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23 Moisturizers Your Acne-Prone Skin Will Love

Moisturizing is essential, no matter your skin type!

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oil free moisturizers for acne prone skin
Courtney Chavez/Retailer

Seventeen picks products that we think you'll love the most. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

Moisturizing is an essential step in any skincare routine, even if you have acne-prone skin. Acne-fighting treatments that combat breakouts often contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which can dry out your skin, so board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Marisa Garshick, recommends washing the face one to two times per day and following up with a moisturizer. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian agrees. Of the many benefits moisturizers for acne-prone skin provide, Dr. Nazarian says that moisturizing "improves the skin, decreases skin inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier," which is absolutely necessary when trying to treat active breakouts. Along with those helpful benefits, Dr. Garshick says that the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin are often enriched with ingredients that fight against hyperpigmentation and dark marks from acne scaring.

There are so many important details to consider when searching for the best moisturizer for acne-prone skin. According to Dr. Garshick, who is also an advisor at BioRepublic, a good rule of thumb is to look out for ceramides like hyaluronic acid to boost moisture and niacinamide to soothe inflammation and redness. Dr. Nazarian suggests searching for "glycerin and allantoin" to improve hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. Both doctors agree lightweight moisturizers like creams and lotions that are oil-free and non-comedogenic, which means they won't clog pores, are the best bet for acne-prone skin.

Your skin's texture also plays a huge role in finding the best moisturizer for acne-prone skin. If you have both acne-prone and oily skin, Dr. Garshick suggests mattifying or gel-based moisturizers. If you're using a moisturizer and notice that your skin is still on the dry side, she recommends reading the labels to ensure that your moisturizer doesn't have "potentially drying or irritating ingredients," such as "isopropyl alcohol or sulfates."

Read ahead for the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin to keep your skin breakout free and glowing.

  • Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen

    Bargain Buy

    Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen

    $13 at Amazon
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  • Nutritious Melting Soft Creme Mask

    ESTÉE LAUDER Nutritious Melting Soft Creme Mask

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  • Effaclar MAT Mattifying Moisturizer

    La Roche-Posay Effaclar MAT Mattifying Moisturizer

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  • AM Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen, SPF 30

    CeraVe AM Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen, SPF 30

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  • Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer

    Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer

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Bargain Buy

Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen

Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen
Bargain Buy

Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen

$13 at Amazon$17 at Walmart$13 at Ulta Beauty

A Seventeen beauty award winner, this feathery light moisturizer has micropearl technology, which means that it'll absorb all the oils to give your skin a matte finish.

ESTÉE LAUDER Nutritious Melting Soft Creme Mask

Nutritious Melting Soft Creme Mask

ESTÉE LAUDER Nutritious Melting Soft Creme Mask

Hydrate dry, dull skin with Estée Lauder's Nutritious Melting Soft Creme Mask. This cushy moisturizer boosts hydration and helps strengthens the skin barrier. Plus it's enriched with a non-comedogenic formula that won't clog pores.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar MAT Mattifying Moisturizer

Effaclar MAT Mattifying Moisturizer

La Roche-Posay Effaclar MAT Mattifying Moisturizer

The perfect addition to your acne regimen, this silky formula will dissolve those pores and control that shine, while delivering hydration throughout.

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CeraVe AM Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen, SPF 30

AM Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen, SPF 30

CeraVe AM Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen, SPF 30

Don't be afraid to layer up this delicate goodness on your breakouts — this lotion contains niacinamide, which will soothe any inflamed acne or redness.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer

Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer

Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer

If you've already tried Glow Recipe's cult fave Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, you won't need any convincing to try this delicious moisturizer that's packed with watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to completely restore your skin.

Bargain Buy

Alba Botanica Acnedote Maximum Strength Oil Control Lotion

Acnedote Maximum Strength Oil Control Lotion
Bargain Buy

Alba Botanica Acnedote Maximum Strength Oil Control Lotion

Now 16% Off

Formulated with salicylic acid and willow bark solution that'll purge your pores, this oil-free lotion will fight any breakouts that might come your way.

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First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer

Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer

This lightweight formula won't leave a hint of grease on your skin — its combo of shea butter, avocado, and meadowfoam seed oil will provide total hydration, while its colloidal oatmeal will calm any redness.

