Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin

Have you ever seen the word “non-comedogenic” and wondered what it really means? When you see that written on the label of a moisturizer, you’ll know that it doesn’t clog pores. This is great news for sensitive skin.

In general, the best non-comedogenic moisturizers don’t contain oils, perfumes, silicone, alcohols, or preservatives. If you find words like lanolin, petrolatum, propylene glycol, and isopropyl myristate on the label, but you must have that particular brand moisturizer anyway, choose one that has those terms as far down the ingredient list as possible.

The best non-comedogenic moisturizers will feel lightweight on your face and go well with makeup. Regular use will keep your skin soft and looking healthy. Let’s take a look at the six best moisturizers for acne-prone skin.

Top moisturizers with sunscreen

Because you know that too much sun now means a lot more wrinkles and age spots later.

Murad Anti-Aging Acne Anti-Aging Moisturizer Broad Spectrum – SPF 30 PA+++

Murad makes high-end skin care products that are almost always worth the investment. Their Anti-Aging Acne Anti-Aging Moisturizer has SPF 30 against both UVA and UVB rays. That’s excellent protection for your face.

You may notice that one of the first ingredients in the list is cetyl alcohol. This is a fatty alcohol that humidifies skin and doesn’t dry it out. There are also other healthy additives like glycerin, amino acids, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and more. Murad includes Black Tea Ferment to fight wrinkles and other ingredients like silica to control oil.

Cetaphil Dermacontrol Moisturizer SPF 30

Cetaphil’s Dermacontrol Moisturizer is an award-winning moisturizer that is gentle enough to be used alongside prescription acne medications and under makeup. It evens out skin appearance by absorbing oil and calming irritated skin.

Although it has a light texture, it takes a little while to absorb into the skin because it contains glycerin. Glycerin is a safe humectant for sensitive skin. (A humectant pulls moisture from the air and helps it absorb into your skin.)

Dermacontrol has no fragrance and contains no parabens. It is a sunscreen with SPF 30 protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Eltamd UV Clear SPF 46

EltaMD’s UV Clear is packed full of the best ingredients to soften acne-prone skin without including pore-clogging garbage, parabens or perfumes. For one, it has both hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E that immediately moisturize your skin. The niacinamide, or Vitamin B3, takes redness away so your skin doesn’t look irritated.

Finally, UV Clear is a SPF 46 sunscreen based on all-natural zinc oxide. Although it looks white right out of the bottle, it turns transparent on skin. You can wear makeup on top of this moisturizer with no problem at all.

Top moisturizers without sunscreen

For those of us who don’t get outside much, or who have another sunblock we prefer.

Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Lotion is water-based and contains salicylic acid, lemongrass, witch hazel, goldenseal, and hops. It’s thick like a night cream, but sinks in without leaving greasy residue on your skin.

All these herbs and plant derivatives calm irritated skin, fight fungal and bacterial infections, and diminish inflammation. Witch hazel and lemon grass are astringents that shrink inflamed pores. Salicylic acid exfoliates dead skin and also reduces inflammation. Goldenseal fights infections and hops help your skin relax.

Burt’s Bees warns that using topical acne medication in conjunction with this lotion can dry out your skin. Although you may be enchanted with the list of acne-fighting ingredients, try the lotion in a small area first at night to see how your skin reacts.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin

The Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Sensitive Skin is hypoallergenic. Both men and women have reported success using it. It goes on thin and smooth, and absorbs quickly so there’s no greasy feeling. Just one squirt goes a long way.

Since Neutrogena is a trusted name in skin care products, and because this lotion has many positive reviews, we included it in our top 5 list here. Please be aware that it does contain parabens and petrolatum. While it doesn’t seem to cause acne in the majority of reviewers, those ingredients are of concern.

Olay Fresh Effects Dew Over Hydrating Gel Moisturizer

Oil of Olay’s Fresh Effects Dew Over Moisturizer is a thick gel that feels refreshingly cool. Just a little bit goes a long way. Its hydrating effect lasts up a full day.

The gel itself is not clear but white in color because it uses powder to control skin oiliness. The subtle floral fragrance comes from honeysuckle and white tea, two skin-soothing ingredients. There’s also Vitamin E for skin repair and Vitamin B3 to fade dark spots and wrinkles.

While you wait for your new moisturizer to arrive

We hope our reviews of the best non-comedogenic moisturizers for acne-prone skin help you find the best one for you. While you wait for your new lotion to arrive, please keep browsing.

Want a new body wash that soothes your skin?

Check out the latest and greatest mud masks.

If you are curious about ways to reduce wrinkles without visiting a dermatologist, see our reviews of the best in at-home beauty treatments.