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We updated this article in October 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
Just because your skin produces more natural oils (known as sebum) doesn’t mean you should forego hydration. The best moisturizers for oily, acne-prone skin keep your complexion looking fresh without causing breakouts.
By adding a moisturizer to your routine (specifically one formulated for oily or acne-prone skin), you help keep your internal skin cells hydrated. When your skin cells are hydrated, they’re less likely to over-produce sebum, which may actually help reduce your feelings of oily skin.
This is even more true if you’re using medications or products to treat acne. “Even acne-prone teenagers need to moisturize to keep their skin barrier healthy. The skin barrier can become damaged from drying acne products and medications,” says Arielle Kauvar, M.D., director of New York Laser & Skin Care and clinical professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine. This includes salicylic acid (which works to unclog pores) and benzoyl peroxide (which fights acne-causing bacteria).
Meet the Experts: Arielle Kauvar, M.D., director of New York Laser & Skin Care, Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist at MDCS, Rebecca Baxt, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Baxt Cosmedical, Corey L. Hartman, M.D., founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology
While it is important to home in on the moisturizer for your skin type, there’s also a correct way to apply it. Follow this order: Acne medications go on first, topped with a moisturizer, then sunscreen, and finally, makeup if you choose to wear it, says Dr. Kauvar. However, if you use a retinoid-based product to control acne (like tretinoin or adapalene), apply these over a moisturizer or mixed with one to lessen irritation, she advises.
Our top picks:
Consider these moisturizers that will work wonders on acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Includes SPF protection
- More than 48,000 5-star reviews on Amazon
Cons
- Some reviewers note that it leaves a white cast to the skin after application
With SPF 30, you can count on this as your go-to moisturizer before heading out the door in the morning. Thanks to its expert blend of ceramides (naturally occurring fats in the skin) and hyaluronic acid (a humectant), dry patches don’t stand a chance—even on sensitive acne-prone complexions. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, further reinforces the skin’s protective barrier.
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid to retain moisture, ceramides to restore skin barrier, Niacinamide to calm the skin |
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Formula Benefits | Fragrance-free, oil-free, noncomedogenic |
Pros
- Includes SPF protection
- SPF doesn't leave a white cast on the skin
Cons
- Some users complain about the product's pump being flimsy
If you’re applying a moisturizer in the morning, this one contains a broad spectrum SPF 35 to guard against UV rays that darken red marks associated with acne, as well as glycerin and dimethicone (an ingredient that reduces water loss without clogging pores) to seal in hydration. This moisturizer also settles into skin without a chalky residue like some sunscreens are apt to do.
Key Ingredients | Glycerin for hydration |
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Formula Benefits | Hypoallergenic, Noncomedogenic, Fragrance-free, Dye-free, Oil-free, Alcohol-free |
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Pros
- Includes SPF protection
- More than 15,000 5-star reviews on Amazon
Cons
- Some reviewers state that the product burns their eyes
Non-comedogenic, non-greasy, and fragrance-free? Check, check, and check! This lightweight formula does not clog pores, never looks oily on the skin, and keeps delicate areas protected with SPF 30. “I’ve always used expensive moisturizers. I can’t believe it, but this works just as well as those in terms of getting my skin moisturized deep down,” one reviewer raved.
Key Ingredients | Micropearls to absorb surface oil |
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Formula Benefits | Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-free, Noncomedogenic |
Pros
- Can be used on face and body
- Safe for all skin-types
Cons
- Some reviewers note that the formula changed and doesn't work as well as the previous formula
Cetaphil products are a classic for a reason. This non-greasy, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free lotion delivers lightweight moisture for the most sensitive skin types, including those with acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Utilizing glycerin, vitamin E, and dimethicone, it leaves skin feeling naturally soft and smooth.
Key Ingredients | Vitamin E and B5 for long-lasting moisture |
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Formula Benefits | Fragrance-free, Noncomedogenic |
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Pros
- Helps reduce the appearance of large pores
- More than 7,600 5-star reviews on Amazon
Cons
- Some users say the price is too high for the size of the product
One common complaint among those who suffer from acne: a shiny, slick complexion, especially after moisturizing. This oil-free noncomedogenic moisturizer sops up excess grease for a matte finish while keeping skin smooth and hydrated.
Corey L. Hartman, M.D., board-certified dermatologist, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL, and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, recommends it, saying it “gives a nice finish in a lightweight formula that restores the barrier without increasing oiliness.”
Key Ingredients | Glycerin for hydration, Lipo-hydroxy acid for exfoliation, Thermal spring water as a calming antioxidant |
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Formula Benefits | Oil-free, Noncomedogenic |
6
Best for super oily skin
Ultra Repair Oil-Control Moisturizer
Pros
- Has a mattifying and shine-free effect
- Reduces the appearance of pores
Cons
- Users with combination or dry skin say the formula dries them out
This silky-smooth formula is a dream for oily skin. It packs hyaluronic acid for nice plumping action, but controls oil throughout the day, thanks to the addition of mineral powders and niacinamide. Plus, it melts in quickly, smooths out pores, and hydrates effectively without a greasy feeling.
