These Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers Are Legit Perfect for Acne-Prone Skin

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If you've ever dealt with a breakout (hi!), then you don't need us to tell you that it can feel risky to put literally anything on your face, much less a thick, buttery moisturizer. But we're here to tell you that acne-prone skin does, in fact, need moisture, and that supplying it without triggering a new zit is just a matter of using the right formula. But how...? The best non-comedogenic moisturizers for acne-prone skin can go a long way into balancing your complexion without causing a total meltdown.

The word "non-comedogenic," for the uninitiated, is another way of saying it won't clog pores, making it kind of a big deal for people who deal with, well, clogged pores on the daily. And since I'm pushing 35 and still experiencing breakouts (and don't even talk to me about pregnancy acne!), I've relied on these formulas to keep my combination skin healthy, happy, and radiant.

To narrow down the best options, we asked top dermatologists to share their favorites, how they work, and what you should know when you're shopping for a newbie. We also included our 10 go-to options, so whatever your preference, budget, or unique concern, you're bound to find your perfect match.

Keep scrolling for our top picks, including EltaMD, La Roche-Posay, and Shani Darden.

Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer

When multiple derms point to one product as a safe bet, then you know it's really, *really* good. That's the case with this moisturizer, which New York City board-certified dermatologist Carmen Castilla, MD, likes for its "combination of ceramides which helps support the skin barrier," she says. Plus, it has niacinamide to calm inflammation, taking down redness.

There's also a sunscreen version with SPF 30 that's a favorite of Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, AL. "It absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast and it’s unscented, which works well for patients with sensitive skin or anyone who prefers a fragrance-free option," he says.

• Oil-free? Yes

• Fragrance-free? Yes

• Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, ceramide

Glowing customer review: "I have been using this moisturizer for about six months now and have noticed less breakouts and when I do break out it isn't as bad. Actually bought this for my sister too"

Hydration Peptide Cream

As a full-fledged adult who's dealing with both acne and signs of aging (love it!), I flew through this bottle of moisturizer. It feels really rich and comforting but sank in ASAP, and it contains peptides to make quick work of my forehead lines. It also uses squalane, niacinamide, and ceramides to bolster the skin barrier without causing congestion. (And, bonus, it's a pregnancy-safe skincare product!)

• Oil-free? Yes

• Fragrance-free?Yes

• Key Ingredients: Squalane, peptides, niacinamide

Glowing customer review: "I have very acne prone skin. Sometimes I feel like everything breaks me out, but not this moisturizer! It doesn’t clog my pores or feel heavy, and I feel nice and hydrated. Best moisturizer ever!"

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Cream

Dr. Castilla is a big fan of this cream, which is only a cream for a hot second before transforming into a light, watery texture when you apply it. "It has a combination of lipids that help support the skin barrier," she says. "Also, hyaluronic acid helps attract and bind water to skin cells."

• Oil-free? Yes

• Fragrance-free? Yes

• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin

Glowing customer review: "This is the only face cream I will use again! I absolutely hate the feelings of lotion- always leaves my face feeling greasy and dirty right after I wash it! But this feels totally different. My face feels fresh and clean. It has extremely helped my dry skin without breaking me out at all!"

UV Daily Face Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide SPF 40

This moisturizer is a godsend for me, since my medium-tan skin tone means that most products with SPF leave a chalky finish. Not this time! It also has hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to nourish skin without sending my skin spiraling. On weekends, this is my one-and-done.

• Oil-free? Yes

• Fragrance-free? Yes

• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, zinc oxide

Glowing customer review: "I have combination & acne prone (hormonal) skin and I love this moisturizer. It doesn’t irritate my skin and feels good going on, plus provides really great, long lasting UV protection. I use it liberally daily and this little bottle will last me around 8 months ish."

Cleanance Hydra Soothing Cream

Dr. Castilla calls this cream a "non-greasy formulation but very hydrating," she says. She also likes that it suits a variety of skin types, like oily skin, acne-prone skin that's also dry (it happens!), and your standard-issue acne-prone skin. It also has lipids and the brand's signature thermal water to soothe skin, so it's killer for offsetting dryness from acne treatments.

• Oil-free? No

• Fragrance-free? No

• Key Ingredients: Dextran sulfate, triglycerides, glycoleol

Glowing customer review: "My skin has always been dry and sensitive but I never had pimples or flakes until COVID hit. The use of masks daily really took moisture from my skin and I started getting pimples on my cheeks. Specially the corners of my mouth were VERY dry, red and flaky. I tried brands like La Roche Posay, Cera Ve and many others but they all seemed to irritate my skin more. This moisturizer however, fixed everything. I use the cleanser and then this and I saw results almost immediately. I LOVE it. 10/10"

Superfood Air Whip Moisture Cream

When I need a little TLC, I turn to the antioxidants in this little jar, which come from the green tea and kale. On top of that, it hydrates with three weights of hyaluronic acid, leaving my skin looking plumper and smoother. I love using it as my nighttime moisturizer, since I can slather it on and let it soak in while I PTFO.

