Best Overall

Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer

$72

$69 at Amazon$72 at Sephora$72 at Nordstrom

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, hordeum vulgare leaf juice| Skin Type: Acne-prone | SPF: None | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Tata Harper is known for its high-performing skincare products, boasting ingredients grown on the brand’s Vermont farm, and this moisturizer from the brand did not disappoint. While traditional acne products can be harsh and medicinal, this formula includes a blend of plant oils and botanical extracts to fight blemishes. After using the moisturizer consistently for one month, testers had fewer breakouts, and any blemishes were less red and inflamed than usual. This checks out—the formula’s two key ingredients are jojoba oil and honey, both of which are known to heal acne and boost hydration without clogging pores. We loved the moisturizer’s smooth, soothing consistency and the light botanical scent. It took a few minutes for the formula to absorb into the skin, but once absorbed, themoisturizer didn’t feel heavy or greasy.

Rachel, tester with combination skin: “I think this is one of the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin that I have ever used. It doesn’t clog my pores and actually reduces my breakouts and blemishes. It even helped minimize puffiness from any blemishes that I did have.”

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream

View on Ulta$20 at TargetView on Instacart.com

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin| Skin Type: Acne-prone, all | SPF: No | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Hyaluronic acid is great for acne-prone skin as it draws in water to keep the skin plump and hydrated without feeling greasy or clogging pores. Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost is a trusty drugstore option that’s affordable, readily available, and performs just as well as more expensive options. Compared to other gel creams we’ve tried, this one doesn’t leave behind that sticky feeling, which is a win in our book. While it doesn’t contain acne-fighting ingredients per se, it helps keep our skin hydrated and soothes dry spots when using stronger actives.

Star Donaldson, social media director with combination skin: “This moisturizer has a lightweight gel texture that immediately melts into my skin. It is hydrating without leaving a sticky feeling behind like many other gel creams I’ve tried.”

Best for Combination Skin

Bubble Cloud Surf Water Cream Moisturizer

$15 at Amazon$16 at UltaView on Hellobubble.com

Key Ingredients: Hibiscus extract, celery seed extract, syringa vulgaris| Skin Type: Acne-prone, combination | SPF: No | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Having combination skin can make it challenging to find the right moisturizer. But this one from Bubble is a game-changer. The quick-absorbing water cream quenches dry areas while hibiscus, celery seed, and lilac extract control sebum production in oily areas, helping to minimize the look of pores. Ali Webb, Byrdie’s associate style editor, says it especially calms and tones her skin during seasonal changes and stressful periods. She loves that it melts into the skin, making it perfect for those who don’t like a heavy feeling on their face. Though it comes at a fairly affordable price, this moisturizer feels way more luxe.

Ali Webb, associate style editor with combination skin: “Bubble’s Cloud Surf is one of my favorite moisturizers because it effectively hydrates drier parts of my skin while also regulating sebum production and pore size on the oilier sections—a crucial balance in minimizing breakouts for my combination skin.”

Best for Dry Skin

Sofie Pavitt Face Omega Rich Moisturizer

$64 at SephoraView on Sofiepavittface.com$64 at Goop.com

Key Ingredients: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, squalane, jojoba and argan Oils| Skin Type: Dry, mature, acne-prone | SPF: None | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Having dry skin and acne can make you feel like you’ve been cursed twice; it can be hard to find products that address both issues without making the other worse. Yet Sofie Pavitt Face Omega Rich Moisturizer deeply hydrates skin without causing breakouts. The magic can be partly attributed to ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, squalane, and jojoba oil, known to provide superb hydration without clogging pores. Senior News Editor Bella Cacciatore says she has struggled to find a rich moisturizer that doesn’t break her out, but after finding this one, she won’t go without it. It leaves her with glass skin—without feeling heavy or greasy—and it’s the ideal base for makeup.

Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor with dry, acne-prone skin: “I LOVE this moisturizer so much. It’s so difficult to find a rich moisturizer that doesn’t break me out, and this one does the job. It has a thick, bouncy texture that leaves the prettiest glossy glow behind but doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. It instantly makes my skin feel hydrated and bouncy, and is such a nice base for makeup. I actually can’t live without it.”

