The 13 Best Noncomedogenic Moisturizers for Clear, Healthy Skin

Best Overall

The Outset Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer

$44

$22 at Amazon $44 at Nordstrom $44 at Theoutset.com

Active Ingredients: Squalane | Skin Type: Dry, combination, normal, acne-prone | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

You can thank squalane, edelweiss extract, and the brand’s proprietary Hyaluroset™ Complex (a botanical alternative to hyaluronic acid) for the amazing boost in hydration this formula gives to the skin. A little goes a long way with this formula; you only need half a pump to cover your entire face thoroughly. Once applied, you’ll notice how fast this formula sinks into the skin (we’re talking seconds here), and we love that it leaves no greasy residue. It plays well with other skincare and makeup products and makes our skin look healthy and vibrant. One thing to note is that this pick offers a dewy finish, so if you have really oily skin, you might not like this pick.

Bianca, tester with sensitive skin prone to monthly breakouts: “I can tell an immediate difference after I apply this moisturizer—my skin looks more radiant and feels smooth to the touch. The hydration lasts all day without my skin becoming an oil slick. Plus, I don’t get any breakouts with this formula.”

Best for Oily Skin

CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream

$20

$16 at Amazon $20 at Ulta $16 at Target

Active Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 3 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Calling all oily folks, this noncomedogenic moisturizer from CeraVe is for you. Featuring silica and other powders to help absorb excess oil on the skin, this gel cream is super lightweight and absorbs into the skin quickly. You’ll also find ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to add lightweight moisture without overdoing it. Our tester, Lauren, loves that this formula is mattifying and works beautifully under makeup. Plus, it doesn’t leave any type of residue behind. The only thing we would change about this product is the nozzle; if only it were bigger to allow more product to come out.

Lauren, tester with oily skin and occasional breakouts: “It left my skin fairly matte, which is great because my skin can get shiny. Immediately after application, my face feels lightly moisturized. If my skin is a bit dry on a certain day due to a lack of water intake or something of that sort, I’ll add another layer of the moisturizer just to give my skin a boost.”

Best for Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

$25 at Amazon $29 at Ulta $26 at Dermstore

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and niacinamide | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.38 oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: No

La Roche-Posay is well known for its products formulated for sensitive skin, and the Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30 falls right into that category. Our tester, Shannon, loved that this formula didn’t irritate her skin, leave a white cast, or make her face look greasy. It stays put, too, even when it comes into contact with sweat or water. This pick would be a good option if you sweat a lot or do many outdoor activities. Note: The formula can leave the tiniest bit of sheen on the skin—not anywhere near greasy—but those with oily skin should be aware that it could contribute to extra dewiness. The brand makes a matte version, though, which might be up your alley.

Shannon, tester with dry skin and occasional breakouts (not shown): “The gel-cream has a nice texture. It squeezes out and spreads easily, but has enough heft that it feels hydrating. Plus, I like that it almost has a cooling effect when you apply it. The formula absorbed really quickly (within a minute or two) and left my skin with a matte finish. I was surprised how quickly it got matte, since it’s a fairly thick cream and looked dewy on immediate application.”

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer

$42 at Amazon $42 at Sephora $750 at Paulaschoice.com

Active Ingredients: Niacinimide, hyaluronic acid, licorice | Skin Type: oily, acne-prone | Size: 2 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Finding the right level of moisturizer can be a serious challenge when you’re dealing with acne. Despite being oil-free and virtually weightless, this option from Paula’s Choice adds plenty of hydration. In fact, our tester was surprised by how long its moisturizing effects lasted—even in the dead of winter. The formula absorbed instantly, leaving her skin feeling fresh and hydrated, with a glass-like finish. There was no sticky residue and no risk of breakouts thanks to its acne-friendly, noncomedogenic ingredients: niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. 

Hannah, tester with sensitive skin and occasional hormonal breakouts: “Although it’s not as thick as I typically use during wintertime, it made my skin feel hydrated, and left a clean, glass-like finish. My skin felt still relatively hydrated even hours after use!”

