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Why Moisturising is Crucial for Acne-Prone Skin
There exists a widespread misconception that individuals with acne-prone or oily skin should entirely skip the moisturising step in their skincare routine. This belief, however, is fundamentally flawed and can exacerbate skin issues.
"All skin types need to moisturise, but how you moisturise is important and it's not just about your skin type. It's about your skin type in the environment that you are in because oily skin in a dry environment is not the same as oily skin in a humid environment," explains Dr Shereene Idriss, a renowned dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology and Dr Idriss Skincare.
Moisturisers play a vital role in protecting the skin's natural barrier and maintaining optimal hydration levels. For acne-prone skin, which often tends to be oily, Dr Idriss warns that skipping moisturiser can easily lead to dehydration. This dehydration then triggers an overproduction of oil and sebum as the skin attempts to compensate, potentially causing more breakouts and increased oiliness. Proper moisturising helps to balance this oil production.
Choosing the Right Formula
A basic moisturiser containing glycerin—a powerful humectant—is an excellent starting point for hydration. However, Dr Idriss clarifies that those with acne-prone skin can still benefit from products with active ingredients. "A moisturiser with active ingredients can be helpful for acne-prone skin. For example, you're better off incorporating a moisturiser with vitamin C in your routine to also help brighten your acne marks in addition to hydrating your skin."
For oily skin types, gel-based moisturisers are particularly well-suited. "Gel moisturisers are better suited for acne-prone skin because of their lightweight texture and non-comedogenic properties. They are less likely to contain oils or heavy emollients that can clog your pores. Plus, they absorb quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue," Dr Idriss advises.
Finally, addressing a common concern, Dr Idriss offers perspective on fragrance: "Fragrance is not the devil. Personally, even as a dermatologist I quite like the fragrance in skincare products. However, knowing your skin type is key. For acne-prone skin, it's best to avoid fragrance in your skincare products so you don't further irritate your skin."
How We Tested the Best Moisturisers for Acne-Prone Skin
Our testing process involved rigorously trying a selection of moisturisers with different consistencies over several weeks. Key considerations included the texture of each cream and its performance on our reviewer's acne-prone, dry skin. Each product was tested both morning and night, with and without makeup, to ensure no new breakouts were triggered.
While individual skin types and acne proneness vary, the following products delivered the best results in our comprehensive trials.
The Best Moisturisers for Acne-Prone Skin in 2024
1. La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+M Gel Moisturiser – Best Overall
Size: 40ml
Product type: Gel-cream
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycerine, zinc PCA, niacinamide
Why we love it: Effectively targets oiliness without aggravating acne.
Take note: Contains fragrance; may not be moisturising enough for very dry skin.
This dermatologist-recommended classic is ideal for mild to moderate acne. Its lightweight formula regulates sebum production, decreases blackheads and spots, and gently unclogs pores while combating pigmentation.
2. Byoma Moisturizing Gel Cream – Best Budget Option
Size: 50ml
Product type: Gel cream
Key ingredients: Tri-ceramide complex, glycerine, niacinamide, green tea
Why we love it: Lightweight, fragrance-free, gel texture with a cooling effect.
Take note: May lack sufficient hydration during winter for dry skin.
An excellent budget-friendly option suitable for all skin types year-round. It blends antioxidants with skin-soothing and hydrating elements, applying easily and working well under makeup.
3. Tatcha The Water Cream – Best Luxury Product
Size: 50ml
Product type: Cream
Key ingredients: Hadasei-3 complex, wild rose, leopard lily
Why we love it: Provides a dewy finish with a lightweight, silky texture.
Take note: Carries a higher price point.
This luxurious cream minimises excess oil with botanicals. Its unique creamy gel texture feels like a silky pillow on the skin, imparting a healthy glow without causing breakouts.
4. Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Advanced Firming Daily Treatment – Best Anti-Ageing Moisturiser
Size: 50ml
Key ingredients: Antioxidants, peptides, 5% Teprenone & ferulic complex
Product type: Cream
Why we love it: Hygienic pump packaging, fragrance-free, and antioxidant-rich.
