Moisturizers are essential part of skincare routine – basic or advanced. The question you have contemplated long and hard might be, so what is the best moisturizer for acne prone skin?
According to Dr Chularojanamontri et al., moisturizers designed for acne can independently help to improve signs and symptoms of acne. If you have been prescribed acne medications such as topical retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, moisturizers for acne are also recommended by dermatologists as a supportive treatment of acne, they added.
However, as Mohiuddin rightly pointed out, the efficacy of moisturizers depends on proper selection and adherence to continuously use it.
3 Major Categories of Moisturizers
- Humectants – attract water from dermis to epidermis e.g. AHA, Hyaluronic acid, sobitol etc
- Occlusives – form occlusive film that prevent water loss from the skin e.g. petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil, dimethicone etc
- Emollients – fill up spaces between skin flakes or corneocytes e.g. propylene glycol, as well as ceramide and dimethicone (later two can also act as occlusives) etc.
What Else Acne Moisturizers Do
In addition to being able to hydrate and smoothen your skin, topical anti-acne ingredients are added to moisturizers to help
reduce excess oil production, unclog pores, kill acne causing bacteria, clear scars, provide even skin tone, reduce pigmentation etc.
The effectiveness of these moisturizers may also depend on the ingredients used or manufacturing quality.
What we have done is look at 7 HIGHLY rated, dermatologist tested, safe and effective moisturizers for acne that will give you the best bang for the buck.
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Learn more about best rated toners for acne prone skin
7 Best Moisturizers for Acne Prone Skin
1) ProactivMD SPF30 & Adapalene Face Moisturizer 1.5 Fl Oz (45ml)
Being Amazon’s choice means it is it’s highly rated, well-priced and available to ship immediately.
This is an oil control SPF30 face moisturizer. It is a moisturizing gel that will not only control excess oil, hydrate your skin and quickly clear acne, but will also give you SPF30 protection from the sun’s UV rays.
The adapalene is a type of retinoid that will help heal inflammatory acne/acne scars, pimples or whitehead/blackhead fast and prevent future breakouts. It also promotes cell turnover while giving that desired supple, radiant and even skin.
Highlights: It is lightweight and dermatologist tested – safe for both teens and adults and fragrance free. Although acne sufferers with oily skin can leverage the benefits of this product, it is suitable for all skin types.
2) boscia Green Tea Oil-Free Face Moisturizer 1.7 Fl Oz (50 ml)
Being Amazon’s choice means it is it’s highly rated, well-priced and available to ship immediately.
Green tea provides potent antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce excess oil production and soothe redness. It is packed with vitamins including vitamin E and well-known for its ability to nourish and hydrate the skin.
You can use it as a stand alone moisturizer, apply it at day and/or night-time. You can also apply it under make-up
Highlights: It is a natural lightweight moisturizer that you can leverage for your acne prone skin and also suitable for all skin types. It is vegan friendly and cruelty-free.
3) Proactiv Green Tea, Hyaluronic Acid Face Moisturizer 3 Fl Oz (89ml).
Being Amazon’s choice means it is it’s highly rated, well-priced and available to ship immediately.
The green it contains will help soothe your irritated and red skin as it has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The hyaluronic acid adds to the hydrating effect of the green tea. The macadamia nut oil ensures that the moisture stays locked within your skin thereby increasing the moisturizing effect of this product.
Highlights: It is perfect for blemish, acne prone/acne affected skin. It is dermatologist tested, non-greasy, lightweight.
4) Alba Botanica Acnedote Oil Control Lotion 2 Oz (60ml).
Being Amazon’s choice means it is it’s highly rated, well-priced and available to ship immediately.
Manufactured with 2% salicylic acid and willow bark extract to help decrease excess oil secretion, unclog pores, reduce inflammation, treat and prevent acne while also moisturizing your skin. It gives you that flawless, smooth and even skin.
Highlights: It is 100% vegan friendly, cruelty and fragrance free and not animal tested. It is a non-comedogenic acne moisturizing lotion that gives an all day matte finish.
5) Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Max – Night Hydrating Moisturizer 1.7 Oz (50ml)
Being Amazon’s choice means it is it’s highly rated, well-priced and available to ship immediately.
You can apply this moisturizer to your face and neck.
Considered number 1 Retinol Moisturizer, it is concentrated with hydrators that will leave your skin hydrated and smooth. It will help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and pores. This moisturizer will also help to reduce excess oil production and inflammation associated with acne.
For maximum benefits, ensure to apply sunscreen during the day while using this product at night. America Dermatology Association recommends using SPF of at least 30.
Highlights: It is cruelty and fragrance free. It is non-greasy and does not clog pores.
6) CeraVe Acne Control Gel (with 2% Salicylic Acid, BHA & AHA) 1.35 Oz (40ml)
Being Amazon’s choice means it is it’s highly rated, well-priced and available to ship immediately.
This gel provides moisturizing goodness for acne prone or acne affected skin. It contains ceramide that locks moisture in the skin without clogging your pores. This will help to improve and maintain your natural barrier.
The AHAs (glycolic acid and lactic acid) help smooth and soften the skin. 2% BHA (salicylic acid) helps treat acne and prevent future outbreaks.
The Niacinamide provides anti-inflammatory effect that helps reduce redness and calm your irritated or inflamed skin.
Highlights: Dermatologist tested, light gel, cruelty and fragrance free. Helps with minimizing the appearance of blemishes, pores or blackheads.
7) Andalou Naturals Acai + Kombucha Oil Free Moisturizer 2.1 Fl Oz (62ml)
Being Amazon’s choice means it is it’s highly rated, well-priced and available to ship immediately.
The argan stem cells, acai berry, kombucha probiotics and aloe vera will nourish, fortify and balance your skin complexion. The ingredients in this moisturizer will also leave you with a clear skin by helping with oily and overactive skin, congested pores, uneven skin tone and blemish.
Highlights: Has innovative and scientific fruit stem cell ingredients and provides non-greasy hydration for your skin. It is vegan friendly, gluten and cruelty-free. Can be applied daily to cleansed face and neck.
Conclusion: selecting the proper moisturizer and consistency is key
It is completely possible to become confused as to which moisturizer to select for your acne prone or affected skin. This confusion can be made worse by the multitude of moisturizers that claim to be effective. In some instances, the user’s experiences may vary.
Highlighting the critical punch line of a product can help to ease the process of selecting a suitable product. We have selected effective products that will give you your money’s worth!. That said, selecting the product is one thing, but without consistent use of a product, it is almost impossible to see a result.
And NEVER forget your daily sunscreen you can apply over your moisturizer unless your selected moisturizer as an SPF value.
Don’t forget to leave a comment in the comment box below and let us have a chat about your questions or contributions you may have
Find out about best rated toners for acne prone skin
References
Chularojanamontri, L., Tuchinda, P., Kulthanan, K., & Pongparit, K. (2014). Moisturizers for acne: What are their constituents?. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 7(5), 36.
Mohiuddin, A. K. (2019). Skin Care Creams: Formulation and Use. Dermatol Clin Res, 5(1), 238-271.
Xu, S., Kwa, M., Agarwal, A., Rademaker, A., & Kundu, R. V. (2016). Sunscreen product performance and other determinants of consumer preferences. JAMA dermatology, 152(8), 920-927.