Moisturizers are constantly being promoted as non-comedogenic, non-pore-clogging, lightweight and airy, and all that for you to end up breaking out from something that was supposed to be beneficial for your skin!
As someone who has exceptionally oily and incredibly acne-prone skin, to the point where my skin reacts to almost anything, including powder makeup that contains a single stearate or oil…
I know the struggle of finding a moisturizer that is actually non-comedogenic and won’t cause my skin to develop closed comedones or full-blown cysts.
That’s why today I’m bringing you what I believe to be the ten best non-comedogenic moisturizers for oily and acne-prone skin.
I chose these products based on their ingredients, my experience using them, and further research, like reading reviews from people with different skin types and skin concerns across multiple websites.
So, without further ado, let’s get into it and find out which moisturizers are your best bet when dealing with oily, acne-prone skin.
IS’N’TREE – Aloe Soothing Gel, $13
The IS’N’TREE Aloe Soothing Gel is ideal for those with acne-prone and oily skin, as it contains a blend of 80% aloe vera leaf water, along with glycerin and panthenol to soothe inflammation while hydrating the skin and balancing sebum production.
The silky-smooth gel texture helps the moisturizer sink into the skin quickly and leaves it feeling hydrated yet non-greasy.
Ideal for summer or for those who live in warm and humid climates where the weather is hot all year round, this lightweight gel is an excellent option for those looking to moisturize their skin without clogging their pores.
Versed – Dew Point Moisturizing Gel Cream, $15
The Versed Skin Dew Point Moisturizing Gel Cream is a no-fuss, straight-to-the-point moisturizer that does exactly what it says it does – it makes your skin look dewy.
It is packed with hydrating and nourishing ingredients as well as some soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients that might be especially beneficial for acne-prone skin.
The moisturizer has a nice, lightweight texture that absorbs into the skin quickly and keeps the moisture where it should be – deep into the skin.
NB: Also featured in my list of the best moisturizers to use with Differin.
Purito – Oat-in Calming Gel Cream, $15
The Purito Oat-in Calming Gel Cream is an excellent option for those whose skin is sensitive, reactive, and acne-prone.
Its main ingredient is oat seed water, which helps moisturize and soothe the skin while calming inflammation. The formula is packed with other nourishing ingredients such as panthenol, which helps protect the skin from environmental aggressors, as well as squalane, which is one of the natural components that comprise the skin barrier.
The vegan formula comes in a gel-like texture that absorbs quickly into the skin and is free from drying alcohol, irritating fragrance, and unnecessary fillers that could potentially clog the pores. It also has a non-greasy finish and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.
COSNORI – Panthenol Barrier Cream, $17
The Panthenol Barrier Cream by COSNORI is a gel-cream moisturizer that contains a high concentration of panthenol, a pro-vitamin B5 derivative.
Panthenol is an efficient humectant and an incredibly soothing component that helps with wound healing and repairing a damaged skin barrier.
Excellent for those with oily and especially inflamed, acne-prone skin, this gel-cream moisturizer will hydrate the skin and soothe irritations without clogging the pores.
NB: This moisturizer also made the list as one of the best Cicaplast Baume alternatives.
TIA’M – Panthenol Moist Cream, $17
The Panthenol Moist Cream by TIA’M has a thicker yet gel-like consistency and sinks into the skin with ease, leaving a smooth and hydrated finish behind.
Just like the Cosnori Panthenol Barrier Cream, it will hydrate the skin without clogging the pores, and it’s also quite similar in terms of ingredients.
Besides its main active ingredient, the Panthenol Moist Cream also contains excellent emollients such as beeswax and fatty alcohols that will further soften the skin and create a protective barrier against environmental aggressors.
I’m usually not incredibly fond of fatty alcohols, just because I know they are a trigger for my skin since I live in a country with hot and humid weather; however, if you can tolerate them without any issues or live in colder and dryer areas but are still dealing with acne, then this is an excellent moisturizer for you.
Hada Labo – Gokujun Premium Hyaluronic Cream, $19
The Hada Labo Premium Hyaluronic Acid Cream is a cult-favorite Japanese moisturizer that contains three types of hyaluronic acid to help bring long-lasting hydration and suppleness to the skin.
The light, airy texture absorbs quickly into the skin and locks in the hydration while keeping the skin fresh and glowing.
Ideal for those with oily and acne-prone skin, the moisturizer does not contain any potential irritants or pore-clogging ingredients that could lead to breakouts.
Benton – Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel, $19
The Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel is a lightweight moisturizer that contains aloe vera leaf water, propolis extract, and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and soothe irritated, reactive, and sensitive skin.
The cream-gel texture delivers an instant cooling and refreshing feeling on the skin while locking in moisture. The formula is free of fragrance, synthetic dyes, and other potential irritants that could cause inflammation and breakouts on acne-prone skin.
It also has a non-greasy finish that won’t clog the pores or leave an oily residue on your face.
Sebamed – Clear Face Gel, $20
The Sebamed Clear Face Gel is definitely one of my favorite products on this list, and one that I have been using as a part of my morning skincare routine due to its matte finish that preps my skin for makeup for over three years now.
It contains excellent ingredients, including aloe vera leaf juice, hydrating glycerin and hyaluronic acid, soothing panthenol, and moisturizing allantoin.
Not one of these ingredients is comedogenic, which makes this product ideal for those with oily and acne-prone skin and those whose skin reacts to everything else.
On top of that, the Clear Face Gel is also free of fragrance and alcohol, which is definitely a winner in my books.
CLINIQUE – Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, $27
I’m usually not a Clinique fan simply because, to me, this is a makeup brand, and makeup brands don’t typically make great skincare products; however, their Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is definitely a winner in my books.
This product has an incredibly light and non-greasy texture that will hydrate the skin without clogging the pores or leaving behind any greasiness.
It contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamins C and E, and an aloe bio-ferment, which is a combination of aloe vera and yeast that helps soothe and repair the skin.
Lightweight, airy, and perfect for oily and acne-prone skin, the Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is definitely one of my favorite non-comedogenic moisturizers out there.
Krave Beauty – Oat So Simple Water Cream, $28
Krave Beauty’s Oat So Simple Water Cream is a simple moisturizer formulated with less than nine ingredients.
The product’s star ingredient is oat, which is exceptionally good for calming irritation, soothing and rebalancing stressed and damaged skin, and hydrating the skin without clogging the pores.
Lightweight and cooling, the moisturizer also contains emollients, moisturizers, water, and only one formula stabilizer.
Oat So Simple is a lightweight, cooling moisturizer that feels like a burst of instant hydration on the face.
It has a jelly-like texture, and it’s suitable for dehydrated, combo, oily, acne-prone skin, and it’s even safe to be used on fungal acne, a.k.a pityrosporum folliculitis.
My name is Simone and I am a certified skin specialist. I created this website to teach my readers how to take great care of their skin and I also like to occasionally share my honest opinions on skincare products I’ve tried. You can learn more about me here.
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An extensive, no-nonsense course showing you how to never have acne again, from a licensed Esthetician specializing in oily/acne-prone skin.
