16 Best Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin (Tested and Reviewed for 2023)
Seriously—at least one of these formulas will work for your skin. Promise.
I have a bathroom cabinet (and closet…and vanity…and dresser…) full of skincare products, and tbh, I blame my acne-prone skin. To look smooth, matte, and clear, my skin requires TLC in the form of acne face washes, over-the-counter retinols, salicylic acid treatments, and, of course, the best moisturizer for acne-prone skin. Because yes, acne-prone skin does need moisturizer—it just needs to be the right formula, like one that’s packed with acne-fighters (like salicylic acid and retinoids) and/or soothing ingredients (like centella asiatica, allantoin, and niacinamide). Oh, and it’s gotta be lightweight, but still hydrating.
Basically, I’ve tried a lot of acne face creams in my time as a beauty editor, and now I can safely say I’ve found the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin. Peep some of my top favorites below (like, the best soothing moisturizer for acne-prone skin, and my favorite acne moisturizer for oily skin), then keep scrolling for info from dermatologists (hi, Mona Gohara, MD; Heidi Waldorf, MD; and Anar Mikailov, MD) on how to choose the best moisturizer for your acne-prone skin:
✔️ P.S., This is new, up-to-date info, bb. We updated this article in April 2023 to add new moisturizers for acne-prone skin the internet won't stop talking about, delete outdated oldies, and check in with new experts for the latest in moisturizers for acne-prone skin, just for you.
Our top picks for the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin in 2023:
- 1
- 2
- 3
Best Salicylic-Acid Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
Naturium Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Moisturizer
Read more - 4
- 5
Best Mattifying Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
Ren Clean Skincare T-Zone Balancing Gel Cream
Read more - 6
- 7
Best Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin and Texture
Peter Thomas Roth Ultimate Solution 5 Multitasking Moisturizer
Read more - 8
Best Anti-Aging Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
Hero Cosmetics Rescue Retinol Nighttime Renewing Cream
Read more - 9
- 10
Best Dermatologist-Recommended Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Read more
Keep reading for all of my top moisturizers for acne-prone skin, including picks for oily skin, texture, dark spots, and sensitive skin. Then, scroll on to find out how to pick the right one for your skin and needs.
Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer
Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer
Pros
- Helps calm inflammation with centella asiatica and allantoin
- Gently exfoliates with 0.5 percent salicylic acid
Cons
- Some testers wish it were more moisturizing
I swear by this soothing moisturizer when my skin feels extra ~angry~ (read: inflamed, itchy, and red). It’s filled with two major calming ingredients: Centella asiatica, aka cica, can potentially help soothe and repair wounds, while allantoin calms down irritation by gently smoothing dead skin to better increase hydration. And as a bonus, it also has 0.5 percent salicylic acid to help gently exfoliate pore-clogging skin cells
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating); centella asiatica, allantoin (soothing)
- Oil-free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: “Literally such a must have,” writes one reviewer. “I have struggled so much with redness, and within the first few uses, I could see results! It is so lightweight; it doesn't feel sticky at all!”
Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer
Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer
Pros
- Gel texture sinks in quickly
- Smooths skin with niacinamide
Cons
- Some reviewers dislike the natural herbal scent
In the summer when my skin feels like it’s suffocating every time I layer on a thick moisturizer, I pull this gel moisturizer into my rotation. It’s filled with ultra-lightweight hydrators like hyaluronic acid and moringa leaf water that immediately absorb into my skin, along with niacinamide to help slowly brighten acne scars and reduce some irritation over time.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide (brightener); hyaluronic acid, moringa leaf water (lightweight moisturizers)
- Oil-free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: According to a tester, “I like this product because it's not greasy, feels fresh, and doesn't clog pores. It makes my skin feel soft.”
Naturium Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Moisturizer
Naturium Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Moisturizer
Pros
- Helps prevent future breakouts with salicylic acid
- Testers love the thin consistency
Cons
- Might be too drying for some
Hey, if you’re more of a ~minimalist~, choose this salicylic acid-spiked moisturizer, which essentially combines your acne-treatment step and your moisturizer step in one. It uses 0.75 percent exfoliating salicylic acid, as well as brightening niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine (an amino acid), to help treat current acne, prevent new breakouts, and heal and brighten any leftover dark or red spots. FYI though: This is a bit drying on its own for me, so I always smooth it on in a thin layer, then slather on a moisturizing overnight treatment to keep my skin hydrated.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating); niacinamide, acetyl glucosamine (brightening)
- Oil-free? No (contains some castor oil)
THE REVIEWS: “Great moisturizer if you have acne issues,” writes one reviewer. “Even great for occasional breakouts. I use it mainly for spot treatment. It’s mild enough to use several times during the day and does a great job with helping diminish pimples and keeping them at bay.”
Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
Pros
- Uses salicylic acid to exfoliate dead skin and clogged pores
- Reviewers love how lightweight it is
Cons
- Contains some botanical extracts that might irritate sensitive skin
Butt acne, back acne, chest acne—I’ve got it all, which is what led me to this lightweight body lotion. It’s spiked with 2 percent salicylic acid to help slowly buff away the dead skin that gets trapped in my pores and causes zits. It’s also surprisingly weightless, so I don’t even feel it on my skin once I start massaging it in. As a bonus too, it uses soothing chamomile and willow-herb extracts to help calm any irritation on my skin when I already do have a flare-up.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating); chamomile extract, willow herb extract (soothing)
- Oil-free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: One review reads, “This treatment works so well for my skin when I’m using it consistently. It has helped fade a lot of my dark spots and back acne, and it's been exciting to see how this product continues to change the texture of my skin over time.”
Ren Clean Skincare T-Zone Balancing Gel Cream
Ren Clean Skincare T-Zone Balancing Gel Cream
Pros
- Absorbs excess oil and mattifies skin
- Testers love how smooth it makes their makeup look
Cons
- Probably not rich enough for nighttime use
If you hate the dewy finish of practically every moisturizer, you’ll love how smoothing and mattifying this ultra-lightweight gel moisturizer is. It’s actually filled with ingredients to soak up excess oils, like konjac root powder and tapioca starch, but it also contains willow-bark extract (essentially a plant-based alternative to salicylic acid) to lightly exfoliate your skin too to help keep it clear.
- Key ingredients: Willow bark extract (exfoliating); konjac root powder, tapioca starch (mattifiers)
- Oil-free? No (sunflower seed oil)
THE REVIEWS: One review reads, “This gel cream is so nice! I have tried probably hundreds of moisturizers for my sensitive, combination, acne-prone skin, and this does everything it claims to. It completely balanced my skin, helped with uneven tone and spots, wore beautifully under makeup, and actually corrected the look of my pores and blackheads.”
Eadem Cloud Cushion Plush Moisturizer
Eadem Cloud Cushion Plush Moisturizer
Pros
- Has a featherweight consistency that immediately absorbs
- Smoothes and soothes acne with niacinamide
Cons
- Could be irritating for sensitive skin (contains essential oils)
You would legit never guess how damn moisturizing this is by how weightless the consistency is. Truly, I slather on a full quarter-size amount, and I feel like it’s disappearing because it sinks in so quickly. But it actually uses a mixture of peptides, ceramides, and squalane to deeply hydrate and plump my skin without a thick residue, all while lightly smoothing and soothing my acne with niacinamide.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide (lightly hydrating and soothing), peptides (barrier-supporting); ceramides, squalane (moisturizing)
- Oil-free? No
THE REVIEWS: “Light but moisturizing,” writes one tester in a review. “It sinks in quickly. I've been using it for a few months and am seeing improvement with discoloration. I also have occasional breakouts and this has really helped keep them under control!”
Peter Thomas Roth Ultimate Solution 5 Multitasking Moisturizer
Peter Thomas Roth Ultimate Solution 5 Multitasking Moisturizer
Pros
- Chemically exfoliates with MVP-level acids to smooth texture
Cons
- Contains oils and butters that can be too heavy for some
One thing about me: I’m going to immediately try any moisturizer that combines AHAs and BHAs, because it’s essentially a killer for the bumpy texture that gets left behind after I get a breakout. And lemme tell ya, this moisturizer is chock full of exfoliating acids like salicylic, glycolic, tartaric, and lactic acid. But if you’re worried it’ll burn your face off, it also uses soothers like bisabolol and centella asiatica, as well as moisturizers like jojoba oil and shea butter to offset irritation and dryness.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid (exfoliators)
- Oil-free? No (coconut oil)
THE REVIEWS: “When I first tried this cream, I thought it was going to be heavy and greasy, and it almost feels like that for the first minute or two,” writes one tester, “but then it just slowly absorbs, and your skin just feels soft. I only used it a couple of days, and I already notice more clarity in my skin.”
