A good moisturizer hydrates your face and keeps it looking healthy. This is why it’s important to get the right moisturizer for your skin.
One issue of face moisturizers is how it affects pores, especially on oily skin. Irritated pores cause blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
The best way to solve these skin issues is by using non-comedogenic face moisturizers.
Here, we list 10 Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers for every combination skin, dry skin, and oily skin!
10 Best Non-Comedogenic Face Moisturizers
Shiseido Essential Energy Moisturizing Gel Cream
Our Pick
Shiseido is a household name in the beauty industry. Many revere their skincare products because of proven efficacy.
The Essential Energy Moisturizing Gel Cream is the best non-comedogenic moisturizer we recommend.
Shiseido’s ReNeura Technology combines Active Response Powder, Ashitaba, and Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract.
These key ingredients work to promote skin moisture, regeneration, and healing.
This is among the most effective face moisturizers you can choose from. It gives you benefits like brighter, dewier, and more hydrated skin.
Certification:
- Paraben-free
- Non-greasy
- Mineral oil-free
- Dermatologist-approved
Pros
- Lightweight
- Suitable for all skin types
- Refreshing scent
- Good moisturizing properties
Cons
- Price is slightly steep
Eau Thermale Avène Tolérance Extrême Emulsion
Best Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin
Avene is a French brand that creates skincare for sensitive skin. Its products have Avene Thermal Spring Water, which cleanses and calms oily skin.
Tolerance Extreme Emulsion is the best non-comedogenic moisturizer for oily skin. It lets pores breathe while providing nourishing properties.
This moisturizer classifies as an emulsion, which is a water-based version of moisturizer. It makes it easier for the skin to absorb.
It also mimics how skin keeps moisture in so you get a smoother, healthier complexion.
This emulsion eases side effects caused by acne medication as well. These include skin issues like dry and red patches.
These are all reasons why it’s the best moisturizer for acne-prone and oily skin.
Certification:
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Preservative-free
- Coloring agent-free
- Preservative-free
- Hypoallergenic
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin types
- Feels gentle upon application
- Easy to use
- Great hydrating properties
Cons
- Can be drying for some
- Expensive
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin
La Roche-Posay works with dermatologists to make safe and effective skin care products.
The Effaclar Mat is the best non-comedogenic moisturizer for oily skin. It is also effective for treating enlarged pores!
It uses Sebulyse Technology to refine pores and texture. This hydrates skin through a micro exfoliant called Lipo-Hydroxy Acid (LHA).
LHA also has anti-inflammatory properties that help avoid irritation within your pores.
With regular use, oil production lessens. This will make skin look more matte and shine-free. Also, pores will be less visible.
Certification:
- Paraben-free
- Oil-free
- Allergy-tested
- Dermatologist-approved
Pros
- Mattifying effect
- Ideal for oily skin types
- Tightens and reduces pores
- Affordable
Cons
- Smell might be unpleasant for some
Cerave Moisturizing Lotion
Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Cerave is another brand that works with dermatologists to make skincare products.
It uses three essential ceramides and MultiVesicular Emulsion Technology (MVE) to hydrate skin.
Their Moisturizing Lotion is the best non-comedogenic moisturizer for dry skin.
Its fast-absorbing and rich formula locks in moisture to last the whole day.
Its ingredients include Hyaluronic acid combined with Ceramide cream.
These two strengthen the skin barrier and soothe conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Hyaluronic acid in this lotion also ensures 24-hour hydration for healthier skin.
Certification:
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-approved
Pros
- Smoothening effect
- Odorless
- Suitable for all skin types
- Great hydrating and mattifying effects
Cons
- Might feel tight and drying for some
Neutrogena Oil-Free Face Moisturizer
Best Moisturizer for Combination Skin
Neutrogena finds pride in being the #1 dermatologist-recommended brand. It’s known for its endorsers like Jennifer Garner, Mandy Moore, and Vanessa Hudgens.
The Oil-Free Face Moisturizer is the best non-comedogenic moisturizer for combination skin.
This is since it has a gentle, lightweight, and water-based formula leaving the skin feeling breathable.
People with combination skin have oily skin at their T-zone area and may experience dry patches at the same time.
This product controls oily skin while still being non-drying!
When used, skin looks less greasy and has a healthier glow. Dry patches and pores are less visible as well.
