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Last year, after dealing with a bout of Covid-induced acne, I was introduced to some of the best non-comedogenic moisturizers in effort to finally reduce the nonstop breakouts I was experiencing. As someone who is both acne-prone and has dry skin, finding hydrating products that didn’t cause pimples was a terribly complicated journey–and one I know other people experience, too. Micro Motor
If you don’t already know, “comedogenic” ingredients are characterized as ingredients that can clog pores and cause breakouts–and they’re often in skin care, makeup, and haircare–but moisturizers, which can use ingredients like shea butter or heavy oils, are the worst offenders. For Sofie Pavitt, an acne specialist and esthetician based in New York City, defining “non-comedogenic" is a troubling question. “Non-comedogenic on paper means ‘an ingredient that doesn’t clog the pores.’ Which would mean that comedogenic ingredients are ‘pore clogging.’ There's many nuances to consider when deciding whether something is going to break you out–the formula and amount of ingredient in a product, et cetera. But as a general rule to make things easier for my acneic clients, I tell them to avoid traditionally ‘comedogenic’ ingredients. I find I have the best success with my clients when they use non-comedogenic products when were clearing their breakouts,” says Pavitt.
While I love a thick, heavy cream, I found that I could no longer tolerate these products without developing acne. And just to make things more complicated, “non-comedogenic” doesn’t mean that these products are safe for sensitive skin (they can have added fragrance, for example), or can never cause some kind of adverse reaction. Even worse, there is no single list of every comedogenic ingredient that you should avoid. While oils have been characterized as comedogenic for years, there are actually several that pass the test. Anecdotally, I can say that my skin can tolerate some comedogenic ingredients and not others. And some experts may even disagree on if an ingredient is comedogenic–it can depend on how the ingredient is formulated or stabilized, for example. For the purpose of this story, we checked every product featured against celebrity esthetician Biba de Sousa's famed Pore Clogger Checker, which you can input ingredient lists into to check if the product is comedogenic. In my opinion, I’ve found that this ingredient checker is more rigid than others–and it was my savior during my year of breakouts.
While products like pimple patches, chemical exfoliators, and clearing cleansers can all work wonders to treat adult acne, prevention is key. Here, shop the 12 best expert-approved non-comedogenic moisturizers that won’t clog your pores.
Dieux Skin has consistently launched products that skin care lovers quickly obsess over, and their new Air Angel moisturizer is no exception. With the lightweight consistency of a gel, but the glow and hydrating factors of a night cream, this is the perfect non-clogging moisturizer for anyone who still wants deep hydration.
Key ingredients: Glycerin, ceramides, urea
An expert reviewer says: “I’m wary of gel creams in general because they’re oftentimes watery and not hydrating enough for my dry skin. This new product completely changed my tune. Not only does it deeply nourish and soften my skin, but it also leaves behind a healthy sheen that I’m obsessed with.” – Tatjana Freund, Luxury and Commerce Editor
Biba de Sousa is the esthetician behind the clearest faces in Hollywood–think Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, and Rosie Huntington-Whitely. This day cream is the lightweight little sister to her must-have Onerta Cream Barrier, which deeply hydrates without breaking you out.
Biba Los Angeles rating: 4.5/5 stars
An expert reviewer says: “I’ve been a fan of Biba’s for so long now, and when my skin became acne-prone as an adult, I adamantly refuse to put any product on my face or body without first checking her Pore Clogger Checker for comedogenic ingredients. While I’m obsessed with her Cream Barrier moisturizer, this Daily Cream is what I use at the height of my breakouts to deeply hydrate my skin without causing more acne.” – Tatjana Freund
All of Tower 28’s cosmetics and skin care are approved by the National Eczema Association as being gentle and safe for sensitive skin. Like their viral SOS Spray, this moisturizer helps calm, hydrate, and heal even the most breakout-prone skin.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides
An expert reviewer says: “In my experience, many moisturizers created for very sensitive skin can lack when it comes to exciting formulations and texture. This one breaks that mold. It’s a thick cream, which I love, but it has an uber-soft texture that feels like my skin is getting a big hug. My only issue with it is that I wish it came in a gigantic size so I could use it as a body cream, too.” – Tatjana Freund
Rhode Skin may have initially inspired skepticism by beauty editors tired of celebrity launches, but now we’re all hooked. Hailey Bieber’s viral Peptide Glazing Serum can double as a hydrating serum or as a mixer for your favorite base products, but we love it as a lightweight moisturizer.
