Key Takeaways

Moisturizers independently contribute to improving signs and symptoms of acne.
Moisturizers have various benefits including skin hydration, photo-protection, anti-inflammation, and anti-aging properties.
Factors to consider while finding the best anti-acne moisturizer include checking the list of ingredients, skin type, and whether you want a lotion, ointment, cream, or gel
Summary list of recommended anti-acne moisturizers in this article include

How to Find the Best Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin in 2024

Navigating the world of acne, the not-so-welcome companion can be a tricky journey. Many folks try different tactics, such as squeezing those pesky pimples, wearing foundation, or tweaking their skincare routine. But really, managing acne is like navigating a maze of activities. It requires adopting a good skincare routine, finding a perfect combination of products, checking on your diet, and consulting a dermatology provider nearby.

One skincare ally that can make a big difference if you are acne-prone is a good moisturizer. Moisturizers independently contribute to improving the signs and symptoms of acne. Besides, they may help you to tolerate acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene, and isotretinoin which tend to dry and irritate the skin. While most moisturizers claim to be suitable for acne, that may not necessarily be true. But worry not; we are here to help! Our guide will make finding the best moisturizer in 2024 a bit more friendly.

Why Moisturizers

Before we jump into discovering the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin in 2024, let’s first explore why it’s important to consider using a moisturizer in the first place if you have acne.

Improving Skin Hydration

After using a moisturizer, the water levels of your skin rise in about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Improved hydration smoothes your skin and makes it more pliable. The hydration effect will usually last for about 4 hours. A hydrated and smooth skin will enhance your social and psychological satisfaction.

TATCHA The Water Cream is one such fantastic moisturizer that works wonders in hydrating your skin pretty fast. It’s suitable for all skin types including sensitive, acne-prone/irritated skin. It’s a non-comedogenic moisturizer that is infused with nourishing Japanese nutrients and powerful botanicals. You’ll find delightful elements like double-fermented Akita rice, Uji green tea, and Okinawa algae inside. Plus, it’s free from synthetic fragrances, mineral oils, sulfates, parabens and urea. Give it a try today to experience that extra boost of hydration your skin deserves.

Anti-inflammatory Action

Moisturizers have an anti-inflammatory effect. A moisturizer with ingredients such as glycyrrhetinic acid, palmitoyl-ethanolamine, telmesteine, Vitis vinifera, and ceramide may be anti-inflammatory. Moisturizers with anti-inflammation properties are an ideal choice for curing atopic dermatitis and acne.

One ultimate ally moisturizer against inflammation is the Be Bodywise Oil Control Moisturizer. It’s a perfect gem for friends dealing with oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. Crafted in collaboration with doctors, it’s non-comedogenic and feels wonderfully lightweight. Its key ingredients include

Hyaluronic acid to keep moisture locked in.
Ceramides to support the skin barrier function and regulate excess oil production
Phytosqualane for a non-greasy finish.

Photo Protection

Today, most moisturizers are packed with sunscreen featuring various sun protection factors to protect against harmful UV rays from the sun. So your skin stays happy and safe in the sunshine. These moisturizers are time and cost-saving as they combine both UV light protection and hydration. Here are our top 3 picks:

Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 17/30

Its key ingredients include:

SPF 30 sunscreen for UV light protection
Allantoin skin soothing agent that brightens your skin by getting rid of dead skin cells.
Astringent lemongrass extract reduces pore size and cuts down excess oil production.
Antioxidant-rich green tea
It’s non-greasy, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and lightweight
Ideal for an acne prone skin

Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 from Hero Cosmetics

This is a gentle moisturizer. It’s fragrance-free, non-irritating, and super lightweight. You’ll love how quickly it absorbs without leaving any greasy residue. Plus, it’s formulated with zinc oxide to shield your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. It’s perfect for those with acne concerns as it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Dive into the goodness of Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 from Hero Cosmetics and enjoy a nourished, protected complexion.

Dermalogica Clearing Defense SPF30 (2 Fl Oz) Sunscreen Moisturizer

This moisturizer is an absolute gem for anyone dealing with breakouts. Not only does it shield your skin from environmental stressors, but it’s also loaded with antioxidants to combat the effects of pollution. Plus, it seamlessly blends with your skin’s natural balance, keeping that unwanted shine at bay. And don’t worry about pesky pore-clogging – it’s non-comedogenic! Let it be your daily defender against UV rays, leaving your skin happy and radiant.

