Everyone Breaks Out—These 9 Top Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin Actually Help (2024)

TL;DR

Our top pick is the Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer because it reduces and prevents breakouts while hydrating the skin. It layers well with other products, so you can rest assured it will seamlessly transition into your routine. If you're on a budget, another standout option is Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Acne Facial Moisturizer. Formulated with salicylic acid, this pick will keep your pores clean and complexion clear.

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, hordeum vulgare leaf juice | Skin Type: Acne-prone | SPF: None | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Tata Harper is known for its high-performing skincare products, boasting ingredients grown on the brand’s Vermont farm, and this moisturizer from the brand did not disappoint. While traditional acne products can be harsh and medicinal, this formula uses a blend of plant oils and botanical extracts to fight blemishes. After using the moisturizer consistently for one month, we had fewer breakouts, and any blemishes we had were less red and puffy than usual. This checks out—the formula’s two key ingredients are jojoba oil and honey, both of which are known to heal acne and boost hydration without clogging pores. We loved the moisturizer's smooth, soothing consistency and the light botanical scent. It did take a few minutes for the formula to absorb into our skin, but once soaked up, the moisturizer didn’t feel heavy or greasy.

Rachel, tester with combination skin: "I think this is one of the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin that I have ever used. It doesn't clog my pores and actually reduces my breakouts and blemishes. It even helped minimize puffiness from any blemishes that I did have."

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, soy | Skin Type: Acne-prone | SPF: None | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Using a moisturizer with salicylic acid is a good way to keep breakouts at bay, explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that removes excess oil and dead cells from the skin to keep the pores clear. However, since this ingredient can be a bit drying, you run the risk of overdoing it and drying out your complexion. With only a 0.5% concentration of salicylic acid, this Aveeno moisturizer gently unclogs without causing dryness. In fact, whenever we applied this moisturizer, we got a refreshing dose of hydration. Although we enjoyed the fresh scent, it didn’t linger either. We used this moisturizer daily, and our breakouts decreased not only in frequency but also in severity. A huge win for us.

Mike, tester with combination skin: "I loved the way this moisturizer felt on my skin. It felt like my skin was thanking me every time I applied it. My skin was more hydrated, and my breakouts decreased in frequency and severity."

Key Ingredients: Zinc, macadamia nut oil, vitamins C and E | Skin Type: Acne-prone, mature | SPF: None | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Yes, spending over $200 on a cream may seem like a huge investment, but considering that this one treats both acne and fine lines and wrinkles, the price is relatively reasonable because you are practically getting two products in one. Formulated by the revolutionary Dr. Barbara Sturm, this cream helps those with both acne and anti-aging concerns. Zinc removes excess sebum that can contribute to pimples, while a blend of plant oils strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier and restores its balance. Vitamins C and E help prevent aging and reveal a brighter, more radiant tone. The result is a thick, creamy moisturizer that absorbs quickly and leaves a lightweight, hydrated feel. We weren’t a fan of the medicinal scent, but eventually, we got used to it.

Kate, tester with combination, sensitive skin: "I liked that it felt creamy and luxurious to put on but felt lightweight when I was actually wearing it. I didn't experience any breakouts (which is very common for me when trying new moisturizers)."

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamin C | Skin Type: Dry, mature, acne-prone | SPF: None | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Having dry skin and acne can make you feel like you’ve been cursed twice, as it can be hard to find products that address both issues without making the other worse. Yet Skinbetter Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment deeply hydrated our skin without causing breakouts. The magic can be partly explained by ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and jojoba oil, which are known to provide superb hydration without clogging pores. While the formula may be too heavy for those with oily skin or those used to light moisturizers, we loved how luxurious it felt on our skin. And unlike some other picks we tested, the hydration lasted all day. Our main complaint was that sometimes the moisturizer caused our makeup to pill, so it might be better to use it at night.

Alyssa, tester with combination, sensitive skin: "It's very moisturizing and rather heavy. It felt indulgent to put on, and I did like the glowy look it gave without any makeup."

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid | Skin Type: Acne-prone, sensitive | SPF: None | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Murad is a tried-and-true brand you can count on when caring for acne-prone skin. With that said, our number one pick is the Clarifying Water Gel, an oil-free, noncomedogenic formula. It hydrates with hyaluronic acid, heals and soothes with ginger root extract, and keeps breakouts at bay with a very mild dose of salicylic acid. We also like that this oil-free moisturizer contains Korean red pine extract, a natural antimicrobial that inhibits the spread of acne-causing bacteria. Thanks to its water gel texture, the moisturizer was extremely lightweight, and we couldn’t feel it on our faces. We have very sensitive skin, yet we didn't have any irritation, redness, or tingling when using this product. By the end of the testing period, our complexion was clearer and more hydrated. While we wish this formula contained SPF, its simplicity can be ideal for those with sensitivities.

Dana, tester with dry, sensitive skin: "This moisturizer felt like nothing was on my face, which was amazing. I didn't experience any sensitivity, burning, redness, or tingling when I applied it."

