Dermatologists Say Your Moisturizer Could Be Causing Acne. Here Are Non-Comedogenic Formulas To Use Instead.

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23-04-2025

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These moisturizers are gentle, non pore-clogging and won't cause breakouts.
Diet. A dirty pillowcase. Hormonal fluctuations. While all of these factors can contribute to pimples, the root cause of your acne may be more simple than that. If your daily moisturizer is made with comedogenic ingredients, they're more likely to clog your pores and lead to pesky breakouts.
Amazon
'Certain moisturizers, particularly those containing heavier oils like coconut oil, argan oil and cocoa butter, can contribute to acne due to their potential to clog pores,' Dr. Anetta Reszko, a board-certified dermatologist, told us. 'As the pores become blocked with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria, they may lead to the formation of comedones (blackheads or whiteheads), and if the blockage becomes inflamed, it can develop into pustules, cysts or other types of acne.'
Below, we've rounded up dermatologist-backed moisturizers that'll hydrate your skin without clogging your pores in the process.
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
1.
CeraVe
Dermatologist Dr. Geeta Yadav said that although the Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion is lightweight, it's nourishing thanks to a blend of ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help add hydration into the skin and reinforce the skin barrier, preventing irritation and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). "Though it's best for those with normal to dry skin, those with oily skin can use it when their skin gets drier (in winter, for example)," she said. Not to mention, it can be used on both the face and body, making it great for those who value a low-maintenance skincare routine with minimal products.
Get it from Amazon for $13.68+ (available in two sizes).
Cetaphil
Yadav is a fan of the Cetaphil Face Moisturizer because it's made with SPF 35 as well as "hydrating glycerin, conditioning panthenol and antioxidants like vitamin E and niacinamide, which also helps calm the skin," she said. Oily skin types will appreciate its matte finish. Because it provides long-lasting hydration for up to 24 hours, it's also suitable for those with dry or combination skin types.
TULA
The TULA 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day Cream is a multi-tasking powerhouse. Not only does it act as a moisturizer and sunscreen with its SPF 30, but board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexis Stephens also said it has a silky texture that absorbs quickly, making it ideal for use under makeup as a primer. Plus, it contains "probiotics and ceramides to support the skin barrier without clogging pores," she said.
4.
Neutrogena
Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Moisturizer is a gel-based moisturizer that "works beautifully for oily and acne-prone skin types," said Stephens. "It's non-comedogenic and features hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate without feeling greasy or heavy on the skin." Plus, it layers well under sunscreen and makeup.
La Roche-Posay
Looking for long-lasting moisture? You've found it in La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, which comes recommended by Stephens. "This is a go-to for sensitive or acne-prone skin because i's oil-free and contains ceramide-3, niacinamide and prebiotic thermal water to calm and hydrate the skin without triggering breakouts," she said. "It also helps restore the skin's moisture barrier, which is often compromised in acne-prone individuals."
6.
The only thing better than a feather-light moisturizer is one that plumps the skin at the same time. Cue the Facile Barely There Hyaluronic Acid Lightweight Moisturizer, one of our editors' picks which was formulated by a dermatologist and uses skin-boosting panthenol and squalane to leave skin looking and feeling baby-soft.
Promising review:"I love Facile's moisturizer! I've been using Facile for over a year and love the lightweight feel of this and it's perfect for day and night. My go to!" — stephnina
Get it from Sephora for $25.
7.
Medicube
If glass skin is the goal, this editors' pick is the road to getting there. From the K-beauty brand that you've undoubtedly seen on your For You Page more than a handful of times comes the Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream, a bouncy gel moisturizer that targets uneven skin tone as it hydrates. Instead of thick, pore-clogging oils, it uses hydrolyzed collagen and niacinamide to work its magic.
Promising review:"I was skeptical at 1st but one single I fell in love. A very little goes along way. You can use in a thin layer under makeup or thick for a overnight mask. I like to keep it refrigerated for that extra chill and it feel amazing. It hasn't broken me out and just left me with beautiful glowing hydrating skin. For reference I am 40 with textured acne prone skin. I will definitely recommend and repurchase! Beautiful product." — JustAmble
Get it from Amazon for $16.90+ (available in two sizes).
8. This probiotic-rich gel-cream hybrid
BeautyStat
Hailing from cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson comes the BeautyStat Cosmetics Probiotic 24HR Moisture Boost Cream Moisturizer. Another editors' pick, the gel-cream texture of this moisturizer instantly absorbs into the skin without feeling greasy (oily skin, rejoice), plus it's formulated with hyaluronic acid and a proprietary moisture complex to keep the skin barrier happy (and the pores clear).
Sephora
For a rich yet non-greasy moisturizer, the Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream Moisturizer is the best of both worlds. Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, said it's ideal for those with sensitive skin thanks to a patented blend of barrier-boosting ceramide capsules that allow the ingredient to stay within the skin barrier longer. "This leaves my skin looking glowy for hours — when applied, it feels luxuriously smooth and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving the skin hydrated and protected without any heavy residue," she said.
Get it from Sephora for $21.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.