There’s a common misconception that breakouts only affect us from our teens into our mid-20s. But whether it’s a bout of hormonal acne, a skin imbalance or just luck of the draw, adult acne really is a thing. And you’re not alone. There are a plethora of celebrities who struggle with acne, including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Selena Gomez.
If you’re in a constant battle with acne (and the excess oil that comes with it), you may be left wondering if your moisturiser is to blame – or if you should be moisturising at all.
We’re here to inform you that moisturiser is a critical element to any skin care routine for acne-prone skin. In fact, without moisturiser, your skin may be craving extra hydration. Cue the overproduction of oil and, well, you get the picture.
So to help you on your way to hydrated, more balanced skin, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best moisturisers for acne-prone skin.
The best moisturisers for acne-prone skin
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo + M Moisturiser
Now we need you all to know, La Roche-Posay is the French beauty brand that is well ahead of the game. And their latest blemish-busting addition only backs up our point. This super hydrating moisturiser not only gives your skin that essential boost of moisture, but it’s also formulated with salicylic acid. This acne-beating ingredient will ensure future breakouts won’t be as severe (or crop up at all) while also working to smooth and soothe the redness and marks left behind from acne scars. See? It’s a must-have multifunctional moisturiser.
“Fantastic and hydrating. The first time I used this I noticed my skin felt hydrated and soft. A week after using it, my skin was less red and my acne scars were not as obvious. The packaging is simple and modern and the scent is nice and subtle. I like the way the product makes me feel – more confident and it easily slips into my daily routine.” – shana-may smiles
Want to know more? Read more La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo + M Moisturiser Reviews.
$37.95 at Adore Beauty
Esmi Skin Minerals Hydrating Hydra-Fluid
When it comes to lightweight hydration, Esmi’s Hydra-Fluid is one of the best. This moisturiser offers a veil of hydration to balance your skin and protect against environmental aggressors. Safe to say we’ll be reaching for this acne-friendly moisturiser daily come summer…
Have you tried this product? Leave your Esmi Skin Minerals Hydrating Hydra-Fluid review.
$80 at Esmi Skin Minerals
Bioderma Sébium Sensitive Soothing Anti-Acne Moisturiser
Shine control, spot reduction, barrier repair — this anti-acne moisturiser truly does it all. Formulated with Bioderma’s Seborestore technology and Inflastop complex, the moisturiser rebalances sebum production whist soothing redness and inflammation caused by acne. The result? A soft, shine-free complexion that lasts all day.
“This feels lighter than Bioderma’s Sebium Hydra, but is still hydrating and soothing, a lot more gentler than products containing salicylic acid or other AHA’s, good for very irritated acne prone skin. Performs well under makeup and sunscreen, doesn’t pill, very comfortable.” – Katie08
Have you tried this product? Leave your Bioderma Sébium Sensitive Soothing Anti-Acne Moisturiser review.
$24.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Clinique Superdefense™ Night Recovery Moisturizer
Tackle redness, signs of ageing and excess oil overnight with Clinique’s Superdefense Night Recovery Moisturizer. It’s hydrating enough to refresh and renew your complexion as well as repairing the skin’s barrier. If a multi-tasking night moisturiser for acne-prone skin is what you’re looking for, this firming cream is your answer.
$76 at Myer
Ole Henrickson Cold Plunge™ Pore Remedy Moisturizer
Refresh your complexion and target spots and redness with this cooling lightweight moisturiser. It’s powered by BHA (AKA salicylic acid, the holy grail of acne-banishing skin care) and LHAs to soothe uneven texture and control surface oil. Bonus points for targeting signs of ageing!
$68 at Sephora
Paula’s Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer
Paula’s Choice is always our first point of call for targeted skin care solutions. And this oil-free option is the crème de la crème when it comes to moisturiser for acne-prone skin. Featuring a concoction of antioxidants, ceramides and niacinamide, this moisturiser works to minimise pores, soothe redness and hydrate your complexion, sans shine.
$42 at Sephora
Cetaphil Pro Acne Prone Moisturising Lotion SPF 25
The OG for a reason, Cetaphil really can do no wrong. Their oil-free moisturiser offers a non-comedogenic solution to hydrate and protect your skin with minimal irritation. It’s also super lightweight and offers the perfect skin care-SPF hybrid for layering under makeup.
