Acne-prone skin needs hydration just as much as any other skin type, but choosing the right moisturizer can feel like walking a tightrope. Too heavy, and it can clog pores. Too light, and your skin may not get enough hydration, which can lead to a compromised barrier and potential oil imbalances.
The key? Finding a moisturizer that deeply hydrates while keeping pores clear and supporting the skin barrier. Many believe that drying out acne makes it disappear, but in reality, stripping moisture sends oil glands into overdrive, leading to more breakouts, not fewer.
Hydration is essential for a balanced, healthy complexion, and the right acne-safe moisturizer will nourish the skin barrier while ensuring pore-clogging ingredients stay far away.
Not all moisturizers are created equal, especially for acne-prone skin. Here’s what to look for and which CLEARSTEM-approved, breakout-safe options will help you achieve hydrated, healthy skin, without the flare-ups.
What Makes a Moisturizer Acne-Safe?
The best face moisturizer for acne-prone skin should check three essential boxes:
1. Non-Comedogenic Ingredients
"Non-comedogenic" means a product won’t clog pores. Many moisturizers contain hidden triggers like coconut oil, shea butter, or certain silicones that can lead to breakouts. Instead, look for lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas that support hydration without congestion.
PRO TIP: Use our free Pore-Clogging Ingredients Checker to see if your moisturizers (skincare, makeup, or haircare products) contain acne-triggering ingredients. Just copy, paste, and find out in minutes!
2. Hydration Without Heavy Oils
Hydration = water-based moisture. Acne-prone skin needs hydration, but heavy, occlusive oils like coconut oil or palm oil, even avocado oil, will contribute to clogged pores. Instead, opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like squalane, hemp seed oil, and watermelon seed oil, which hydrate without congestion.
3. Barrier-Supporting Ingredients
A compromised skin barrier allows bacteria and irritants to sneak in, leading to inflammation and breakouts. Moisturizers with antioxidants, peptides, and soothing botanicals help strengthen the skin barrier, reduce irritation, and support a healthier skin environment, factors that contribute to clearer skin⁵. Your moisturizer should be non pore-clogging and also provide other skin benefits!
The Best Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin
Ready to find the best face moisturizer for acne-prone skin? These CLEARSTEM-approved, non-comedogenic formulas hydrate deeply while keeping your skin clear and balanced. No clogged pores here!
1. HYDRAGLOW
Our community favorite for a reason! Hydrating, plumping, and totally acne-safe, HYDRAGLOW is a dream for those looking to nourish their skin without causing breakouts.
Why it works: Formulated with bakuchiol, the natural alternative to retinol, it promotes cell turnover without irritation. Sodium hyaluronate (a superior form of hyaluronic acid) draws in deep hydration, while botanical extracts help soothe inflammation.
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Instantly plumps + hydrates: 100% of users saw a 72% hydration boost immediately.*
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Long-lasting hydration: 92% of users noticed more hydrated skin after just one week of consistent use.*
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Radiance on repeat: Over 80% of users noticed an instant healthy glow and softer, more hydrated skin.*
*Based on a 28-day third-party clinical study of 30 women ages 27-69.
Best for: Normal to dry, acne-prone skin looking for a glow-boosting, skin-strengthening moisturizer.
2. HYDRABERRY®
A rich moisturizer option, HYDRABERRY can be used as a moisture-locking overnight mask, a thick & creamy daily moisturizer, or can be mixed with other hydrators to supercharge them. HYDRABERRY® is designed to calm the skin and lock in moisture for a plump, dewy complexion and a strong barrier.
Why it works:
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Squalane: Natural lipid that's both hydrating and acts as an antioxidant.
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Arnica Flower: Soothes and calms irritation
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Magnesium PCA: Balances oil and hydrates deeply
Best for: Dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin needing overnight replenishment.
3. GOLDENHOUR Watermelon Barrier Oil
Not all face oils are created equal. GOLDENHOUR is specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, providing barrier repair without triggering breakouts.
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Deep hydration: 46% increase in hydration after just one use.
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Long-lasting moisture: 100% of participants agreed their skin felt hydrated at the end of the day and continually more moisturized after one week of consistent use.*
*Based on a 28-day third-party clinical study of 32 women aged 19-69.
