13 best non-comedogenic moisturisers for acne-prone skin, reviewed
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Having acne-prone skin at any age can be incredibly stressful, but finding a great non-comedogenic moisturiser really can make all the difference. After suffering from hormonal breakouts for the past 18 months (following years of clear, glowing skin), I've really had to look into what I'm using on my face to try and avoid triggering acne (and to aid in the healing of existing spots).
As mentioned, a great first step is a suitable moisturiser. “Non-comedogenic moisturisers are particularly beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as they help to minimise breakouts by reducing the likelihood of clogged pores,” says Dr Christine Hall. “If you are finding textural irregularities or little bumps on your skin these are also like to be worsened by products that will congest your skin and so non-comedogenic products could be of great value.” Keep reading to discover more about the importance of non-comedogenic moisturisers, and which ones you can readily trust.
Meet the experts:
- Dr Christine Hall, A&E Doctor and Aesthetic Doctor at the Taktouk Clinic.
- Dr Jessica Halliley, Aesthetic Doctor.
- Dr Sonia Khorana, Cosmetic Doctor & Dermatology Expert.
- Dr Emmaline Ashley, Cosmetic Physician.
How we tested non-comedogenic moisturisers:
As someone who has recently experienced acne flare-ups after years of having clear skin, I now truly understand what it takes to formulate the perfect skincare routine that won't irritate breakouts. It is important to me that my moisturiser does not contain any comedogenic-risk products, which would be incredibly counterintuitive for my acne healing. For this reason, I did a deep dive into the subject, speaking with experts and researching specific products, using resources like whatsinmyjar.com to double check formulations.
I then used each moisturiser (many of which I was already familiar with) for a series of days and weeks to check how they felt on skin initially, how they absorbed, and what they were like when sun protection was applied on top in the mornings. I checked for fragrance, the kind of finish they provided (dewy? matte?) and how they made my inflamed skin feel. I also watched how my skin behaved throughout usage, to ensure nothing further triggered my skin.
After something else? Shop the best Korean moisturisers, the best vitamin C moisturisers and the best tinted moisturisers.
Ahead, the best non-comedogenic moisturisers to buy.
Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream
- Active Ingredients: Prebiotic peptide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
- Skin Type: All
- Size: 50ml
- SPF: No
Why we love it: Medik8's smart formula includes all the hydration big hitters: ceramides, hyaluronic acid and prebiotic peptides, which are plumping and brilliant for quenching skin's thirst. The product doesn't, however, feature anything that will trigger acne or block pores, making it a non-comedogenic must. Just note: it doesn't have SPF in it – shop the best moisturisers with SPF for that.
The INKEY List Omega Water Cream Moisturizer
- Active Ingredients: Omega fatty acid complex, glycerin, betaine, niacinamide.
- Skin Type: All.
- Size: 50ml.
- SPF: No
Why we love it: This cream has it all, from a beautiful texture to an enticing price-point. Suitable for all skin types (and IMO especially ideal for those with acne-prone, sensitive skin like mine), Inkey's lightweight lotion feels cooling, refreshing and calming when applied, delivers key hydrating, soothing ingredients such as glycerin and niacinamide to skin, and leaves the face looking a little dewy. And at just £11, it's the most perfect all-rounder.
- Active Ingredients: Rice ferment, Japanese wild rose, Hadesai-3.
- Skin Type: Combination. Shop more moisturisers for combination skin here.
- Size: 50ml.
- SPF: No.
Why we love it: As a huge fan of Tatcha's Dewy Skin Cream, I often defer to this option when I'm experiencing breakouts, as it's a little lighter. The Water Cream has a featherlight-yet-ultra-hydrating texture that feels decadent and nourishing on skin, while still absorbing quickly. If you prefer more of a natural-glowy finish, opt for this incredible moisturiser.
THE ORDINARY Natural Moisturising Factors + Beta Glucan
- Active Ingredients: Amino acids, phospholipids, beta-glucan
- Skin Type: All
- Size: 100ml
- SPF: No
Why we love it: If you can't stand a traditional cream texture, this is the ultimate antidote. A clear gel-lotion that's very lightweight and absorbs beautifully, this won't provoke sensitive skin that often experiences pimples. It still works to deeply hydrate, however, and won't pill when you put your SPF on top in the mornings. Shop more of the best moisturisers for sensitive skin.
