Even without acne prone skin, I appreciate a good face cream that is non-comedogenic.
If you’re prone to breakouts, choosing a moisturizer can feel like a high stakes gamble. I’m not acne-prone, but I am still choosy as to what I put on my face. Your face needs a moisturizer, but it needs one that will hydrate without physically blocking hair follicles and clogging pores. To spare your face and wallet, I’ve rounded up the best non-comedogenic moisturizers that provide moisture without congestion.
**This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you—I only recommend products and brands I genuinely trust and use myself.
Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers
What is a non-comedogenic moisturizer?
A non-comedogenic moisturizer does not contain pore-clogging ingredients such as coconut oil or cocoa butter.
How does a moisturizer clog pores?
When a moisturizer contains comedogenic ingredients, they can create a film that traps dead skin cells, dirt, and oil leading to clogged pores.
Ingredients That May Clog Pores
- Oils and buttersalthough rich in nutrients, can be too heavy for facial pores. Some of the most problematic ingredients include: coconut oil, Moroccan oil, cocoa butter, palm kernel oil, wheat germ oil, sweet almond oil, and soybean oil.
- Occlusives such as lanolin and petroleum jelly can be effective at locking in moisture, but can also trap oil and dead skin cells in pores.
- Some synthetic and modified fatty esters can get into the pores and trap debris. These emollients and esters include: Isopropyl Myristate and Isopropyl Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Myristyl Myristate and Myristyl Lactate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Butyl Stearate.
- Certain fatty acids and alcohols can cause congestion in the pores. These include: Lauric Acid and Myristic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol and Ceteareth-20, Oleyl Alcohol.
Helpful Ingredients For Acne-Prone Skin
- Salicylic Acid (BHA) is oil-soluble which allows it to get into pores and hair follicles to dissolve dead skin cells and other build-up.
- Benzoyl Peroxide serves as an antimicrobial that destroys acne-causing bacteria.
- Retinoids speed up cell turnover and orchestrate how your skin sheds its cells.
- Azelaic Acid is a multipurpose ingredient that targets hyperpigmentation, redness, and acne.
- Niacinamidealso known as B3, supports healthy skin from the inside out.
- Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant, which means it hydrates and plumps the skin.
How I Chose These Moisturizers
While it’s easy to just go by marketing claims when it comes to a non-comedogenic moisturizer, I don’t. The problem with that is everyone’s skin is different and what works for one person, may not work for another. There are so many factors to consider.
When choosing these moisturizers I instead looked at overall formulation. I considered ingredients that do support hydration but are lightweight. Ingredients like squalane, glycerin, niacinamide, and more. The goal was to avoid the heavier oils that can often cause clogged pores. I also chose creams that didn’t have artificial fragrance and supported a healthy skin barrier. Lastly, I wanted the formulas to be clean, made with ingredients that didn’t compromise my clean beauty standards.
Why You Should Trust My Picks
I’m a 20+ year Esthetician that has worked with many different skin types over the years and identified what works and what doesn’t when it comes to skincare products. I also have been a natural beauty blogger for the last 11+ years. My expertise in natural skincare products has grown since testing and writing about them.
Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers
Typology 9-ingredient Face Moisturizer
Best Non-Comedogenic Face Cream For Sensitive Skin
Key Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, O-Cymen-5-Ol
Texture
The texture feels like a lighter lotion overall.
Why I recommend it
I really like how it has such a minimal ingredient list overall. It just uses ingredients that perform and leaves out the ones that don’t. Perfect for sensitive skin.
Things to consider
It doesn’t last long. The tube isn’t very big.
Doctor Rogers Face Cream
Best Non-Comedogenic Face Cream For Dry Skin
Key Ingredients
Squalane, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Adenosine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycerin
Texture
The texture feels like a heavier cream.
Why I recommend it
I like how the ingredient list isn’t long and while it is a richer cream it still leans more non-comedogenic. I often need a heavier moisturizer but they all contain more comedogenic ingredient lists.
