Best Salicylic Acid Face Moisturizers of 2025

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.

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.

Clean & Clear Essentials Dual Action Face Moisturizer combines an acne medication with moisturizer to treat and prevent pimples while moisturizing dry skin. The oil-free formula targets blemishes without over-drying skin, making it suitable for all skin types. The 0.5% salicylic acid acne medication effectively fights pimples and helps prevent new breakouts from forming. It is recommended for daily use as part of a 3-step routine with Clean & Clear Essentials Facial Cleanser and Astringent.

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.

Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer is a lightweight facial moisturizer that provides deep hydration for visibly clear, smooth, and calm skin. It contains 0.5% salicylic acid to help clear and prevent breakouts, and hyaluronic acid to moisturize without feeling heavy. Suitable for all skin types, this vegan, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny certified moisturizer is a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

Vichy Normaderm PhytoAction Acne Control Moisturizer is a clinically tested formula that specifically targets acne blemishes, blackheads, and enlarged pores while visibly improving uneven skin tone and rough skin texture. It contains 2% salicylic acid, pure hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and Vichy 15 mineral-rich volcanic water. The refreshing lightweight texture easily glides on skin and is absorbed quickly, leaving skin feeling soothed and hydrated. Suitable for adult acne, this moisturizer can be used under makeup.

The TreeActiv Acne Cream is designed to tackle acne effectively. Its powerful formula helps to clear clogged pores and control oil production, giving you healthier-looking skin. With essential oils like Tea Tree and Grapefruit, this cream cleanses impurities and refines your pores, promoting a smoother complexion. It also hydrates your skin with Jojoba and Aloe oils while balancing oil levels, ensuring your face stays moisturized without feeling greasy. Suitable for daily use by both men and women, it helps prevent future breakouts while gently exfoliating and keeping your skin refreshed.

The Derma Co Moisturizer is designed to deeply hydrate your skin without any oily residue. Its 1% salicylic acid formula effectively combats active acne by controlling excess oil and unclogging pores, helping to prevent new breakouts. This lightweight moisturizer absorbs quickly, leaving your skin with a smooth, matte finish—perfect for those with oily skin. Suitable for all skin types, it is especially beneficial for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin, making it an excellent addition to your daily skincare routine.

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.

The Proactiv Hydrator is a silky-rich moisturizer designed to combat dryness and improve texture and skin tone. It contains salicylic acid, which is gentle enough for acne-prone skin. In addition, it has a powerful moisture complex that keeps your skin ultra-hydrated, while botanicals help brighten skin to look clear and radiant. The hydrator is suitable for all skin types, including oily, dry, combination, normal, or sensitive. It is designed to absorb excess oil on the skin to help mattify and give it a smoother-looking appearance while keeping your skin happy. You can use it alone or as part of the Proactiv system as part of your daily regimen.