DR SAM'S Flawless Moisturiser Intense
- Active Ingredients: Centella asiatica & madecassoside, ectoin, squalane.
- Skin Type: Sensitive skin.
- Size: 50ml.
- SPF: No.
Why we love it: An intensive moisturiser for dry skin may not seem like the most obvious choice for acne-prone skin, but when it's by Dr Sam Bunting, you know you can trust it. Her non-comedogenic, rich moisturiser is the perfect solution for those who experience acne but also a great deal of dryness (which often comes from using acne treatments with ingredients like retinol, AHAs and azelaic acid). Reach for this as a night cream (as well as a day cream) when things are feeling uncomfortable, without fear of worsening breakouts.
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Anti-Ageing Cream
- Active Ingredients: Ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids.
- Skin Type: Dry skin.
- Size: 48ml.
- SPF: No.
Why we love it: One of SkinCeuticals' bestselling products, the Triple Lipid Restore Cream takes moisture and hydration very seriously. It combines an ultra-nourishing trifecta of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids, but features no pore-blocking ingredients, so is safe for those prone to spots. If you have acne but still get super dry, tight skin, I'd definitely recommend this.
Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Moisturiser
- Active Ingredients: Cohederm complex, Avène thermal spring water.
- Skin Type: Dehydrated.
- Size: 50ml.
- SPF: No.
Why we love it: This was the moisturiser recommended to me by my dermatologist (Dr. Alexis Granite) when my acne was at its peak. It's super gentle and kind to skin, but still delivers optimal hydration. For anyone with really sensitive areas, this is a great option. Do be aware however that it has a light fragrance, so for those who prefer to go fragrance-free in skincare, this may not be for you.
- Active Ingredients: Microalgae, ceramides, fermented heart-leaf extract.
- Skin Type: Sensitive.
- Size: 50ml.
- SPF: No.
Why we love it: Murad's calming cream is a god-send for those who are prone to inflammation and rising irritation. With nourishing ceramides and antioxidants like microalgae, this formula also features fermented heart-leaf extract, which makes quick work of sore, itchy patches associated with acne flare-ups.
Aveeno Face Calm and Restore Oat Gel Moisturiser
- Active Ingredients: Oat, glycerin.
- Skin Type: Sensitive skin.
- Size: 50ml.
- SPF: No.
Why we love it: Skin that's acne prone—as well as needing ingredients that don't clog pores—also needs a formula that feels calming and soothing. With breakouts, we often experience inflammation, redness and sore/itchy areas, meaning a restoring cream can make all the difference. Enter: Aveeno's Oat Gel Moisturiser, which gently rebalances skin and also prevents further issues.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Gel-Cream
- Active Ingredients: Imperata Cylindrica root extract, antarcticine, cucumber
- Skin Type: Normal to oily
- Size: 50ml
- SPF: No
Why we love it: Kiehl's OG Ultra Facial Cream is an icon in its own right—but not one that tends to suit some skin types that are a little more sensitive or prone to flaring up. Luckily, the brand also offers the formula in an oil-free gel-cream iteration, meaning you can still enjoy all the beautiful ingredients of this moisturiser, without any risk.
Dr.Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Hydro Plump Water Cream
- Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, pentavitin.
- Skin Type: All
- Size: 50ml
- SPF: No
Why we love it: It's a fact: most acne-prone skin types love a water-based moisturiser. They're super hydrating without the heavy, rich texture, and have the added benefit of cooling and soothing sore spots caused by bad breakouts. Dr Jart's is one of the very best, and certainly should not be slept on.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
- Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, amino acids
- Skin Type: Normal to combination
- Size: 50ml
- SPF: No
Why we love it: Neutrogena's Hydro Boost is often mentioned as one of the most popular non-comedogenic moisturisers on the high street, and there are several reasons why. First, (of course) it doesn't include any ingredients that put pores at risk of getting clogged, making it acne-safe. Second, it really does do what it says on the tin (jar) in terms of boosting hydration levels. The texture is also lovely and light, meaning spots won't feel weighed down or heavy.
