We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty Products Skincare The 11 Best Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin, Tested by Real People Our top pick is the Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Acne Facial Moisturizer By Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 21, 2024 09:12PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Know Behind the Scenes Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / David Hattan Hydration is one of the most important aspects of any skincare routine, especially for those with dry skin. However, oily and acne-prone skin can also benefit from regular hydration, which can help balance acne-prone skin and, with the right ingredients, can help treat it. “Oily or acne-prone skin is still in need of proper moisture and hydration to operate efficiently and look its healthiest,” Dr. Michael I Jacobs, a board-certified dermatologist, associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and medical technology director at Cortina, tells PEOPLE. Dr. Jacobs says the overall texture and formulation matter in moisturizers for acne-prone skin and advises against anything too heavy as this can wreak havoc on oil production. With this in mind, our PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of moisturizing formulas designed for blemish-prone skin and took 19 out for a real-world spin. After considering ingredients, texture, absorbency, and overall efficacy, we narrowed down the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin. Our Top Picks Best Overall: SALE Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Acne Facial Moisturizer at Amazon $26 $19 Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer at Amazon $78 Jump to Review Best Budget: Cetaphil Gentle Clear Moisturizer at Amazon $11 Jump to Review Best Splurge: Dr. Barbara Stürm Clarifying Face Cream at Amazon $240 Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: SALE CosRx AC Collection Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer at Amazon $19 $15 Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Dr. Jart+ Teatreement Moisturizer at Amazon $35 Jump to Review Best Oil-Free: Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer at Amazon $76 Jump to Review Best Hydrating: Murad Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel at Amazon $49 Jump to Review Best Long-Lasting: Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer at Amazon $35 Jump to Review Best Fragrance-Free: SALE Peach & Lily Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer at Amazon $13 $10 Jump to Review Best Overall Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Acne Facial Moisturizer PHOTO: Amazon $26 $19 at Amazon $19 at Target $25 $19 at Walmart Star Qualities Lightweight texture absorbs into the skin well Convenient pump cap Skin felt more hydrated Blemishes cleared up Red Flags Oatmeal scent might not be enjoyable for some preferences After testing 19 top moisturizers for acne-prone skin, we were most impressed by the Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Acne Facial Moisturizer. The drugstore formula is enriched with salicylic acid which gently exfoliates the skin, improves the skin’s texture, removes excess oil, and reduces pore-clogging dry skin buildup. When testing this moisturizer, we immediately loved the overall texture and found that its lightweight consistency makes it easy to spread and absorb efficiently into the skin. The bottle also features a pump cap, which feels accessible and practical, making it a more convenient option for everyday use. After four weeks of testing, we noticed an overall improvement in our skin. Not only did our complexion look and feel more hydrated and resilient, but our blemishes also cleared up with regular use. Size: 4 ounces | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid PHOTO: People / Mike Navarro PHOTO: People / Mike Navarro PHOTO: People / Mike Navarro Best Overall, Runner-Up Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer PHOTO: Sephora $78 at Amazon $78 at Nordstrom $78 at Sephora Star Qualities Smooth and thick consistency Layers well with other products Doesn't feel heavy Red Flags Takes a few minutes to fully absorb For a more splurge-worthy top selection, consider the Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer. It’s formulated with several impressive ingredients for acne, including a salicylic acid blend and natural BHAs, which provide gentle chemical exfoliation and help keep pore-clogging dry skin and excess oil production at bay. The moisturizer has a thick consistency, which we were a little concerned about at first. However, when applied to the skin and fully absorbed (which takes a few minutes), the moisturizer had a more lightweight feel that absorbed into the skin and layered well with other formulas, especially serums. With regular use, we found that the Tata Harper Moisturizer made our skin look clearer and more radiant, plus it helped reduce overall redness and decreased inflamed blemishes. Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Tazman pepper berry, salicylic acid blend, natural BHAs, saw palmetto PHOTO: People / Rachel Marek PHOTO: People / Rachel Marek PHOTO: People / Rachel Marek PHOTO: People / Rachel Marek Best Budget Cetaphil Gentle Clear Moisturizer PHOTO: Amazon $11 at Amazon $11 at Walmart $15 at CVS Star Qualities Improves the overall look of skin Helps keep new breakouts at bay with regular use Buttery texture is easy to apply Dries matte Red Flags Doesn’t reduce the look of previous breakouts For another budget-friendly moisturizer for acne-prone skin, consider the Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer. We love the soft, buttery texture that is easy to apply all over the complexion, and the matte finish. It's great for those looking for a cheap moisturizer for oily skin types that also experience breakouts. When testing this formula, we didn’t notice a major difference in the look of previous blemishes. However, our skin appeared much more hydrated (without the issue of excess oil), and, with regular use, it helped keep new blemishes from forming. Size: 3 ounces | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid PHOTO: People / Bailey Fink PHOTO: People / Bailey Fink PHOTO: People / Bailey Fink PHOTO: People / Bailey Fink PHOTO: People / Bailey Fink Best Splurge Dr. Barbara Stürm Clarifying Face Cream PHOTO: Dr. Barbara Stürm $240 at Amazon $240 at Nordstrom $240 at Sephora Star Qualities Thick and creamy consistency Lightweight enough for warm weather Provides skin with beneficial moisture Red Flags Takes a couple of minutes to fully absorb For a more splurge-worthy option, consider the Dr. Barbara Stürm Clarifying Face Cream. Formulated with balloon vine, viper’s bugloss, and sunflower seed oil for their deep conditioning properties, zinc for its ability to remove excess sebum, and bistorta root extract to add a touch of glow, this hydrating formula can improve the skin’s texture by softening and nourishing the skin. We love this formula because it has that luxe feel that we expect with a higher-end price tag and it actually works at hydrating the skin. The texture is thick and creamy but has a more lightweight feel once applied to the skin, so you get the best of both worlds. And, despite that heavier consistency, it’s still lightweight enough to wear in warm weather, too. During testing, we noticed increased hydration and didn’t experience any new breakouts. Size: 0.67 ounces, 1.69 ounces | Key Ingredients: Balloon vine, viper's bugloss, sunflower seed oil, zinc, bistorta root extract PHOTO: People / Kate Donovan PHOTO: People / Kate Donovan Best for Sensitive Skin CosRx AC Collection Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer PHOTO: Dermstore $19 $15 at Amazon $19 at Dermstore View on Cosrx.com Star Qualities Cooling effect feels nice on the skin Texture is a mix between a gel and a cream Leaves no sticky or greasy residue Red Flags Lightweight hydration is best for oily skin types Sensitivity is a little more common in acne-prone skin, especially if you have uncomfortable or painful breakouts. For a moisturizer that is gentle enough to apply on sensitive and acne-prone skin, we recommend the Cosrx AC Collection Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer. This moisturizer for acne-prone skin features a formula elevated by Propolis extract, aloe vera water, green tea water, and niacinamide to nourish and soothe the skin while providing lots of hydration and reducing the look of swelling and inflammation in blemishes. We tested this formula on ultra-sensitive skin and found that its texture is a mix of gel and cream, which provided lightweight yet effective coverage that didn't irritate the skin. Additionally, this moisturizer has a cooling effect that soothes the skin upon contact and feels like a relieving exhale on irritated blemishes. Size: 2.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Propolis extract, aloe vera water, green tea water, niacinamide PHOTO: People / Riley Shea PHOTO: People / Riley Shea PHOTO: People / Riley Shea Best Lightweight Dr. Jart+ Teatreement Moisturizer PHOTO: Dr. Jart $35 at Amazon $35 at Sephora $35 at QVC Star Qualities Lightweight gel-like formula Absorbs quickly Our skin immediately looked and felt more hydrated with each use Red Flags Not a great choice for those with dry skin If you have oily skin that is prone to acne, the Dr. Jart Teatreement Moisturizer is our top pick for the best lightweight moisturizer. Formulated with niacinamide to reduce swelling and inflamed skin along with tea tree for its antimicrobial properties, this moisturizer has a creamy look but glides on like a gel, providing plenty of hydration without weighing skin down. We tested this formula on ultra-sensitive and acne-prone skin and found that the included tea tree provides a cooling effect that helps soothe the skin upon application. Additionally, we were also impressed by how well the formula absorbs into the skin and doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue. With each use, we saw a significant improvement in hydration, and over time, our complexion appeared to have a more natural-looking glow. Size: 1.69 ounces | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, tea tree leaf extract, tea tree leaf oil, 4-terpineol PHOTO: People / Shannon Amann PHOTO: People / Shannon Amann PHOTO: People / Shannon Amann Best Oil-Free Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer PHOTO: Dermstore $76 $65 at Amazon $76 at Nordstrom $76 at Sephora Star Qualities Doesn't add any shine Did not provoke any excess oil production Feels nice on inflamed skin Red Flags Not as nourishing as other products If you need a moisturizer for oily skin or one for acne-prone skin, you'll want one that can properly hydrate without adding excess oil to the complexion. With this in mind, the Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer is our top pick for the best oil-free product. This moisturizer is enriched with essential amino acid derivatives, algae-based tighteners, and red marine algae that work together to improve elasticity, tone, tighten, and target fine lines and wrinkles while providing lots of lightweight nourishment. Since the formula is oil-free, it soaks into the skin with ease and is lightweight enough to hydrate the skin without provoking excess oil production. When testing this formula, we found that it hydrated the skin without the all-too-common added shine, and it had a nice cooling sensation that felt amazing on irritated and inflamed skin. Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Essential amino acid derivatives, algae-based tighteners, red marine algae PHOTO: People / Chantia Murphy PHOTO: People / Chantia Murphy PHOTO: People / Chantia Murphy Best Hydrating Murad Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel PHOTO: Amazon $49 at Amazon $49 at Sephora $49 at Ulta Star Qualities Thin consistency that absorbs quickly Scent-free Skin stayed hydrated throughout the day Red Flags Too lightweight for dry skin types Hyaluronic acid is one of the best and most hydrating ingredients you can find in a moisturizer — and it just so happens to be incredibly lightweight. The Murad Clarifying Oil Free Water Gel includes hyaluronic acid along with salicylic acid and Korean red pine to help exfoliate and balance the skin’s microbiome. We love this formula because despite having a lightweight, water-like consistency, the hyaluronic acid provides plenty of deep hydration, while the salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin and creates a complexion with improved absorption. We noticed an overall hydration improvement throughout the testing process, and our skin even stayed hydrated for longer throughout the day. Size: 1.6 ounces | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, Korean red pine PHOTO: People / Dana Ingemann PHOTO: People / Dana Ingemann PHOTO: People / Dana Ingemann Best Long-Lasting Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer PHOTO: Amazon $35 at Amazon $35 at Sephora $28 at Paulaschoice.com Star Qualities Instant dose of hydration after application Oil-free formula Red Flags Leaves some residue, so it might not be ideal for layering under makeup Just because a facial moisturizer is lightweight doesn’t mean it’s not long-lasting. Case in point: The Paula’s Choice Clear Moisturizer is an oil-free formula that is lightweight yet ultra-nourishing for all-day wear. Enhanced with licorice root for anti-aging benefits, hydrolyzed pumpkin seedcake to prevent moisture loss, niacinamide for boosting barrier strength and reducing inflammation, and ceramides for an extra dose of hydration, this formula provides a deep conditioning effect without the risk of excess sebum production. While it does leave behind some residue — which isn’t ideal for layering makeup — we love how soft and supple this made our skin during the testing period. Additionally, the formula is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin and doesn’t cause additional breakouts. Size: 2 ounces | Key Ingredients: Licorice root, hydrolyzed pumpkin seedcake, niacinamide, ceramides PHOTO: People / Kathryn Hendrix PHOTO: People / Kathryn Hendrix PHOTO: People / Kathryn Hendrix Best Fragrance-Free Peach & Lily Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer PHOTO: Peach & Lily $13 $10 at Amazon $13 $10 at Ulta View on Peachandlily.com Star Qualities Has a natural finish Gentle enough for sensitive skin types We noticed a reduction in acne breakouts with regular use Red Flags Feels oily before it fully absorbs If you’re looking for a moisturizer that is gentle enough for sensitive acne-prone skin, fragrance-free is the way to go. After testing several options, we recommend the Peach & Lily Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer. Formulated with a blend of acerola, allantoin cica, cucumber, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and salicylic acid, this impressive hydrator nourishes, exfoliates, smooths, soothes, and helps reduce inflammation, too. At first, the formula felt a bit oily on the skin, but after around 30 seconds, it fully absorbed into the skin and was barely noticeable. We love that this formula has a natural finish and that the ingredients can work together to reduce the look of acne with regular use. On top of that, it layers nicely with other skincare and makeup formulas. Size: 2.82 ounces | Key Ingredients: Acerola, allantoin, cica, cucumber, hyaluronic acid complex, niacinamide, salicylic acid PHOTO: People / Ashe Purscell PHOTO: People / Ashe Purscell PHOTO: People / Ashe Purscell Best Dewy Finish skinbetter science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment PHOTO: Skinbetter View on