If you have acne-prone skin, you are probably very familiar with the terms comedogenic and non-comedogenic. Comedogenic products are products that can clog pores and cause acne or blackheads. This means that if you have oily skin, you might want to focus non-comedogenic products exclusively to avoid the occurrence of blemishes and other skin imperfections.
The good news is that nowadays, many skincare products mention “non-comedogenic” on the label. Let’s have a look at some of these products and try to determine which one has the best formula for your skin type!
Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers: Our Top 10 Picks
1. Best Overall: Neutralyze Renewal Complex
- One of the best anti-aging moisturizing lotions for oily skin
- Formulated with salicylic acid and mandelic acid
- Nitrogen boost technology
- Gently exfoliates the skin
- Suitable for all skin types
If you are looking for an award-winning lotion in the best non-comedogenic product category, you might want to try the Neutralyze Renewal Complex. The lotion can address skin redness and irritation to improve complexion in a matter of days.
At the same time, this cream targets cystic acne, as well as other imperfections such as whiteheads, blackheads, and wrinkles. It keeps pores clean and improves skin elasticity.
2. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
- One of the best moisturizing lotions for face and body
- Formula using patented technology
- Won’t clog pores
- Formulated with hyaluronic acid
- Can be used as a hand cream too
This is one of the lotions designed with dermatologists. The unique combination of active ingredients provides long-lasting hydration. The lotion promises up to 24 hours of hydration, which is really impressive if we were to compare it to other similar moisturizers.
The patented technology aims to replenish ceramides for moisture that lasts. The protective skin barrier is restored, and the moisture is locked inside.
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3. Glytone Hydrating Cream
- Good hydrating cream for all skin types
- An emollient-rich formula
- Provides intense hydration
- Helps restore skin barrier
- Doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue
Skin dryness can be a real issue, whatever your skin type might be. Even people with oily skin can suffer due to excessive dryness in some areas of the face or body. This hydrating cream aims to eliminate the side effects of skin dryness, such as itchiness, irritation, and tight sensation by properly moisturizing the skin.
4. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer
- Best oil-free moisturizing lotion for sensitive skin
- Feather-light formula
- Gentle moisturizing action
- No greasy film left behind
- Can reduce shine
Neutrogena is one of the most well-known skincare brands for people with sensitive skin. This oil-free facial moisturizer is light and moisturizing the skin without leaving it greasy. At the same time, it reduces the shine associated with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin.
This lotion can be used on the face, as well as the neck, in the mornings and evenings. To achieve the best results when using this product, make sure to cleanse and tone the skin before applying the facial moisturizer.
5. Solimo Oil-free Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
- A good facial moisturizer to be used mornings and evenings
- Suitable for reactive skin
- Not tested on animals
Solimo Oil-free facial moisturizer for sensitive skin is among the options you have in terms of products that won’t clog pores. Alcohol and paraben-free, the facial moisturizer is a great choice if you want all the benefits of a non-comedogenic lotion in a more affordable package.
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6. Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen- Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30
- Oil-free and lightweight formulation to prevent pore-clogging
- Developed with dermatologists
- Formulated with micropearl technology
- Delivers a matte finish
- UVA/UVB SPF 30
This moisturizing lotion is designed using Oleosome Technology that aims to deliver sun protection and hydration without any irritation. It is a hypoallergenic product and also fragrance-free.
The micropearl technology delivers a matte finish by absorbing the excess oils present at the level of the face.
7. Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
- One of the best non-comedogenic lotion with SPF 55
- Oil and fragrance-free
- Formula using Helioplex Technology
- Designed for skin with acne and blemishes
- Formulated with avobenzone
Why choose an SPF55 lotion for your acne-prone skin? Well, you probably know already that excessive sun exposure can accentuate the acne and inflammation. Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen was designed especially for those dealing with acne.
The water-light texture delivers a matte finish while allowing your skin to breathe. The lotion is formulated to avoid pores clogging and breakouts that could be caused by sun exposure. This sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can wear it at the beach or the pool.
8. Olay Complete Daily Defense All Day Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF30
- Best moisturizer delivering instant results
- Dermatologist tested
- A formula containing vitamin E, B3, B5, and aloe vera
- Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Lightweight moisturizer
If you want sunscreen protection without the characteristic smell, this might be just the right product. Among the best features of this product is the lightweight formula that won’t clog your pores. More than this, it won’t sting your eyes either if perspiration occurs.
The moisturizer quickly absorbs in the skin and delivers excellent levels of hydration for healthier-looking skin. The surge of hydration is instant, and the results last longer compared to similar products.
9. Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel
- The best moisturizer for oily skin
- Gel-like texture
- Oil-free, non-greasy formula
- Made with cucumber and green mango extract
- Ultra-light consistency
This hydrating gel is appreciated for the ultra-light texture, as well as the fact that it doesn’t leave behind a greasy film. The gel texture is preferred by people who don’t want to deal with a heavy residue on the level of the skin after the application.