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid to boost skin moisture, Niacinamide to reduce shine |
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Formula Benefits | Fragrance-free, Vegan, Gluten-free |
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Pros
- Includes SPF protection
- More than 8,000 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Provides a light tint
Cons
- Some customers complain about the product pump dispenser being cheap
Named one of our top tinted moisturizers with SPF, this two-in-one product from EltaMD contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect the skin from sun damage and hyaluronic acid to moisturize and plump out fine lines. The oil- and fragrance-free formula is non-comedogenic and raved about by several dermatologists we’ve talked to for its natural tint and lightweight formula.
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid to help moisturize skin, |
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Formula Benefits | Oil-free, Fragrance-free, Noncomedogenic, Vegan |
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Users appreciate the light and refreshing formula
Cons
- Some users say that it's overpriced for the size of the product
This oil- and fragrance-free moisturizer is best suited for oily and combination skin. It’s formulated with glycerin (a humectant that draws water to the skin) and squalene (an emollient that creates a protective barrier) for a boost of hydration. Still, it quickly sinks in and leaves behind a matte finish, so you don’t have to worry about shiny spots.
Key Ingredients | Glycerin for hydration, Selenium works as an antioxidant |
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Formula Benefits | Oil-free, Noncomedogenic, Fragrance-free, Preservative-free, Alcohol-free |
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9
Best Nighttime Moisturizer
Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer
Pros
- Intended for nighttime use, but can be used in the day, too
- Users note a reduced appearance of blackheads
Cons
- Some users note that niacinamide burns their skin
Acne-prone skin will drink up this lightweight face moisturizer with pore-minimizing niacinamide, soothing antioxidants, and calming ceramides. It replenishes without clogging pores and is formulated without parabens and fragrances.
Key Ingredients | Ceramides to restore the skin barrier, Niacinamide to reduce appearance of pores, Blueberry & pumpkin extracts to work as antioxidants |
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Formula Benefits | Fragrance-free, Oil-free |
Pros
- More than 8,500 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Awarded Seal of Excellence from the National Eczema Association
Cons
- Some users with dry, but sensitive skin note that the product isn't moisturizing enough
“This gentle daily face moisturizer contains both hyaluronic acid and ceramides, so it helps to draw moisture in and support the skin barrier,” says Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell New York Presbyterian Medical Center. “This lightweight formulation can be used all year, is oil-free, and is especially good for those with sensitive skin as it is free of fragrance, parabens, formaldehyde, and other preservatives.”
Key Ingredients | eramides to restore skin barrier, Hyaluronic acid for moisture, |
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Formula Benefits | Gluten-free, Fragrance-free, Noncomedogenic |
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11
Best Mattifying
Vinopure Oil-Control Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
Pros
- Users note that a little goes a long way
- Users note the formula is lightweight and absorbs easily
Cons
- Some users say the bottle is small for price
“This lightweight mattifying moisturizer incorporates grape seed polyphenols which is an antioxidant and silica powder which helps to mattify,” explains Dr. Garshick. “It contains squalane to help hydrate, and together helps to absorb excess oil and reduce the appearance of blemishes without drying out the skin.”
Key Ingredients | Grapeseed polyphenols to prevent blackheads, Silica powder and java seed extract to target sebum, Mediterranean olive squalane to provide moisture |
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Formula Benefits | Vegan, Fragrance-free |
Pros
- Can be used morning and night
- Helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and pimples
Cons
- Some users don't like the gel-like consistency
“This lightweight serum is great for acne-prone sensitive skin that achieves acne clearance in a gentle, non-drying manner,” says Dr. Hartman.
“This serum works wonders. It exfoliates, lightly moisturizes, and heals pimples!!! I’ve been using it for only three days and so far so good. Didn’t buy it on Amazon but I plan to in the future," says one reviewer.
Key Ingredients | Silica to help absorb oils, Comedoclastin to help reduce the appearance of blemishes, Thermal spring water to help calm the skin |
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Formula Benefits | Noncomedogenic |
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Pros
- Intended for day and night use
- More than 2,900 5-star reviews on Amazon
Cons
- Some users don't like the birch smell of the product
“This lightweight lotion contains birch sap and allantoin helping to hydrate and soothe the skin without clogging the pores,” says Dr. Garshick. “It is a great option for those with oily or combination skin and can be used one to two times daily.”
Key Ingredients | Birch sap for maintaining moisture |
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Formula Benefits | Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-free, Vegan |
Pros
- Almost 1,500 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Good for all skin types
Cons
- Some customers comment that the moisturizer feels "sticky"
- Says it's oil-free, but contains macadamia nut oil
Formulated for both dry and oily skin, this hydrating face moisturizer is lightweight, oil-free, non-greasy, and rich in minerals and botanical extracts to soothe and unclog pores. Macadamia nut oil helps lock in moisture, and green tea and hyaluronic acid work in tandem to calm and maintain the skin’s hydration.