Apply it 30 mins before sun exposure

Reduces Itching

Some dermatologic diseases manifest themselves in the form of scratching/pruritus. Severe pruritus can lead to complications such as lichen simplex chronicus. Moisturizers can save you the pain due to their antipruritic properties. If you are struggling with Itchy skin, try the Curel Itch Defense Calming Body Lotion moisturizer. It’s a clinically proven choice to help relieve dry, itchy skin.

A Youthful Look

Dry skin is often characterized by a scaly, rough, cracked, and fissured surface. That may make you look older than you are. Moisturizers may help reverse these. They will reduce fine lines and make the skin appear smooth and soft. They contain ingredients such as glycerin, petrolatum, and dimethicone that may make you look younger and more vibrant.

If you’re eager to achieve a youthful glow, we highly suggest giving IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer a try! It’s dermatologist-tested, paraben-free, mineral oil-free, and suitable for all skin types. In just two weeks, this moisturizer could brighten your skin, make it look firmer, and reduce wrinkles on your face. Its key ingredients include:

4% niacinamide to help reduce fine lines/wrinkles
2.5% peptide lipid complex to improve elasticity, firmness and reduce fine lines
3% squalene to improve hydration and the skin barrier role.

Types of Moisturizers

Moisturizers may be classified into four types based on their mechanism of action. These subtypes include emollients, humectants, occlusives, and protein rejuvenators.

Emollients

Emollients work their magic by filling in the gaps between shedding skin cells, leaving your skin feeling wonderfully smooth and soft. They are mainly water-insoluble materials such as lipids and oils and are mainly utilized due to their ability to soften and smoothen the skin to give it a silky texture. Emollients will contain substances such as collagen, elastin, glyceryl stearate, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and shea butter.

Humectants

These are types of moisturizers that attract water vapor from the environment to moisturize the skin. Ingredients used to make humectants include glycerin, alpha hydroxy acids, glycerol, hyaluronic acid, and sorbitol. The alpha hydroxy acids include glycolic and lactic acids. Besides improving the water content of the skin, they promote skin desquamation and boost the skin barrier function by increasing ceramide levels. Glycerin may also boost the skin barrier function in addition to attracting water to the skin.

Occlusives

Occlusive agents work by creating a thin, water-resistant layer on your skin. That helps to slow down the loss of moisture through the skin, keeping it beautifully hydrated. Occlusives physically block transepidermal water loss in the skin. Occlusive agents will contain substances such as lanolin, mineral oils, olive oil, petrolatum ceramide, paraffin, and silicone.

Protein Rejuvenators

This type of moisturizer contains molecular proteins that are thought to help in skin rejuvenation as they replenish those essential proteins. Protein rejuvenators will contain substances like collagen, keratin, or elastin.

Tips On How to Choose the Best Moisturizer For Acne-prone Skin

If your skin is acne-prone, examine the below factors before spending some dollars on any moisturizer.

Check on Ingredients

The kind of ingredients contained in a moisturizer determines its effectiveness. A good moisturizer should have a good balance of emollient, humectant, and occlusive ingredients. Besides the 3 main ingredients, a good moisturizer should have additional ingredients such as

Niacinamide (vitamin B3)-Niacinamide is like a superhero to your skin. When added, it will enhance ceramide production, reduce hyperpigmentation, is anti-inflammatory, and contains anti-bacterial properties. It has been verified to treat almost all skin disorders including acne, psoriasis, fungal infection, and dermatitis.
Dimethicone-Dimethicone has both occlusive and emollient properties. It is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. It helps to seal moisture to the skin by reducing trans-epidermal water loss.
Botanical extracts-extracts from green tea, aloe vera, ginkgo biloba, allantoin, and licochalcone may be a great addition to moisturizers. They have anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe the skin. Take Curology’s cream moisturizer, for example. It’s a total winner for acne-prone skin, and it’s packed with botanical goodies like aloe barbadensis leaf juice and allantoin. These ingredients will leave your skin feeling soothed and happy.

