“For those with acne-prone skin, I think it’s really important they use lightweight moisturizers like lotions or gels over thicker creams, as sometimes creams can clog pores and increase acne,” suggested Samer Jaber, a dermatologist at Washington Square Dermatology in New York City.
He said those who are doing well on their acne medication don’t necessarily have to moisturize if they don’t need it, but this is often not the case. “Most acne medications contain ingredients that are drying, such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, so it is important to keep your skin barrier healthy,” said dermatologist Marie Hayag of Fifth Avenue Aesthetics.
The experts we spoke to recommend looking for a moisturizer that specifically says “non-acnegenic,” “non-comedogenic,” “won’t cause breakouts” or “does not clog pores.”
David Lortscher, dermatologist and CEO of Curology, also recommends using cosDNA.com to assess a product’s ingredients. “If your product has acne scores of 3s, 4s or 5s, consider stopping use, as the product can potentially cause breakouts.”
So what moisturizers do dermatologists recommend for acne-prone skin? Check out their recommendations below.
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First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Oil-Free Mattifying Gel Moisturizer
First Aid Beauty
The gel moisturizer is lightweight on your skin while utilizing ingredients like FMLT SeboCure, “a proprietary blend to help absorb sebum, reduce greasy skin and discourage future blemishes from forming.”
$30 from Sephora
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
Neutrogena
“[It’s] great for oily and dry skin. It contains a great trio of moisturizing ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin and dimethicone,” Hayag said. It has great moisturizing properties for something so lightweight, Jaber said. It’s oil, dye and fragrance free, too.
$16.99 from Target
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
Cetaphil
$7.99 from Target
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe
Aimee Paik, medical director at Apostrophe, also likes it— especially its budget-friendly price. It’s fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, too.
$12.39 from Target
Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer
Aveeno
$18.99 from Ulta
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
Vanicream
Jaber recommends the brand for acne-prone skin, too. “Their products are free of fragrance, dyes, lanolin, parabens and formaldehyde, which are all common skin allergens.”
For a lighter product, Jaber recommends the brand’s Moisturizing Lotion. “It is non-comedogenic and a great lightweight moisturizer for sensitive skin,” he said.
$13.49 from Target
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Soothing Repair Moisturizer
La Roche-Posay
If your skin is oilier, try the Effaclar Mat Daily Moisturizer from the same brand. Hayag likes it because it reduces shine and smoothes skin texture, and even helps makeup apply more easily.
$29.99 from Dermstore
Biologique Recherche Crème Dermapurifiante
Biologique Recherche
$96 from Rescue Spa
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