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Oil-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-approved
Pros
- Can be applied with makeup
- Travel-friendly
- Ideal for combination skin, dry skin, and oily skin types
- Effective in hydrating and provides a healthy glow
Cons
- Not good to use during winter
- Slightly expensive
Bioderma Sensibio Rich Soothing and Moisturizing Cream
Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
Bioderma uses only the purest active ingredients to achieve healthy skin. It aims to enhance the skin’s natural processes to achieve optimal balance.
This Soothing and Moisturizing Cream is the best non-comedogenic moisturizer for sensitive skin.
It is a nourishing treatment, safe enough for everyday use.
The Toleridine Patent supports the skin’s natural barrier with Seaweed and Licorice root. Enoxolone also relieves tingling sensations.
The combination of all its ingredients increases the skin’s tolerance against irritation as well.
This moisturizer relieves burning, redness, and dryness, which makes it a good choice for dry skin types.
Certification:
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Surfactant-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-approved
Pros
- Excellent nourishing properties
- Odorless & hypoallergenic
- Ideal for dry skin types
Cons
- Still contains a surfactant ingredient
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer
Best Moisturizer for Uneven Complexion
Uneven complexion is a common skin issue. You can’t resolve it using normal face moisturizers though.
You’ll need special ingredients to lighten hyperpigmentation or dark spots.
Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizer brightens skin with its lightweight formulation. It has Total Soy Complex, natural light diffusers, and SPF 15.
Soy Complex hydrates the skin while targeting spots, sunburns, and acne scars. Natural light diffusers help the skin fight the forming of dark spots.
Finally, the added SPF 15 offers anti-UV protection.
Continued use results in an evened out skin tone and a large reduction of dark spots and fine lines.
Certification:
- Oil-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Contains SPF 15
Pros
- Durable packaging design
- Does not clog your pores
- Works well even with makeup on
- Great for oily skin type
Cons
- Not suitable for dry skintype
- Pricey
- SPF15 isn’t enough for sunblock protection
MDSolar Sciences Daily Anti-Aging Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Moisturizer
Best Moisturizer for Aging Skin
Anti-aging serums and moisturizers are the holy grails of skin care. Wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots are inevitable as we get older.
This is why it’s important to invest in products that fight them.
The Daily Anti-Aging Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Moisturizer has a unique formula.
It has a blend of Green Tea, Vitamin C, Rosemary, Grape, and Rosehips extracts.
These ingredients boost skin collagen to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Antioxidants like niacinamide and caffeine (from Green Tea) also even out complexion.
UV rays affect skin elasticity and texture as well. Having SPF 30 in the formula protects the skin from UV damage.
Regular users found that their face was brighter and healthier. This product also increased moisture and hydration.
Certification:
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Gluten-free
- Animal testing-free
- Skin Cancer Foundation-recommended
Pros
- Lightweight
- Carries antioxidants and skin-repairing ingredients
- Great product design
- Will work well under makeup
Cons
- Fragrance might be unpleasing for some; contains lavender oil
- Expensive
Christina Moss Organic Facial Moisturizer
Best All-Natural Moisturizer
The “clean” beauty trend has sparked popularity for all-organic products.
Who would want to have harmful chemicals in creams they apply on their face everyday, anyway? No one.
This Organic Facial Moisturizer by Christina Moss has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Aloe Vera and organic Avocado, Grapeseed, and Apricot oils provide hydration. Star Anise seed oil also gives it a licorice scent when applied.
It doesn’t have harmful chemicals, preservatives, or sulfates either. There are no parabens, synthetic fragrances, SLS, or SLES.
It contains no dyes, or propylene glycol (and propylene glycol derivatives).
This is the best non-comedogenic moisturizer made from all-natural ingredients.
If you want to detox from face moisturizers made with chemicals and synthetics, then use this!
It is also 100% cruelty-free as the company doesn’t test on animals.
Certification:
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Preservative-free
- Petrochemical-free
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- Dye-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Propylene glycol-free
- All-organic
Pros
- Moisturizing properties doesn’t leave a greasy effect
- Lightweight
- Works well for all skin types
- Formula dries quickly after application
Cons
- Might feel heavy for those with an oily skin type
- The fragrance might be unpleasant for some
EltaMD SKINCARE UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Best Moisturizer With SPF
Sunscreen is the one product you should never live without. An amount of at least SPF 30 is guarantee of 97% protection from ultraviolet light.
Beauty experts tell us to wear sunscreen as the last step of your beauty routine.
But wouldn’t life be easier if you could moisturize AND get sun protection at the same time?
EltaMD’s UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 helps shave that last extra step off of your routine.
