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ELLE Edit: 15 Moisturisers To Try If You Have Acne-Prone Skin

Non-greasy, blemish-fighting hydration here we come.

By Louise Whitbread
best moisturisers for acne prone skinpinterest

If you have acne-prone skin, finding a moisturiser that works for you can be like soothing a crying baby; you're not sure what it needs or what you've done to upset it, so it's a guessing game on what will calm it down and not make the problem worse.

Hydration can sometimes feel like the enemy, but finding the right balance is key. 'Even if you have oily skin, using a moisturiser as part of your regime is advisable to protect the skin from environmental conditions that can cause dehydration; even if your skin is oily it can still be dehydrated,' says skin health expert and clinic founder Dija Ayodele, who advises on looking for formulas that contain decongesting ingredients such as salicylic acid.

Though it might be tempting to chuck the thickest creams on to relieve that tight feeling you get from dehydrated skin, it normally goes the other way and ends up making skin oilier and more prone to spots popping up. 'Avoid moisturisers that are really heavy in consistency and opt for oil-free products,' confirms Ayodele, 'these will lessen the excess oil you add to the surface of your skin.'

Instead, look for lightweight gels and water creams, opt for oil-free formulas and matte finishes. Remember, the better your moisturiser, the better your makeup will look. Get it right, and you can be on your way to spot-free skin within weeks.

And where there's a will, there's a way. We've rounded up the best moisturisers for blemish-prone skin to help eradicate any spots and pimples to leave you with skin that's matte and totally spot-free.

Shop the best moisturisers for acne-prone skin now

1

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

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Protini Polypeptide Cream
1

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

£62 at Cult Beauty£61 at sephora.co.uk£49 at LookFantastic

Waking up to uncomfortable, congested skin? An extra blanket of thick, greasy shine is the last thing you need. That's why we favour lightweight, water-gel textures that hydrate without ever feeling heavy. Cue Drunk Elephant's Protini Polypeptide Cream. This cloud-like moisturiser absorbs into your skin without leaving a trace and is packed with peptides to help strengthen and nourish your face at its most compromised.

2

Ren Clean Skincare ClearCalm Replenishing Gel Cream

On Sale
ClearCalm Replenishing Gel Cream
2

Ren Clean Skincare ClearCalm Replenishing Gel Cream

Now 25% Off

The name of this cream speaks for itself: clear and calm. Targetting acne from three directions, this multitasking moisturiser goes after excess dead skin cells, over-production of sebum and bacteria, which as a trio keep your acne angry and recurring. Made up of Japanese liquorice extract, lingonberry seed oil and a complex of chamomile, lavender, and sage, this high-performance gel cream lightens acne scars, controls oil and most importantly keeps acne-causing congestion at bay. A win win win.

3

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Plus M

On Sale
Effaclar Duo Plus M

When it comes to blemishes, La Roche-Posay is famous for being able to tackle any spot that you throw at it. Containing salicylic acid, this new launch works to unblock pores and control sebum levels. Use this one regularly and you’re not only less likely to get future breakouts but, with the addition of zinc, it helps to get rid of any current pesky spots, too.

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4

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream

On Sale
Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream
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Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream

Now 25% Off

It's no secret that Dr. Jart+ is a powerhouse when it comes to redness. In fact, you might already be familiar with its viral colour-correcting treatment which has been crowned a modern skincare hero by TikTok.

This ultra-light cream is another favourite of ours. It uses a clever complex of tiger grass and Cicabond (a skin renewing blend of proteins and minerals) to calm and restore irritated, red and stressed skin when spots and rosacea make an unwanted comeback.

5

Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Face Cream

On Sale
Clarifying Face Cream
5

Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Face Cream

Now 25% Off

If you find you get the odd spot now and again but still want your skin to appear glow-y, this luxe hero from Dr. Sturm provides the best of both worlds. Enriched with zinc, it manages to soothe any irritation and counteract redness whilst still leaving skin with a plumped and dewy finish - no oiliness involved.