Best Budget

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Cream

$23 at Amazon $19 at Ulta $20 at Target

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, arginine | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No

There’s a lot to love about this pick from Neutrogena. A water cream from the brand’s popular Hydro Boost line, it’s loaded with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and amino acids hydrate and protect your skin. The formula feels lightweight to the touch (aka, it isn’t too heavy and doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy). It absorbs quickly and hydrates the skin almost instantly. When our tester, EnJanae, tried it, she found that she didn’t need a lot of product to moisturize her face thoroughly.

EnJanae, tester with oily skin and weekly breakouts: “There’s been a decrease in breakouts since I started using this product. My skin has been more hydrated and glowy, with a noticeable improvement in texture. The product leaves a dewy finish that’s a great base for makeup or bare skin.”

Best With SPF

Cetaphil Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30

$15 at Amazon $15 at Target

$18

$15 at Walmart

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7% | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 4 oz | SPF: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

We stan a multitasking product (anything to cut down on grooming time in the morning), which is why this moisturizer-meets-SPF caught our attention. Designed for oily complexions, it delivers light, refreshing hydration with a matte finish—all while protecting skin with SPF 30. Our tester found this moisturizer easy to spread and appreciated how nicely it layered under makeup. It went on slightly dewy at first, but absorbed quickly, leaving her skin smooth and hydrated all day long. The product does have a sunscreen scent, naturally, but our tester says it dissipates after about an hour and wasn’t particularly bothersome. 

Kailey, tester with normal-to-oily skin: “My skin felt refreshed and hydrated after putting it on! It goes on very smoothly and that lasted all day.”

Best for Enlarged Pores

Skinfix Barrier+ Gel Cream

$54 at Amazon $54 at Sephora $54 at Kohls.com

Active Ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Skinfix knows a thing or two about creating excellent noncomedogenic moisturizers for a range of skin types. This formula, in particular, is ideal for oily skin because it has a super light gel texture that absorbs quickly and delivers weightless hydration. The formula contains peptides and niacinamide to nourish, absorb excess oil, and minimize pores. We also love that it gives the skin a subtle glow that never looks greasy and creates a soft, smooth canvas for makeup. The only negative note is that it has a bit of a funky smell. We bet you’ll love the rest of the formula if you can get past that.

Mikey, tester with combination skin and occasional breakouts: “I noticed immediate hydration after applying this moisturizer. In the long term, I’ve noticed that my pore size and the redness in my complexion have improved.”

Best Splurge

Tatcha The Water Cream

$74 at Amazon $68 at Sephora $74 at Ulta

Active Ingredients: Japanese wild rose, Japanese leopard lily, hadasei-3 complex | Skin Type: Combination, oily, mature | Size: 0.34, 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Rich in nutrients and botanicals, Tatcha’s Water Cream feels like heaven on the skin. Infused with green tea, algae, and protein-packed rice water, this cream deeply hydrates and restores dull, lackluster skin to a healthy radiance. It has a water-like gel texture that absorbs quickly, making it a great choice for those with oily skin or anyone who prefers ultralightweight skincare. As if it wasn’t luxurious enough, it also includes a hint of 23-karat gold for the ultimate gorgeous glow. We also appreciate that it includes a luxe spoon to keep things hygienic. Just keep in mind that because it’s so light, it might not be enough for super dry skin types.

Shannon, tester with dry skin and occasional breakouts (not shown): “The Tatcha Water Cream sunk into my skin instantly, but in a way where you can still feel the hydration without a sticky or greasy feeling. My skin looks supple and hydrated, and it seems like it even slightly plumped the fine lines across my forehead.”

Best Lightweight

Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Blur + Repair Cream

$30 at Amazon $72 at Sephora $72 at Nordstrom

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, shea butter, ceramides, peptides | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.67, 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Whether you struggle with oily skin or prefer a featherlight product during warmer months, having a lightweight moisturizer in your skincare arsenal is always a smart idea. This ultralight cream spreads like butter across the skin, but don’t let its airy texture fool you. The cloud-like moisturizer contains four different weights of hyaluronic acid, giving your skin a moisturizing surge. Plus, this pick minimizes fine lines and inflammation thanks to peptides and ceramides. Beyond its creamy texture and blurring abilities, our tester loved how much brighter her complexion appeared. It provided her with some much-needed nourishment and created an illuminating effect on the skin. While it did take some time for the product to fully absorb, she appreciated that it added a hydrating boost and shine.

