Moisturizer is an essential part of any skin care routine, regardless of your skin type. Moisturizers reduce and reverse signs of aging and, contrary to popular belief, actually prevent acne.
A non comedogenic moisturizer is one that does not clog the pores and improves the texture of the skin. If you are looking for a good non-comedogenic moisturizer, here are the most popular ones.
Contents
- Top Non Comedogenic Moisturizers
- 1. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
- 2. Christina Moss Naturals Organic Facial Moisturizer (Handcrafted Formula)
- 3. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30
- 4. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin
- 5. Cetaphil DERMACONTROL Oil Control Moisturizer
- 6. Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer with SPF 15, Fragrance-Free
- 7. Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Face Moisturizer, Normal/Combo Skin
- 8. St. Ives Timeless Skin Facial Moisturizer
- 9. Era Organics Complete Daily Face and Body Cream for All Skin Types
- 10. Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer, SPF 15 – Normal Skin
- What to consider before buying a skin care moisturizer
Top Non Comedogenic Moisturizers
1. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Features
Three essential ceramides
By utilizing the power of Ceramide 1, Ceramide 3, and Ceramide 6-II, CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion puts back into your skin what Mother Nature has taken out. Ceramides are natural moisturizers and they even go a step further by encouraging natural collagen production in your cells, making them a moisturizing and anti-aging must-have ingredient. Having these three ceramides working in conjunction is key to CeraVe’s success, because Ceramides 1 and 3 in particular have a synergistic effect and work best when they’re together.
MVE controlled-release technology
One of the biggest problems that has plagued the beauty and medical industries is the conundrum of how to deliver all of these wonderful moisturizing, restorative, and anti-aging ingredients to the layers of skin that can benefit from them most. CeraVe’s answer to this question is MVE – MultiVesicular Emulsion. Over a period of 24 hours, the moisturizer’s ingredients are slowly delivered to your skin via this high-tech deliver technology, ensuring you and your skin reap the best of its benefits.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, and it’s a big part of what makes CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion so effective. When your skin is dry, the cells are actually dehydrated. Hyaluronic acid helps your skin cells capture moisture and rehydrate, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and give skin an overall dewier and more youthful appearance. Additionally, hyaluronic acid has been shown to actually offset the effects of hormonal changes to the skin that we experience as we age, making it an anti-aging go-to ingredient. More recent studies show it may even reduce inflammation, which can preset as reddening in the skin; this makes it a great ingredient for eczema sufferers, among others.
Cholesterol
It may sound strange to have cholesterol as an ingredient in a moisturizer, but it’s actually a vital component of your skin’s own lipid barrier, the part of your skin that soaks in and retains moisture. By replenishing the skin’s cholesterol levels, this lipid barrier gets a healthy boost so it can keep doing its job.
Lightweight
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a lightweight version of its heavyweight cousin, designed to keep moisture high without making you feel like you’re walking around with a heavy mask on your face. Its lightweight formula goes well under makeup, too, so you don’t have to worry about it cramping your style.
Oil-free and noncomedogenic
One of the biggest fears girls and women have when buying moisturizer is the fear of greasiness and pore-clogging ingredients, but that’s not a problem with CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion. It’s an oil-free formula, which is non comedogenic, meaning it won’t create comedones (aka blackheads and whiteheads). This makes it a suitable choice for those who have oily skin and acne sufferers.
Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is unscented, so scent-sensitive individuals can use it with confidence and comfort. It’s also hypoallergenic, which means there are zero common allergy-causing ingredients, so it’s a safe choice for people who are looking for a moisturizer low on allergens.
- MVE (MultiVesicular Emulsion) technology
- 3 essential ceramides (Ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II)
- Hyaluronic acid
- Cholesterol to replenish skin lipids
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Noncomedogenic (won’t cause blackheads and whiteheads)
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Awarded National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
- It doesn’t contain any sunscreen, but if you already use a separate sunscreen as part of your skincare routine, this won’t be a problem.
2. Christina Moss Naturals Organic Facial Moisturizer (Handcrafted Formula)
Features
Certified Organic
The ingredients in Christina Moss Naturals Organic Facial Moisturizer are Certified Organic, meaning they have been certified as being genuinely organic by a third party.