Skinbetter.com Star Qualities Moisturizing ingredients are ideal for dry skin Long-lasting nourishment Made skin smoother Red Flags Pills under makeup If you need a moisturizer that works for dry skin and has some extra oomph, we also love the Skinbetter Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment for its heavy dose of hydration and dewy finish. While delivering deep hydration, this formula remains lightweight, so it’s ideal for acne-prone skin and a perfect choice for those with dry but blemished skin. Formulated with hyaluronic acid to attract moisture and provide long-lasting nourishment, we noticed that the face lotion improved hydration and enhanced the skin’s texture with a much smoother surface. We also love how the moisturizer provides a dewy look without falling into the greasy territory, so the complexion appears more refreshed and glowy. Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Natural moisturizing factors, hyaluronic acid PHOTO: People / Alyssa Brady PHOTO: People / Alyssa Brady PHOTO: People / Alyssa Brady What to Know About Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin Ingredients Just like when shopping for any beauty product, when shopping for moisturizers for acne-prone skin, ingredients are one of the most important things to consider, as this can impact the overall efficacy of the formulas. Chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid are an excellent ingredient to start with. This can provide gentle exfoliation that keeps pore-clogging dry skin at bay and balances oil production. Salicylic acid can also act as an anti-inflammatory, which can help improve the overall look of blemish breakouts. In addition, consider lightweight hydrators like hyaluronic acid, which can attract moisture to the skin without feeling too heavy on the complexion. Niacinamide is another ingredient worth considering for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally, this acne-improving ingredient can reduce the overall look of redness and regulate oil production. In addition to the ingredients, Dr. Jacobs says to only use a non-comedogenic (meaning, it won’t clog pores) and oil-free moisturizer. “Look for a lightweight, gel-textured moisturizer,” he notes. Lightweight moisturizers will ensure the skin gets properly nourished without being weighed down by heavy ingredients that could interfere with oil production and create an environment where acne thrives instead of subsides. Medical-Grade Formulas While you can find effective over-the-counter moisturizers for acne-prone skin, Dr. Jacobs notes that it might also be worth considering medical-grade formulas for severe cases. “I recommend consulting with a board-certified dermatologist who can prescribe you a moisturizer that can treat your acne while hydrating,” he notes, adding that a Cleocin moisturizer can be highly beneficial. People / Kathryn Hendrix The 7 Best Acne Body Washes, Tested by PEOPLE Behind the Scenes To find the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin, our PEOPLE Tested team began by researching dozens of top formulas before narrowing it down to 19 formulas. From there, we conducted real-world testing over four weeks to get a better idea of how each moisturizer performed when applied to a variety of acne-prone skin types. Absorbency: During the testing period, we considered everything from the formulation and packaging to the initial feel and absorption rate.Texture: We also looked at the consistency and texture of each moisturizer, the wearability, hydration levels, and how they made the skin look.Appearance: Throughout this process, we took rigorous notes on our experiences, carefully sharing insights on whether or not the formulas absorbed well or left behind an oil slick, actually hydrated the skin with regular use or just acted as a temporary barrier, and how gentle each formula felt on acne-prone complexions (which often feels sensitive and inflamed due to breakouts). Effectiveness: After four weeks of testing, we compiled our notes and examined each experience to get a good idea of how the moisturizers stacked up to our high standards. From there, we narrowed down our selections into different categories, including options for dry and acne-prone skin as well as oily and acne-prone. People / Riley Shea Why Trust PEOPLE? Jessie Quinn is a contributing writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin, Jessie first thoroughly reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights to get an idea of their overall experiences with each of the 19 formulas tested throughout the four-week testing period. From there, she connected with top skincare expert and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michael I Jacobs to learn more about why moisturizer is an essential step in skincare (even if you have acne), what to look for in moisturizers for acne-prone skin, and answer some of our top questions about the formulas. As a result, she curated this list of the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin. Our Expert Panel Dr. Michael I Jacobs is a board-certified dermatologist, associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and medical technology director at Cortina. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.