Derms Agree—These Noncomedogenic Moisturizers Make the Biggest Difference for Acne-Prone Skin

Who knew it was this simple?

Learning how to curate the best product lineup for your skin type is one of the skincare challenges that's not talked about enough, but also happens to be a universal experience. Whether your first not-so-great experience with using a skincare product was when you were a tween who didn't know the first thing about shopping for toners and oils, or just recently decided to revamp your skincare collection after experiencing a change in skin type, knowing what works best doesn't have to be hard.

One of the biggest culprits behind breakouts is oil (which also happens to be one of the most popular ingredients lurking in your skincare cabinet). Switching to a noncomedogenic moisturizer with oil-free formulas made the biggest difference in the appearance and feel of my skin after a cross-country move to New York City and experiencing hot temperatures, subway air, and other major environmental aggressors for the first time. If you're not sure what it means for a product to be noncomedogenic, you're not alone. Below, I'm breaking down the skincare term with guidance from two board-certified dermatologists and learning all about their dos, don'ts, and top product recommendations.

Amaka Hamelijnck wears a cream linen shirt with a green hat

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

What Does Noncomedogenic Mean?

According to board-certified dermatologist Lauren Penzi, MD, FAAD, products that are noncomedogenic described products that are formulated to be less likely to clog pores and cause acne. "These products usually lack potentially occlusive [ingredients] that can clog pores and cause 'comedones,' which is a type of acne (think blackheads and whiteheads). Products labeled as noncomedogenic typically undergo testing or a formulation process to ensure that they do not contain ingredients known to clog pores or promote acne," Penzi says. Products that fall into this category are the best match for individuals who have oily or acne-prone skin.

While noncomedogenic formulas can make a difference in the health and appearance for all skin types, those with oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin will reap the most benefits from them, as pores can easily become clogged and lead to breakouts. That said, identifying the ingredients that can upset the balance of your skin can prove challenging for anyone without helpful guidance from experts. These ingredients include various oils, alcohols, acids, butters, propylene glycol, and lanolins that stop the skin barrier from operating the way it should. Alternately, noncomedogenic formulas often include nourishing and lightweight ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur in addition to light oils.

What Are the Best Formulas for Oily Skin?

While shopping for the best noncomedogenic moisturizers, Penzi advises favoring formulas with hydration-boosting ingredients that help the skin to retain moisture and reinforce the skin barrier without clogging pores, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and niacinamide. "Be sure to avoid comedogenic oils like coconut oil. Also, avoid heavy occlusive ingredients like petrolatum," she warns. There are also a number of other ingredients to steer clear of if you have acne-prone skin, as these are the main culprits for breakouts, irritation, and redness.

So, what shouldn't be in your moisturizers? Azadeh Shirazi, MD, says it's best to avoid ingredients that form a film on the skin's surface, like silicone derivatives. "Avoid fragrances, mineral oil, lanolin, shea butter, or comedogenic oils like coconut oil," explains Shirazi. It's also important to remember that everyone's skin reacts differently to certain ingredients. Shea butter and silicones, for example, are frequently used ingredients in moisturizers that can be too heavy or cause a reaction for some skin types, while others experience no visible reaction that could compromise the health of the skin barrier.

If you have more sensitive skin and would like to avoid any potential run-ins with ingredients that could irritate the skin, start by choosing a moisturizer formulated without any of these ingredients and testing it on the back of your hand. If you're ready to see which noncomedogenic formulas both Penzi and I recommend to anyone looking to level up their moisturizer game, keep scrolling for our top picks.

Best Noncomedogenic Moisturizers, Listed

Mary L. Jean poses with glowing skin while drinking wine in Paris, France

(Image credit: @maryljean)

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Maya Thomas
Associate Beauty Editor

Maya Thomas is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.