You’ve probably heard this a million times, but it bears repeating: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you must use moisturiser. Sorry, not sorry, but the key to keeping your oily face at bay is to keep it moisturised with a decent moisturiser.
And before you say, eh, conflicting much?! We (and a few dermatologists) broke down everything you need to know about the best moisturisers for acne-prone and oily skin types, why they’re important, and even sorted through the hundreds of creams on the market right now to find your match. If you’ve tried everything to get rid of your oily skin without success, it’s time to try one of these 15 face creams for acne-prone skin.
Meet the authorities.
- Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut, as well as the vice president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society and an associate clinical professor at Yale University. Her specialities include medical and surgical dermatology, as well as skin colour.
- Heidi Waldorf, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specialises in cosmetic dermatology at Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics in New York. Dr Waldorf previously discussed how to get rid of oily skin with Cosmo.
- Anar Mikhailov, MD, is the creator of KP Away and a board-certified dermatologist at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Massachusetts. Dr Mikailov previously discussed the best face moisturisers for various skin types with Cosmo.
And if you’re just here for the goodies and don’t care about all the amazing information underneath (which, whomp whomp), here’s a tiny preview of what’s to come:
Our top selections for the finest acne-prone and oily skin moisturisers in 2022:
- Origins Clear Improvement is the best overall. Moisturizer for Pores
- Tula Skin Care Breakout Star Acne Moisturizer is the best for breakouts.
- Tatcha The Water Cream Oil-Free Pore Minimizing Moisturizer is the best lightweight moisturiser.
- Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer is the best drugstore moisturiser.
- Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer is the best gel.
- For congested pores, use: Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer by Shani Darden
Is it necessary to use moisturiser on acne-prone skin?
“Moisturizing is vital to maintain the skin’s barrier,” Dr Waldorf told Cosmo. It may seem contradictory to load up on heavy creams and lotions when you have a lot of shine on your face, but missing moisturiser might actually cause your skin to create more oil (which isn’t the purpose, is it?).
Oily skin and acne are often associated, since excess oil production on your face contributes to blackheads, plugged pores, and all those delightful outbreaks. So, if you’re searching for a moisturiser for your skin, it would be a good idea to seek solutions that target and address both of these skin conditions.
Along with regular washing and treatment, you’ll want to invest in a lightweight—yet very hydrating—moisturizer to keep excess oil, and hence acne, at bay. “Use a light lotion rather than a thicker cream,” advises Dr Gohara. Lotions are more water-based, whereas creams are more oil-based, and oil, of course, should be avoided, she explains.
Ascertain your skin type.
Listen, I get it—you’re here because you have oily skin, which is a no-brainer, right? But it’s more than simply having oily skin. In this scenario, I’m referring to your skin’s sensitivity as well as other skin issues such as acne. Dr Mikailov told Cosmo that your overall skin type and prior skin troubles are the greatest predictors of what sort of moisturiser you should use, and that “as the chemical list rises, so does the probability of irritation or allergic response.” As a result, we’ll need to…
Create a skincare routine.
Finally, if you want to keep your oily skin under control, you should definitely adopt a skincare regimen in addition to purchasing one of these moisturisers for oily and acne-prone skin.
But, before you do, please note that I am not recommending that you buy a million unneeded items—in fact, adding too many products will increase your chances of looking, well, oily. Begin with a fantastic oil-free face cleanser, one of the moisturisers listed below, and an oily skin sunscreen (yes, non-greasy sunscreens do indeed exist). See? Easy peasy.
The best moisturisers for oily and acne-prone skin
Now for the exciting bit, and what you’ve all been waiting for: the market’s top 15 moisturisers for acne-prone and oily skin. Bye-bye, oil and acne, we won’t miss you!
- Origins Clear Improvement Pore Clearing Moisturizer
- Tula Skincare Breakout Star Acne Moisturizer
- Tatcha The Water Cream Oil-Free Pore Minimizing Moisturizer
- Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer
- Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer
- Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++
- Shani Darden Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer
- Rosen Skincare Moonlight Moisturizer
- EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
- Nola Skinsentials Hyaluronic H2O Créme
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Oil-Free Matte Moisturizer
- Cosrx Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion
- Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer
