Best Face Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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For those with acne-prone skin, finding the right face moisturizer can be a challenge. It's important to look for products that are non-comedogenic and oil-free to prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Some popular options include Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture, and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturizer. These moisturizers are designed to hydrate the skin without causing excess oil production or irritation. They also contain ingredients like salicylic acid and glycolic acid that can help to unclog pores and prevent future breakouts.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Cover #TOP 1
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Differin Soothing Face Moisturizer Cover #TOP 2
Differin Soothing Face Moisturizer
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5 Moisturizer Cover #TOP 3
Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5 Moisturizer
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Face Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer

0299.411700
white
3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Cover
Cetaphil Face Moisturizer, Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer With 0.5% Salicylic Acid, Hydrates and Treats Sensitive Acne Prone Skin, Skin Care for Sensitive Skin, 3oz

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer is a dermatologist-recommended moisturizer that effectively hydrates and treats sensitive acne-prone skin. Its shine-free hydration with 0.5% salicylic acid clears and prevents breakouts while improving skin texture and tone. Additionally, the botanical and prebiotic complex helps nourish the skin and soothe acne redness. The moisturizer also defends against five signs of skin sensitivity including dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and a weakened skin barrier. Its travel size makes it ideal for vacations and trips.

What We Like
Effectively clears and prevents breakouts
Soothes acne redness and nourishes skin
Defends against five signs of skin sensitivity

Differin Soothing Face Moisturizer

GA22072
Clear
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Differin Soothing Face Moisturizer Cover
Differin Face Moisturizer, Soothing Lotion for Face and Body, Gentle Skin Care for Acne Prone Sensitive Skin, 4 oz (Packaging May Vary)

Differin Moisturizer is designed specifically for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin. Its gentle, dermatologist-recommended formula is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts. This moisturizer balances your skin's moisture levels, helping to soothe and soften dry areas. Plus, it avoids harsh ingredients like lanolin and salicylic acid, making it ideal for users seeking a calming skincare option. To use, simply apply it over your face, hands, and body to keep your skin hydrated and comfortable throughout the day.

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive skin
Non-comedogenic formula
Balances skin moisture
Free from harsh ingredients

Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5 Moisturizer

MNVO
Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5 Moisturizer Cover
Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5 Face Moisturizer for Oily & Acne Prone Skin | Oil Free Fast Absorbing Lightweight Gel | For Women & Men | 1.7 Oz / 50 gm

The Minimalist B5 Face Moisturizer is designed for those with oily and acne-prone skin. Its lightweight formula hydrates and nourishes your skin without adding oil, making it perfect for everyday use. With a high concentration of Vitamin B5, this moisturizer delivers deep hydration while repairing skin damage. It also contains a blend of Zinc, Copper, and Magnesium to help protect your skin from free radicals. Plus, it’s free from fragrances, silicones, and parabens, ensuring a clean beauty experience that is gentle on your skin.

What We Like
Lightweight, oil-free formula
Deep hydration with Vitamin B5
Protects against skin damage
Free from harmful additives
#TOP 4

Aveeno Clear Complexion Acne-Fighting Moisturizer

381370038115
Daily Moisturizer
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Aveeno Clear Complexion Acne-Fighting Moisturizer Cover
Aveeno Clear Complexion Salicylic Acid Acne-Fighting Daily Face Moisturizer for Breakout-Prone Skin & Uneven Tone, Total Soy Complex, Oil-Free, Hypoallergenic & Non-Comedogenic, 4 fl. oz

Aveeno Clear Complexion Acne-Fighting Daily Face Moisturizer is a great choice for those with breakout-prone skin. It contains 0.5% salicylic acid to help clear up existing blemishes and prevent future breakouts. The Total Soy Complex helps improve the overall look of your complexion by visibly evening skin tone and smoothing texture. It is oil-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores. Customers love this product for its moisturizing and non-greasy feel, though some have noted that the new formula has a gritty texture and a bad smell.

What We Like
Contains 0.5% salicylic acid to help clear up existing blemishes and prevent future breakouts
Total Soy Complex helps improve the overall look of your complexion
Oil-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores
Moisturizing and non-greasy feel
#TOP 5

Neutralyze Renewal Complex Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin

Neutralyze Acne Lotion
white
Neutralyze Renewal Complex Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin Cover
Neutralyze Renewal Complex Acne Moisturizer for Face & Body - Time Released, Medical Grade 2% Mandelic Acid & Salicylic Acid Moisturizer Cream - Facial Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin (90+ Day)

Neutralyze Renewal Complex Moisturizer is a time-released, multi-tasking face moisturizer cream that contains 2% mandelic acid & salicylic acid to remove acne, increase cellular turnover, and gently exfoliate for acne-prone skin. It also contains patented, advanced oil control technology to quickly absorb into the skin and deeply penetrate, removing excess oil trapped in pores. This hydrating facial moisturizer cream is fast absorbing and perfect for dry, oily and combination skin. It fights acne, hydrates and prevents future breakouts. Neutralyze is cruelty-free and made in a certified cGMP/SOP compliant facility.