Key Ingredients: Tea tree leaf extract, niacinamide | Skin Type: Inflamed, acne-prone | SPF: None | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

One of the most annoying side effects of acne is redness. Thankfully, with moisturizers like this one from Dr. Jart+, you can soothe inflammation instantly with tea tree leaf extract, which is known to kill acne-causing bacteria and decrease inflammation. The moisturizer also features a Green Calming Complex—including green tea extract and aloe vera—to soothe and hydrate.Every time we applied this lightweight moisturizer, we felt a refreshing, cooling sensation and watched our skin’s redness disappear. We were left with rejuvenated, glowy skin, likely due to the niacinamide, which further helps to reduce redness and brighten blemishes. We also appreciated how the moisturizer didn’t leave a residue or clog pores, and we didn’t notice a spike in breakouts during the testing period. While we adored the initial glow the cream gave us, it didn’t necessarily last all day, so we recommend reapplying throughout the day for glass skin.

Shannon, tester with combination skin: "I layered it on after my typical skincare routine. Other moisturizers sometimes would cause redness in combination, but this moisturizer worked perfectly alongside it. You could tell my skin looked refreshed and had a glow to it."

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, kojic acid, licorice root | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | SPF: None | Size: 3 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Oily skin and acne often go hand in hand, and if your skin is truly an oil slick, you might wonder why you even need to use a moisturizer. Well, completely skipping out on hydrating products can cause your skin to overproduce sebum, making it even more oily and susceptible to breakouts. Instead, it’s best to use a noncomedogenic moisturizer like this one from Cetaphil that helps reduce oil and pimples. Salicylic acid unclogs pores and prevents breakouts, while kojic acid and licorice root help fade acne scars. The formula has a soft and thick feel, yet it instantly dissolves into the skin, absorbing excess oil and leaving our skin smooth, matte, and buttery soft. Plus, it does an amazing job as a primer for makeup, as it creates an oil-free, velvety base for foundation and concealer. Granted, it’s not the most hydrating moisturizer we've tried, but for those trying to get their oily skin under control, this might provide just the right amount of moisture.

Bailey, tester with combination skin: "The product absorbs really well into the skin. After rubbing it in, you don't even realize it's there—and it layers really well with other products. Foundation still looks good and natural over the moisturizer. In fact, it works as a really good makeup primer because it has mattifying properties."

Key Ingredients: Essential amino acid derivatives, red marine algae | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | SPF: None | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you already use strong ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin to treat acne, it’s usually best to skip out on salicylic acid in your moisturizer and instead use a simple cream that soothes and hydrates. This oil-free formula from Kate Somerville is extremely gentle and hydrating, with only amino acids and red marine algae to help plump skin and improve elasticity and firmness. Putting on this cream was a treat, as it provided an immediate cooling effect and seemed to awaken our pores, in a good way. With a lightweight, water-like consistency, it soaked into our skin quickly and layered beautifully with our tretinoin cream and sunscreen.

At the end of the testing period, we were a little disappointed that the cream didn’t leave us with more of a glow. Despite the hydration, those with deep skin tones looked a little ashy, similar to how sunscreen can leave darker skin tones looking grayish.

Chantia, tester with combination, oil skin: "It was so light that it absorbed in no time. It is very gentle and provides an immediate cooling effect that I feel mostly in my cheek area. At the end of the testing period, my skin looked very good: I have no new acne, and my dark spots have been fading."

Key Ingredients: Willow bark, tapioca, green tea extract, vitamin C | Skin Type: Acne-prone | SPF: SPF 30 | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We all know we are supposed to wear sunscreen daily, but it can be hard to find a sunscreen that doesn’t worsen breakouts. That’s why we love this Dermalogica moisturizer with SPF and acne-fighting ingredients. Thanks to SPF 30 and antioxidant protection from green tea and vitamin C, it’s the perfect product to use in the morning to protect your skin. If you’re worried sunscreen will make your acne-prone skin oily, rest assured that this one uses tapioca to help reduce shine.

Jessica, tester with combination skin: "This product is more a sunscreen than a moisturizer. It's important to note that it took quite a bit of rubbing in to absorb, which is typical of sunscreen. I look for nongreasy moisturizers and sunscreens, so it was great to use one that performed so well."

FAQ

• How often should you apply moisturizers for acne-prone skin?

  "Generally, I recommend that those with acne-prone skin moisturize twice a day," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marie V. Hayag, M.D. While you might be tempted to use a lotion or cream less often to avoid clogging your pores or creating a greasy look, you shouldn't have this issue with oil-free and noncomedogenic formulas.

• What should you apply first, moisturizer or an acne treatment?

  If you’re using a moisturizer and a separate acne treatment like benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin, you might be wondering what to apply first. “There is debate among dermatologists whether moisturizers should be applied before or after an acne cream. My personal opinion is to apply the moisturizer first to prime and hydrate the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Provided that you are not using a heavy, occlusive ointment, the moisturizer should not interfere with the penetration of the active acne treatment ingredients.”

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