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, marula oil
An expert reviewer says: “In the winter, I love using this product as a hydrating serum, or to mix with my cream blushes to make them dewier. But in the hot summer months, I became obsessed with using this alone as a dewy, lightweight moisturizer. It adds just the right amount of glow to my skin, without making me glisten like a disco ball.” — Tatjana Freund
When it comes to drugstore moisturizers, Neutrogena cornered the market and isn’t letting go. Their must-have Hydro Boost Water Gel is the ideal lightweight moisturizer for anyone who wants a dose of hydration, without a greasy residue.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
An ELLE editor says: “After getting my expensive beauty products snatched by TSA, I've learned my lesson and lean toward using more affordable products while traveling. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel holds its own against my luxury products. It does exactly what it claims, leaving your skin hydrated and luminous. My makeup never ends up dry or cakey at the end of the day when I use this product. Oh, and in the summer, stick this in your skin care fridge, and thank me later.” — Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director, ELLE
After seeing several TikTok influencers use this cream as makeup prep, it was time to see what the hype was all about. It’s the perfect blend of lightweight and dewy, leaving behind a healthy sheen on the skin without clogging pores with heavy butters.
Key ingredients: Glycerin, aloe, hyaluronic acid
An expert reviewer says: “I don’t get influenced by TikTok often, but this moisturizer is a rare exception. I was surprised to find out that it’s non-comedogenic, because it is one of the dewier creams I’ve ever tried. I love the glow it leaves on my skin–and when layered underneath my foundation, it’s game over.”
CeraVe’s classic face and body Moisturizing Cream has been used by thousands of people to treat everything from eczema to breakouts. Deeply hydrating and non-comedogenic, this is the all-purpose cream everyone needs in their medicine cabinet.
Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid
An expert reviewer says: “Middle school me, high school me, and collegiate me used this cream as my sole skincare product beyond face wash and counted that as a routine. (It was the vibe at the time, okay?!) It goes on pretty thick, so it’s a lifesaver in the winter and a frenemy in the summer, but it’s just an overall must-have for anyone who likes to keep it simple. My skin looks amazing all these years later, and I owe it all to my first skincare love, this moisturizer.” –Bianca Rodriguez, Commerce Manager
This no-muss moisturizer has been beloved for years, and there’s a clear reason why. With a lightweight yet hydrating texture, no added fragrance, and an accessible price point, this product deserves all the love it’s gotten.
An expert reviewer says: “This moisturizer quickly absorbs into your skin and leaves it looking hydrated and plump. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, I highly recommend this product. It also seems to work well for those with a simple skin care routine or sensitive skin. The formula plays well with other products and brands and doesn’t pill.” — Danielle James
If you prefer a matte finish to delay oil showing up in your T-zone, this moisturizer is for you. It has a blurring texture that doubles as a makeup primer, but at the same time hydrates the skin and protects the barrier.
An Ulta reviewer says: “It’s amazing for oily skin. It absorbs all the oil very well. If you have very oily skin, then it’s good.”
Opting for a non-comedogenic moisturizer doesn’t have to mean forgoing fun products. This viral watermelon-scented moisturizer is packed with must-have hydrators, while still remaining safe for acne-prone skin.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, watermelon extracts
A Sephora reviewer says: “This is one of the first products I have ever used from Glow Recipe and it is good! I love how it smells so sweet like watermelons. The best part about this watermelon moisturizer is that it is oil-free. It applies on so easy and smooth. Keeps my skin feeling happy throughout the day.”
Created specifically for oily skin, this moisturizer has a serum-like consistency that hydrates without comedogenic ingredients. It also works to delay signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
A Sephora reviewer says: “After finishing two bottles of this moisturizer, hands down best moisturizer on the market! When you apply it to your face and rub it in, it melts into the most dewy moisturizer. It gives the best glow and dewy look in the best way ever. Must-have moisturizer. Such a refreshing and hydrating moisturizer!”
COSRX is one of the most beloved K-Beauty brands on the market. With an emphasis on repairing skin barriers that have been damaged by over-using harsh ingredients or scrubs, this cream uses snail mucin to gentle envelop the skin in healing ingredients.
