12 Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers (Tested & Reviewed 2024)
Do you *actually* need moisturizer if you have acne-prone skin?
In short, hell yes. That's because the inflammation of acne can actually break down your skin barrier, so you need moisture to help repair it. On top of that, "most acne medications are very drying," says Dr. Castilla. "Using a moisturizer can help mitigate this dryness to allow for continued use of acne fighting ingredients."
Also, if you're trying to dry out your skin in order to minimize oil production, that only tends to backfire. Regularly moisturizing "can help regular sebum production and minimize the overproduction, which—paired with acne-treating products—can help reduce breakouts," says Dr. Hartman.
Is oil-free the same thing as non-comedogenic?
Nope! Oil-free is pretty straightforward: It means there are no oils or mineral oils in the product (duh). As for non-comedogenic, it's a little trickier. "Since it is not a regulated claim, there is no standardized definition for what is and what is not included in products marketed as 'non-comedogenic'," says Dr. Castilla. Generally speaking, though, non-comedogenic means that a formula is free of ingredients that could potentially clog pores.Heads up: Not all oils are bad for acne-prone skin, so you might still find them in these moisturizers from time to time.
What should you look for in a non-comedogenic moisturizer?
Off the bat, look for a humectant like glycerin or, even better, hyaluronic acid. "It’s non-comedogenic and lightweight, and will add moisture to the skin without feeling heavy," says Dr. Hartman. He also recommends looking for ceramides, but proceed with caution—they can sometimes be comedogenic, so look for a formula labeled non-comedogenic. However, they "can be great for acne-prone skin, as they are gentle and provide moisture," he says.Two biggies to stay away from are coconut oil and cocoa butter, which are majorly occlusive and will absolutely clog your pores (sorry!).
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