The Morning Burst Hydrating Gel is designed to hydrate skin with acne or other skin conditions such as enlarged pores. The cucumber extract aims to leave the skin refreshed and rejuvenated after each application.
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10. YOUTH LAB Balance Mattifying Cream
- Light moisturizer for oily, acne-prone skin
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Designed for breakout control
- Mattifying action
- Balances out skin moisture
YOUTH LAB Balance Mattifying Cream 5* has an ultra-light formula, which is a real plus if you are worried about getting your face all heavy with skincare products. More than this, it fights the excess shine to deliver a matte finish.
Formulated with hyaluronic acid, Vitamin F, as well as Azelaic acid and zinc, this moisturizing cream can soothe irritation and redness while promoting skin rejuvenation. As a result, the skin is more elastic, less dull-looking, and properly hydrated for longer.
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Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer: Buyer’s Guide
What makes a good non-comedogenic moisturizer?
If you have acne-prone skin, you must have noticed already that some skincare products make this skin condition worse. Like it is the case with many other cosmetic products, it all depends on the skin types we are trying to address.
For example, a facial moisturizing lotion for overly reactive skin might contain different active ingredients compared to a moisturizer for dry skin or oily skin. But if you want to avoid clogged pores, you should make sure that your moisturizer is free from oils, silicone, perfume, paraffin, and lanolin.
Here is a list of some of the most common comedogenic ingredients you will find in skincare products:
- Coconut oil
- Cocoa butter
- Acetylated lanolin
- Lauric acid
- Isopropyl palmitate
- Isostearyl isostearate
- Myristyl lactate
- Stearyl heptanoate
- Cocoa butter
The best non-comedogenic daily moisturizer often contains ingredients such as salicylic acid, Green tea, hyaluronic acid, and even vitamin E.
Is moisturizer good for oily skin?
Your skin is shiny with the excess of sebum, and it looks like there is always a greasy film on the surface of the skin. With the overproduction of the sebaceous glands, it might seem wise to avoid using a daily moisturizer. However, this would be a mistake.
Oily skin, just like sensitive skin or dry skin, needs hydration. While the active ingredients in your moisturizer might not be enough to treat your skin issues, they might do a great job keeping the optimal level of hydration, so the skin looks plump, supple, and moisturized.
Is moisturizer good for acne?
People with acne-prone skin often end up in the dermatologists’ office seeking help for their skin condition. However, if you know the ABCs of skincare, you could just as well look after your complexion at home. Using the right type of skincare products, having proper facial hygiene, avoiding stress, and having a balanced eating regimen can make all the difference in terms of skin imperfections.
A beauty daily beauty routine for people with acne should start with a gentle cleanser, followed by a toner, an anti-acne serum, and a moisturizer. Like we have mentioned before, it is essential to choose an oil-free moisturizer and use it every day.
Even skin affected by acne can present premature signs of aging if dehydration occurs. This means that aside from acne, you might also notice fine lines and wrinkles if your skin is not hydrated. Make sure to choose the best non-comedogenic moisturizer for your skin type.
Which moisturizers won’t clog pores?
To avoid the side effects of pore-clogging products – irritation, inflammation, enlarged aspect- you need to carefully read the labels of the skincare products you are using. While this might sound like such a chore, there is no other method to ensure you are on the safe side, and your complexion looks better than ever.
But since we know not everyone is a big fan of reading ingredients lists, we’ve done this for you, and all the facial lotions or gels reviewed are non-comedogenic and safe for your complexion.
You can choose one depending on your personal preference or other concerns you might be dealing with.
Which moisturizers are good for acne-prone skin?
There are so many products on the market targeting acne that it can be rather difficult to make a decision. Generally speaking, a good option for a facial moisturizing lotion contains ingredients that fight acne and acne scars, prevent breakouts and hydrate the epidermis.
While oils should be avoided when it comes to products targeting acne, plant extracts could really make a difference (green tea extract, for example).
Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin could be a great option if you are looking for a product that is safe for your complexion. At the same time, Neutralyze Renewal Complex comes highly recommended by people who tried it and dermatologists alike.
What is important to keep in mind is that no skincare product can address all of your concerns. This is the reason why you should always pay attention to how your skin feels after starting with the application of a new product.
Final Verdict
Avoiding pore-clogging ingredients is important if you have dry, sensitive, oily, or combination skin. The good news is that nowadays, you can choose from a wide array of non-comedogenic facial moisturizers. If your skin is sensitive, you might want to try Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer with its lightweight, non-irritative formulation.
If you are concerned with skin conditions caused by excessive sun exposure, there is another product with SPF 55 from Neutrogena that does a great job in protecting the skin – Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin.
Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel is another great option for those who prefer the gel-like texture instead of the richer texture of a cream or lotion.