Note that it might be too strong for the eye area. If you’re already using an acne medication that’s drying out your skin, any moisturizer will help mitigate that side-effect. Our mission is to ease your concerns and assuage your fears, with a selection of non-comedogenic moisturizers that’ll nourish your skin while keeping acne from rearing its ugly head. It’s a gel-cream (maybe more of a gel-lotion) that borders on liquid, so it’s great for severely oily skin. Hyperpigmentation isn’t harmful – sometimes it’s even considered charming, like having a smattering of freckles! You’ve discovered a moisturizer you can use all over! There are no fragrances or strong actives that may irritate the skin. In general, we prioritized including fragrance-free moisturizers, since many people with sensitive skin have fragrance allergies. The main ingredient here is petrolatum, which is a strong occlusive, which means that it creates a moisture-locking barrier over the skin. The key ingredient in it is a powerhouse called retinol! If you’re prone to clogged pores or breakouts, you definitely need a non-comedogenic moisturizer in your life. If you’re new to retinol you can expect a touch of skin peeling and perhaps a “purge” (i.e. Your skin type is determined by how much sebum (i.e. Beloved by dermatologists and beauty aficionados alike, this popular formula is a no-brainer. If you’re looking for an affordable non-comedogenic moisturizer for aging skin this is our pick! Start with once a day and gradually build up to three times daily. If you’re going to go off of pore-size to determine your skin type, simply look for intense variation, with larger pores in the T-zone and smaller ones elsewhere on the face. Humectants are key for combating dehydration. The water-like, refreshing gel texture of this unique GH Seal star Neutrogena moisturizer is perfect for skin prone to shine and greasy spots. Using sunscreen is extremely important, since sun exposure is the main external cause of wrinkles and pigmentation, not to mention it poses the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. These filters offer broad-spectrum protection against both skin-burning UVB rays and skin-aging UVA rays. Shiseido Essential Energy Moisturizing Gel Cream, What to look for in a non-comedogenic moisturizer, Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer. It does contain lemon peel oil, which gives a nice citrus scent but is unfortunately also sun sensitizing and potentially irritating to sensitive skin. Non-comedogenic : Moisturizers. If your skin gets red or irritated easily, it’s a sign that you’re more sensitive. It includes a significant dose of niacinamide which offers added antioxidant protection and also helps to brighten the skin and control oils. To reverse hyperpigmentation, skin-renewing ingredients are key. In that case, it’s better to do a face wash test. They include anti-acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide, exfoliants like salicylic, or skin-regenerating ingredients like retinoids or vitamin C. Because they’re so powerful they’re also slightly more likely to irritate the skin. Non-comedogenic moisturizers come in a variety of textures, which we list here from lightest to heaviest. It can reduce the redness, swelling, or pain associated with acne and skin sensitivity. Common occlusives in skincare include dimethicone, mineral oil, lanolin, and squalene. It sinks into the skin extremely quickly and doesn’t leave behind any residue unlike some of the lotions on this list. The reverse of oily skin is dry skin, with very little sebum production often accompanied by tiny pores or flakey skin. EltaMD UV Clear is pretty iconic, and we think it can double as a fantastic daytime moisturizer. It’s a bit of a cliche to mention, but sunscreen will always be the best anti-aging product you could use. Acne is a complicated subject so figuring out how to find a moisturizer that won’t aggravate it is no easy matter. This makes this moisturizer more hydrating and protecting. Other good ingredients to look for in your skin care products are noncomedogenic oils, which don’t clog pores and keep dry skin supple and oily skin acne-free. If you’re one of the odd few that can’t tolerate ceramides, try a formula like Vanicream, which has similar nourishing effects despite having a very different ingredient list. The downfall of amazing SPF products is usually their price, which is exactly the case with this product. If your pores are very small (perhaps with a few medium-sized ones dotted over the forehead and nose) then you definitely have dry skin. The term pimple is often used to refer to lesions of varying severity, although dermatologists get more specific with terms like “pustule,” “papule”, and “cyst.”. Sadly, for many, it’s a source of consternation, especially when it’s a reminder of pimples past. Users enjoy how it leaves their skin feeling supple and refreshed, but without that greasy or oily feeling. It’s not a perfect solution. If your skin gets shiny and a little greasy all on its own after the face wash test then you have oily skin. Cheung says that formulas that contain alpha- and/or beta-hydroxy acids are great, especially for those with oily skin, as they help gently exfoliate and help further dissolve excess oil. The term is helpful when you’re trying to narrow down which products are more likely to work for your acne-prone skin, but we still recommend always conducting a patch test, which we explain how to do here. You’ve gotta love a good classic. If you have combination or dry skin it would work beautifully as a moisturizer, though if you have oily skin you might find it a little too heavy. As intimidating and clinical as this term may sound, it’s actually a very verbose way of saying that the product in question won't clog your pores. If you prefer a fragrance-free product, Neutrogena also makes a slightly richer Gel-Cream that has a similar formula and makes for a great