10 Best Moisturizers for Oily Acne Prone Skin – Tested & Reviewed

Yes, oily acne-prone skin also needs a moisturiser, be it gel-based or creme based but it has to be a non-comedogenic one. 

Here is why! 

The oily skin lacks certain fatty acids like linolenic acid as per studies and to overcome that deficiency, the skin starts producing oils on its own. 

When the oil is removed with the drying facewashes and other cleansers, it produces the oil, even more, to stay hydrated and to compensate. 

So the solution is to provide a moisturizer for oily skin that is non-comedogenic and absorbs quickly without clogging the pores. 

Here are the best moisturizers for oily acne-prone skin that I have found to be the best after emptying each bottle of them on my face all through these years. 

1. Aloe Vera Gel

The most affordable skincare hero is a must for oily skin and it is the saviour when nothing seems to be working. And no matter what you apply to your skin, it breaks you out even more, the aloe vera gel comes to your rescue. 

I used it for 3 months when I ditched all the skin care products to treat my acne and switched to natural ones only. 

Pros of aloe vera gel as a moisturizer

• Gel-based consistency
• Absorbs easily
• It helps to heal the active acne
• Works great on acne scars
• Hydrates the skin as it has natural salicylic acid and vitamins A, C and E along with minerals and antioxidants (source)
• Super Affordable 
• You can use aloe vera gel overnight for acne treatment
• 7 ways to make DIY moisturizers for oily skin with aloe vera

Cons of Aloe vera gel moisturizer 

• Some people may feel that there is a layer of something on their skin (I personally never felt so)

Overall Rating – 5/5

2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel

Another holy grail that feels like water and goes deep inside the skin like a charm.

Neutrogena hydro boost is also used as a primer for that glowy finish but its primary role is to hydrate your skin with the goodness of hyaluronic acid in it. 

I used the jar religiously for a month and I simply love it. 

If the budget is not an issue and you just want hydration, then this one is a must-have moisturizer for oily acne-prone skin as it hydrates the skin from within and doesn’t clog pores. 

Pros of Neutrogena Hydro boost

• Gets absorbed easily 
• It has a high quantity of hyaluronic acid and glycerin
• Provides 72 hours of hydration
• Certified non-comedogenic
• Strengthen the skin barrier 
• Gives smooth skin with daily use 
• Gentle on skin 
• Suitable for sensitive acne-prone skin as well

Cons of Neutrogena Hydro boost

• On a little pricey side 
• It doesn’t work on active pimples or acne
• It repairs the skin but won’t do much for your adult acne
• You should use it when you are not facing any active acne 

Overall Rating – 4/5

3. L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Crystal Essence

This salicylic acid essence not only acts as a moisturizer for oily acne-prone skin, but it also clears it.

Salicylic acid is known to dry out pimples and remove blackheads, whiteheads and comedones. 

If you suffer from such skin problems then do give it a try. 

Start with the smallest bottle to try it out and if your skin likes it, go for the bigger glass ones. 

I used the bigger glass bottle when I had active acne and it cleared my skin so well that I received a hell-lot of compliments on a family function when I was without any make-up!

Pros of L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Crystal Essence

• It has a clear water-like consistency
• It even absorbs in the skin like water
• Contains salicylic acid essence that absorbs in the skin upto 10 layers
• Moisturizes the skin in just a few drops 
• It helps in clearing active acne 
• Reduces acne marks visibly

Cons

• It’s on the pricey side but you can try it with the small bottle that costs 179 for 22 ml
• You should not use one active ingredient consecutively for more than 3 months 

Overall Rating – 4/5

4. Dot & key Night Reset Retinol & Ceramides Night Cream

I recently got my hands on this moisturizer that is non-comedogenic and contains retinol and ceramides along with hibiscus extract.

I was sceptical before using it as it was my first retinol but this turned out so good!

Pros of Dot & Key Night Reset Cream

• Non-comedogenic formula
• Blends well and absorbs well when massaged for a minute
• Non-sticky texture
• It contains retinol, ceramides and anti-oxidants so not only it is good for acne-prone skin, it just completes your anti-ageing regime as well
• Retinol also works on acne reduction 
• The 60 ml tub lasts for about 1-2 months 
• If you are in your 30s, you must try it

Cons

• Takes a while to absorb as you have to massage it into the skin
• You will feel the heat in your skin for a minute
• Can only be used at night 
• You must use sunscreen the following day as retinol can make you prone to sun tan
• Not as cheap as Ponds but still at a good price 

Overall Rating – 5/5

5. Plum Green Tea Renewed Clarity Night Gel

Green tea has been a potent ingredient to reduce acne by detoxifying the skin.

Another reason why I always vouch for drinking green tea in your routine, it will keep you acne-free and it even works on adult acne. This article has everything you need to know about using green tea for acne, drinking it, apply on face, green tea masks and precautions.

Plum green tea renewed clarity night gel is calming on inflamed skin and when you apply it after a tiring summer day, it would feel really amazing!

My sister gave me this gel and I simply love it for its soothing properties. 