An Ulta reviewer says: “I accidentally purchased this instead of the Snail Mucin Essence, but it was a happy accident. I have been using it for almost two weeks and my skin is softer, smoother, and looks brighter. Added bonus is how little product is needed to cover the face and neck.”
Sofie Pavitt is an acne specialist, esthetician, and founder of Sofie Pavitt Face and Sofie Pavitt Skin Studio in New York City, New York.
Biba de Sousa is a celebrity esthetician and founder of Biba Los Angeles, based in Los Angeles, California.
When it comes to defining “non-comedogenic,” it sadly isn’t an easy question to answer. “My definition of a non-comedogenic product would be a product that won’t cause pore clogging and consequently acne breakouts,” says de Sousa.
However, Pavitt explains that oftentimes it requires a little extra digging to really find out if a product truly doesn't contain any non-comedogenic ingredients. “You know, this is a polarizing question. Non-comedogenic on paper means ‘an ingredient that doesn’t clog the pores.’ Which would mean that comedogenic ingredients are ‘pore clogging.’ Theres many nuances to consider when deciding wether something is going to break you out–the formula and amount of ingredient in a product, et cetera. But as a general rule to make things easier for my acneic clients, I tell them to avoid traditionally ‘comedogenic ingredients. I find I have the best success with my clients when they use non-comedogenic products when we’re clearing their breakouts.”
“Moisturizers–and all cosmetic products for that matter–are often comedogenic because of the pore-clogging ingredients in the formulation,” says de Sousa. Unfortunately, skin care is often the biggest group of products in your routine that can contain comedogenic ingredients.
“Moisturizers are common products that contain comedogenic ingredients such as shea butter and coconut oil,” says Pavitt. She adds, “The reality is lots of people can use these ingredients with no issue whatsoever. It’s when your are predisposed to acne and are blemish prone that you have to be careful around traditionally comedogenic ingredients in moisturizers.” If you have successfully used moisturizers with comedogenic ingredients without an adverse reaction, there’s no reason to stop. However, if you’ve been unable to pinpoint the cause of your breakouts, your face cream may be the culprit.
Non-comedogenic moisturizers can work for all skin types, but certain groups may be more inclined to try them than others. “Someone who is blemish prone or has dealt with acne in the past would be a great candidate for a non-comedogenic moisturizer,” says Pavitt.
Even if you personally don’t experience breakouts, a family history of acne might still be a reason to switch to a non-comedogenic face cream, adds de Sousa.
Switching to a non-comedogenic moisturizer is sadly not a guarantee that your skin will clear up overnight. “If a product is non-comedogenic, it means that it is less likely or unlikely to cause acne breakouts. Non-acne-prone people–anyone, for that matter–could experience follicular irritation from the random product. If that happens, they should stop using the product that is causing the irritation. However, this is not acne, though it might seem like acne to the untrained eye,” says de Sousa.
“Everyone reacts differently to products and someone might be sensitive to even a non-comedogenic ingredient. I think it’s a good baseline to avoid comedogenic ingredients if you’re acne-prone,” says Pavitt.
It’s also important to remember that any product you come in contact with regularly–including your shampoos, makeup, and detergents–could contain comedogenic ingredients that could cause breakouts. That’s why its very important to investigate your products if you’re having a hard time pinpointing the cause of your acne.
While reading ingredient lists is a fantastic way to learn more about your skin’s preferences and what you’re using, not all acne-causing ingredients are obvious. Both Pavitt and de Sousa have created tools to help people discover which products contain comedogenic ingredients. “My Pore Clogger Checker tool is based on Dr. J.E. Fulton’s seminal list of pore-cloggers and I to this day keep adding product ingredients that I personally observed as comedogenic in my practice. I had the pleasure of studying under Dr. Fulton and deeply learned about acne genesis,” says de Sousa.
“I actually built a website with a tool to help you check your products for comedogenic ingredients. You can copy and paste your products ingredient list into the search engine and it will highlight the comedogenic ingredients in that product,” says Pavitt. Pavitt also has a Shop My Shelf of products she recommends to her acne-prone clients that you can shop for suggestions.
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Tatjana Freund spoke with skin experts about the absolute non-comedogenic moisturizers that will not clog pores and cause breakouts. Freund personally tested a number of these products and scoured reviews for the top-rated products on the market.
Tatjana Freund is Hearst's Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She's a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.
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