Hero Cosmetics Rescue Retinol Nighttime Renewing Cream
Hero Cosmetics Rescue Retinol Nighttime Renewing Cream
Pros
- Helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles with retinol and peptides
- Testers also say it helps smooth and fade acne scars
Cons
- Can only be used at night (bc retinol can sensitize skin to sun)
At 26, I need my skincare to help me keep my skin clear (tysm, hormones) and help me prevent forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet. So, I reach for this lightweight anti-aging cream, which combines some of the best anti-aging ingredients: retinol and peptides to promote collagen production, along with resveratrol, an antioxidant from red grapes that helps fight environmental stress (like UV light and pollution). And because retinol also increases cell turnover, it can help treat and prevent acne and fade leftover scarring too.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, peptides (boosts collagen); resveratrol (antioxidant)
- Oil-free? No (sunflower seed oil)
THE REVIEWS: “This cream is buttery and luxurious—the texture competes with my $80 facial moisturizer—yet lightweight and gentle on my skin unlike any other retinol I've tried,” writes one tester in a review. “I've noticed this cream expedited the healing process of existing blemishes and helped with the overall turnover of my skin so that my face was glowy and plump all day long. I especially love that it doesn't dry out my skin either.”
Futurewise Slug Cream Barrier-Repair Moisturizer
Futurewise Slug Cream Barrier-Repair Moisturizer
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight, according to testers
Cons
- Some reviewers wish it came with more product
Although I have acne-prone skin, I prefer a night cream that locks everything in and keeps my skin ~supple~ and soft, which ultimately led me to test this moisturizer from Futurewise, a brand entirely focused on slugging (a hack for preventing water loss by coating your skin with an ointment-like product, like Vaseline or Aquaphor). It’s filled with a ton of lightweight moisturizers (like evening primrose oil, which my cystic acne actually responds super well to, along with vitamin E and polyglycerides), as well as dimethicone to give my skin that smooth, silky feeling.
- Key ingredients: Evening primrose oil, vitamin E, polyglycerides (moisturizing)
- Oil-free? No
THE REVIEWS: “I have oily, acne-prone skin, and this really helped my skin feel moisturized without feeling greasy,” writes one tester.
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Pros
- Dermatologists swear by how gentle it is
- Uses ceramides to moisturize without feeling heavy
Cons
- May need to apply more pumps than normal to get enough product
It’s no wonder basically every dermatologist I talk to recommends this basic moisturizer: It’s filled with some go-to hydrators, like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, as well as niacinamide to help soothe your skin. All of this to say, it’s great to slather nightly on your sensitive, acne-prone skin, especially if you’re subbing in drying retinoids or exfoliating acids to treat your zits. Board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, actually recommends her patients opt for this lotion instead of a heavy-cream formula, since it’s water-based, therefore, v lightweight.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide (soothing); hyaluronic acid, ceramides (hydrating)
- Oil-free? Yes
THE REVIEW: "This is the holy grail. This is THE STUFF...this product actually somehow maintains that [beautiful] morning skin look for me...all the time. Additionally, the texture of my skin has improved and it finally feels hydrated," writes one reviewer.
Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer
Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer
Pros
- Leaves skin feeling smooth with dimethicone
Cons
- Uses chemical sunscreens, which can irritate some sensitive skin types
I’ll be honest: I used to hate wearing sunscreen on my acne-prone skin—until I found this SPF moisturizer from Cetaphil that actually leaves my skin matte, not greasy. It’s filled with dimethicone—the most common silicone—that leaves my skin feeling so silky and smooth, which helps cut down on some of the oiliness I get throughout the day, all while protecting my skin from the sun with SPF 30.
- Key ingredients: Dimethicone (temporarily smoothing); avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene (sunscreen)
- Oil-free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: “I get cystic acne on occasion, and glycolic peels and retinol had been keeping my skin perfect until about a month ago when I broke out again,” reads one review. “I came back to this, and my skin texture improved after the first use, and now after using it three times within a week or so, my cystic acne is reducing dramatically. I don't know what it is about this product, but it is so gentle and scent free.”
