Struggling to find a moisturizer that hydrates you without breaking you out? Sick of creams that leave an oily residue?
Finding the best non-comedogenic moisturizer for your skin type can be hard. (‘Comedogenic’ meaning something that clogs pores – and no one wants that!) So we’re here to help.
Here are 15 of the finest moisturizers and lotions out right now which are kind to your skin barrier without the spotty side effects!
The 15 Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers:
1. Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer
SPF moisturizers can simplify your routine so much – but most of them just leave you greasy! This is why we adore this formula, which gives you broad-spectrum SPF without sacrificing that matte finish.
If that wasn’t enough, it also contains antioxidants. These will limit any damage from things like pollution, stress, and everyday wear and tear, making this a great choice from shielding against the signs of aging and general damage.
Does it come with a luxury price tag? Kind of. But you do get a lot of product for your money, and the lightweight feel it provides is really rare in an SPF moisturizer.
2. EltaMD Skincare AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
This powerful yet gentle formula is a stand out choice for anyone with sensitive or spot-prone skin.
It’s great to see Hyaluronic Acid in here for plumping and long-lasting hydration. And this is paired with acne-fighting Niacinamide, a fantastic ingredient for controlling sebum production and soothing redness.
Combine these with the added caffeine for tighter, brighter skin, and you’ve got a pretty flawless formula for all skin types. With no fragrance or oils in sight! Bravo, EltaMD!
Keep in mind that while this is branded as an “AM” cream, it doesn’t contain SPF, so you’ll have to add that after. But you already have an SPF… we hope!
3. Filorga Hydra-Filler Mat – Perfecting Moisturizer
As non-comedogenic products go, this is one of the best if your budget stretches a little to the luxury side. And your money is well spent here, as this cream is just jam-packed with goodies.
Fatty acids are great for strengthening your skin against damage. And there’s a good amount of fatty-acid rich Shea Butter in here. Along with this, Sodium Hyaluronate has been added to fight aging while improving overall texture.
We also love to see some Coenzyme A included, as it can be hard to come by. In one study, this enzyme was actually shown to stimulate collagen production! Impressive.
It would take too long to list all the best ingredients in this cream but trust us: it’s a winner. And Filorga has used a good dollop of Propanediol to ensure all the benefits are absorbed as much as possible.
4. Murad Hydration Nutrient-Charged Water Gel
This treat of a product is perfect if you’re looking for something innovative. The gel formula has a lighter, cooler feel than traditional moisturizers, making it great for acne-prone skin.
Gels have a bit of a reputation for being less hydrating than lotions or creams. But not this one! As well as some more standard humectants and emollients, Murad uses Urea here to hydrate and soften at once.
Interestingly, it’s also packed with antioxidant ferments. Not something you see every day! As well as peptides which are widely renowned for their collagen-building powers.
If you’re looking for something at the forefront of skincare science, check this out. Perhaps the best non-comedogenic moisturizer if you love gel consistencies.
5. Bliss Drench and Quench Cream-To-Water Hydrator
This vegan, gel-like option from Bliss stands out from other non-comedogenic products for its beautiful texture and affordable mid-range price point.
If you like formulas that feel light as a feather on the skin, you’ll love this straight away. It sinks in quickly, leaving little to no residue at all. Excellent for reducing that oily feeling!
But what’s inside? Well, this cute packaging hides a super hydrating formula. Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, and Dimethicone are all high up on the ingredient list, and together these work to lock in moisture, protect and soften.
It’s also got some lovely plant extracts, including German Chamomile. This is the stronger of the two main varieties usually used when it comes to soothing inflammation on all skin types.
6. Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30
This is a deeply nourishing and protective little number from Murad. Not only is it an excellent non-comedogenic face moisturizer, but it contains Vitamin C as well as SPF!
Having your hydration, antioxidant, and sun protection all in one handy tube is super convenient if you’re looking to simplify your routine. This way you won’t have to buy a fancy Vit C serum and separate SPF, making it a good value for money.
As any skincare junkie knows, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant known for its brightening and purifying properties. Its array of benefits have made it a staple in skincare for both young and old.
But it can be a little unstable as an ingredient and difficult to know what to pair with. So we love to see it pre-formulated into products like this. Just makes life simpler!
7. Perricone MD High Potency Classics: Face Finishing & Firming Moisturizer
A truly high-end edition to our list, and one which follows through with stunning results, this is a natural-look alternative to foundation and a good moisturizer in one.
As tinted moisturizers go, this is on the subtly pigmented side of things. However, its complexion-smoothing formula (which includes the antioxidant Thioctic Acid) means that over time you’ll have fewer imperfections to cover up anyway!
Along with a whole host of other nourishing ingredients, this cream contains a stable form of Vitamin C: tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. All forms of Vitamin C will help brighten, but this is perhaps the easiest for your skin to absorb.
If you’re dealing with dark spots or scarring, this might just be the best non-comedogenic moisturizer for you.
8. Oars + Alps Natural Face Moisturizer + Eye Cream
Not only is this cream excellently priced, but it’s perfect if you suffer from a tricky combination of dry yet acne-prone skin.
There are some great natural ingredients in here for keeping your skin’s equilibrium. Non-comedogenic Safflower seed oil, for example, is included to help control sebum production.
