When it comes to finding the right hydration for acne-prone skin, I can confidently say I've become an expert in the field. Through serious trial and error, I discovered that some moisturizers are just not it for skin prone to breakouts. One of the largest culprits? Oils. I know that might be somewhat difficult to hear if you love to slather on a good facial oil as much as I do, but it could be contributing to your breakouts and making them worse, especially if your moisturizer or oil blend contains more than five different kinds of oils.
While exfoliating regularly can help, switching to a moisturizer that's noncomedogenic and oil-free is what made the biggest difference for me. If you don't quite know what the term "noncomedogenic" even means, fear not. I'm breaking down this term below with a few board-certified dermatologists so you'll know what to look for in your moisturizer moving forward. These derms also shared their best advice on what ingredients to look out for and shared our very best noncomedogenic moisturizer recommendations that are editor-tested and approved. Keep scrolling—good stuff ahead.
What does noncomedogenic mean?
"Noncomedogenic is a term used to describe products that are formulated in a way that is less likely to clog pores and cause acne," says board-certified dermatologist Lauren Penzi, MD. "These products usually lack potentially occlusive [ingredients] that can clog pores and cause 'comedones,' which is a type of acne (think blackheads and whiteheads). Products labeled as noncomedogenic typically undergo testing or a formulation process to ensure that they do not contain ingredients known to clog pores or promote acne. They are recommended for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin."
While noncomedogenic products are helpful for just about anyone, those with oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin will benefit the most from them, as these skin types can easily become clogged, which can lead to breakouts. Unfortunately, the list of pore-blocking ingredients is long and includes various oils, alcohols, acids, butters, propylene glycol, and lanolins. Noncomedogenic products often also contain actives like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur but can also contain other lights oils like grape-seed.
Ingredients to Look for + Ingredients to Avoid
Penzi recommends looking for hydrating ingredients that help to retain moisture and reinforce the skin barrier without clogging pores. "Look for hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, as well as niacinamide," she says. "Be sure to avoid comedogenic oils like coconut oil. Also avoid heavy occlusive ingredients like petrolatum."
To be honest, there are also a lot of other ingredients you should probably steer clear of if you have acne-prone skin, but these are the main culprits derms and facialists consistently say to avoid. Azadeh Shirazi, MD, says, "It's best to avoid ingredients that form a film on your skin's surface, like silicone derivatives (dimethicone and cyclomethicone). Also, avoid fragrances, mineral oil, lanolin, shea butter, or comedogenic oils like coconut oil," she says.
This is a good place to start, but it's also key to remember that everyone's skin is different. While shea butter is considered a heavier ingredient by some, I've never had an issue with it clogging my pores, and it may work for others with acne-prone skin too. The same goes for silicones. Silicones have sparked much debate over the years with some saying they can create a film over the skin that can further trap bacteria, but again, everyone is different. If you're highly sensitive, it might be best to avoid silicones, but I also haven't had an issue with those clogging my pores or causing new breakouts. If you're super sensitive and want to err on the side of caution, choose a moisturizer without these ingredients to start, then maybe later down the line you can try adding one with the above ingredients to see if they're a trigger for you. Take a look at some of our best noncomedogenic moisturizer recs below.
The Best Noncomedogenic Moisturizers
This drugstore facial moisturizer is still my number one recommendation for acne-prone skin. It's affordable and formulated specifically for hypersensitive, reactive, and acne-prone skin. Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane provide a mega dose of hydration but won't irritate skin or clog pores.
Pros: Affordable, deeply hydrating, formulated for extremely sensitive skin
Cons: May not be hydrating enough for drier skin types
Customer Review: "I use this as apart of both my day and night skincare routine. It's very light and simple. Doesn't clog my pores or cause breakouts, which is a godsend for me. Little to no scent, absorbs fast, and is great for under makeup or SPF. My favorite moisturizer I've tried and it's very affordable."
This is one of my all-time favorite moisturizers for dehydrated, sensitive, acne-prone skin. While Darden offers a lighter-weight, oil-free cream too, I prefer this one, especially during the winter. It's rich enough to quench dry or thirsty skin but never irritates or causes new breakouts.
Pros: Deeply hydrating without clogging pores, great winter moisturizer
Cons: Expensive
Customer Review: "Shani Darden’s moisturize is the secret to fighting dry skin in the winter. This has been the perfect addition to my morning routine! My skin feels hydrated and plump! The ingredients doesn’t have any strong scent which is great for my sensitive skin."
"I am obsessed with this lightweight moisturizer that is packed with hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and essential lipids that help to hydrate the skin for up to 72 hours without leaving it feeling sticky or greasy." — Penzi
Pros: Provides up to 72 hours of hydration, lightweight, oil-free
Cons: May not be hydrating enough for dry skin types
Customer Review: "I love everything about this moisturizer! Truthfully, i don't think I'll ever turn to another moisturizer again, this is THE one for me. I have very sensitive skin and this never broke me out. I found this to be a lot better than the gel version as it has no fragrance and has an overall cleaner, lighter feel to it. The texture is smooth, almost like butter but with no grease, and it makes a huge difference in how my face looks during the wintertime as someone who gets really dry skin that sometimes flakes in the cold. This is one of those products that make my skincare routine something to look forward to as i absolutely love how this makes my skin feel!!"