- Active Ingredients: Xylitol, hyaluronic acid, narcissus stem cells
- Skin Type: Oily/combination
- Size: 50ml
- SPF: No
Why we love it: Omorovicza's new Daily Dew moisturiser has been designed specifically with oily and combination skin types in mind, which as we know, are often the most prone to spots. It's also one of the best moisturisers for mature skin. This super light gel-cream feels undetectable on skin while still offering a great level of hydration and nourishment, with a top notch ingredients list.
What does non-comedogenic mean?
You may see the term all the time, but do you actually know what it means? Let's begin with a little refresher from the experts.
“'Non-comedogenic' is a label that typically means a product is unlikely to clog pores or contribute to breakouts,” begins Dr Ashley. “The word itself comes from ‘comedone,’ the technical term for a blocked pore. So a non-comedogenic product, in theory, won’t trigger the formation of these blemishes.”
However, she mentions, “this term isn’t tightly regulated.” Just because a product states it is ‘non-comedogenic,’ it does not mean it will never irritate acne-prone skin. “Non-comedogenic products are formulated to avoid ingredients with high comedogenic ratings to avoid the developments of comedones,” says Dr Hall, but that doesn't mean all ingredients are completely risk-free.
This is why it's key to do your own research. Ingredient-checker apps and websites can help you understand which products are made with zero comedogenic-risk ingredients, and which may have a few but at a low risk. All products in the aforementioned round-up fit into one of these two categories (most in the former).
What skin types should consider using a non-comedogenic moisturiser?
It's actually a good idea for all skin types to use products that don't put the skin at risk of pore-clogging, but those with acne-prone skin types (oily or combination, usually) will benefit most.
“Anyone prone to congestion, blackheads, or breakouts should look for non-comedogenic formulas,” advises Dr Halliley, before adding: “This includes those with oily or combination skin, as well as individuals using active treatments like Tretinoin or salicylic acid, which can make the skin more sensitive to pore-clogging ingredients.”
Can non-comedogenic moisturisers help prevent break-outs?
“Yes, they can, though it’s important to manage expectations,” says Dr Hall. “While non-comedogenic products help reduce the risk of clogged pores and acne formation, they are not treatments for breakouts in and of themselves. Rather, they form part of a broader, preventative skincare routine.” It's therefore important to take more of a well-rounded approach to dealing with acne, which includes the correct products, diet and lifestyle changes and medicated creams or oral prescriptions if needed, which can be prescribed by a dermatologist.
A good non-comedogenic moisturiser is a brilliant start, however. “They can help reduce the likelihood of breakouts by supporting the skin barrier without introducing heavy or occlusive ingredients that could trap sebum and bacteria. By hydrating the water content of the skin appropriately, they can also actually reduce oil production. Often oily skin is also dehydrated, leading your skin to produce more oil to try and quench its first. It can be a vicious cycle!” explains Dr Halliley.
How do you know if a moisturiser is non-comedogenic?
The first step is of course to look out for the phrase ‘non-comedogenic’ on a product's packaging or online description. However, as mentioned, the term isn't stringently regulated, meaning it can be ‘thrown around’ rather a lot. For this reason, it's always worth doing your own research. Search ingredient apps or websites for your chosen product to take a closer look at what's inside, and whether there is a comedogenic risk. You should also look out for certain ingredients to avoid, the experts agree. “Avoid heavy oils like coconut oil or lanolin,” notes Dr Halliley, while Dr Hall advises steering clear of certain alcohols, “which can contribute to pore blockages in some skin types.”
Dr Ashley has advice when it comes to finding a product that works specifically for you and your skin: “If you’re acne-prone, it’s useful to patch test on a small area for a week and keep the rest of your routine simple while trialling. And remember, comedogenicity isn’t usually caused by one ingredient in isolation. It depends on things like formulation, dilution, and your individual skin chemistry.”
What to look for in a non-comedogenic moisturiser.
Dr Khorana lays out the following checklist:
- Look for a non-comedogenic label.
- Opt for a lightweight texture (gel or lotion).
- Choose hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, squalane).
- Check for an ‘oil-free’ label.
- Try and stay away from coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, lanolin, cocoa butter.