“After using several different moisturisers with SPF added I have found this one to be my go to after recommendation from my dermatologist. It is the only one which does not break me out with pimples, glides on easily and is quickly absorbed as well as protecting me from the sun… There’s nothing I don’t like about this cream and will continue to use it!” – Thesmith.Girls
Want to know more? Read more Cetaphil Pro Acne Prone Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 reviews.
$18.49 at Chemist Warehouse
Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream
Gel creams are the ultimate warm weather hydrators, and Summer Fridays’ oil-free moisturiser is a true game changer for acne-prone skin. This product glides onto the skin and leaves you with a dewy, hydrated complexion all day. Cloud Dew features an abundance of skin-loving ingredients including hyaluronic acid, ceramides and amino acids so you can rest assured your skin barrier will remain nourished as well.
$66 at MECCA
COSRX Oil Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion
We love a K-beauty buy and this COSRX face cream is a life-saver for battling breakouts. Powered by birch sap, the lotion is targeted to sensitive and acne-prone skin. It hydrates without leaving any greasy residue behind and forms a protective layer atop your skin to help prevent future breakouts. The best part? You’ll find the K-beauty staple at your local supermarket.
$43 at Woolworths
Youth To The People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream
Powered by science, Youth To The People are experts in creating targeted skin care. So you can trust this superfood-enhanced moisturiser to nourish your skin, even in the worst of breakouts. Kale and green tea offer a hit of glow-inducing antioxidants, while hyaluronic acid and aloe vera provide the hydrating barrier-boost your oily skin craves.
$78 at Sephora
Azclear Action Medicated Lotion
If there’s anything we love most in the world, it’s a multifunctional beauty product. And this acne-busting lotion is just that. While the gently hydrating lotion formula isn’t the superstar of this show, it still makes a big hydrating difference for those with blemish-prone skin. But what really sets this star apart is the hard-hitting ingredients. Azelaic acid is perfect for helping to reduce excess oil known to clog and congest pores. The antibacterial pick is also fragrance-free, and works to reduce the appearance of blemishes and inflammation.
Want to read more? Read Azclear Action Medicated Lotion Reviews here…
$14.95 at Healthy Life
Do you suffer from acne-prone skin? What is your go-to moisturiser?
They all sound really good in a sense with what they help to combat
I love moisturising and Bioderma ones is the best from those
Love a water-gel moisturiser, they feel so fresh on the skin!
Should give it a try. Water-gel sound nice
I love them too.
Very interesting article thank you BH.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo is the best option (In my opinion).
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La roche and alpha h is good. I have tired a few of the others…
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Gel creams and serums feel the best on my skin
Love that you can find the K-Beauty one at woolies. Need to check it out
What a difference in price. They all sound alright to me.
I was a bit confused looking at the Cetaphil title and its corresponding image thinking why would a foam wash contain SPF but it appears the incorrect image has been included in the article.
good pick up
No acne prone skin for me. I’m always using a different moisturiser. I get bored using the same things.
La Roche Posay and Bioderma are super gentle
So many Great Products available Bioderma has some fantastic products.
Great selection of moisturizers.
Love the sound of the Paula’s Choice and La Roche Posay ones
Luckily acne is not a problem for me any more
Dermalogica Active Moist
I used to have, back then used no skincare. As my skin was producing so much grease and sebum. Natural moisturizer lol
Love that pretty blue of the Esmi one!!
Cetaphil Pro Acne Prone Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 looks like a great all in one too….my skin has definitely settled down now I’m not in my teens/20’s/30’s etc but it’s taken a long long time to get beyond this – I still get the odd pimple though! Thank goodness acne is far from me now.
Good for those who need it
This is an issue for all my kids, so I’m paying more attention to acne treating products than I have for a while!
I only get acne when I have my period. I would definitely like to try the Cetaphil one.
They all dound like great options
Such nice packaging! X
I wish they were in rewards room. I am looking for good moisturiser for my son.But thanks for the suggestions.
Such great products to try and a fantastic read, thanks bh!.
I would love to know in these articles whether there is a strong fragrance for not. I bought the Sebium a while ago and the fragrance is too overwhelming to use. Such a shame!
I definitely recommend La Roche Posay!
Acne isn’t a problem for me.
I don’t suffer from acne too much only when my period come around i do its not intense i hope it doesn’t get worse when i get older
Perfect article for me
good for summer