formula that applies easily and doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy. It’s tested for allergies and skin conditions, making this primer suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. 

e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

This primer is the best value on the market, which is why it became so popular on TikTok. Scoop out a tiny amount, knead the ingredients in between your hands, and then apply it to your face. All day and night, your makeup will look absolutely immaculate and your skin will appear matte and poreless. However, the pot’s packing can encourage the growth of bacteria.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Anti-Aging Primer

For oily skin (and, truthfully, all skin types), this four-in-one primer with sunscreen is a need for the summer. Anthelios is recommended in conjunction with other sun protection measures, sunscreens with superior UVA/UVB protection and antioxidants reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging brought on by the sun.  Apply a nickel-sized amount all over your face to hide enlarged pores, control shine, protect your skin from UV rays with chemical sunscreen filters, and reduce inflammation with antioxidants. The consistency feels thick and heavy, according to several reviews.

Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Booster Face Primer 

There are many excellent lightweight primers for oily skin, but this Neutrogena product is undoubtedly among the best. Since it has the same texture as a face serum, it absorbs quickly into the skin and blends well with other skincare and makeup products. Additionally, it contains rice protein, which absorbs oil, to absorb extra sebum throughout the day. However, unlike some other facial primers, this one doesn’t have blurring capabilities if you prefer a finish that resembles a filter.

Nothing tests a long-wear makeup recipe like greasy skin, regardless of whether you’re using a $200 or $2 foundation. When we take the time to contour our cheekbones or blend a sexy smokey eye, we know how frustrating it is when our oily skin and greasy lids ruin it in a matter of hours, or sometimes even minutes, depending on the humidity of the day. For the ideal purchase for your makeup and your budget, look through our list of the top 15 primers for oily skin.