alternative. Other benefits are specific: it brightens hyperpigmentation, slightly reduces oil production and pore size, and for some, it helps prevent breakouts. It’s the least moisturizing cream on our list, but it’s also the most mattifying. This moisturizer also includes some nice skin-soothing agents, but the concentrations are so low that we don’t think they’re particularly meaningful. They are usually largest in the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, chin, and sometimes the inner part of the cheeks. You can also try the face wash test. There is a tiny but vocal minority for whom it causes irritation or breakouts, but for most users it does the reverse, helping to soothe the skin and reduce blemishes. If you’re older, it’s better to check whether your skin feels tight after a wash test. It comes in a cute … While we steer clear of many oils as they are often comedogenic, argan oil is a safe bet as a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Like comedogenicity, the ingredients that irritate the skin can also differ from person to person. Our best premium pick is a great non-comedogenic moisturizer for aging skin. In each review, we’ll let you know which moisturizer is best for which skin type. The most exciting ingredient in here is niacinamide, which is a “do-it-all” with universal benefits, like preventing premature aging and improving moisture-retention abilities. Next, check the ingredient list. This means that your AM moisturizer should either include a sunscreen, like Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer, or it should have a nice, light texture like Neutrogena Hydro Boost that won’t feel heavy on your skin when worn under sunscreen. It also helps to hydrate the skin with hyaluronic acid and lactic acid, while occlusive ingredients maintain moisture in the skin. The mattifying effect comes from what Cetaphil calls “Micropearl technology” which we think is just a fancy way of referring to silica which, in combination with dimethicone and film-forming agents, works beautifully to absorb oils and keep the skin shine-free. And if your skin falls more on the combination end of the spectrum, you’ll love the Bliss Drench & Quench Cream-to-Water Hydrator. 17 Night Creams That Work Overtime for Flawless Skin in the A.M. Here’s to having gorgeous, nourished, clear skin! This is useful to know for several reasons, but mostly because nobody wants clogged pores, and especially not from their skincare or makeup products. Retinol has been scientifically proven to improve collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines. This moisturizer’s cost falls on the higher end of drugstore prices, especially considering it comes in a relatively small 1.7oz jar. If you’re battling breakouts, try the Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer; if you want an option with built-in sun protection, go for the Murad Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 PA+++. As a moisturizer, it’s light yet effective with a fluid texture that’s great for oily skin. This cream costs about the same as most 1.7oz drugstore moisturizers, but it comes in a jar that’s nearly 7 times the size, so it offers extremely good value. an initial but not harmful breakout – learn more about it here). It can be caused by sun exposure, genetics, or after the skin experiences some sort of trauma, including after a bad breakout. You might not want to use the same moisturizer in the day and at night, so consider what features you want for each time of day. Is your skin thirsty, dehydrated, and losing its elasticity? Murad Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 PA+++. Light lotions can also work, especially in the evenings. Some can be applied to skin directly, or used as a carrier oil. Admittedly, they don’t work for everyone. However, it doesn’t target any additional concerns beyond dryness and dehydration. To mitigate the potentially irritating effects, this lotion includes soothing oat proteins, allantoin, and arnica, which can also soothe the redness and swelling of active acne. Best for Controlling Shine: La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat Anti-Shine Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin, $32 The most appealing aspect of this oil-free, non-comedogenic … "It does not contribute to excessive … However, it also offers more skincare benefits and has a formula that’s less likely to irritate the skin, which makes us willing to overlook the higher price point. Per the American Academy of Dermatology, moisturizers can prevent the overproduction of oil in the skin and alleviate the irritating effects of acne-medications. All of the products on our list can help, but the best non-comedogenic moisturizers for dehydration are Neutrogena Hydro Boost and La Roche-Posay Double Repair. However, with age, the skin loses collagen and elastin so even those who don’t have oily skin may find that their pores stretch out. Emollients serve as softening and moisture-locking agents, like kinds of butter, oils, esters, lipids, and fatty acids. Here are additional effects you might want your moisturizer to have: We’ll let you know exactly what kind of ingredients each moisturizer includes and what kinds of effects you can expect from it, and we’ve also included a detailed guide to choosing moisturizers based on specific concerns. If you’re looking for an anti-aging boost on a budget, it’s a fantastic choice. It contains rice extract and aloe to … With four types of hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and olive oil, this intensely hydrating formula locks in moisture. As a moisturizer, it hydrates lightly with glycerin and keeps the skin occluded with dimethicone. Creams are great, but for skin concerns that require heavy-duty solutions, there’s the balm. Noncomedogenic oils are often used as ingredients in products, such as moisturizers and skin creams. You can expect a visible transformation if you have never