Why it works: Watermelon seed oil is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and rich in linoleic acid, which helps balance oil production. Sodium hyaluronate delivers deep hydration, while vitamin C helps brighten acne scars and/or post-acne marks.
Great for all skin types but best for those needing an extra hydration boost without a heavy feeling and without clogging pores. This is an incredible oil for anyone who is acne-prone.
4. BOUNCEBACK Serum
While technically a serum, BOUNCEBACK acts as a skin-strengthening hydrator that locks in moisture and supports acne-prone skin with barrier-repairing ingredients.
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Improves fine lines & wrinkles and increases skin density within 28 days.*
*Based on a third-party clinical 28-day study.
Why it works: Infused with argan oil, anti-inflammatory herbs, and tri-peptides, it repairs and restores compromised skin while reducing redness and irritation. The formula layers seamlessly under makeup and customers rave about the plumping sensation and instant glow it provides.
Best for: Wrinkle prevention and barrier rebuilding.
5. SOFTSKIN
A moisture-locking body lotion designed to nourish and hydrate while helping restore your moisture barrier. This is a fantastic lotion for body breakouts or keratosis pilaris, as it restores the barrier and allows scars to heal. The name says it all: your skin will also be extremely soft.
Why it works:
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Deep hydration: Delivers long-lasting moisture without clogging pores.
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Barrier support: Strengthens and maintains skin elasticity for smoother, healthier skin.
Best for: Those needing acne-safe body hydration. Great for all skin types.
6. BODYGLOW
An illuminating body oil that hydrates while delivering a sun-kissed shimmer from head to toe.
Why it works:
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Luxe oils & stem Cells: Provides deep hydration and plant stem cells leaving skin silky-smooth while delivering long-term skin health benefits.
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“Sun-Conscious”: Raspberry oil has natural UV defense so it can be part of your healthy sunny lifestyle. Enjoy the sun, just use products that are skin-first!
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Light-reflecting shimmer: Enhances the skin’s natural glow with a subtle, sun-kissed finish. Perfect for shoulders, neck, chest, and legs.
Best for: Anyone looking to illuminate and enhance their skin’s natural glow.
How to Incorporate Moisturizers for Clearer Skin
Using the right moisturizer is just as important as choosing the right one. Here’s how to get the most out of your acne-safe hydration routine:
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Apply on damp skin. Hydrators work best when applied to slightly damp skin, allowing them to lock in moisture more effectively.
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Use the right amount. A pea-sized amount is usually enough. More isn’t always better, especially for acne-prone skin.
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Layer strategically. If using serums, apply them first, then follow with moisturizer to seal everything in.
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Morning vs. night. Opt for a lightweight moisturizer in the morning (like HYDRAGLOW) and a richer hydrating formula at night (like HYDRABERRY).
The Bottom Line
Hydration is essential for acne-prone skin, but not all moisturizers are created equal. The best moisturizer won’t just prevent dryness, it will actively support skin health, strengthen the barrier, and keep breakouts under control.
By choosing acne-safe, non-comedogenic products, you’re giving your skin exactly what it needs: deep hydration without the risk of clogged pores. Clear, balanced, and healthy skin starts with the right moisturizer. And now, you know exactly where to start!
Sources
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Dreno, B. "The Role of Skin Hydration in Acne Treatment," Journal of Dermatological Science, 2020.
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Zeichner, J. "Understanding the Skin Barrier and Its Role in Acne," American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2021.
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Fabbrocini, G. et al. "Comedogenicity of Cosmetic Ingredients and Acne," Dermatologic Therapy, 2018.
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Korting, H.C. et al. "Hyaluronic Acid in Dermatology," Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2017.
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Elias, P.M. "The Skin Barrier and Acne Pathophysiology," Experimental Dermatology, 2019.
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Dhaliwal, S. et al. "Bakuchiol: A Retinol Alternative," British Journal of Dermatology, 2019.
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Mukhtar, H. & Ahmad, N. "Botanical Antioxidants for Skin Protection," International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020.
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Lademann, J. et al. "Vitamin C in Skincare," Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018.
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Krutmann, J. et al. "The Role of Peptides in Skin Regeneration," Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2021.