Tula Skincare Breakout Star Acne Moisturizer
Tula Skincare Breakout Star Acne Moisturizer
Pros
- Uses 2 percent salicylic acid to help prevent acne
- Exfoliates and brightens with azelaic acid
Cons
- Not a ton of product for the price, says testers
I am so over waking up the morning of ~very important events~ with a zit, so I started swapping in this moisturizer to actually prevent new breakouts. It uses 2 percent salicylic acid to exfoliate all the dead skin that gets trapped with oil in my pores to cause acne, as well as azelaic acid to help calm some inflammation (read: my angry, red, blind pimples) and increase cell turnover to smooth my skin.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating), azelaic acid (smoothing and brightening)
- Oil-free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: “I have been struggling with super-bad acne lately, and nothing was really clearing it up,” writes one reviewer. “Finally, I decided to give this a try, and it was a life saver! Not only is it clearing up my acne, I also have not had any new big breakouts. This is worth it!!”
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Pros
- Lightly hydrates skin without leaving a heavy film
- Least expensive moisturizer on this list
Cons
- Thick consistency which some users may not love
Don’t be fooled by the fact that this moisturizer for acne is the cheapest on this list; the cult-favorite formula is stacked with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids to help hydrate your skin without feeling greasy. Don’t just take my word for it though—peep the hundreds of five-star reviews, and you’ll get the hype.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, amino acids (hydrating)
- Oil-free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: According to one reviewer, “I have to say I may have found my daytime soulmate. She’s light, but I pair her with hyaluronic acid and *chefs kiss*—so good. I am acne prone and I have had great results. Doesn’t clear my skin but doesn’t congest my pores, and keeps me nice and hydrated during the day.”
Origins Clear Improvement Pore Clearing Moisturizer with Salicylic Acid 1.7 oz/ 50mL
Origins Clear Improvement Pore Clearing Moisturizer with Salicylic Acid 1.7 oz/ 50mL
Pros
- Helps unclog pores with salicylic acid
- Mattifies skin with charcoal powder
Cons
- Contains essential oils, which can irritate sensitive skin
This moisturizer is filled with two MVPs for clearing out your pores and preventing blackheads: 1 percent salicylic acid (a gentle exfoliator that unclogs your pores) and charcoal (a micro-fine powder with antibacterial and antifungal properties). Low-key, charcoal is one of my favorite ingredients for acne-prone skin, because it absorbs oil to both mattify your skin but also slightly reduce excess sebum that could get trapped in your pores and cause zits and blackheads.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating), charcoal (oil-absorbing)
- Oil-free? No (essential oils)
THE REVIEWS: “I think that this moisturizer is amazing for oily skin,” writes one reviewer. “It really helps clear out pores and fight acne, yet keep you hydrated, but not greasy. It seems to go on with a slight glow, but once it sinks in, it’s perfect.”
EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
Pros
- Filled with soothers, like willow bark extract and niacinamide
- Fragrance free
Cons
- Might be too lightweight for dry skin types
I’m a fan of keeping my skincare routine super simple—especially when my face is looking extra oily and broken out—which is why I love this daily moisturizer so much. Instead of using heavy ingredients, this bb is loaded with soothing willow bark, brightening niacinamide, and hydrating hyaluronic acid, all while also being a fragrance-free skincare product. TL;DR: I never have to worry that it’ll irritate my skin.
- Key ingredients: Willow bark extract (soothing), niacinamide (brightening and soothing), hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
- Oil-free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: "I am allergic to some of the most key ingredients to most sensitive or organic skincare lines,” writes one tester. “So, finding this facial moisturizer was literally a life-changer. It's lightweight, easy to travel with, and has simple ingredients. My skin looks fresh and supple.”
Rosen Skincare Moonlight Moisturizer
Rosen Skincare Moonlight Moisturizer
Pros
- Helps fade dark spots with brightening niacinamide
Cons
- A heavier moisturizer than most on this list, so may not be great for super-oily skin
This rich moisturizer is an MVP at treating current breakouts while also fading leftover acne scars. It combines licorice root extract, one of the best brighteners out there for all skin tones, and niacinamide to help lighten dark spots, all while antibacterial tea tree oil helps keep skin clear. Layer this on as the last step in your night routine and let the moisturizing shea butter do its ~thing~ to plump and moisturize your skin.
