When you have acne-prone skin, finding a good moisturiser can feel like a daunting task. Chances are you (like me) grew up thinking that stripping the moisture from your skin would help to dry out your spots and that moisturisers would clog your pores and contribute to breakouts. However, it's a common misconception that you should skip moisturiser if you have acne-prone skin. In fact, doing so is probably causing more harm than good—as I learned the hard way as a teenager who avoided moisturiser at all costs.
Keeping skin hydrated means that it's healthy and can function optimally, which means it’s better able to defend itself from bacteria and irritants and can heal and repair damage efficiently. In addition, moisturising skin will help regulate oil production (a leading factor in the formation of breakouts) and soothe and calm any existing spots. What’s more, if your skincare routine is oriented towards clearing acne, chances are it contains active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which whilst effective, do have a drying effect on the skin.
My learnings from 10 plus years of testing moisturisers on my acne-prone skin? First, avoid richer textures and oil-based formulas, and opt instead for lightweight, water-based gel-creams. These moisturisers will utilise ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to help rehydrate and support the skin barrier without clogging pores, irritating breakouts or leaving a greasy residue.
Second, maintain round-the-clock hydration and commit to twice daily moisturising even if your skin doesn't feel dry. You’re likely to find that your skin looks clearer and calmer over time and that any breakouts you experience will heal quickly and without leaving marks or scars. Finally, if you think that having acne-prone skin equates to having oily skin, it likely doesn’t. My T-zone was far oilier and shinier when I skipped moisturiser than it is now that moisturiser is essential in my skincare routine. By keeping my face well moisturised I’ve not only restored balance to my skin but also learned that it’s possible to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores (because skin is plumped with moisture and not stretched taut).
In my 18 years of living with acne, moisturiser has been the hardest product to nail down, and it took me a long time to get out of the mindset that it would clog my pores and cause more breakouts. What I now know through my career as a beauty editor and training as an esthetician, is that not all moisturisers are created equal, and it really is all about formula.
Keep scrolling for my picks of the best moisturisers for acne-prone skin.
The 15 Best Moisturisers for Acne-Prone Skin:
1. The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser
This is exactly the kind of moisturiser I should have been using when my acne was at its worst. It’s thick in texture but don’t let that put you off—once on the skin it melts into a light, refreshing solution and it's delightfully non-greasy. It will help to both replenish hydration levels and support your skin barrier.
2. Byoma Moisturising Gel Cream
Perfect for daytime use and for wearing under makeup, this has a truly light gel texture. It's cooling and soothing, and as well as hydrating skin, it contains niacinamide to regulate sebum production.
3. Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
If you're keen to buy into the dewy "glass skin" trend but want to do so without using oil-based products, look no further. This silky-smooth cream leaves skin with a radiant finish but won't clog pores in the process.
4. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream
Cica is one of my favourite ingredients to recommend to anyone with acne-prone skin. It works wonders to reduce inflammation, calm swelling, soothe redness and heal skin. Breakouts don't stand a chance.
5. The Inkey List Omega Water Cream
Anyone who's overdone it with the acids and exfoliants in their quest to clear breakouts will know how parched and tight skin can feel. Like a glass of water for skin, this refreshing gel-cream moisturiser quenches skin's thirst by packing in the moisture.
6. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream
Whilst Charlotte Tilbury's original Magic Cream is probably a little too thick for most acne-prone complexions, the Magic Water Cream version is a much better-suited alternative. It has a very light texture which feels totally weightless on the skin but still leaves that famous radiant glow.
7. Rhode Barrier Restore Cream
Moisturisers oriented specifically towards skin-barrier health can be quite thick and heavy in texture, which may be off-putting if you're still getting used to the idea of daily hydration. This Rhode one is surprisingly light in texture but still works hard to prevent moisture loss.
8. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
I wouldn't necessarily recommend using this as a daily moisturiser, but as an overnight treatment or mask once or twice a week, it works wonders—especially if your skin is both dry and breakout-prone. The cica works to calm and heal breakouts whilst the thick (but non-greasy) cream texture helps seal in moisture and nourish dry patches.
9. Beauty Pie Happy Face Azelaic Acid Skin Clearing Gel Cream
Price shown is members' price.
If breakouts have left your skin with unwanted redness, that's exactly what this calming gel moisturiser is designed to combat. Niacinamide, azelaic acid and cica work in synergy to reduce inflammation and heal the skin.
10. Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturiser
The gel version of this moisturiser is a popular choice for oily skin, but if you find that your skin needs a little more TLC, opt for the cream instead. It's thicker in texture but by no means rich or heavy and will calm and soothe any sore and inflamed breakouts.
11. Curel Oil Control Weightless Gel Moisturiser
Those not yet ready to reach for thicker creams will prefer this lightweight lotion, specifically formulated with oilier skin types in mind. It absorbs quickly and without leaving any residue on the skin.
12. Naturium Niacinamide Gel Cream 5%
Niacinamide is a star ingredient for acne-prone skin—it reduces swelling and redness and helps to excess oil production. This refreshing gel moisturiser contains a potent 5% of it along with hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
13. Dr. Sam's Flawless Moisturiser Light
Dr. Sam's is one of my go-to brands to recommend for acne-prone skin, and this moisturiser is one of my personal favourites. It comforts and nourishes skin without clogging pores or causing irritation.
14. E.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration Face Cream
This basic (in a good way) cream proves that you don't need to spend a lot to find a good moisturiser for acne-prone skin. It focuses on hydration and hydration only, so there's no chance of triggering breakouts. Hero ingredients include hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
15. Bubble Level Up Balancing Gel Moisturiser
Ideal for teen skin that's experiencing it's very first breakouts, this simple formula proves that less is more when it comes to hydrating acne-prone skin. The weightless gel texture is both soothing and hydrating.
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