• Oil-free? No

• Fragrance-free? No

• Key Ingredients: Kale, green tea, hyaluronic acid

Glowing customer review: I love this product! I have been looking for a facial moisturizer for a long time, but wasn't able to find what I was looking for. This product goes on light, does not feel greasy, and keeps my skin moisturized.

Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultra Facial Refillable Moisturizing Cream with Squalane

This classic is a longtime pick for Dr. Hartman, who says that "it’s lightweight when applied to the skin and absorbs quickly." Plus, "the formula with squalane and pro-ceramides replaces moisture loss, helps repair the skin barrier, and prevents water loss," he says. (FYI: Pro-ceramides help increase the skin's natural production of the molecule.) It pairs these with the brand's signature glycoprotein, which helps maintain the right balance of moisture in skin.

• Oil-free? No

• Fragrance-free? Yes

• Key Ingredients: Squalane, glycoprotein, pro-ceramide

Glowing customer review: "This is a great lightweight moisturizer for combination skin, it never broke me out or felt heavy when applying with other products. I bought the largest tub which is more on the expensive side but has lasted me for a good 8 months. Definitely worth checking out!"

Magic Water Cream Refillable Gel Moisturizer

The Magic Cream was makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury's inaugural skincare product, so it's been actual years that I've been waiting for a more lightweight, acne-friendly version—finally getting it in this little jar, which locks in hydration and even leaves my pores looking smaller (seriously). It uses a combo of niacinamide and peptides to keep clogs in check, and my skin instantly looks better.

• Oil-free? Yes

• Fragrance-free? No

• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides

Glowing customer review: "I have oily skin so finding balance between a glow and a disaster can be a challenge. Not with this little pot of magic! And magic it truly is. From the first use my skin has a wonderful glow to it, and make up stays put all day, with no greasiness in sight, and my skin feels hydrated all day. I will definitely repurchase again."

Gel Face Moisturizer

For the same price as a sad lunch salad these days (inflation bites!) you can get this lightweight, quick-absorbing moisturizer. It uses two humectants, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, to draw water into skin, as well as dimethicone to seal it in and give my skin a baby-smooth finish. I'm not usually a big fan of silicones on my skin, but this didn't feel overly slick—nor did it trigger any breakouts.

• Oil-free? Yes

• Fragrance-free? Yes

• Key ingredients: Dimethicone, hyaluronic acid, glycerin

Glowing customer review: "I have combination skin and I have to be extra careful when using moisturizers. I easily break out and get too oily. This one is just right!"

Clearskin Lightweight Moisturizer

Despite this having a slightly thicker feel than other moisturizers for acne-prone skin, I've found that it still sinks in really quickly and without stressing out my skin. I also love that it has a whopping 4% niacinamide, which not only controls oil production but *also* helps fade the dark spots after zits have healed. That makes it my go-to if I'm trying to even out my skin tone after a bad breakout has caught me off-guard.

• Oil-free? Yes

• Fragrance-free? Yes

• Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, marigold flower oil, lemongrass extract

Glowing customer review: "I bought this a few days ago and i absolutely love it! It feels so nice and soothing on the skin and i can already see a difference in my closed comedones on my chin!"

How to choose the best non-comedogenic moisturizer:

Do you *actually* need moisturizer if you have acne-prone skin?

In short, hell yes. That's because the inflammation of acne can actually break down your skin barrier, so you need moisture to help repair it. On top of that, "most acne medications are very drying," says Dr. Castilla. "Using a moisturizer can help mitigate this dryness to allow for continued use of acne fighting ingredients."

Also, if you're trying to dry out your skin in order to minimize oil production, that only tends to backfire. Regularly moisturizing "can help regular sebum production and minimize the overproduction, which—paired with acne-treating products—can help reduce breakouts," says Dr. Hartman.

Is oil-free the same thing as non-comedogenic?

Nope! Oil-free is pretty straightforward: It means there are no oils or mineral oils in the product (duh). As for non-comedogenic, it's a little trickier. "Since it is not a regulated claim, there is no standardized definition for what is and what is not included in products marketed as 'non-comedogenic'," says Dr. Castilla. Generally speaking, though, non-comedogenic means that a formula is free of ingredients that could potentially clog pores.Heads up: Not all oils are bad for acne-prone skin, so you might still find them in these moisturizers from time to time.

What should you look for in a non-comedogenic moisturizer?

Off the bat, look for a humectant like glycerin or, even better, hyaluronic acid. "It’s non-comedogenic and lightweight, and will add moisture to the skin without feeling heavy," says Dr. Hartman. He also recommends looking for ceramides, but proceed with caution—they can sometimes be comedogenic, so look for a formula labeled non-comedogenic. However, they "can be great for acne-prone skin, as they are gentle and provide moisture," he says.Two biggies to stay away from are coconut oil and cocoa butter, which are majorly occlusive and will absolutely clog your pores (sorry!).

Meet the experts:

• Carmen Castilla, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group in New York City.

• Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL.
  

Why trust 'Cosmopolitan’?

Deanna Pai is the interim deputy beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than 13 years of experience covering skincare, makeup, and beyond. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to acne, because she's been managing it for roughly 20 years at this point. When she's not testing skincare formulas, she's chatting up top dermatologists to learn about everything new and innovative.

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