Pros of plum night clarity gel moisturizer

• Sinks in the skin pretty quickly
• Calms and soothes the inflamed and heated skin
• Green tea, glycolic acid and willow bark (natural salicylic acid) make it a great combo to fight acne from all fronts 
• Non-sticky, non-oily, gel-based formula

Cons

• Other than being on a higher budget side, I don’t see any other con in this gel
• However, it’s not anti-ageing, it works for acne and clear skin mostly

Overall Rating – 4/5

6. Aroma Magic aloe vera Gel-Based Moisturizer

Aroma Magic is another affordable brand that has good products and is really effective when used consistently.

There are a variety of moisturizers for acne-prone skin in aroma magic but I will vouch for only those that I have used and found effective.

If you are on a budget, aroma magic has got you.

Pros of aroma magic aloe vera sunscreen gel

• It contains the goodness of aloe vera so absorbs quickly
• Has SPF 20  in it so you won’t need another product
• Protects against UVA &UVB
• Provides good hydration 
• A non-sticky feeling on the face with a healthy glow

Cons

• Not as effective on acne and acne marks as the Patanjali aloe vera gel for me

Overall Rating – 5/5

7. Pond’s Super Light Gel Oil-free Face Moisturizer

This can be said to be a dupe of the Neutrogena hydro boost but it only gets better. 

This light gel is not only affordable but is effective as well. 

Made with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, this is everything a thirsty oily skin needs.

Pros of Pond’s Super Light Gel 

• Quick Absorbing gel-like texture
• Provides 24-hour Hydration
• Rich in vitamin E so nourishes the skin too
• Adds glow just like Neutrogena hydro boost
• It can be used prior to makeup too
• Affordable price

Cons 

• The tub is a little cumbersome to open & close
• Won’t work to reduce active acne

Overall Rating – 4/5

8. Cetaphil Moisturiser

A very popular product among acne-prone skin people is Cetaphil moisturiser. 

It also comes in a combo pack of cleanser and moisturiser. 

Cetaphil is primarily meant for acne-prone sensitive skin and it really helped repair my damaged skin barrier when I was fed up with the actives and had destroyed my skin barrier too. 

However, Cetaphil will work reallllyyyyy slowly so if you are in urgent need of some product that will clear your acne within a week, then it may not be your cup of tea. 

Pros of Cetaphil Moisturiser

• Specially made for acne-prone sensitive skin 
• Helps in repairing skin-barrier and makes your skin healthy-looking
• Hydrates the skin and nourishes it well
• Prevents new acne breakout 

Cons of Cetaphil Moisturiser 

• Works really slowly as it takes about 4 weeks to show some results
• Not really a budget buy
• Has a creamy texture that all oily-skinned beauties won’t like 

Overall Rating – 4/5

9. Grapeseed Emulgel- DIY Moisturizer for Oily Acne Prone Skin

Well, this one is more like a DIY. 

While researching the best face oil for acne-prone skin, I came across a study about my favourite winter oil: grapeseed oil. The study stated that the nanoemulgel absorbs better into the skin and provides amazing benefits. 

How to Make Grapeseed Nanoemulgel 

Just take coin-sized aloe vera gel and add a few drops of grapeseed oil to it, mix it and apply on your face as usual. 

Pros of Grapeseed Moisturiser 

• Does not clog pores
• Both aloe vera and grapeseed oil are heavenly for acne 
• It also repairs the skin barrier with consistent use
• It treats active acne as well
• If you want to use only natural products, then this one is best for you

Cons of grapeseed moisturiser

• May feel oily in summers (also read how to get acne-free clean skin in summer)
• It may feel a bit cumbersome to mix two ingredients every time 

Overall Rating – 5/5

10. Good Vibes Papaya Face Gel 

Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that helps treat acne breakouts, including adult and hormonal acne. 

I haven’t tried it yet but I have heard a lot about this one being budget-friendly and effective on acne, reducing pigmentation as well. 

So if you want to spend the least but want something that is anti-ageing and reduces acne while working on dark spots, this is what you need. 

11. La Roche-Posay Toleraine Double-Repair Matt Moisturizer

Although this one is going to sit pretty heavy on your pocket but it has really good stuff in it. It contains ceramides and niacinamide which are gentle on the skin and help in repairing your skin barrier too.

People have been raving about this brand for so many years now. If budget is not a problem then you can give it a try and I have full confidence that it won’t disappoint You.

12. Paula’s Choice Invisible Finish Moisture Gel

Paula’s choice products are a blessing for acne-prone sensitive skin. This particular moisturizer has niacinamide and hyaluronic acid which are the two most gentle and forgiving actives in the world.

This one is non-comedogenic, hydrates without being oily, and brightens your skin while shrinking those pores.

And if the big price is not your problem, you can give it a try. But fair warning, you may not want to go to the budget-friendly products again.

Moisturizers that didn’t work on my acne-prone skin 

• Innisfree Bija trouble face lotion made my skin more dry and irritated.
• Simple Kind to Skin Moisturizer didn’t do anything (neither good nor bad).
• Innisfree Aloe vera gel also didn’t work like Patanjali aloe vera gel.

Whatever moisturizer you choose for your oily acne-prone skin it’s up to you, but whatever you do, please make sure you hydrate your skin well.

Wishing for clear skin for all of us!

P.S. – This post contains affiliate links that may help me earn some commission if you make any purchases through these. However, this won’t cost any extra penny to you. 

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