Things to consider
This face cream could still cause clogged pores if you are prone to heavier oils. It’s a great ingredient list but if you find heavier creams cause acne or clogged pores, this may be one you want to skip.
Tower28 SOS Recovery Cream
Best Barrier Repair Non-Comedogenic Face Cream
Key Ingredients
Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Allantoin
Texture
The texture feels creamy but not light. It’s like a lotion and a cream had a baby!
Why I recommend it
This is such a great moisturizer if you have a compromised skin barrier. Whether it’s due to products that have caused irritation or weather. This can really help to bring a sense of calm and support to the skin.
Things to consider
There’s nothing I didn’t like! I especially think it’s great for those who don’t like a lot of botanicals.
Use code SUZI15 to save 15% off your purchase!
OSEA Seabiotic Water Cream
Best Lightweight Non-Comedogenic Face Cream
Key Ingredients
Prebiotic + Seaweed, Undaria Seaweed, Squalane, Bisabolol
Texture
The texture is very lightweight. Feels like a lighter lotion.
Why I recommend it
This is a great product for those that want a lighter lotion overall. Especially great for daytime wear or under makeup as it’s not so heavy.
Things to consider
It is really light and for someone who has dry skin, I found I sometimes needed additional moisturizer. I like this in the summer when there is more moisture in the air.
Use code GURLGONEGREEN10 to save 10% off your purchase!
Clearstem Hydraglow
Best Non-Comedogenic Face Cream For Mature Skin
Key Ingredients
Bakuchiol, Plant Stem Cells, Squalane
Texture
The texture feels lighter but not as light as the OSEA Water Cream. I like how it sinks in.
Why I recommend it
I like how this is more non-comedogenic, yet still full of some skin actives to really help with mature and aging skin.
Things to consider
It does have more botanicals and actives in it, so if you’re wanting something more soothing/calming this might not be it.
Use code GURLGONEGREEN to save 15% off your purchase!
Indie Lee Brightening Cream
Best Non-Comedogenic Face Cream For Combination Skin
Key Ingredients
Strawberry Leaf Extract , Centella Asiatica, Safflower Oil , Squalane, Candelilla Wax
Texture
The texture is a great mix of a lotion and cream. It feels nourishing like a cream but not super heavy.
Why I recommend it
I like how this offers more of a transformation, not just non-comedogenic but it also offers a glow and brightening effect.
Things to consider
There is nothing I didn’t like about this moisturizer. It really is such a good product for daytime or nighttime wear and brightens the skin well.
HERBIVORE Tremella Silky Hydration Gel Cream
Best Non-Comedogenic Face Cream For Oily Skin
Key Ingredients
Tremella Mushroom, Vegan Silk, Vegan Squalane, Vegan Glycerin
Texture
The texture feels lightweight, yet really nourishing because it is more of a cream overall.
Why I recommend it
I like how the ingredient list is geared towards more oily skin types. It’s really nourishing but has ingredients that generally don’t clog pores, think lightweight emollients instead of rich butters.
Things to consider
This formula excels at hydration, but doesn’t have a ton of active ingredients to fight aging- something to be aware of.
Frequently Asked Questions
What moisturizer won’t clog pores?
Look for moisturizers thatt are water-based, oil-free, or state that they are non-comedogenic.
How do you know if a moisturizer is non-comedogenic?
Moisturizers that are non-comedogenic shouldn’t list heavy oils and butters in their list of ingredients. Squalane, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid may be used to provide moisture without creating congestion in the pores. You can also use a site like Incidecoder.com to decode your skincare ingredients.
Is non-comedogenic regulated?
Non-comedogenic is not regulated, that’s why it’s important to check the ingredient label, not just the marketing label.
Can a moisturizer cause acne?
A moisturizer can most definitely cause acne. It can cause clogged pores, contact dermatitis, and fungal acne.
If you liked this post, check out these past posts:
*Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate links in this blog post. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale. This comes at no cost to you, but is paid by the company. I do not take becoming an affiliate with any company lightly. If I am, it’s because I believe in the company and their product.
*Suzi(Gurl Gone Green) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