Take note: Higher price point.
This light cream hydrates without causing breakouts. Packed with peptides and antioxidants, it aims to brighten skin, target fine lines, and improve overall complexion.
5. Rhode Barrier Restore Cream – Best Ceramide Moisturiser
Size: 50ml
Product type: Cream
Key ingredients: Peptides, shea butter, squalane, ceramides
Why we love it: Lightweight, barrier-protecting, and fragrance-free.
This formula restores the skin barrier—essential for sensitive skin—while feeling moisturising and soothing. It works excellently as a simple moisturiser and a makeup primer.
6. Bioderma Sebium Kerato+ Gel Cream – Best Anti-Breakout Product
Size: 30ml
Product type: Gel-cream
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, malic acid ester, glycerine
Why we love it: Minimises blackheads, reduces oiliness, and isn't drying.
Take note: Contains fragrance.
Perfect for occasional breakouts, this gentle hybrid contains salicylic acid and hydrating glycerin. Its lightweight matte texture works well under makeup.
7. Murad Nutrient-Charged Water Gel – Best for a Glow
Size: 50ml
Product type: Gel-cream
Key ingredients: Minerals, peptides, vitamin E, ceramides
Why we love it: Lightweight, oil-free, hydrating with a glowy finish.
Take note: May be too lightweight for winter; contains fragrance and dimethicone.
Ideal for warmer weather, this water gel imparts a natural glow and provides lasting hydration thanks to skin-strengthening peptides and ceramides.
8. Ameliorate Balancing Facial Moisturiser – Best Anti-Redness Cream
Size: 75ml
Product type: Cream
Key ingredients: LaB6 complex, glycerine, sweet almond oil
Why we love it: Contains acne-fighting ingredients, lightweight, with pump packaging.
Take note: May feel drying on dry/dehydrated skin; contains some oils and fragrance.
Its green tint cancels out redness, making it a great makeup base. The formula includes a unique skin-clearing complex to help keep skin clear.
9. Vichy Minéral 89 Moisture Boosting Cream – Best for Long-Lasting Hydration
Size: 50ml
Product type: Gel-cream
Key ingredients: Vichy’s volcanic water, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
Why we love it: Very hydrating, fragrance-free, oil-free, good for layering.
Take note: Can be too glowy for some.
Promising extended hydration, this cream leaves skin feeling bouncy. It's an excellent barrier repair cream, perfect for winter and evening use.
10. Skin Rocks The Moisturiser – Best Intensely Hydrating Moisturiser
Size: 50ml
Product type: Cream
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin D3, ceramides, squalene
Why we love it: Available in fragrance and fragrance-free versions; deeply moisturising.
Take note: May feel heavy on very oily skin; contains some oils.
From Caroline Hirons's range, this thick cream locks in moisture with barrier-strengthening ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid, best suited as a night cream or for cold weather.
11. The Inkey List Omega Water Cream – Best for a Glowy Base
Size: 50ml
Product type: Cream
Key ingredients: Ceramides, glycerine, betaine, omegas
Why we love it: Very hydrating, oil-free, provides barrier support.
Take note: Texture can feel heavy; may be too glowy for some.
This affordable cream offers a lit-from-within luminosity, making it an excellent glowy makeup base. It includes ceramides and glycerin for barrier support.
12. CeraVe Moisturising Lotion – Best Fuss-Free Lotion
Size: 236ml
Product type: Lotion
Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, glycerine
Why we love it: Multi-use, soothing, lightweight, and fragrance-free.
Take note: Very dry skin may require an extra layer.
A simple, fuss-free formula that provides instant hydration while strengthening the skin barrier. It absorbs quickly and can be used on both face and body without causing breakouts.
The Verdict: Moisturisers for Acne-Prone Skin
As emphasised, even oily skin types require a suitable moisturiser, and numerous excellent options exist across various price points. For an outstanding all-rounder, the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+M Gel excels at balancing sebum production and gently unclogging pores. For those seeking budget-friendly alternatives, The Inkey List Omega Water Cream and Byoma Moisturising Gel Cream are impeccable choices that deliver effective results without compromising on quality.