Combine that with some skin-loving fatty acids and calming aloe, and you’ve got a light yet intensely soothing formula without breaking the bank. Did we mention that this saves you even more money by doubling as an eye cream?
If you want your pores to breathe while being gently nourished, check this out!
9. AHAVA Time to Hydrate Essential Day Moisturizer
Enriched with Vitamin E, amino acids, Urea, and Aloe, this is a brilliant all-rounder despite its small size.
A light, non-comedogenic formula lessens the chances of breakouts, while deeply hydrating ingredients make this suitable even for dryer skin. So you can use it all year round, from winter to sticky summer!
There is some fragrance here, but not too much. And the inclusion of fatty alcohols and lactic acid should balance out any irritation while leading to healthier, stronger skin in the long run.
If you want a lot of product for your money, go for something larger perhaps. But as creams for combination skin go, this is one of the fastest absorbing and non-irritating.
10. BeautyRx by Dr. Schultz Retinol Cream (2.5%)
Retinol is often referred to as the “gold standard” of anti-aging ingredients. Not only can it treat acne, but it can prevent and even reverse the signs of aging.
Does this mean you can only use this if you’re already seeing fine lines and wrinkles? Absolutely not! After all, when it comes to skincare, prevention is key.
2.5% isn’t exactly beginner-strength retinol, so keep that in mind. However, what we love about this product is that it comes in the form of a nourishing moisturizer that’s gentle enough even for the eye area.
Did we mention that it’s super affordable for a retinol product? And it contains green tear, one of the skincare world’s most beloved antioxidants?? A flawless product from every angle.
11. Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer
This non-comedogenic lotion is great if you don’t suffer from too much dryness and just need something light.
It contains lactic acid, one of the gentler exfoliating acids for removing dead cells for a healthier glow. As lactic acid is pretty low on the ingredient list, we’re guessing it’s not a high concentration, but it’ll still give you results if used daily.
Like almost all products from MB, it does contain essential oils, which give off a flowery scent. However, if you like your moisturizer to smell good, and you normally use essential oils with no issue, don’t let that stop you!
Overall, this is a great summer moisturizer if you’re a fan of short ingredient lists and want to start incorporating those all-important exfoliating acids into your routine.
12. L’Occitane Comforting Cream
This option is even more scented, so skip past if you’re not a fan of fragrance! But we’ve got to include it for its healing benefits and high concentration of shea butter.
Shea butter isn’t given quite enough credit for just how nutritious it is for the skin while improving texture. Combine this with the soothing Cetearyl alcohol here, and you’ve got a recipe for super soft skin.
But how about its power to lock in moisture? There are some sturdy emollients in here which will create a nice barrier over the skin without clogging your pores.
All in all, this is definitely one to check out if you want your moisturizer to simply hydrate and soften without fancy extras.
13. Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer
Some oils are great for your skin, but if you’re looking for a totally oil-free moisturizer with added benefits, this might just be the one.
This light, antioxidant-enriched cream provides sun protection with Zinc Oxide (perhaps the best environmentally friendly SPF ingredient!). On top of that, it’s got some aloe too, making it great for soothing acne.
But the most impressive thing about this stuff is probably its cocktail of vitamins. Not only does it contain Vitamin E and B5 (amazing for supporting overall appearance) but Vitamin C too!
If you have super dry skin, you may want to use a regular moisturizer underneath, but otherwise, this is a decently hydrating product. If you’re after a nutrient-rich mineral sunscreen that won’t feel heavy, treat yourself to this star product.
14. La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense UV Face
La Roche-Posay’s reputation for effective formulas is well-earned, and this non-comedogenic face moisturizer with staying power is a testament to that.
This product promises to give you a whopping 24 hours of hydration. This is thanks to a good dose of hyaluronic acid, a beautiful humectant for reinvigorating dry, dull skin.
Like many high-quality creams these days, it also contains antioxidants. These will work to fight free radicals to lessen the signs of wear and tear. Combine this with the skin-plumping power of the hyaluronic acid, and you’re onto a winner.
Texture-wise, this formula is very non-greasy. So check it out if you’re looking for anti-aging benefits, sun protection, and hydration without heavy creams.
15. Mario Badescu Oil-Free Moisturizer
Another cute little bottle from Mario Badescu, this is a calming, oil-free option for acne-prone skin.
There’s not only Green Tea in here (an antioxidant is known for its anti-aging properties) but also Aloe Vera and a plant called St John’s Wort which is known to have a calming effect on the skin. Quite the botanical cocktail!
The texture is light and creamy and absorbs quickly into the skin. Overall, a great choice if you deal with excess sebum production and want to give your skin some TLC.
The best non-comedogenic moisturizer ever? Maybe not. But if you love the smell of Mario Badescu products and you need something oil-free that’ll also protect you from the ravages of UV light, it’s got you covered.
Joan S. Wilson is a lifelong makeup and skincare enthusiast. She used to work as a makeup artist for 5 years. Joan is always curious and wants to learn more when it comes to makeup and skincare. She tries her best to make other people’s skin health better. This is why Joan is so passionate about writing articles on beauty topics. She always looks for products that are high-quality, dermatologist-tested, and does that it says on the label. In every article, she shares her knowledge to make your life healthier and happier!