The Best Anti-Aging Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin
Having acne-prone skin can be super frustrating. Not only do you have to deal with breakouts, but you also have to worry about signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Finding the right moisturizer that hydrates your skin without clogging your pores can be a real challenge.After tons of research, testing, and reading reviews, I’ve rounded up the absolute best anti-aging moisturizers for acne-prone skin. These moisturizers are specifically formulated to deliver anti-aging benefits while also being gentle and non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores).Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, there’s an anti-aging moisturizer on this list that will work for you. I’ve included options at every price point from drugstore favorites to luxury splurges.Keep reading for my full reviews of the top anti-aging moisturizers for acne-prone skin!
Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
If you’re looking for an affordable everyday moisturizer, you can’t go wrong with Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid. I’ve been using Cetaphil products for years and their moisturizers never disappoint.This moisturizer is super lightweight and fast-absorbing. It contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin and niacinamide to minimize pores and improve skin texture. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free making it ideal for acne-prone skin.I love using this moisturizer under makeup because it hydrates without leaving a greasy residue. It also contains SPF 15 sun protection. For the low price tag, you really can’t beat this moisturizer!
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, SPF 15
Skin Types: Oily, combination, normal, dry
Pros:
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing
- Hydrating hyaluronic acid
- Pore-minimizing niacinamide
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Only SPF 15 (need separate SPF for prolonged sun exposure)
Best for Oily Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
Oily and acne-prone skin needs lightweight hydration that won’t clog pores. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream delivers intense hydration with an oil-free gel formula. It contains hyaluronic acid to quench thirsty skin and lock in moisture.This gel cream has an amazing cooling effect when applied to skin. It hydrates without leaving any greasy residue behind. I also love the hygienic packaging with a pump instead of a jar.In addition to hydration, this moisturizer helps improve skin texture and tone. It’s non-comedogenic and fragrance-free making it a great choice for acne-prone skin. After using this gel cream, my skin looks plump and dewy but not at all oily.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Skin Types: Oily, combination, norma
lPros:
- Oil-free gel formula
- Intense hydration from hyaluronic acid
- Cooling effect
- Fast-absorbing, non-greasy
- Fragrance-free
- Hygienic pump packaging
- Improves skin texture
Cons:
- Not moisturizing enough for very dry skin
Best for Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
If you have dry, acne-prone skin then First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is about to become your new holy grail moisturizer. This cream provides intense, long-lasting hydration without clogging pores.It has a whipped, buttery texture that feels so decadent when applied to skin. The formula contains colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture. Even though it’s rich and creamy, it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.This moisturizer is clinically shown to provide a 169% boost in hydration after just one use. It’s free of common irritants and safe for sensitive skin. I can’t rave enough about this moisturizer – it’s absolute perfection for dry, acne-prone skin.
Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, ceramides
Skin Types: Dry, normal, combination
Pros:
- Ultra-hydrating formula
- Whipped, creamy texture
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Fragrance-free
- Clinically shown to boost hydration
- Non-irritating for sensitive skin
Cons:
- Jar packaging isn’t the most hygienic
Best Natural: Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer
For a natural moisturizer that delivers serious anti-aging benefits, look no further than Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer. This USDA certified organic moisturizer contains fruit stem cells and vitamin C to hydrate skin while combating signs of aging.The lightweight formula absorbs quickly without leaving behind any oily residue. It’s packed with antioxidants from ingredients like resveratrol, grapeseed oil, and lemon balm extract. These antioxidants protect your skin against environmental damage.With regular use, this moisturizer improves skin texture, evens tone, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you have acne-prone skin but want to use clean, natural products, this is a fantastic option.
Key Ingredients: Fruit stem cells, vitamin C, antioxidants
Skin Types: Combination, oily, normal
Pros:
- USDA certified organic
- Antioxidants protect skin
- Improves skin texture
- Evens skin tone
- Absorbs quickly
- Non-greasy formula
Cons:
- Expensive
- Scent may not be for everyone
Best Splurge: Tatcha The Water Cream
Tatcha The Water Cream is one of my all-time favorite moisturizers for acne-prone skin. It delivers incredible hydration with a featherlight gel-cream formula. Japanese wild rose and Japanese leopard lily work together to tighten pores and improve skin texture.This moisturizer literally feels like a burst of hydration on your skin. It absorbs instantly without any greasy residue. My skin is left looking radiant and renewed after each use.Although it’s pricey, a little bit goes a long way so one jar lasts for months. It also contains 23-karat gold to impart a luminous glow. If you can splurge on one moisturizer, make it this one!
Key Ingredients: Japanese wild rose, Japanese leopard lily, 23-karat gold
Skin Types: Oily, combination, normal
Pros:
- Light gel-cream formula
- Instant absorption
- Tightens pores
- Improves skin texture
- Hydrates without oiliness
- Radiant, renewed skin
Cons:
- Very expensive
Best for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
If you have sensitive, acne-prone skin then you need a gentle moisturizer like Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer. This lightweight gel moisturizer helps strengthen the skin barrier while calming irritation and reducing redness.The formula contains Prebiotic Triple Oat Complex to soothe sensitive skin prone to dryness and flakiness. It hydrates without clogging pores or causing new breakouts. This moisturizer is fragrance-free, dye-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and allergy tested.Since starting to use this gel moisturizer, my sensitive skin has been noticeably calmer with less redness. It provides hydration without irritating my skin or causing stinging. Even if you don’t typically have sensitive skin, this gentle moisturizer is a great pick for acne-prone skin.Key Ingredients: Prebiotic triple oat complex
Skin Types: Sensitive, normal, combination, oilyPros:
- Soothes and strengthens skin barrier
- Calms irritation and redness
- Lightweight gel texture
- Fragrance-free and allergy tested
- Non-comedogenic
Cons:
- May not provide enough hydration for very dry skin
Best with SPF: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen
It’s so important to wear SPF daily to prevent sun damage, but finding a facial SPF that doesn’t break out acne-prone skin can be tricky. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen offers broad spectrum SPF 30 protection in a lightweight, oil-free formula.This moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate while niacinamide helps control oil and shrink pores. It has a matte, non-greasy finish that works beautifully under makeup.I was impressed by how lightweight this SPF moisturizer feels compared to many others I’ve tried. It hydrates without clogging pores or causing breakouts. For acne-prone skin that needs daily SPF, this CeraVe moisturizer is a winner.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, SPF 30
Skin Types: Oily, combination, normal
Pros:
- Oil-free formula with SPF 30
- Hydrating and pore-refining
- Matte, non-greasy finish
- Niacinamide controls oil
- Ceramides strengthen skin barrier
Cons:
- Slight white cast
Best for Redness & Irritation: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
In addition to breakouts, acne-prone skin also tends to deal with redness, irritation, and inflammation. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer was designed to soothe, calm, and hydrate sensitive skin.This oil-free moisturizer contains prebiotic thermal water and neurosensine to reduce irritation and visibly diminish redness. Ceramides repair the skin barrier while niacinamide refines skin texture. It moisturizes without causing new breakouts.If you struggle with acne along with red, irritated skin, this moisturizer helps restore comfort while delivering anti-aging benefits. It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic making it ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Key Ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, neurosensine, niacinamide
Skin Types: Sensitive, oily, combination
Pros:
- Soothes irritation and redness
- Oil-free formula
- Ceramides repair skin barrier
- Niacinamide improves texture
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons:
- Can cause stinging if skin is cracked or raw