Vegan and cruelty-free
Every ingredient is plant-based, making it totally vegan, and the company is a cruelty-free company, so you can rest-assured that this lotion has never been tested on animals.
Suitable for all skin types
Many chemical moisturizers have specialized ingredients for specific skin types. With the organic moisturizer from Christina Moss Naturals, the only ingredients in it are things found in nature. Because of the natural benefits imbued by these real, pronounceable ingredients, you get a lotion that is naturally suited to all skin types, whether you have oily, dry, normal, or sensitive skin.
Organic aloe vera
Certified aloe vera juice is the number one ingredient in Christina Moss Naturals Organic Facial Moisturizer. Aloe vera is a soothing and healing plant, and a natural anti-inflammatory, which can calm redness caused by acne and eczema. It’s also naturally hydrating for a moisturizing glow.
Organic apricot kernel oil
The naturally occurring gamma linoleic acid found in apricot kernel oil is ultra-hydrating and a great choice for acne sufferers. Apricot kernel oil also contains skin-friendly vitamins, like Vitamin E, which promote overall skin health while reducing the appearance of scars and spots.
Organic grape seed oil
Grape seed oil is a noncomedogenic oil, which means it won’t cause blackheads and whiteheads. Additionally, it’s lightweight, so it feels soothing and nourishing, and it promotes skin elasticity to boot.
Organic star anise seed oil
This Christina Moss Naturals offering has a scent—a purely natural, organic one in the form of organic star anise seed oil. Star anise provides a light, intoxicatingly licorice-like scent that fades gently away as the day goes on.
- Certified Organic ingredients
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Organic noncomedogenic oils
- Soothing aloe vera to reduce redness
- Handcrafted in small batches
- Guaranteed to be fresh up to 6 months after manufacture date
- Light licorice scent that fades over time
- There is no SPF included, but you can add your own if needed.
3. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30
Features
Broad Spectrum SPF 30
It’s long been said that sunscreen is the best antiaging ingredient around, and it’s no wonder: Earth’s own sun puts out tons of radiation that damages our skin and prematurely ages us every day, and puts us at increased risk of skin cancer. The broad-spectrum SPF 30 in Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer is a great foundation sunscreen for daily life since it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Because it is a chemical sunscreen, it has better coverage than physical sunscreens (like zinc), and is clear, so it won’t tint your face white, leaving your natural beautiful color free to shine.
ACTIVE NATURALS Total Soy Complex
Aveeno is known for their use of their ACTIVE NATURALS Total Soy Complex in many products, and their daily moisturizing cream is no exception. The natural properties of soy fade and prevent brown spots, which are commonly caused by aging and/or sun exposure. Soy also has naturally occurring light diffusers which makes your skin look more even and glow-y.
Daily moisturizer
Some moisturizing balms are heavy and should only be used occasionally. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer is a lightweight lotion that’s gentle enough to be used twice a day, every day, for those who have intense moisture needs but hate a heavy moisturizer.
Evens texture
Skin texture is an important aspect of your skin’s health. Rough skin can not only be prematurely aging, but genuinely uncomfortable and itchy. Aveeno’s daily moisturizer evens out skin texture for a more youthful appearance, leaving skin softer and more radiant in the process.
Improves tone
Uneven skin tone can make you look old before your time. Aveeno’s cream is clinically proven to even out skin tone and prevent dark spots.
Oil-free formula
Oil is a concern for many who have naturally oily skin. Aveeno’s formula is completely oil-free and relies on the extract of soybean seeds to make skin dewy. Because there’s no oil, it’s also noncomedogenic, so acne suffers need not fear.
Hypoallergenic
Soy aside, the rest of the Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer formula is completely hypoallergenic and safe to use for individuals with sensitivities to common allergens.
- Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Blocks UVA and UVB rays
- Brightens and evens skin tone
- Improves skin texture
- Active Naturals Total Soy Complex prevents brown spots
- Can be used twice a day, every day
- Oil-free formula
- Hypoallergenic
- The label warns it may stain some fabrics, which might be a concern for women who wear a hijab or other head scarves and headdresses. To get around this, simply let it dry before you put on your headscarf. It dries clear and won’t be able to stain the fabric that way.
4. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin
Features
For sensitive skin
Neutrogena’s sensitive skin formula is designed to be gentle for those with ingredient sensitivities as well as those who simply have delicate skin that needs some extra pampering.
Water-based formula
As an oil-free moisturizer, this Neutrogena offering uses water-based moisturizers to revitalize dry skin. Additionally, it’s also alcohol-free, so you don’t have to worry about any paradoxical drying issues.
Noncomedogenic
Since this is a water-based formula, you don’t have to worry about oil trapping dirt in your pores.
Lightweight
Once again, by virtue of its oil-free, water-based design, Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin moisturizer is lightweight and not greasy.
- Especially for sensitive skin
- Water-based formula
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Noncomedogenic
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Without built-in SPF, you’ll have to add your own for sun protection.
5. Cetaphil DERMACONTROL Oil Control Moisturizer
Features
Micropearl mattifying technology
Micropearl technology is the heavy hitter in Cetaphil’s DERMACONTROL Oil Control Moisturizer. It absorbs the oil in your face, reducing shininess for a lovely, classically matte finish.
SPF 30 with Oleosome technology
The broad-spectrum SPF 30 in this cream blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, it features Oleosome technology, which makes the SPF lighter weight and less greasy, while improving its hydration and sun protection capabilities.
For oily and acne prone skin
While Micropearl technology visibly improves oil and shininess issues, the lightweight moisturizers in Cetaphil’s formula make oily and acne prone skin soft without adding extra grease to the mix.
Licorice root extract
Licorice root extract is the soothing secret ingredient in Cetaphil’s moisturizer, and it’s naturally derived. It takes away the redness and improves oil-free moisture retention.
- Noncomedogenic
- Non-acnegenic
- Micropearl mattifying technology
- Patented Ceramide technology
- SPF 30 with Oleosome technology
- Licorice root extract calms redness
- Oil-free
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Cetaphil’s SPF is a chemical sunscreen, so fans of physical sunblocks may not approve; that said, chemical one provides better coverage, so it’s a tradeoff.
6. Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer with SPF 15, Fragrance-Free
Features
SolaSheer technology
Sunscreen can sometimes be harsh on skin, which is why Olay’s one is imbued with their SolaSheer technology, which uses glycerin and niacinamide – two powerful moisturizers in their own right – to protect and moisturize along with the SPF 15 this product contains.
VitaNiacin Complex II
Olay’s VitaNiacin Complex II is an antiaging complex as well as an overall skin health booster. Green tea extract soothes skin, and this revised formula has double the Vitamin E the previous version did, which means extra oomph for wrinkle reduction and scar protection. This vitamin and natural extract complex also goes to work zapping and neutralizing cell-damaging free radicals.
Noncomedogenic
This oil-free formula is noncomedogenic and oil-free, so it won’t cause acne breakouts.
Fragrance-free
There’s no fragrance, so those with allergies won’t have to worry about that trigger.
- SolaSheer technology
- SPF 15 (broad spectrum)
- VitaNiacin Complex II
- Vitamin E, A, C
- Green tea extract
- Noncomedogenic
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- The label doesn’t explicitly state it’s hypoallergenic, so those with severe allergies may want to exercise caution.
7. Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Face Moisturizer, Normal/Combo Skin
Features
Replenishes moisture barrier
Any moisturizer can temporarily moist your skin, but Garnier’s SkinActive moisturizer goes a step beyond by replenishing your skin’s natural moisture barrier for 24-hour moisturizing protection.
Vitamins E and C
Vitamins E and C are a big part of Garnier’s formula, and are arguably the most beneficial vitamins for skincare, strengthening and revitalizing skin.
Antioxidant Fruit Water
Garnier’s Antioxidant Fruit Water is a secret weapon in this gel-moisturizer providing powerful free-radical protection.
Oil-free
The oil-free formula provides lightweight, non-greasy moisturizing goodness.
- Replenishes moisture barrier
- 24-hour moisture
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Antioxidant Fruit Water
- Oil-free formula
- It contains alcohol, so those with dry skin may wish to avoid.
8. St. Ives Timeless Skin Facial Moisturizer
Features
Hydrolyzed collagen
As most people know, collagen is one of the most powerful anti-aging ingredients there is, mainly because it’s what makes young skin look young. Collagen boosts your connective tissue for a firmer look and has intense moisturization properties.