One skincare moisturizer with a pretty good mix of ingredients is Face Reality’s Clearderma Moisturizer. Here is its ingredients list:

Humectants/water-attracting ingredients.-glycerin
Emollients-caprylic
Niacinamide-an anti-acne ingredient, it increases ceramide synthesis, and is a skin-brightening ingredient
Allantoin and witch hazel-soothing ingredient
Antioxidants-green tea leaf extract, matricaria flower extract, safflower seed oil

It’s non-comedogenic and won’t clog your pores making it a perfect anti-acne moisturizer.

Do You Want a Gel/Cream/Lotion/Ointment Moisturizer?

The choice of whether to use a gel, cream, lotion, or ointment moisturizer mainly depends on your skin type as we shall discuss below. If you prefer something light, a gel may be a go-to option, as it is liquid-based and feels weightless on your skin. Lotions are a bit thicker than gels but still pretty light. But if gels and lotions don’t offer you much hydration, how about you try creams—-they are much thicker and pack more oils. But the thickest of them all is an ointment. They are the heavyweights and are the perfect pick for remedying dry skin.

Discover Your Skin Type

Ever wondered what your skin type could be? Knowing your skin type and how dry it may get is a crucial step in finding the best moisturizer for acne. Instead of feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out your skin type, treat yourself with a visit to a licensed dermatology provider for an examination.

Typically, we may categorize skin types into 4 sub-categories: oily, dry, normal, and combination skin.

Best Moisturizers for Normal Skin

For those with normal skin, consider your age bracket when choosing the best moisturizer. If you are on the youthful side, choose a light and refreshing lotion moisturizer. For those in the 50 and above club, a rich cream-based moisturizer is best for your skin. Your skin needs that extra hydration since older skin tends to hold less moisture hence the need to use a cream-based moisturizer.

Here are some options you may consider for normal, acne-prone skin

Paula’s Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer

Specifically crafted for acne-prone skin, this moisturizer gives you that perfect boost of hydration without any added oil or shine. And guess what? It’s fragrance and paraben-free – just the good stuff your skin deserves. It’s packed with goodies like ceramides, antioxidants, and soothing niacinamide, which not only hydrates but also helps shrink pores.

2. Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer

This moisturizer isn’t just about adding moisture – it also restores your skin barrier role. It’s packed with super ingredients like blue hyaluronic acid, squalene, and ceramides. Say goodbye to dryness and hello to that perfect balance your skin craves.

Being non-comedogenic, it’s a suitable choice for acne. Besides, it’s free of oils, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.

3. SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture

Whether you’ve got normal skin or you’re dealing with pesky concerns like acne, aging, or dehydration, this moisturizer has got your back. Packed with the good stuff like vitamin E, Brazilian sea algae for that extra boost of proteins and minerals, and botanical extracts to shrink those pores, it’s like a spa day for your skin! Plus, it won’t clog your pores and leaves you with a non-greasy finish.

Best Moisturizers for Dry, Acne Prone Skin

For dry skin, choose a thick moisturizer. A rich cream moisturizer is a preferred choice. It’s more effective in adding and preserving water on your skin compared to lotion moisturizers. Also choose a fragrance-free moisturizer. Moisturizers with fragrances can be irritating for dry skin.

Here are a few examples you may consider for dry, acne-prone skin.

Clinique’s Turnaround Overnight Revitalizing Moisturizer 50 ml. New !!

This amazing Clinique cream moisturizer works wonders while you sleep, giving you a rejuvenating boost. Wake up to your best, brightest, and most youthful-looking skin ever! This product is allergy-tested and non-acnegenic. It’s formulated without parabens, oils, and fragrances. This makes it a suitable pick as it won’t pack more oils or cause irritation.

The product also has anti-acne ingredients such as salicylic acid. Salicylic acid may also act as an exfoliant. It also has antioxidants such as tocopheryl acetate, ascorbyl tocopheryl maleate, and nordihydroguaiaretic acid. In addition, it has a cucumber fruit extract to give it a soothing effect. Check out the full list of ingredients on the product package.

2. Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Gel-Cream with Hyaluronic Acid for Extra-Dry Skin

This fragrance-free gel cream is a total game changer for those with extra dry skin. Not only does it help in restore the skin barrier role against moisture loss but it’s also oil-free, non-comedogenic, super lightweight, non-sticky, and absorbs quickly into the skin. This makes it a suitable choice for individuals with acne-prone skin.

