10 Moisturizers That Won't Cause Acne & Breakouts

I am a creature of habit when it comes to facial skin care products. When I find a great oil-free moisturizer or hydrating cream that works, I tend to use it until I can’t find it anymore, or it becomes discontinued. If your skin is prone to breakouts, finding the best facial moisturizer for acne that's non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) can be a particularly tricky product to find. It's an essential one though, especially if you're using an acne medication that severely dries out your skin.

To figure out the best moisturizer for your acne, there are so many effective breakout-fighting formulas in different products to consider. You can find moisturizers that won't irritate acne because of soothing ingredients like zinc, tea tree oil, salicylic acid, vitamin C, retinol; the list goes on and on. So, which are the best ones to look for in moisturizers for people with acne? With all of the options out there, I personally find it a bit overwhelming. But, I took the trouble out of having to figure out what all of those ingredients do for you. Whether you want clearer skin, you don’t want to irritate your skin, or you’re looking for a product with SPF, your next staple skin care routine step is below.

1. Salicylic Acid Smooths & Softens Skin

InstaNatural Acne Moisturizer for Face, $18, Amazon

A gentle moisturizer that has salicylic acid will help eliminate breakouts without drying out skin. One fan of the moisturizing formula said, "This moisturizer has exceeded my expectations. The salicylic acid in the product is just enough to have helped clear up any breakouts and marks, but not too much to where my skin is dry, red and flaky."

2. Blue Green Algae & Aloe Vera Repair Dry Skin

Era Organics 10-in-1 Facial Moisturizer, $20, Amazon

If you have sensitive skin and find your face constantly feeling dry and damaged, you should use a moisturizer that has several high quality ingredients. Aloe vera, coconut oil, and blue green algae will penetrate your skin, repairing dry skin from below the surface. Plus, you'll restore your skin's natural pH level with this, which means clearer, healthier skin.

3. Clarify Skin With A Probiotic Based Cream

Eminence Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer , $42, Amazon

If you have large pores that often get clogged, you need to find a moisturizer that has clarifying abilities. Look for a formula that shrinks the appearance of pores while toning and purifying skin. This one uses yogurt, cucumber juice, tea tree oil, calendula oil, and shea butter to balance oil production, add moisture to skin, and even out your complexion.

4. Use Tea Tree Oil To Control Shine

The Body Shop Tea Mattifying Lotion, $10, Amazon

A matte finish lotion is perfect for those who have super oily skin. You don't want to be adding a ton of oil onto your face, so a light moisturizer is the way to go. Prevent blemishes and control oil, while still providing hydration using lemon tea tree oil and tamanu oil, which work together to fight blemishes while calming irritation or redness that current breakouts may cause.

5. Keep Acne Scars From Darkening With Moisturizing Sunscreen

EltaMD UV Daily SPF, $17, Amazon

Whether you have acne-prone skin or not, you should always use a moisturizer that has SPF in it. This one is great for skin with acne because it also has zinc in it, which is great for sun protection but also helps cells to regenerate (meaning healthier and clearer-looking skin).

6. Refine Pores And Avoid Oil

La Roche-Posay Effacer Mat Oil-Free Moisturizer, $32, Amazon

You may not think you can get an oil-free moisturizer that actually provides hydration, but you can. This formula has Sebulyse technology, which basically means it targets both excess oil and pores. The "dual-targeting action" allows oil to mattify, while zinc and vitamins C and E keep pores clean.

7. Balance Skin Tone With Vitamin C

Vichy Anti-Aging Resurfacing Moisturizer, $23, Semple & Semple

Vitamin C is a really helpful ingredient when trying to treat acne. It draws out bacteria that may cause pimples or blackheads, while its glycolic acid and micro-exfoliating LHA will help you get one step closer to clearer and smoother skin. The texture of your skin will appear more even, too, and you won't be left with any greasiness.

8. Avoid Irritation With A Non-Comedogenic Lotion

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion, $11, Amazon

If you have skin that is easily irritated, you want to look for a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic. This basically means that it won't clog or block pores. CeraVe makes a great lotion that repairs and restores skin to create a barrier that will keep imperfections out. One user said, "CeraVe is the answer to your prayers--this is the perfect alternative to other products that you have been looking for."

9. Restore Balance To Skin Tone With Retinol Cream

Retinol Cream Moisturizer, $20, Amazon

Retinol gives your skin the moisture it needs, while ridding skin of annoying breakouts. Its ingredients like green tea, jojoba oil, and vitamin help purify skin and clear out pores, so you're left with clear, smooth, glowing skin.

10. Hydrate And Repair Skin With Green Tea

Moisturizer For Dry Skin, $19, Amazon

Even with acne-prone skin, you can use products with a lot of really great ingredients. High quality ingredients like hyaluronic acid and green tea improve overall skin health, while also boosting collagen for brighter, firmer skin.

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