Hydrolyzed elastin
Hydrolyzed elastin is a protein that goes to work in your connective tissue, promoting overall elasticity in your skin for a more youthful appearance. It also revitalizes your skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it more effective in the process.
100% pure safflower oil
Safflower oil is a very lightweight oil, even lighter than coconut oil. It’s a natural moisturizer that doesn’t clog pores. Better still, it’s an anti-inflammatory, which reduces redness caused by acne. Even better? The acid compounds in it actually fight acne.
Light scent
Some people prefer fragrance-free moisturizers; others enjoy a bit of fragrance in theirs. St. Ives Timeless Skin Facial Moisturizer has a light scent that hits the sweet spot for those who prefer a fragrance.
Noncomedogenic
Heavy, old-fashioned moisturizers are notorious for causing acne. However, St. Ives’ formula is dermatologist tested to ensure that it won’t cause zits and blackheads.
Hypoallergenic
St. Ives Timeless Skin moisturizer is hypoallergenic, making it completely free of common allergy triggers.
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hydrolyzed collagen
- Hydrolyzed elastin
- 100% pure safflower oil
- Anti-aging properties
- Noncomedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Light scent
- It doesn’t contain sunscreen, but if you already use a separate sunscreen for the face, you can get around that.
9. Era Organics Complete Daily Face and Body Cream for All Skin Types
Features
Stimulates collagen and elasticity
The natural ingredients in Era Organics Daily Face and Body Cream work together to stimulate the natural collagen and elastin production in your skin cells, so skin becomes firmer and younger the natural way.
Manuka honey
Manuka honey is a powerful anti-inflammatory that zaps the redness and inflammation caused by acne and eczema. It’s naturally moisturizing and also has antibacterial and antifungal properties; think of it as a cure-all for optimal skin health.
Shea butter
Shea butter is a natural nut butter that is world-renowned for its ultra-intensive moisturizing properties. It’s such a powerful moisturizer that it’s found in many scar and stretch mark creams. This virtue makes it an excellent choice for those who have acne scars on their face; it makes scars dramatically softer and less noticeable.
Cocoa butter
Like shea butter, cocoa butter is a nut butter that acts as a powerful moisturizer, and is used to soften scars and stretch marks. Because it’s a non-greasy natural moisturizer, it’s a great choice for people who have oily skin.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is the go-to natural moisturizer for many, because it’s lightweight and won’t clog pores; at the same time, it’s also intensely hydrating. Coconut oil is also known as a cleansing oil, meaning it helps to get dirt out of clogged pores, thereby fighting blackheads and preventing their return.
Hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil is rich in fatty acids that work to restore your skin’s own moisture barrier and fortify it with the lipids it needs to stay strong. It’s also anti-inflammatory.
PH balanced
Era Organics Daily Face and Body Cream synchs with your skin’s natural Ph levels. This means that it’s gentler on skin. Additionally, it will prevent issues like bacterial overgrowth that can cause acne and even more serious skin infections.
- Stimulates collagen and skin elasticity
- Antiaging properties
- Manuka honey
- Shea butter
- Cocoa butter
- Coconut oil
- Hempseed oil
- Ph balanced
- Gentle on skin
- Ideal for all skin types
- While it has the word “organic” in the brand name, it does contain non-natural ingredients, so those who only use organic ingredients may wish to look elsewhere. (This isn’t a problem if you’re not ethically opposed to non-organic ingredients.)
10. Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer, SPF 15 – Normal Skin
Features
SPF 15
SPF 15’s properties are enhanced with SolaSheer technology, providing extra moisture and reducing the drying aspects of sunscreen.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a soothing anti-inflammatory that is especially healing for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and sunburnt skin, and is a great redness-reducer.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is perhaps the biggest skin health vitamin. It goes a long way towards supporting better skin quality, hydration, and reducing the appearance of lines and scars.
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- PABA-free
- SPF 15
- SolaSheer technology
- Aloe vera
- Vitamin E
- 8-hour moisture
- While the moisturizing benefits can last up to eight hours, it’s important to note that sunblock tends to only last 2 hours maximum.