Best With Antioxidants

Face Reality ClearDerma Moisturizer

View on Facerealityskincare.com

Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, bisabolol, totarol| Skin Type: Acne-prone | SPF: No | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We have all heard we should use antioxidants to prevent aging, but when you’re trying to manage acne, adding a vitamin C serum can be the last thing on your mind. Face Reality makes it easy to do so with their moisturizer that contains several antioxidants, including green tea. The lightweight moisturizer is specifically formulated for acne-prone skin—it’s lightweight, doesn’t clog pores, and soothes red, irritated skin all the while regulating sebum. After using it consistently for a year, Senior Editor Shauna Beni-Haynes says it has tremendously improved her skin, which is prone to cystic acne and whiteheads.

Shauna Beni-Haynes, senior editor with cystic, hormonal breakouts and whiteheads: “After continuously using it night and day for the past year, my skin has changed tremendously in a positive way. It doesn’t break me out, it does not feel heavy on the skin, it works great when layering with serums, eye creams, and SPF, and there is no fragrance.”

Best for Sensitive Skin

Murad Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel

$49

$45 at Amazon$50 at Sephora$49 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid| Skin Type: Acne-prone, sensitive | SPF: None | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Murad is a tried-and-true brandyou can rely on for caring for acne-prone skin. With that said, our number one pick is the Clarifying Water Gel, an oil-free, noncomedogenic formula. It hydrates with hyaluronic acid, heals and soothes with ginger root extract, and keeps breakouts at bay with a very mild dose of salicylic acid. We also appreciate that this oil-free moisturizer contains Korean red pine extract, a natural antimicrobial that helps inhibit the spread of acne-causing bacteria. Thanks to its water gel texture, the moisturizer wasextremely lightweight; our tester couldn’t feel it on her face. She has very sensitive skin, yet she didn’t have any irritation, redness, or tingling when using this product. By the end of the testing period, her complexion was clearer and more hydrated. While we wish this formula contained SPF, its simplicity can be ideal for those with sensitivities.

Dana, tester with dry, sensitive skin: “This moisturizer felt like nothing was on my face, which was amazing. I didn’t experience any sensitivity, burning, redness, or tingling when I applied it.”

Best With Salicylic Acid

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Acne Facial Moisturizer

$26

$9 at Amazon

$25

$19 at WalmartView on Instacart.com

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, soy| Skin Type: Acne-prone | SPF: None | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Using a moisturizer with salicylic acid is a good way to keep breakouts at bay, explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that removes excess oil and dead cells from the skin to keep the pores clear. However, since this ingredient can be slightly drying, you can overdo it and dry out your complexion. With only a 0.5% concentration of salicylic acid, this Aveeno moisturizer gently unclogs without causing dryness. In fact, whenever our tester applied this moisturizer, he got a refreshing dose of hydration. Although he enjoyed the fresh scent, it didn’t linger either. He used this moisturizer daily, and his breakouts decreased not only in frequency but also in severity.

Mike, tester with combination skin: “I loved the way this moisturizer felt on my skin. It felt like my skin was thanking me every time I applied it. My skin was more hydrated, and my breakouts decreased in frequency and severity.”

Best for Redness

Dr. Jart+ Teatreement Moisturizer

$35

$19 at Amazon$35 at Sephora$35 at QVC

Key Ingredients: Tea tree leaf extract, niacinamide | Skin Type: Inflamed,acne-prone | SPF: None | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

One of the most annoying side effects of acne is redness. Thankfully, with moisturizers like this one from Dr. Jart+, you cansoothe inflammation instantly with tea tree leaf extract, which is known to kill acne-causing bacteria and decrease inflammation. The moisturizer also features a Green Calming Complex, including green tea extract and aloe vera, to soothe and hydrate. Every time our tester applied this lightweight moisturizer, she felt a refreshing, cooling sensation and watched the redness in her skin disappear. She was left withrejuvenated, glowy skin, likely due to the niacinamide, which further helps to reduce redness and brighten blemishes. We appreciate how the moisturizer doesn’t leave a residue or clog pores; our tester didn’t notice a spike in breakouts during the testing period. While she adored the initial glow the cream gave her, it didn’t necessarily last all day, so we recommend reapplying throughout the day for glass skin.

Shannon, tester with combination skin: “I layered it on after my typical skincare routine. Other moisturizers sometimes would cause redness in combination, but this moisturizer worked perfectly alongside it. You could tell my skin looked refreshed and had a glow to it.”