"This lightweight, noncomedogenic moisturizer with sunscreen is a great everyday pick. It is not heavy and features ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides that help the skin retain its natural moisture and restore the skin’s barrier." — Penzi
Pros: Affordable, ideal for acne-prone and sensitive skin, contains SPF 30 sun protection, hyaluronic acid and ceramides provide deep hydration
Cons: None
Customer Review: "This lotion is actually lightweight and non-greasy! I have struggled to find a lightweight lotion with SPF that doesn't make your skin white, and this is it! My face is dry and oily and this lotion works on both problem areas. I've been using it for years, and will continue to."
This oil-free moisturizer is a rec from board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. She says, "This oil-free moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid to help draw moisture in, aloe vera and cucumber extract to help soothe the skin, and grape-seed extract, which is rich in antioxidants, helping to fight free radical damage and promote collagen synthesis. It can be used by all skin types, as it is noncomedogenic, and it is free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, paraffin, formaldehyde, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, petrolatum, triclosan, and GMOs."
Pros: Oil-free, affordable, fragrance-free
Cons: None
Customer Review: "I have oily sensitive skin and this stuff is AMAZING! I was sent a sample with the BP Wash and when I tell you this is the best moisturizer I have use, I mean it! No tingling, redness, or eye reactions. My skin is so smooth and feels great."
This daily moisturizer is sheer and contains willow bark to stimulate cellular turnover. Other ingredients include vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone to seal in moisture.
Pros: Sheer, weightless, noncomedogenic, helps stimulate skin cell turnover
Cons: May not be hydrating enough for drier skin types
Customer Review: "My skin is prone to closed comedones and now dry patches since I've started using Tretitoin. This is the only moisturizer I've tried that doesn't clog my pores and keeps my skin moisturized all day."
Tatcha's oil-free, water-based cream contains Japanese botanicals to control excess oil, tighten pores, smooth skin, and promote an overall glow. It's formulated to hydrate skin without leaving a greasy or sticky residue.
Pros: Oil-free, absorbs quickly, reduces excess oil
Cons: Expensive
Customer Review: "Love!! Acne safe, good for oil and pores, does its job. Worth the money, as you only need a tiny bit and it spreads out so much."
Fun fact: When I first started writing about beauty, this was one of the first moisturizers I tried that I truly loved. It's a lightweight gel moisturizer that has ingredients like moringa-seed extract and moringa water to refresh and clarify the skin, papaya extract to exfoliate, and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture. The product also minimizes pores and reduces shine.
Pros: Lightweight gel texture, noncomedogenic, contains skin-clarifying ingredients, fragrance-free
Cons: May not be hydrating enough for dry skin types
Customer Review: "Obsessed with this cream! It leaves my skin feeling light and moisturized. Doesn't feel sticky like other gel creams. I have acne-prone skin, and it hasn't made me break out."
This lightweight moisturizer from beloved French drugstore brand La Roche-Posay also contains broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen for a bit of extra sun protection.
Pros: Noncomedogenic, great for retinoid users and sensitive skin, contains calming niacinamide
Cons: Tends to pill when combined with certain products
Customer Review: "I finally switched to this and it saved my skin from the freakout it was having with the moisturizer I used before this and bought the full size [of it] too."
ICYMI, I wrote a glowing review of this oil-free, noncomedogenic moisturizer recently and couldn't find enough good things to say. It's a great option for oily, acne-prone folks who also have extremely sensitive skin (aka, me).
Pros: Lightweight, gel-cream formula, glycerin, and a skin barrier repair complex guard against dehydration
Cons: None
Customer Review: "I live in a dry climate and have sensitive, acne-prone skin and my skin has absolutely loved this. My skin has been so dry this winter and I found myself adding layers and layers of moisturizer. However, once I started using this, I have simplified my skincare routine because it actually moisturizes and relieves my dryness!"
This hydrating gel-cream from Kiehl's is totally oil-free
Pros: Oil-free, gel-cream texture, lightweight on the skin, helps skin maintain its natural moisture levels
Cons: Can pill under certain foundations
Customer Review: "I absolutely love this moisturizer! I have oily, acne-prone skin and this moisturizer is lightweight, fluffy, and a little goes a LONG way, which is why I didn’t mind the price. I have had this moisturizer for 2 months now I still have 75% left of the jar, using day and night. I didn’t give it a fifth star because it is a little sticky after applying, but it doesn’t bother me at all after I put on makeup or go to sleep. Will be purchasing again!"
Paula's Choice is a great skincare brand to turn to for finding acne-safe products. This moisturizer is no exception. It's lightweight, oil-free, and moisturizing. The best part? It's spiked with niacinamide to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and redness.
Pros: Oil-free, cream texture, lightweight on the skin, helps skin maintain its natural moisture levels
Cons: None
Customer Review: "Just what my acne-prone sensitive skin needs to ensure it stays hydrated and moisturized (especially in combination with drying acne products like Adapalene) without feeling heavy."
This moisturizer is oil-free and noncomedogenic (duh), but it's also budget-friendly, glow-boosing, and generally just lovely for acne-prone skin. Don't take my word for it, though. Take it from hundreds of overjoyed reviewers who say it's a staple in their anti-acne skincare routine.
Pros: Oil-free, cream texture, lightweight on the skin, helps skin maintain its natural moisture levels
Cons: Leaves a glowy finish, which some reviewers dislike
Customer Review: "Just what my acne-prone sensitive skin needs to ensure it stays hydrated and moisturized (especially in combination with drying acne products like Adapalene) without feeling heavy."
This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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