Best Moisturizers for Dry, Oily, or Sensitive Acne Prone Skin

Trying to find products that will work with acne prone skin can feel like trying to make it to the moon – nearly impossible. Especially when your skin type has other concerns like being oily, dry, or sensitive, running the gauntlet to find products to help your skin is as daunting as every with all of the choices on the market. Moisturizer is one of the most important aspects to any skincare routine for acne, too, so finding the best moisturizer for your acne prone skin should be a priority. We’ve put together this list to help you find the right moisturizer for your acne to avoid irritating it, no matter what your skin type is.

All people with acne prone skin types should look for a moisturizer that will provide an intense burst of long lasting hydration without any overly rich ingredients that will irritate your acne. If you have dry skin, you’ll want more emollient ingredients. If you have oily skin, you’ll want an oil-free gel-type moisturizer that isn’t too rich. For sensitive acne prone skin, a natural moisturizer without many fragrances or unnecessary, irritating ingredients. Let’s jump into our specific recommendations for the best moisturizer for each skin type!

Best Moisturizers for Dry, Acne Prone Skin:

When your skin is both dry AND has acne, you need to provide healing ingredients that will give your face a moisture boost without causing more acne. Also make sure you’re not using harsh products that are causing the dryness and irritation. Our favorite moisturizer for acne and dry skin is First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream. This is a seriously nourishing, hydrating cream that should help give your face some hydrating love while repairing the irritation that is probably causing the acne.

For Oily, Acne Prone Skin Types:

To moisturize oily, acne prone skin, you have to be careful with accidentally overdoing it in the oil department. This is why gel creams make a great product for you. Our favorite oily-skin moisturizer for those with acne is the Clinique Moisture Surge which hydrates the skin for 12 hours, but doesn’t leave any greasiness, oiliness, or stickiness behind. It won’t cause acne and will help your skin become healthier, ridding you of existing acne problems.  

For Sensitive, Acne Prone Skin Types:

Sensitive skin can be problematic to moisturize because it’s often irritated by additional ingredients. That’s why we recommend a simple, basic moisturizer for this skin type, like CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion. This is one lotion that will truly keep your skin hydrated without causing more problems for your skin’s sensitivity.

If you need a moisturizer with SPF for your sensitive skin, we recommend Aveeno Active Naturals Ultra Calming Daily Moisturizer. This has an SPF of 15 to provide your sensitive skin the extra sun protection it needs, while keeping it moisturized and acne-free.

Finally, if none of these moisturizers work for you no matter what your skin type, Cetaphil’s Moisturizers include a huge array of non-irritating, non-comedogenic moisturizers that have SPF, anti-acne properties, or just provide an extra hydrating burst depending on your needs. Sure, they’re not a fancy skincare brand, but if you need to take care of your acne, they are trustworthy and high quality!

Moisturizing your skin is one of the best things you can do for it, especially if you tend to have acne. Oily, dry, and sensitive skin types can all benefit from different types of moisturizers. Use one from this list to get closer to your holy grail moisturizer, and let us know which one you liked!