- Key ingredients: Shea butter (moisturizing); licorice root extract, niacinamide (brightening); tea tree oil (antibacterial)
- Oil-free? No (sacha inchi oil)
THE REVIEWS: “I recently had a terrible breakout, and this worked miracles,” writes a reviewer. “It calmed inflammation overnight and now is fading my acne marks. Had some issues with white streaks on my face but no white-cast if I use a small amount.”
Does acne-prone skin need moisturizer?
Yes, acne-prone skin needs moisturizer. “Moisturizing is important to keep your skin’s barrier intact,” board-certified dermatologist Heidi Waldorf has previously told Cosmo. It might feel a little counterintuitive to load up on heavy creams and lotions when your face is already shiny, but skipping moisturizer can actually make your face produce more oil by messing with your skin barrier, which could potentially lead to more breakouts down the line.
Not only that, but traditional acne treatments, like retinol, AHAs, or benzoyl peroxide, can lead to dryness and irritation, which a twice-daily moisturizer can help offset. And yes, this matters: A compromised skin barrier can’t heal itself or its breakouts as quickly, which is why it’s so important to keep acne-prone skin healthy and moisturized. Plus, depending on the formula you choose, your moisturizer can also help fade dark spots, brighten hyperpigmentation, and soften fine lines. All of this brings us to…
How to choose the best moisturizer for acne-prone and oily skin:
Determine your skin type
Your general skin type and preexisting skin concerns are the best indicators for what type of moisturizer you should use, board-certified dermatologist Anar Mikailov, MD, previously told Cosmo. Those with oily skin should look for formulas with lightweight hydrators like hyaluronic acid or squalane, while dry skin might need richer moisturizers (like shea butter and cocoa butter), along with lightweight oils (like jojoba oil or evening primrose oil). If you have sensitive skin and legit break out at the thought of trying new products and ingredients, stick to “products free of alcohol, fragrance, and oil,” says Dr. Gohara.
Look for active ingredients
If you want your moisturizer to actively fight acne, then you’ll need active ingredients that can exfoliate your skin or reduce inflammation. If you have oily skin—or skin that largely tolerates acids—you might be better equipped to handle a formula with retinol, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid to cut through oil and reduce breakouts. Meanwhile, someone with dry skin should look for a moisturizer with low-level salicylic acid (less than 1 percent), as well as other gentle acne fighters, like niacinamide, azelaic acid, and willow bark extract.
Meet the experts:
- Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Ct, president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, and associate clinical professor at Yale. Her areas of expertise include medical and surgical dermatology and skin of color.
- Heidi Waldorf, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics in New York, NY who specializes in cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Waldorf previously spoke to Cosmo about how to get rid of oily skin.
- Anar Mikailov, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, MA, and the founder of KP Away, a line of skincare products for keratosis pilaris-prone skin. Dr. Mikailov previously spoke to Cosmo about the best face moisturizers for all skin types.
- Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist at Mudgil Dermatology in New York, NY. Dr. Mudgil previously spoke to Cosmo about AHAs versus BHAs.
Why trust Cosmo?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with nearly five years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from lip pimples to why your face is breaking out to scalp-acne shampoos. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to moisturizers for acne-prone skin after dealing with cystic acne, oily skin, and body acne since she was 11 (which was a very-long time ago, fyi). She personally tested dozens of moisturizers for acne-prone skin and consulted dermatologists to create this list.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan and has two years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing skincare stories, like the best blackhead removal tools and the best clear sunscreens, and feels especially knowledgeable about moisturizers for acne-prone skin, thanks to being a beauty editor and therefore trying a million different formulas. She regularly tests and analyzes moisturizers for acne-prone skin on her own skin for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists to assess new formulas and products.
Ruby Buddemeyer was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan for nearly three years, and has five years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and celebrity news across print and digital, like the best Korean sunscreen brands and how to get rid of whiteheads. She curated her moisturizers for acne-prone skin through product testing, researching, and reading reviews.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces, as well as some fashion and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to achieve ridiculously glowing skin, a super bouncy blowout, or exactly how to use that viral face mask? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As NYC's newest resident, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini this city has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram where you'll see that her account is mostly dedicated to pics of her cute dog and that magazine life.
Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.
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