Top recommendation
My top recommendation for a daily skin moisturizer is definitely the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion due to its lightweight formula that provides 24-hour hydration and manages to restore the protective skin barrier with the ceramides and hyaluronic acid from its composition. The patented MVE controlled-release technology is a fantastic feature because it helps replenish the ceramides and delivers long-lasting moisturization of the skin..
What to consider before buying a skin care moisturizer
Type of skin
The most important factor to consider is your type of skin because each skin type needs its own moisturizer with specific ingredients. To discover what kind of skin you have you can successfully use the blotting sheet method because it’s fast and accurate. You have to gently pat a blotting paper on various areas of your face and after that, hold the sheet up to the light to determine how much oil is visible on it. If it has a little to no oil, you have dry skin. If it reveals oil from the forehead and nose areas, you have normal/combination skin. If the blotting paper is saturated with oil, you have oily skin.
Dry skin
Dry skin can feel tight during the day, and it can also experience flaking. You can have dry skin due to environmental factors, genetics, dehydration, hormonal changes, and lifestyle. The best moisturizers for dry skin are the ones that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and marine actives such as algae because these attract water and deliver it into the skin.
Normal/combination skin
People who have normal or combination skin usually have dryer cheeks and well-moisturized T-zone (forehead, nose and chin areas). Moisturizers with a gel-like texture will prevent breakouts in the T-zone as well.
Oily skin
Oily skin means that the skin has excess oil that can leave pores clogged and congested. Oily skin is also prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which is a condition that leaves dark spots on skin after the breakout heals. Oily skin needs a moisturizing enzymatic exfoliator because it is essential to promote cell turnover and sebum buildup in the pores. Anti-bacterial ingredients are also helpful to speed the healing process and prevent future blemishes and breakouts.
Sensitive skin
Besides these three skin types, there is also sensitive skin and managing it can be quite challenging because it takes time and effort to determine what causes irritation and inflammation. If you have sensitive skin, you should look for labels that identify formulas as non-sensitizing and non-irritating and free of parabens as well to prevent potential issues such as itchiness and redness.
Anti-aging properties
Anti-aging properties are also essential to consider because if you have fine lines or deep wrinkles, you will definitely need an anti-aging moisturizer with collagen and elastin.
Weather
Weather is another factor worth taking into consideration. It’s important to remember that not all products are suitable for both cold and warm weather. It’s also recommended that you pay attention to the way your skin behaves over the year in both cold and hot weather. For instance, some people experience oily skin during the summer and dry skin over the winter, so they have to use different moisturizers for different seasons.
Ingredients
The ingredients that are listed on the products’ labels are crucial, and usually, the best non comedogenic moisturizers are the ones with fewer ingredients. You should stay away from products that contain all kinds of chemicals and parabens, dyes, and fragrances. On the other hand, antioxidants are always great for any skin type.
SPF
Another essential factor you must always consider when buying a moisturizer is sub protection because this is a must. SPF will protect your skin from the harmful reaction of the sun on your face. Moisturizers with a sun protection factor included are better than using both a moisturizer and a face sunscreen because by using these two you may end up with clogged pores. You should also know that different types of skin require different sun protection factor.
TIP: Use a primer to try to minimize large pores
Skin color
This brings us to the last important factor you should consider: skin color. If you have very fair skin, you have to know that it always burns and never tans, so you will need an SPF of 15 if you plan to stay in the sun for just an hour, and SPF 50 for more hours in the sun. Fair skin burns easily and tans slowly, so you will need an SPF of 15 for an hour in the sun and SPF 50 for more hours, as well. Light skin initially burns and then it tans gradually, and you will need at least an SPF of 8 for an hour in the sun and SPF 30 for more hours. The medium skin comes with minimal burns, and it tans well, so it’s enough if you use a moisturizer with SPF 4 for an hour in the sun and SPF 8 for more hours spent in the sun. And finally, dark skin will rarely burn, and it will tan effortlessly; therefore you should use SPF 4 for an hour in the sun and SPF 8 for more hours in the sun.
This one is without glycerine -> Shahnaz Husain Shaglow Honey Intensive Moisturizing Cream. You can have a try, however it does not seem to be very popular