Best for Mature Skin

Dr. Barbara Stürm Clarifying Face Cream

$240 at Amazon$240 at Sephora$240 at Nordstrom

Key Ingredients: Zinc, macadamia nut oil, vitamins C and E| Skin Type: Acne-prone, mature | SPF: None | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Yes, spending over $200 on a cream may seem like a huge investment, but considering that this onetreats both acne and fine lines and wrinkles, the price is relatively reasonable, as you are essentially getting two products in one. Zinc removes excess sebum that can contribute to pimples, while a blend of plant oils strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier and restores its balance. Vitamins C and E help prevent aging and reveal a brighter, more radiant tone. The result is a thick, creamy moisturizer that absorbs quickly, leaving a lightweight, hydrated feel. We weren’t a fan of the medicinal scent, but eventually, we got used to it.

Kate, tester with combination, sensitive skin: “I liked that it felt creamy and luxurious to put on but felt lightweight when I was actually wearing it. I didn’t experience any breakouts (which is very common for me when trying new moisturizers).”

Best for Oily Skin

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Moisturizer

$11

$11 at Amazon

$11

$11 at WalmartView on CVS

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, kojic acid, licorice root| Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | SPF: None | Size: 3 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Oily skin and acne often go hand in hand, and if your skin is truly an oil slick, you might wonder why you even need to use a moisturizer. Well, completely skipping out on hydrating products can cause your skin to overproduce sebum, making it even more oily and susceptible to breakouts. Instead, it’s best to use a noncomedogenic moisturizer, like this one from Cetaphil, that helps reduce oil and pimples. Salicylic acid unclogs pores and prevents breakouts, while kojic acid and licorice root help fade acne scars.The formula has asoft and thick feel, yet it instantly dissolves into the skin, absorbing excess oil and leaving skin smooth, matte, and buttery soft. Additionally, it excels as a primer for makeup, creating an oil-free, velvety base for foundation and concealer. Granted, it’s not the most hydrating moisturizer we’ve tried, but for those trying to control their oily skin, this might provide just the right amount of moisture.

Bailey, tester with combination skin: “The product absorbs really well into the skin. After rubbing it in, you don’t even realize it’s there, and it layers really well with other products. My foundation still looks good and natural over the moisturizer. In fact, it works as a really good makeup primer because it has mattifying properties.”

Best Oil-Free

Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer

$84

$76 at Amazon$84 at Sephora$84 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Essential amino acid derivatives, red marine algae| Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | SPF: None | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you already use strong ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin to treat acne, it’s usually best to skip out on salicylic acid in your moisturizer and instead use a simple cream that soothes and hydrates. This oil-free formula from Kate Somerville isextremely gentle and hydrating, featuring only amino acids and red marine algae to help plump the skin, improve elasticity, and enhance firmness. Applying this cream was a treat, as it provided an immediate cooling effect. With a lightweight, water-like consistency, it soaked into skin quickly and layered beautifully with tretinoin cream and sunscreen.

At the end of the testing period, our tester was a little disappointed that the cream didn’t leave her with more of a glow. Despite the hydration, those with deep skin tones looked a little ashy, similar to how sunscreen can leave darker skin tones looking grayish.

Chantia, tester with combination, oil skin: “It was so light that it absorbed in no time. It is very gentle and provides an immediate cooling effect that I feel mostly in my cheek area. At the end of the testing period, my skin looked very good: I have no new acne, and my dark spots have been fading.”

Best With SPF

Dermalogica Clearing Defense SPF30

$30

$29 at Amazon$30 at UltaView on Dermstore

Key Ingredients: Willow bark, tapioca, green tea extract, vitamin C| Skin Type: Acne-prone | SPF: SPF 30 | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We all know we’re supposed to wear sunscreen daily, but it can be challenging to find a sunscreen that doesn’t exacerbate breakouts. That’s why we love this Dermalogica moisturizer with SPF and acne-fighting ingredients. Thanks to SPF 30 and antioxidant protection from green tea and vitamin C, it’s the perfect product to use in the morning to protect your skin. If you’re worried sunscreen will make your acne-prone skin oily, rest assured that this one uses tapioca to help reduce shine.

Jessica, tester with combination skin: “This product is more of a sunscreen than a moisturizer. It’s important to note that it took quite a bit of rubbing in to absorb, which is typical of sunscreen. I look for nongreasy moisturizers and sunscreens, so it was great to use one that performed so well.”