Dermatologist-Approved

Proactiv Proactiv+ Acne Moisturizer

Proactiv+ Acne Moisturizer
Dermatologist-Approved

Proactiv Proactiv+ Acne Moisturizer

We stan a multi-purpose moisturizer. According to Dr. Nazarian, this lightweight moisturizer contains salicylic acid to unclog pores and prevent future breakouts. It also boasts kojic acid, which decreases post-acne marks.

Dermatologist-Approved

St. Ives 3-in-1 SPF 25 Moisturizer

3-in-1 SPF 25 Moisturizer
Dermatologist-Approved

St. Ives 3-in-1 SPF 25 Moisturizer

Now 12% Off

According to Dr. Garshick, witch hazel and natural tea extract help this lightweight moisturizer balance the skin. It also doubles as SPF and protects the skin against harmful UV damage, which can worsen acne scarring.

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Dermatologist-Approved

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

Magic Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
Dermatologist-Approved

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

Credit: Retailer

This fast-acting moisturizer is packed with vitamins C and E to protect against harmful free-radical damage from the environment, while hyaluronic acid hydrates and nourishes the skin.

Dermatologist-Approved

Vanicream Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Dermatologist-Approved

Vanicream Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

It doesn't take much to trigger breakouts, especially when you have ultra-sensitive skin. Dr. Garshick recommends this gentle, oil-free moisturizer because it is free of preservatives like fragrance and parabens that often result in breakouts and inflammation.

Dermatologist-Approved

Pond's Dark Spot Corrector Clarant

Dark Spot Corrector Clarant
Dermatologist-Approved

Pond's Dark Spot Corrector Clarant

Vitamins B3 and C and glycerin are the recipe that helps this moisturizer lighten dark marks, soothe inflammation, and soften rough-textured skin.

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Dermatologist-Approved

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer

 Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer
Dermatologist-Approved

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer

Now 10% Off

According to Dr. Garshick, this gentle gel cream hydrates and contains 0.5% salicylic acid to help clear breakouts.

Dermatologist-Approved

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin

Toleriane Double Repair Matte Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Dermatologist-Approved

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin

Calling all oily and combination skin, girlies. Dr. Garshick recommends this oil-free moisturizer because it is easily absorbed into the skin. It also works to soothe inflammation and irritation.

Dermatologist-Approved

DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46

Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46
Dermatologist-Approved

DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46

This one's for the beauty besties, who live for a low-key, "clean-girl" makeup look. This mineral sunscreen doubles as an oil-free moisturizer that conceals marks and blemishes through a lightweight tint and nourishes with the help of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

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Dermatologist-Approved

Bliss Bliss Drench & Quench Moisturizer

Bliss Drench & Quench Moisturizer
Dermatologist-Approved

Bliss Bliss Drench & Quench Moisturizer

Lock in moisture with this fast-absorbing moisturizer. According to Dr. Nazarian, it boasts several forms of hyaluronic acid with draws water back into the skin and glycerin to soften and seal the additional moisture in.

Dermatologist-Approved

Glacial Algae Cream

Glacial Algae Cream
Dermatologist-Approved

Glacial Algae Cream

Breakouts and acne flare-ups can lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation. Dr. Garshick recommends using this nourishing cream to help improve the appearance of blemishes.

Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer

Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer

Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer

Just as its name suggests, this non-greasy, mattifying lotion specifically goes to work on oily skin. Say goodbye to shine!

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Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream

XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream

Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream

Sensitive types will love this rich, nourishing cream that's formulated to soothe your breakouts, while simultaneously locking in the moisture.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Face Gel Moisturizer

Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Face Gel Moisturizer

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Face Gel Moisturizer

Now 46% Off

While this water-based gel clearly boosts hydration, you might be surprised that it also absorbs into your skin pretty immediately after applying.

Headshot of Yerin Kim
Yerin Kim
Assistant Editor

Yerin Kim is the Assistant Editor for Snapchat Discover at Seventeen, covering beauty, sex & health, lifestyle, and entertainment. Originally from New Jersey but raised in Seoul, she is a proud Syracuse grad who loves fluffy puppies and a good Instagram opp. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram! 

Headshot of Jasmine Washington
Jasmine Washington
Assistant Editor

Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.

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