Best Face Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin of 2026
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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
Top 10 Face Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer
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.
PanOxyl PM Balancing Repair Moisturizer
PanOxyl PM Moisturizer is a dermatologist-recommended night face moisturizer specially formulated for acne-prone and oily skin types. It is designed to hydrate and replenish overly treated and dried skin undergoing acne treatments. The inclusion of ceramides and hyaluronic acid helps restore the skin's moisture barrier, while Cica soothes the skin. Use the PanOxyl AM Oil Control Moisturizer alongside this moisturizer daily to hydrate and balance acne-prone skin. With its non-comedogenic formula, PanOxyl PM Moisturizer is an ideal choice for those looking to nourish their skin without clogging pores.
Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5 Moisturizer
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.
Aveeno Clear Complexion Acne-Fighting Moisturizer
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.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Facial Moisturizer
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.
PanOxyl AM Oil Control Moisturizer
PanOxyl Oil Control Moisturizer is a daytime moisturizer specially designed for acne prone and oily skin types. It is a dermatologist-recommended brand from the makers of the PanOxyl Acne Wash. The new sheer formula absorbs excess oil and reduces shine, giving you a clean and matte finish. With its lightweight and non-comedogenic formula, it won't clog your pores. The moisturizer also provides mineral broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF30 sunscreen protection, without any chemical sunscreen active ingredients that are harsh on the skin. Keep your skin protected and shine-free with PanOxyl Oil Control Moisturizer.
CeraVe Oil Control Gel-Cream
CeraVe Oil Control is designed specifically for oily skin, helping you manage excess oil while maintaining a balanced complexion. Its unique oil-absorbing technology utilizes silica and other powders to ensure your skin feels comfortable, neither too oily nor too dry. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer locks in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day. Additionally, it contains niacinamide, which soothes irritated skin, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. With its lightweight gel-cream texture, you’ll enjoy a refreshing, matte finish that absorbs quickly.
Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream
Dr.Althea Relief Cream is designed to help you achieve clearer and more radiant skin by reducing dark spots and blemishes with its blend of Niacinamide and plant extracts. It deeply nourishes your skin thanks to Ceramide NP and Hyaluronic Acids, which restore dullness and lock in moisture for lasting hydration. The cream also calms sensitive skin and redness caused by external factors using soothing ingredients like Tea Tree Leaf Water and Madecassoside. Plus, its lightweight, non-greasy texture is perfect for daily use, especially if you have acne-prone skin, providing gentle and effective moisturizing care anytime.
Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel
The Joseon Red Bean Water Gel by Beauty of Joseon is a lightweight gel moisturizer designed to cater to different skin types. With its light moisture-gel formula, it is perfect for dry/combination skin, while also being suitable for oily skin with active sebum secretion. The gel contains red bean extract, known for its sebum-absorbing properties, and peptides that help improve wrinkles. It delivers powerful moisture to the skin, minimizing oiliness and leaving a fresh feeling. The gel texture is lightweight and non-sticky, making it comfortable to wear throughout the day. Experience the beauty of Joseon with this effective and versatile water gel.
YUMU Cica Exosome Zinc Blemish Relief Cream
The YUMU Cica Zinc Cream is designed to soothe and care for sensitive, acne-prone skin. It contains ultra-micro Cica exosomes and madecassoside, which help calm redness and irritation, giving you visible relief. The cream also includes 2% Niacinamide and Zinc PCA to reduce excess oil and refine your pores, promoting a balanced complexion. For hydration, it features a special blend of Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, and Beta-Glucan that keeps your skin moisturized and comfortable for days. Additionally, the formula supports your skin barrier with ceramide and panthenol, helping to lock in moisture and protect against external irritants, so your skin feels healthier and more resilient.
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.
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 260,266 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 $17.09.
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, PanOxyl, Minimalist, Aveeno, Neutrogena. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
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.