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid for added moisture, green tea to calm the skin |
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Formula Benefits | Oil-free |
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Pros
- Includes SPF protection
- Specifically formulated for men
- Does not leave white cast
Cons
- Some users note a slight "sunscreen" smell to the lotion
For the guy looking for a moisturizer designed specifically for men, the Geologie Moisturizing Face Cream with SPF15 is a good option. This double-duty product includes key ingredients hyaluronic acid, niacinamides, and argan oil to help soothe the skin's surface, reduce the appearance of pores, and retain moisture without looking like an oil slick.
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid for added moisture, Niacinamide to reduce the appearance of pores, Argan oil to reduce surface oils |
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Formula Benefits | Gluten-free, Reef-safe |
Pros
- Can be used day and night
- Made from 98% natural ingredients
Cons
- Some reviewers note the product has a strong smell
The Yes to Tomatoes Daily Balancing Moisturizer is made specifically for blemish-prone skin with ingredients to help balance and restore a healthy appearance. With tomato extract, watermelon extract, sweet almond oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and pumpkin extract, you can recognize and pronounce many of the ingredients included in the formula. It’s a vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested option.
Key Ingredients | Tomato-extract and watermelton-extract to balance skin, Sweet almond oil to reduce sebum, Red tea to control oil |
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Formula Benefits | Vegan |
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Pros
- Can be used morning and night
- The formula is designed to be cooling
- Helps reduce irritation and redness
Cons
- Some reviewers find the scent is too strong
Some gel moisturizers leave a sticky or tacky feeling after application, but reviewers note that the Kinship Supermello Hydrating Gel Cream Moisturizer goes on cool and smooth, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave any lingering tackiness. The vegan and cruelty-free formula also features marshmallow root (with a distinct marshmallow/vanilla scent) to help reduce redness and irritation.
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid to help moisturize, Marshmallow root to reduce redness, Plant-based probiotics to support the skin barrier |
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Formula Benefits | Vegan |
Pros
- Great for on-the-go moisture
- Light formula absorbs easily
Cons
- Some reviewers dislike like the scent
When you want the feel of added moisture, but you don’t want to slather on a cream, Kari Gran’s Hydrating Tonic is the perfect solution. Simply mist a few pumps on your clean skin, and the serum will absorb into your skin. The combination of glycerin and aloe vera helps restore the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture. It’s a good on-the-go product when you want an added boost of moisture throughout the day. You can also mix it with the Kari Gran Essential Serum in the morning for added moisture.
Key Ingredients | Glycerin to help restore the skin's barrier, Aloe vera to help with hydration |
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Formula Benefits | Organic |
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Pros
- Includes acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid
- Locks in moisture
- Uses natural exfoliants
Cons
- Some users dislike like the jar packaging
This Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer from Eminence Organic Skin Care includes salicylic acid to help combat clogged pores with natural toners and astringents like cucumber juice and willow bark extract to reduce redness and tone the skin. Additionally, yogurt probiotics work as natural exfoliants (thanks to the lactic acid), while shea butter works as an emollient to help lock in moisture. With additional antioxidant ingredients like coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid, it’s particularly well-suited for fighting small lines and wrinkles found in more mature skin types.
Key Ingredients | Salicylic acid to unclog pores, Cucumber juice to tone and refresh skin, Willow bark extract as an astringent, Yogurt as an exfoliant, Shea butter to lock in moisture |
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Formula Benefits | Organic, Gluten-free |
Pros
- Includes SPF
- Doesn’t leave a white cast
- Comes in two different tinted colors
Cons
- Some reviewers dislike packaging
Finding a double-duty SPF moisturizer for melanin-rich skin that doesn’t leave a white cast can be a little tricky, but AbsoluteJOI’s Daily Hydrating Moisturizing Cream offers a solution. This SPF 40 moisturizer comes in two tinted colors—mocha and cafe au lait—to help give an even and smooth skin appearance, without any gray or ashy undertones. The product also includes chamomile to help calm the skin and green tea extract to work as an antioxidant to soothe and repair the skin.
Key Ingredients | Chamomile to soothe the skin, Green tea extract as an antioxidant to tone skin |
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Formula Benefits | Fragrance-free |
Alisa Hrustic
Deputy Editor, Prevention
Alisa Hrustic is the deputy editor at Prevention, where she leads the brand’s digital editorial strategy. She’s spent the last five years interviewing top medical experts, interpreting peer-reviewed studies, and reporting on health, nutrition, weight loss, and fitness trends for national brands like Women’s Health and Men’s Health. She spends most of her days diving into the latest wellness trends, writing and editing stories about health conditions, testing skincare products, and trying to understand the next greatest internet obsession.
Emily Goldman
Deputy Editor
Emily Goldman is the deputy editor at Prevention. She’s spent her career editing and writing about health, wellness, beauty, fashion, and food for Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, Bridal Guide, Good Housekeeping, and more. She’s loved all things health and wellness since starting her bi-weekly podcast Pancreas Pals—a series all about the highs and lows of living life with type 1 diabetes. When not podcasting, she spends most of her time curled up with a good book or watching a period piece on BBC.