used skin-renewing products before. Most plant oils and extracts have some antioxidant properties, but other popular antioxidants include vitamin C, niacinamide, and green tea extract. UVA rays, which penetrate through cloud cover, will make all kinds of pigmentation worse. Any broad-spectrum sunscreen will work, but EltaMD UV Clear is especially nice because it also contains antioxidant niacinamide. This intense cream might seem overly greasy at first glance, but it’s actually one of the best non-comedogenic moisturizers you can find to actually treat acne, whether on your face or on your body. If you only use it on your face it will easily last you for an entire year, but if you also use it as a body moisturizer you can still expect it to last for 3-4 months. The price per ounce of product is very important, of course, so we’ll let you know the quantity you get in each moisturizer bottle. 1. The best moisturizers for combination skin are usually lighter lotions like CeraVe Daily Lotion. Rich, thick, and packed with major hydrators, this overnight balm should be the last skincare product applied in your regimen as it seals everything in. Ingredient lists are usually listed in descending order in terms of concentration. If you’d like to learn more about the process, we give a more thorough explanation about how you can judge product comedogenicity further on. It’s not a rule so much as a guideline, so if you prefer a moisturizer with a thick texture despite having oily skin or vice versa, that’s totally fine! UVA rays are the leading external cause of skin aging, so blocking them is the best way to keep the skin looking youthful. Best Gel Moisturizer: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel, 5. Neutrogena chose to focus on hyaluronic acid in marketing, but it’s clear that glycerin is the real ingredient responsible for this gel’s hydrating effects. We like it most for combination skin because it provides an intense, but gentle moisturization that feels weightless. It contains lovely hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, along with occlusive silicones. Sensitivities vary from person to person, comedogenicity ratings are often deceiving, and it’s also important to remember that it’s often the dose that makes the poison. Each one of those moisturizers is made with a different selection of very mild ingredients, so if you react badly to one it’s worth trying the next one. The main ingredient here is birch sap juice, which replaces water in the formula, and boosts the overall antioxidant and amino acid content. When it comes to new products, the best way to know if they’re comedogenic for you is to try them! After a few weeks, the skin adjusts and comes out looking clearer and smoother. At night, while you’re sleeping, your body is also working hard to renew itself so it’s the best time to use transformative moisturizers. You don’t want the moisturizer to clog pores, but you do want it to hydrate. It hydrates and plumps up the skin. If your skin is combination-dry or you live in an arid climate, you can use it under a thicker moisturizer like Vanicream. An ingredient that is able to absorb water from products or the air and then pull it into the skin. Although it can cause drying of the skin (salicylic acid is powerful, after all), users report that their skin doesn’t feel dry or taut after use. Best Premium Moisturizer: Murad Acne Control Skin Perfecting Lotion, 4. It’s a slow process and the results are minor, but skin-renewing ingredients also have anti-aging and anti-acne benefits, so they’re well worth a try. 1. Are you not sure which of these non-comedogenic moisturizers will be right for you? Target / Beauty / Skin Care / Non-comedogenic : ... Unscented Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel Face Moisturizer to hydrate and smooth extra-dry skin - … It’s not a medical term nor is it a skin concern to be fixed – more so, it’s just a factor that influences what product types you will or won’t enjoy. Neutrogena actually sponsored a sizable clinical study in which they found that this product is indeed effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines. Daily moisturizer is from the #1 dermatologist recommended brand. We will never send you spam. If your skin feels dry and you don’t see any shine or greasiness start to pop up then you have dry skin. What makes things even more complicated is that there are many people who find that ingredients that are generally regarded as non-comedogenic, like certain fatty alcohols, silicones, or skin-identical ingredients still break them out! "Non-comedogenic makeup allows the skin to breathe," says Elina Fedotova, cosmetic chemist, celebrity esthetician, and owner of Elina Organics Spas. Whether you have acne-prone skin or not, when buying a moisturizer, make sure it is non-comedogenic, meaning that it won’t clog your pores. Beyond this, it doesn’t include much else and it doesn’t have additional effects. One of the biggest fears girls and women have when buying moisturizer is the fear of greasiness and pore-clogging ingredients, but that’s not a problem with CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion. Reviewers not only appreciate the unique formula and texture but also how versatile it is for multiple skin types. Choosing a Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin, Top 10 Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers 2021, Slightly too expensive for a drugstore product, Has anti-aging, brightening, and oil-reducing effects, Some users don’t respond well to niacinamide, Doesn’t include many other beneficial ingredients, Contains natural acne-fighting tea tree oil, Fragrances potentially irritating to sensitive skin, Detailed Buying Guide for Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers, How to Tell if a Moisturizer is Non-Comedogenic, Choosing a Moisturizer Based on Specific Concerns, How to Patch Test a Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin, 