It has benefits like any other moisturizing product but has SPF 46 to give UVA and UVB sun protection.
Other ingredients include Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, and Vitamin E.
Hyaluronic acid and Niacinamide revive moisture while Vitamin E fights signs of aging.
Users of this product love to rave about its silky, lightweight texture. It doesn’t feel like sunscreen at all.
Certification:
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Sensitivity-free
Pros
- Does not clog pores
- Lightweight
- Effective sunscreen to use
- Non-irritating formula
Cons
- Might make your face reddish the first few times
What Are Non-Comedogenic Products?
Plain and simple, non-comedogenic products don’t clog your pores. That’s what non-comedogenic means.
Dermatologists recommend non-comedogenic face moisturizers for oily skin.
Oily skin results to clogged pores and comedones that trap the dirt and causes pimples. You are better off without them.
This is why it’s important to know which moisturizer is the right one for your skin.
Non Comedogenic Products for Acne
We hope this list helped you find which face moisturizers are right for you.
Especially if you suffer from acne and oily skin, then the non-comedogenic route is definitely the way to go.
For oily skin, it is also best to use products with Hyaluronic acid, Salicylic acid and Benzoyl peroxide products.
These ingredients exfoliate pores rather than clog them so you get extra protection. Salicylic acid, in particular, shrinks enlarged pores.
It’s also recommended to use a non-comedogenic gel moisturizer!
Comedogenic Ingredients to Avoid
Now that you’re reminded of the effects of comedogenic products on pores, it’s time to be warier.
Always read through the complete ingredient list of any skincare product you buy.
Be suspicious of a product that doesn’t disclose it.
Some products claim to have non-comedogenic oils and all-natural ingredients but they really don’t.
They simply don’t declare their complete ingredient list.
In extreme cases, the real ingredient list turns out to be far from what they market on the packaging.
Some brands even get away with using alternative names for harmful ingredients.
These are the most common comedogenic ingredients that you should AVOID:
- Petrolatum
- Isopropyl myristate
- Isopropyl palmitate
- Ethylhexyl palmitate
- Lauroyl lysine
- Lauric acid
- Stearic acid
- Propylene glycol
- Lanolins
- D & C red dyes
- Almond oil
- Wheat germ oil
- Shea butter
- Algae extract
- Sodium chloride
(There are other lesser-known, but still as harmful, ingredients you can find about online.)
Take Things to the Next Level
You can take things a step further! There are skincare products that can provide extra hydration when used with moisturizer.
- One of these are serums. Those with active ingredients are good. Amino acids, Hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin C hydrate when used with face moisturizers.
- Essences are also like serums but are more lightweight. Essences with Sodium hyaluronate, ceramides, and peptides are good for hydration.
- Emulsions, like Avene’s Extreme Emulsion, are also great. They’re best for when your skin is extra dry since they help seal in moisturizers better.
- A good face sheet mask is also a nice option. Apart from being hydrating, it gives you some time to relax as you let it rest on your face.
- Who says that you have to stop with your face? You should also invest in a good moisturizing lotion for your entire body.
This is a good way to keep your skin looking healthy all over.
All About SPF
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It indicates how much sun protection a product can give you.
SPF formulations of 30 and above give 97% protection from UV light and damage. This is why it is important to always use an SPF product.
Sunscreen is especially important when using a chemical exfoliant.
Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid, and AHAs lose potency when exposed to heat and light.
In some cases, the exfoliants irritate the skin when exposed without sun protection.
SPF moisturizers will reduce the appearance of sunspots, freckles, and hyperpigmentation. In a broader sense, they can protect you from skin cancer.
Always Use Sunscreen
Dermatologists also say to use a non-pore-clogging sunscreen even when it isn’t sunny out.
This is because UV rays can still hit your skin as long as they’re in the atmosphere.
In fact, you should still use sunscreen even at home.
This is since there are some types of UV rays that glass windows can’t protect you from.
Don't Forget to Moisturize
The most important takeaway is: Use your moisturizers! And make sure the ingredients don’t clog your pores.
Clogged pores will only worsen acne and pimples. This will lead to scarring, which will be much harder to solve in the long run.
There are loads of varieties available for dry and oily skin!
It’s better to invest in good products now to avoid any regrets later on.
And with so many options available today, it would be such a waste to not take advantage of them.
CHANGELOG:
August 25, 2021 – Updated article formatting and content
August 4, 2021 – Updated article links
July 21, 2021 – Reviewed and updated article links
