Those looking for the best moisturizer for acne prone skin need not look any further than this list.
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Best Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin? Try These 11 Highly Recommended Brands
Why You Need to Moisturize
It may seem counterproductive to moisturize oily-acne prone skin. But it’s actually necessary, especially since acne leaves skin irritated and flakey, even underneath all that excess oil.
Acne medications often contain chemicals which dry out the skin. These chemicals include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which are highly effective at unclogging pores and killing acne-causing bacteria respectively but has a drying effect on the skin.
Following up these acne treatments with the right kind of moisturizer is ideal to achieve better-looking skin in the long term. It will also help address the causes and side effects of acne, and help balance out your skin.
1. Purple Tea Hydrating Day Cream
Purple Tea contains a high level of antioxidants thanks to its anthocyanin content. This makes it ideal in helping minimize the appearance of skin discolorations, especially the dark spots and red patches which come with acne.
It also helps soothe inflammation and even helps support sunblock in protecting your skin from UV damage without the harmful chemicals.
2. Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel
This raved-about formula is a drugstore moisturizer for acne prone skin. It contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and dimethicone, all of which boost and trap moisture in the skin, keeping it soft and refreshed.
Its lightweight formula was created for those with sensitive and dry skin in mind, but it also works well for oily skin. It’s water-based and easily absorbed, which doesn’t leave behind a greasy feeling.
The light and absorbent nature of this moisturizer make it an ideal match for those with sensitive combination skin. It can hydrate dry and flaky spots on the face, as well as minimize oil on the T-zone.
3. Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
This lightweight and non-comedogenic lotion is also free of any fragrances, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin and irritated skin. Those with psoriasis, acne, eczema, and rosacea can benefit from this formula’s lightweight texture, and combination of glycerin, Dimethicone, and vitamin E for soft and moisturized skin.
4. Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer
This heavy-duty moisturizer is designed for those with excessively oily and acne-prone skin in mind. Like its milder cousin with the green label, it’s also lightweight and fragrance-free and leaves no greasy after-feel.
It also packs an SPF 30 punch, making it a great morning staple in your skincare routine. It does need to be reapplied throughout the day though, so your skin can stay protected.
5. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
Its eponymous claims are there for a reason. This non-comedogenic formula also contains oat extract, a known emollient which helps soothe irritation and trap moisture in the skin.
This makes it perfect for those who suffer from inflamed and irritated acne breakouts. The oil-free formula also absorbs quickly and leaves no thick and greasy shine.
What Is an Emollient? Emollients soothe and soften flaky and inflamed skin, by trapping much-needed moisture. They provide a protective film over affected skin and help it feel less itchy and prevent any more damage.
6. Elta MD UV Elements Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 44
Though more of sunblock than a moisturizer, this formula contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which protects the skin from UV damage. It also contains hyaluronic acid which hydrates and plumps up the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Another well-reviewed element of this sunblock is its natural tint. This makes it a fantastic 3-in-1 skincare must-have for those with oily skin but don’t have time to layer product after product.
RELATED: 10 Best Moisturizers For Combination Skin
7. Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Moisturizer
This moisturizer is non-comedogenic so it won’t block pores and is a good follow-up for cleansers with heavy-duty acne clearing formulas. It also contains grapefruit extract and vitamin C, which helps give the skin a healthy glow, as well as boost collagen production in the skin.
This is an ideal moisturizer for those with oily but non-sensitive skin.
8. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Fluide
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Best for combination-oily skin, this moisturizer is oil-free and unscented and won’t irritate existing breakouts. Its formula also contains the humectant glycerin and squalene which has emollient properties which give the skin a protective barrier.
Its hydrating formula also absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves a matte finish.
What Is a Humectant? It’s a substance which has the ability to draw water from the atmosphere into itself or the surface it sits on.
9. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Ideal for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin, this moisturizer also contains SPF protection. This provides an extra layer of protection for the skin, which helps prevent irritants from reaching your breakouts, and helps prevent dark and prolonged scarring.
Its oil-free formula contains ceramides, vitamin B3, and hyaluronic acid. They make sure the dry patches left behind by acne stay well-hydrated and well on their way to healing properly.
10. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Cloud Cream
This moisturizer is well on the pricey side of the spectrum of products, but with good reason. Its incredibly silky gel-cream formula is fragrance-free and lightweight, perfect for those with very oily and acne-prone skin.
It contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which absorbs quickly into the skin, keeps it moist for up to 72 hours, and even reduces the appearance of fine lines. This formula is also best applied at night before bed and results in fresher and healthier skin in the morning.
11. SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Moisture-Enhancing Gel
Unlike the moisturizers in this list, this formula comes in a small bottle. But it is packed with hydrating nutrients nonetheless and is ideal for those with a temperamental skin type which can change from dry to oily, or sensitive to normal at a minute’s notice.
This formula contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, which help hydrate and repair tissue damaged by acne breakouts. Its high hydration and antioxidant content also make it a great product for those with more mature skin.
How to Tell Which Is the Best Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin
When looking for the best moisturizer for acne prone skin, you need to check every product label. Does it say it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic?
Oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas are guaranteed to not block pores. If a product label contains either or both, then it’s safe to use on acne-prone skin.
You should also take note of the texture depending on the type of skin that you have. If your skin is leaning more to the dry type, go for creams; and if your skin leans towards oily, opt for lighter lotions and gels.
Purple Tea’s collection of high-quality skincare products can help you achieve the best results.
If a moisturizer also contains some SPF, go for it. Not only does SPF help protect skin from sun damage, but it also helps prevent dark blemishes which result from acne breakouts exposed to the sun.
Having oily and acne-prone skin well into adulthood doesn’t have to seem like a lost cause. Trying out these 11 products and consulting with your dermatologist will bring you closer to achieving skin that looks good and feels healthy.
Do you have acne prone skin? What moisturizer do you use? Share your experiences with us in the comments section below, especially if you think you’ve found the best moisturizer for oily acne prone skin!
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