1. Coming in at less than a dollar per ounce, this is the most affordable non-comedogenic moisturizer we’ve seen. Most non-comedogenic … When it comes to prevention, sunscreen is key! Best Budget Moisturizer: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream, 3. If your skin is so sensitive it cannot even tolerate niacinamide, then Vanicream is the perfect alternative. Both Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer and EltaMD UV Clear are broad-spectrum sunscreens, so they’ll serve you well. First, only use it a few times a week, and gradually increase frequency. Fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin… Those are the common signs of aging that the skin likes to taunt us with. The texture is a little heavy for the face, so it’s better to use this at night. It’s not dirt-cheap, but it’s still very affordable. In general, the best moisturizers to start with when you have sensitive skin are La Roche-Posay Double Repair and CeraVe Daily Lotion. Purging only happens in areas where you normally already break out, the pimples will be closer to the surface of the skin, and they won’t be overly inflamed. Most dermatologists would recommend applying moisturiser in the mornings – typically with an SPF, … It’s considered a topical medication for the treatment of acne, but it also helps with general skin smoothness. Sebum is the oil-like substance that the human skin excretes. Their ingredients can help with a wide range of concerns. A substance that protects the skin cells from the degrading effects of external aggressors like pollution and sun exposure. Best Overall Moisturizer: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion; 2. These are 5 of the best non-comedogenic face moisturizers that deliver much-needed hydration without triggering breakouts. Make sure to use a daily sunscreen when using this moisturizer. Some oils, like rosehip seed oil and grape seed oil, are considered excellent for acne-prone skin, while non-oil ingredients like lanolin or algae are more likely to be comedogenic. If you’re not worried about dehydration but struggle with looking shiny throughout the day this is by far the best option. When a product is non-comedogenic it means that it doesn’t clog pores, so by extension, it doesn’t cause acne breakouts. The amount of time it takes to experience breakouts changes from person to person, so you need to patch test the moisturizer for as long as it normally takes you to break out from something. Whatever the cause, it’s important to find a mild-moisturizer that won’t aggravate your sensitivity. When labeled “non-comedogenic,” products are specifically formulated to not clog pores. This one offers anti-aging effects with more than just sun filters. Here, find our picks of the best non-comedogenic moisturizers for all skin types. It’s also chockfull of good-for-skin ingredients like natural ceramides, prebiotic thermal water, and vitamin B3. If you need an ointment but prefer a non-greasy feel, look no further. Packed with emollients and humectants, the formula essentially draws and binds water to your skin to keep it plump and hydrated all day long. However, if you take time testing and consider your personal needs, you can end up with a fantastic lotion that gives your skin a glow and may even keep your acne at bay. It’s a fantastic choice for dry, acne-prone skin and it’s also suitable for extreme sensitivity. We would have loved to see a few more antioxidants or skin soothing agents, but it’s still a lovely product. This section goes over all of the factors you should consider when choosing the right cream for your individual needs. This process is called “purging” and it can last for about a month or two while the skin totally renews itself. If you need stronger SPF protection or your skin can’t tolerate some of the chemical sunscreen ingredients here, give EltaMD UV Clear a try, instead. It’s equal parts soothing, calming, and hydrating—making it a three-hit wonder. Its most unique feature is the texture of course, which is bouncy and weightless. Dr. Strugar also recommends CeraVe's AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion to her patients, as it's non-comedogenic, oil- and fragrance-free, and provides SPF 30 protection. While more affordable retinol products like Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair exist, this one is better-formulated and suitable even for extremely oily skin. Historically, comedogenicity was tested with ingredients at full concentration. Lortscher says that the best SPF moisturizers are often labeled “non-comedogenic,” which means they won’t clog the pores. If you’ve tried the CeraVe Daily Lotion before and found that it was too oily for you, this gel is much lighter and yet it offers similar effects, so give it a try. What it’s missing, however, is the long list of skin-soothing and antioxidant agents that the Murad lotion contains. Best SPF Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, 10. Best of all, it doesn’t feel greasy on the skin. Common humectants in skincare include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, lactic acid, and honey. It’s one of the best non-comedogenic moisturizers for sensitive skin, and it’s frequently recommended by dermatologists. This ingredient is rich in fatty oils and nutrients, such as omega-6 and … It also includes humectants like butylene glycol and glycerin as well as occlusive dimethicone, so it’s definitely a comprehensive moisturizer. It offers stronger sun protection with sunscreen ingredients that are more appropriate for sensitive skin: zinc oxide and octinoxate. Amazon's Choice for non-comedogenic moisturizer Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Daily Face Moisturizer with Antioxidant Bionutrients & Vitamins B, C & E, Non-Comedogenic & Sulfate-, … It’s composed of a few different substances, including triglycerides and wax esters, but it’s often referred to as an oil.