Check out the full list of ingredients on the product package.

3. CLn® Facial Moisturizer

Created by caring physicians, this moisturizer is a top pick for anyone dealing with dry, acne-prone, rosacea, or eczema-prone skin. It’s designed to be super gentle, hypoallergenic, and won’t leave you feeling greasy. Plus, it won’t clog your pores, it’s fragrance-free, and feels light as air on your skin. It’s packed with good ingredients like plant-based ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin.

Best Moisturizers for Oily, Acne Prone Skin

Now, for some of our oily skin buddies, adding too much moisturizer to your skin may clog pores and lead to more acne. The secret sauce if you have oily skin is finding a light moisturizer. A gel moisturizer is a good pick—-it’s light, it’s refreshing and it won’t overstay its welcome.

Here are a few examples you may consider for oily skin.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

This is a skin cancer foundation-recommended moisturizer. Perfect for all skin types, even oily skin, this little gem is allergy-tested, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and oil-free. It won’t clog pores or exacerbate your acne. Besides, it’s not just a moisturizer; it’s your skin’s best friend with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen included.

Its key ingredients include:

Ceramides: They’re like superheroes for your skin, restoring the skin barrier to lock in moisture and keep out the bad stuff.
Niacinamide: A fantastic ingredient that calms your skin and prevents any unnecessary water loss, leaving your skin feeling refreshed.
Hyaluronic acid: Your secret weapon for maintaining that perfect moisture balance and giving your skin a smooth, plump texture.

2. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oil Control Moisturizer

This dermatologist-tested moisturizer is perfect for oily skin types. It gives your skin a refreshing burst of hydration without any pore-clogging worries. Plus, it’s crafted without any drying alcohols, mineral oils, fragrances, lanolins, parabens, or petrolatum. It even has special ingredients to help control excess oil and niacinamide to keep sebum production in check. And get this – people who’ve tried it noticed a difference in just 8 hours!

Being non-comedogenic, it’s a suitable choice for oily acne-prone skin.

3. La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat Anti-Shine Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin

This oil-free non non-comedogenic moisturizer is a suitable choice for oily skin. It hydrates the skin while targeting any excess oils. Its key ingredients include: glycerin, dimethicone, salicylic acid, and lipo hydroxy acids.

Best Moisturizers for Combination Skin

Let’s talk about a combination skin scenario, where your skin is a mix (some parts oily, some parts dry). Here is a dermatologist-approved hack for treating such skin: think of it like having two faces. For the dry spots, wear some dry skin moisturizer and let it work its magic. For the oily spots, however, let them be! No need to overwhelm them.

Check out for Comedogenicity

Before buying a moisturizer for acne-prone skin, check out the label to see if it’s labeled oil-free, non-comedogenic, and won’t clog pores. Comedogenic moisturizers may clog pores and exacerbate acne. Below are some comedogenic ingredients based on a famous research paper known as the rabbit ear essay. They include;

isopropyl myristate
isopropyl palmitate
isopropyl isostearate
butyl stearate
isostearyl neopentanoate
myristyl myristate
decyl oleate
octyl stearate
octyl palmitate or isocetyl stearate
propylene glycol-2 (PPG-2) myristyl propionate
Lanolins
D & C Red dyes
Cocoa butter
Coconut oils
Oleyl alcohol
Oleic acid
Coconut oil
Lauric acid
Cocoa seed butter

FAQS

Lets tackle some commonly asked questions on moisturizers.

Do moisturizers improve the skin barrier function?

The skin has a skin barrier role. The skin as a barrier prevents inner tissues of the skin from infection, desiccation, chemicals, and mechanical stress. If the skin barrier is compromised, it may lead to increased transepidermal water loss. This may exacerbate conditions like atopic dermatitis and other chronic skin diseases associated with dry skin. While moisturizers may strengthen the skin barrier function, it is the composition of the moisturizer that determines if the skin barrier improves or deteriorates.

Some key ingredients that improve the skin barrier function include:

If you’re looking to strengthen your skin barrier, you’ll love the Real Barrier Extreme Cream moisturizer. It’s packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and nourishing ceramides. It’s just what you need to kick-start your skin barrier repair journey. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free for a gentle, worry-free experience.

Which Moisturizers are Ideal for Acne-Prone Sensitive skin?

So, in this article, we talked about how skin types usually fall into four categories: oily, dry, normal, and combination. But guess what? Even if you identify with one of those types, you might still have sensitive skin – it’s totally common. Your skin could be oily and sensitive, dry and sensitive, or even just normal but sensitive. Having sensitive skin means you might feel some stinging, burning, or itching from time to time. Your skin’s sensitivity could be triggered by lots of things like the environment, other skin conditions, the products you use, where you live, how old you are, or even your ethnicity. And if you have sensitive skin, you may as well contract acne.

One of the best moisturizers for sensitive skin is the EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer Lotion. It’s a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Its ingredients include:

Hyaluronic acid boosts moisture retention and absorption
Anti-inflammatory niacinamide which reduces redness, improves moisture retention, and restores suppleness.
Vitamin C ester antioxidants to fight free radicals and reduce signs of aging.
Salicylic acid to stimulate cell turnover

After how long should I see results on my “acne face”?

Multiple studies report that patients begin to see less acne after approximately 4 to 8 weeks after beginning to use an acne moisturizer.

How many times each day should I use a Moisturizer if I am prone to acne?

Based on your dryness severity, application frequency for moisturizers varies between 1 to 3 times per day. However, many dermatologists recommend using a moisturizer at least twice a day—in your morning and evening skincare routine.

Combat Breakouts With Dermacare Haven Recommended Moisturizers

Moisturizers are an effective method of dealing with acne. If you are battling with acne, begin incorporating one of the moisturizers recommended above. It will kickstart your recovery journey or boost your ongoing efforts to get rid of acne.

Disclaimer*

As part of our commitment to transparency, it’s important to note that some of the links in our blogs may be affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, our reviews and recommendations are always unbiased and based solely on our experiences and research.

BIBLIOGRAPHY (We try our best to back up what we write through extensive research)

InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Skin care for acne-prone skin. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (2019, sept)
Chularojanamontri L, et al., Moisturizers for Acne: What are their Constituents? J Clin Aesthet Dermatol (2013, Jan)
American Academy of Dermatology Association, MOISTURIZER: WHY YOU MAY NEED IT IF YOU HAVE ACNE (n.d)
Sethi A et al., Moisturizers: The Slippery Road, Indian J Dermatol. (2016 May-Jun)
Purnamawati S, et al., The Role of Moisturizers in Addressing Various Kinds of Dermatitis: A Review. Clin Med Res. (2017 Dec)
Moses S. Pruritus. Am Fam Physician. (2003 Sep 15)
Moniaga CS, et al., Mechanisms and Management of Itch in Dry Skin.Acta Derm Venereol. (2020 Jan 15)
Nolan K & Marmur E. Moisturizers: reality and the skin benefits. Dermatol Ther. (2012 May-Jun)
Sethi A et al., Moisturizers: The Slippery Road, Indian J Dermatol. (2016 May-Jun)
Hon KL, et al., Emollient treatment of atopic dermatitis: latest evidence and clinical considerations.Drugs Context. (2018 Apr 17)
Madaan P, et al., Cosmeceutical Aptitudes of Niacinamide: A Review. Recent Adv Antiinfect Drug Discov. 2021
American Academy of Dermatology Association, How to Pick the Right Moisturizer For Your Skin (n.d
Fulton JE Jr, et al., Comedogenicity of current therapeutic products, cosmetics, and ingredients in the rabbit ear. J Am Acad Dermatol. (1984 Jan)
Nolan K, et al.,Moisturizers: reality and the skin benefits. Dermatol Ther. (2012 May-Jun)
Buraczewska I, et al., Changes in skin barrier function following long-term treatment with moisturizers, a randomized controlled trial. Br J Dermatol. (2007 Mar)
Coderch L, et al., Ceramides and skin function. Am J Clin Dermatol. (2003)
Draelos ZD, et al.,Niacinamide-containing facial moisturizer improves skin barrier and benefits subjects with rosacea. Cutis. (2005 Aug)
Harwood A, et al., Moisturizers.[Updated 2022 Aug 21].