6

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturiser

On Sale
Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturiser
6

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturiser

Now 25% Off

K-beauty brand Laneige is widely adored for its viral lip masks, but this gel moisturiser is an underrated gem. Perfect for oily and dehydrated skin (yes, you can be both) it's a refreshing, lightweight texture that's fast-absorbing and never greasy, thanks to a mix of hyaluronic acid and deep sea algae.

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7

Tatcha The Water Cream

On Sale
The Water Cream
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Tatcha The Water Cream

Now 20% Off

When it comes to luxury skincare, Tatcha is hard to beat. This chic pot comes complete with a gold spatula to pick up the perfect amount with every application. The formula is pretty impressive too; a rich blend of rice, algae, green tea and Japanese rose. It smoothes texture, tightens pores and balances excess oil production, leaving you with a demi-matte finish. Add to your bag ASAP.

8

Avène Cleanance Comedomed Moisturiser

On Sale
Cleanance Comedomed Moisturiser
8

Avène Cleanance Comedomed Moisturiser

Acne-prone, oily and sensitive? If you've hit the trifecta, you cannot go wrong with a bit of Avène in your daily routine. Not only does it mattify, reduce excess sebum and hydrate all at once, it's also formulated with the brand's iconic Thermal Spring Water which soothes areas of irritation. We'll take two.

9

Augustinus Bader The Light Cream

On Sale
The Light Cream
9

Augustinus Bader The Light Cream

Now 25% Off

We guarantee you'll find Augustinus Bader's line-up of luxury, hardworking products on every beauty editor's bathroom shelf.

Designed for oily skin types and humid climates, this lighter version of the cult original cream has a matte finish specifically to control unwanted shine. A brilliant bookend to any skincare routine, it's a worthwhile investment.

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10

Vichy Normaderm Double Correction Daily Care

On Sale
Normaderm Double Correction Daily Care
10

Vichy Normaderm Double Correction Daily Care

Now 25% Off

Salicylic acid is the gold standard when it comes to blemish-busting ingredients, and one to look out for when you're shopping for skincare. This creamy moisturiser also contains hyaluronic acid`to ensure your skin is supple, plump and hydrated throughout the day too. It's a one-stop shop to a blemish-free complexion.

11

Curél Oil Control Weightless Gel Moisturiser

Oil Control Weightless Gel Moisturiser
11

Curél Oil Control Weightless Gel Moisturiser

Now 20% Off

If your skin is ultra-sensitive and prone to a shiny T-zone, the newest launch from Curél ticks every box. It's fragrance-free, won't clog your pores and is ideal for sensitive skin types, too. A couple of pumps is enough for your whole face, so this bottle will last ages. While balancing oil production, it's also rich in skin-barrier-soothing ceramides which will soften, smooth and hydrate without any greasiness left behind.

12

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream

Magic Water Cream
12

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream

The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream is one of the most well-known moisturisers and makeup primers in the industry, widely loved by editors, influencer and artists alike. However, it's not the best for oily skin: which is why the brand dropped this water-based alternative.

The lightweight little sister to the original isn't as rich or heavy, but it's equally as hydrating, making it a skin saviour for oilier complexions.

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13

SOS Night Cream

Night Cream
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SOS Night Cream

While this isn't the sexiest looking moisturiser, it's truly what's inside that counts. If you have oily skin and have looked on with envy as dry skin types around you get to slather on rich, luxurious creams without breaking out, we hear you. This hydrating option is less than £20 but outperforms many pricier brands and has everything you need if you're prone to redness and oversized pores.

14

Aesop B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel

B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel

Acne-prone skin commonly goes hand in hand with excess oil production, which is exactly what this gel hydrator aims to quell. While it may feel sticky at first, it sinks into skin in seconds to leave you with a grease-free face.

15

Beauty Pie Beauty Pie

Beauty Pie
15

Beauty Pie Beauty Pie

Now 77% Off

Beauty Pie is home to some of our favourite beauty products of all time, including this gel moisturiser, which takes all the best bits from K-beauty to treat acne-prone skin. It's a cocktail of Jeju volcanic sand, flower stem cell extract and ficucell vita which transform dullness to a dewy glow and reduces shine in oilier areas.

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