8 best non-comedogenic moisturisers for acne-prone skin, reviewed
In my quest to keep my dry, acne-prone skin in check, I've been searching for a non-comedogenic moisturiser that can hydrate without clogging pores or triggering breakouts. Finding the right balance has been a challenge, as many face creams that effectively combat dryness can sometimes feel too heavy or leave my skin congested. I’ve therefore become more mindful of ingredient lists, textures, and how products sit under makeup throughout the day.
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.
- The best non-comedogenic moisturisers of 2026
- How I tested
- Why you can trust me
- What does non-comedogenic mean?
- What skin types should consider using a non-comedogenic moisturiser?
- Can non-comedogenic moisturisers help prevent breakouts?
- How do you know if a moisturiser is non-comedogenic?
- What to look for when shopping for one
How I tested non-comedogenic moisturisers:
As someone who experiences occasional acne flare-ups, I understand what it takes to build a skincare routine that won’t aggravate 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. You can learn more about how we test here.
Why you can trust me
As a shopping writer for the past five years – three at Glamour and two contributing to titles such as Cosmopolitan, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar – testing beauty products has always been a core part of my job. Alongside that, I’ve regularly interviewed dermatologists and skincare experts to strengthen my beauty knowledge, which means I’ve developed a far more in-depth understanding of formulations and ingredients than the average beauty enthusiast.
When it comes to moisturisers, I’ve tried everything from vitamin C creams to barrier-repairing formulas, but as someone with acne-prone skin, not every product has agreed with me – many have clogged pores or triggered breakouts. Over the years, it’s taken consistent trial, error, and expert insight to refine my skincare routine and identify formulas that hydrate effectively without upsetting my skin. So when it comes to non-comedogenic moisturisers, I know exactly what I’m looking for: hydration, a lightweight feel, a non-greasy finish, and a formula I’ll actually want to reapply. If a product has made it onto this whittled down edit, you can trust it's passed the test.
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
- Tester: Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
- Active Ingredients: Prebiotic peptide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid.
- Skin Type: All.
- Size: 50ml.
- SPF: No.
Glamour-tester review: "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.
In my opinion, this face cream is as efficacious as they come. The silky, lightweight texture sinks in quickly, layers beautifully under makeup without pilling, and – crucially – is dermatologist-tested, so it won’t congest pores or cause irritation for sensitive skin. Just note: it doesn't have SPF in it – shop the best moisturisers with SPF for that."
The INKEY List Omega Water Cream Moisturiser
- Tester: Rebecca Fearn, Beauty Contributor.
- Active Ingredients: Omega fatty acid complex, glycerin, betaine, niacinamide.
- Skin Type: All.
- Size: 50ml.
- SPF: No
Glamour-tester review: "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.
Overall, it’s a dependable everyday moisturiser and a great option for combination skin, especially if your skin shifts with the seasons like mine does – tending to get oilier in the T-zone during summer but drier in winter. At just £11, it’s a near-perfect all-rounder."
DR SAM'S Flawless Moisturiser Intense
- Tester: Shani Cohen, Commerce Writer.
- Active Ingredients: Centella asiatica & madecassoside, ectoin, squalane.
- Skin Type: Sensitive skin.
- Size: 50ml.
- SPF: No.
Glamour-tester review: "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).
I reach for this most often as a night cream (and occasionally as a day cream) when my skin is feeling uncomfortable, without worrying that it will worsen breakouts. It helps calm things down and keeps my skin feeling balanced, even when it’s being reactive."
THE ORDINARY Natural Moisturising Factors + Beta Glucan
- Tester: Rebecca Fearn, Beauty Contributor.
- Active Ingredients: Amino acids, phospholipids, beta-glucan
- Skin Type: All
- Size: 100ml
- SPF: No
Glamour-tester review: "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.
I find that it still works to deeply hydrate, however, and won't pill when you put your SPF on top in the mornings. Overall, I'd say it's one of the best moisturisers for sensitive skin on the market right now."
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Gel-Cream
- Tester: Shani Cohen, Commerce Writer.
- Active Ingredients: Imperata Cylindrica root extract, antarcticine, cucumber
- Skin Type: Normal to oily
- Size: 50ml
- SPF: No
Glamour-tester review: "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.
The formula sinks in fast, feels weightless, and still keeps my skin hydrated without sitting on top or blocking pores. The gel texture is a big win too; it gives that instant cooling, fresh finish rather than the heavy “coated” feeling you get from richer creams."
Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Moisturiser
- Tester: Rebecca Fearn, Beauty Contributor.
- Active Ingredients: Cohederm complex, Avène thermal spring water.
- Skin Type: Dehydrated.
- Size: 50ml.
- SPF: No.
Glamour-tester review: "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."
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Anti-Ageing Cream
- Tester: Rebecca Fearn, Beauty Contributor.
- Active Ingredients: Ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids.
- Skin Type: Dry skin.
- Size: 48ml.
- SPF: No.
Glamour-tester review: "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 because instead of sitting as an additional thick layer on the skin, the lightweight texture melts in and restores comfort quickly, which is especially helpful if you’re using other acne treatments that can be drying."
- Tester: Rebecca Fearn, Beauty Contributor.
- Active Ingredients: Rice ferment, Japanese wild rose, Hadesai-3.
- Skin Type: Combination. Shop more moisturisers for combination skin here.
- Size: 50ml.
- SPF: No.
Glamour-tester review: "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."
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.
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. |