What We Like
Contains 2% mandelic acid & salicylic acid to remove acne, increase cellular turnover, and gently exfoliate for acne-prone skin.
Contains patented, advanced oil control technology to quickly absorb into the skin and deeply penetrate, removing excess oil trapped in pores.
Fast absorbing, hydrating facial moisturizer cream that is perfect for dry, oily and combination skin.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Facial Moisturizer

5881510-08-03T20:31:23.647Z
Pink Grape Fruit
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Facial Moisturizer Cover
Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Facial Moisturizer with.5% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment, Pink Grapefruit Acne Fighting Face Lotion for Breakouts, Non-Greasy & Non-Comedogenic, 4 fl. oz

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Facial Moisturizer is a lightweight, fast-absorbing face lotion that helps to clear breakouts with 0.5% salicylic acid. It is infused with a light pink grapefruit scent and includes naturally derived grapefruit extract. It is suitable for daily use in a regular acne skincare routine and is oil-free, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores. Customers have found it to be effective in reducing acne size, redness, and quickening healing, while not drying out the skin.

What We Like
Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
Infused with a light pink grapefruit scent
Oil-free, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic
Reduces acne size, redness, and quickens healing
Does not dry out the skin
#TOP 7

Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer

3800
2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer Cover
Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer, Lightweight Face Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin, Pore-Minimizing Niacinamide, Soothing Antioxidants, Ceramides to Calm Redness

Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer is a lightweight face moisturizer specifically designed for acne-prone skin. It is formulated with moisture barrier-repairing ceramides, pore-minimizing niacinamide, and antioxidant-rich blueberry & pumpkin extracts to hydrate dry, flaky patches while visibly reducing redness without clogging pores. Customers have praised it for its effectiveness in treating cystic acne, soothing irritation, and keeping breakouts under control.

What We Like
Lightweight and non-greasy
Formulated with ceramides, niacinamide, and antioxidant-rich extracts
Effective in treating cystic acne and soothing irritation

Minimalist Sensitive Skin Moisturizer

YO-193H-MRHH
Minimalist Sensitive Skin Moisturizer Cover
Minimalist Sensitive Skin Face Moisturizer | Soothes Rosacea, Redness & Irritated Skin | With 3% Sepicalm for Acne Prone Skin | For Women & Men | 1.7 Oz / 50 gm

The Minimalist Moisturizer is designed specifically for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly, ensuring your face feels fresh without any sticky residue. Infused with Polyglutamic Acid, this moisturizer offers superior hydration, holding four times more water than Hyaluronic Acid to keep your skin plump and nourished. The soothing properties of Sepicalm work to calm irritation and reduce redness caused by sun exposure. Additionally, it contains high-quality ingredients like Oat extract and Squalane to further nourish your skin, making it a great choice for daily use.

What We Like
Lightweight and non-sticky
Superior hydration
Soothes irritation
High-quality ingredients
#TOP 9

Rael Miracle Clear Barrier Cream

Rael Miracle Clear Barrier Cream Cover
Rael Face Moisturizer, Miracle Clear Barrier Cream - Moisturizer Face Cream for Oily & Acne Prone Skin, Korean Skincare, Lightweight, Succinic Acid, Hydrating Vitamin B5, Vegan, Cruelty Free (1.8 oz)

Rael Miracle Clear Barrier Cream is a daily moisturizer specifically formulated for oily skin, acne, and large or clogged pores. It is infused with Succinic Acid, strengthening Minerice Enzyme Complex, and moisturizing Vitamin B5 Panthenol. It provides long-lasting moisturization without leaving skin feeling greasy and is free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, and artificial fragrance. It is non-irritating, non-drying, and safe for daily use for all skin types.

What We Like
Lightweight and long-lasting moisturization
Formulated for oily skin, acne, and large or clogged pores
Free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, and artificial fragrance

Clear Collective Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer

PV003
Clear
Clear Collective Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer Cover
Clear Collective Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer from Hero Cosmetics - Hydrating Daily Face Moisturizer to Purify, Smooth and Soften Skin (2.36 fl oz)

Clear Collective Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer from Hero Cosmetics is a lightweight, pore-purifying daily moisturizer designed to fortify and replenish acne-prone skin. This unique probiotic formula supports skin's healthy bacteria balance for skin that looks smooth and luminous all day long. It is free of petrolatum, parabens, fragrance, artificial colors, silicones and mineral oils, making it safe for all skin types.

What We Like
Lightweight and non-greasy
Gentle and safe for all skin types
Supports skin's healthy bacteria balance
Smooths and softens texture
A little goes a long way
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it OK to moisturize acne-prone skin?

When creating an acne treatment plan, dermatologists sometimes include a moisturizer. Acne can cause your skin to feel oily and greasy, so a moisturizer may be the last thing you'd think of trying. A moisturizer, however, may be just what you need if you're using one of the following acne treatments: Benzoyl peroxide.

Editor's Notes

During our face moisturizer for acne-prone skin research, we found 48 face moisturizer for acne-prone skin products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 194,580 customer reviews through our big data system to write the face moisturizers for acne-prone skin list. We found that most customers choose face moisturizers for acne-prone skin with an average price of $16.50.

The face moisturizers for acne-prone skin are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of face moisturizers for acne-prone skin, including Cetaphil, Differin, Minimalist, TENA, Neutralyze. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.