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Everyone needs a good face moisturizer in their skincare regimen, no matter how many hydrating serums and active ingredients you use. It's a crucial skincare step for all skin types — especially dry skin and acne-prone skin — that thirst for the extra moisture to protect the skin barrier. There's a misconception that those with oily skin should avoid moisturizer, but doing so can actually cause your skin to produce more oil. For acne-prone skin, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nkem Ugonabo shares with Business Insider that she likes lightweight moisturizers that are non-comedogenic to avoid clogged pores on the skin but are hydrating enough to keep moisture levels in balance.
After sifting through all the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin, speaking with an expert, and testing a few selections ourselves, we're ready to crown the Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer as the overall best option. This lightweight moisturizer works well on all skin types and won't irritate with the nourishing formulation of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalene. With the low price tag, you can stock up on this moisturizer without breaking the bank, and the quickly-absorbing formula keeps skin flake-free in the winter and greasy-free in the summer. For when you're having particularly stubborn breakouts, Kiehl's Expertly Clear Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin with Salicylic Acid is a great treatment gel that dries out active pimples.
If you're looking to revamp your skincare routine, keep reading to discover more of the best face moisturizers for acne-prone skin that match your specific skin type and desired consistency.
Our top picks for the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin
Best overall: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer - See at Amazon
Best drugstore: e.l.f. SKIN Blemish Breakthrough Acne Calming Water Cream - See at Amazon
Best for breakouts: Kiehl's Expertly Clear Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin with Salicylic Acid - See at Sephora
Best for sensitive skin: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream - See at Amazon
Best for combination skin: Shani Darden Skin Care Hydration Peptide Cream - See at Sephora
Best for dry skin: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream - See at Amazon
Best hydrating: Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Intensive Moisturizer with Peptides + Squalane - See at Sephora
Best mattifying: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Mattifying Moisturizer for Oily Skin - See at Amazon
Best for oily skin: Dieux Skin Air Angel Gel Cream - See at Sephora
Best lightweight: COSRX AC Collection Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer - See at Amazon
Best luxury: Erno Laszlo Soothing Relief Hydration Emulsion - See at Amazon
Best for melanated skin: Grown Alchemist Skin Renewal Day Cream - See at Amazon
Best for mature skin: CLEARstem HYDRAGLOW™ Stem Cell Moisturizer - See at Amazon
Best for dull skin: Peace Out Daily Blemish Repairing Moisturizer - See at Sephora
Best tinted: Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Tinted Moisturizer - See at Sephora
Best with SPF: PanOxyl AM Oil Control Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen - See at Ulta