Our 6 Favorite Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin

For those with acne-prone skin, finding a moisturizer that can give you the hydration your skin needs, without leaving you with a greasy finish, is like finding that proverbial pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Allow us to save you some time in the recruitment process. We’ve compiled a list of our picks of the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands, below. 

WHAT CAUSES ACNE?

Before we dive into the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin, it’s imperative to know why acne crops up on your skin in the first place. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), acne is caused by many factors. When overactive oil glands produce too much oil, it can mix with dead skin cells, dirt, and debris on the skin’s surface and plug pores. Other factors include your genes, hormones, stress levels, and menstruation. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about your genetics, but choosing the right products formulated for your skin type is a good way to keep breakouts at bay. Ahead, we give you six moisturizers that are suitable for use on acne-prone skin.

VICHY NORMADERM ANTI-ACNE HYDRATING LOTION

Formulated with salicylic acid, glycolic acid and micro-exfoliating LHA, the Anti-Acne Hydrating Lotion from Vichy’s Normaderm line targets the appearance of pesky blemishes. The oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer is formulated to fight breakouts while hydrating the skin.

Vichy Normaderm Anti-Acne Hydrating Lotion, $25 MSRP

KIEHL’S BLUE HERBAL MOISTURIZER

When it comes to acne-fighting products, we love Kiehl’s entire Blue Herbal line. This includes the brand’s Blue Herbal Moisturizer, which can mattify the skin and reduce the appearance of large pores while it hydrates. This oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer is formulated with salicylic acid to help prevent future breakouts from forming.

Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Moisturizer, $25 MSRP

LA ROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR MAT

Refine and tighten the appearance of pores with continued use of La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Mat. The formula uses sebulyse technology for dual-targeted action on excess oil while still providing daily hydration. As a plus, it has a light matte finish, making it an ideal choice before applying makeup.

La Roche-Posay Effacalar Mat, $36.95 MSRP

ACNEFREE DAILY SKIN THERAPY COMPLEXION PERFECTING CREAM

This lightweight emollient cream gently renews the skin’s appearance for a clearer-looking complexion. As it’s formulated with advanced retinol technology, be sure to apply this moisturizer only during your nighttime routine. While retinol boasts many benefits, the powerful ingredient can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Reserve this moisturizer for use before bedtime and follow up with SPF in the morning.

AcneFree Daily Skin Therapy Complexion Perfecting Cream, $7.80

SKINCEUTICALS RETINOL 1.0

While we’re on the topic of retinol, allow us to introduce you to SkinCeutical’s Retinol 1.0. This maximum strength refining night cream is enhanced with 1% pure retinol. The best part? It’s suitable for most skin types, especially photo-damaged, problematic, and congested skin. For best practices, use this product once your skin has been preconditioned with a lower concentration of retinol to reduce the chances of irritation. Pair your use with daily broad-spectrum SPF.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0, $76 MSRP

KIEHL’S ULTRA FACIAL OIL-FREE GEL CREAM

Unfortunately, acne-fighting ingredients are notorious for their drying effects, which is why it’s essential to hydrate your skin adequately. Reach for an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula like Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream. Unlike most hydrating creams that leave behind a greasy residue, this oil-free gel cream has a refreshing texture that intensely hydrates and conditions the skin.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream, $27.50 MSRP

Remember, even oily, acne-prone skin needs hydration. Skipping this all-too-important step can cause your complexion to feel dehydrated. This, in turn, can cause your sebaceous glands to overcompensate by producing excess oil that can combine with dead skin cells and bacteria on the skin’s surface, clog your pores, and cause additional breakouts. After cleansing your skin with a face wash formulated for acne-prone skin, follow up with any necessary spot treatments and then conclude with one of the moisturizers above. 

Need help dealing with new pimples? We share a simple three-step guide to help you clear a breakout fast, here.