Ashley, tester with sensitive, combination skin: “The Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Blur + Repair Cream is exceptionally hydrating and leaves my skin glowing. The repair cream revived my dull, dehydrated skin within seconds. My skin looks healthier and vibrant after every use of the moisturizer.”

Best Gel Cream

InnBeauty Project Recharge Gel Cream

$42 at Sephora $42 at Kohls.com $48 at Innbeautyproject.com

Active Ingredients: Hexpeptide-9, acetyl hexpeptide-8 & 9, sustainable orchid stem cells, patented mineral complex | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The smooth, non-sticky feel of gel moisturizers makes them a pleasure to apply. This one is formulated with skin-barrier-fortifying peptides and hydrators to help replenish parched complexions. Our tester appreciated how easily the formula spread and how quickly it absorbed. It wasn’t the richest or dewiest product she’s tried on her dry skin, but it left her face and neck feeling noticeably smoother and softer. The formula dried down with a natural finish and delivered long-lasting moisture, so there was no need to reapply throughout the day. 

Ashley, tester with dry skin: “It’s lightweight, somewhat silky, and glides on smoothly with no pulling. It absorbs fairly quickly and delivers good moisture.”

Best for Makeup Prep

Dieux Air Angel Collagen & Peptide Hydrating Gel Cream

$34 at Sephora $34 at Dieuxskin.com

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, lipids, vegan collagen, amino acids | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 2.53 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Finding a moisturizer that doesn’t irritate your skin and sits beautifully under makeup is not an easy feat. To our surprise, this baby does just that while giving your skin a plump and dewy glow. Infused with hydrating glycerin and plumping amino acids, this gentle gem is a huge hit in our tester, Saleam’s, eyes. He adored the juicy moisturizer’s ability to blend effortlessly with his skincare and makeup routine. It never caused any pilling or patchiness when paired with makeup. Plus, it created a bouncy base that instantly perked up his skin. The hydrating effects are intense with this one, as our tester never needed to reapply (which we are all about). If you’re looking for a product that will blend seamlessly into your routine without causing any flare-ups, this is the pick for you.

Saleam, tester with combination skin that’s maturing: “The consistency works really well for layering with other skincare products and makeup. It leaves the skin pretty plump and juicy, which complements a concealer, foundation, or other complexion products by providing a nice hydrated base.”

Best for Mature Skin

Clarins Super Restorative Day Cream

$140 at Amazon $140 at Sephora $140 at Clarinsusa.com

Active Ingredients: Harungana extract, gorse extract, desert date extract, Vitamin C derivative | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Although our skin tends to require more hydration as we age, it can also become more prone to clogged pores and breakouts due to hormonal shifts—particularly in women. This ultra-nourishing moisturizer is designed to replenish, illuminate, and densify mature skin without clogging pores. Our tester commended its smooth, dewy, “just right” finish, which delivered lasting hydration even in 20 degree weather. It gave him glowier, plumper, slightly smoother-looking skin without feeling super heavy, and even layered well under SPF. The moisturizer isn’t fragrance-free, which would have been our tester’s preference, but the scent is light and doesn’t overpower. 

Saleam, tester with combination skin that’s maturing: “I would describe this as a smooth, light, but hydrating moisturizer that leaves the skin juicy and plump for hours.”

Best for Dry Skin

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

$74 at Amazon $93 at Kohls.com $72 at Tatcha.com

Active Ingredients: Oils from ginseng, wild thyme, and sweet marjoram; green tea, rice, and algae | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Drench parched skin in decadent moisture with this luxurious skin cream from Tatcha. A laundry list of actives—including non-clogging oils derived from ginseng, wild thyme, and sweet marjoram—combine to provide deep hydration that lasts and lasts. Our tester loved how the formula made her complexion feel: dewy, plump, and bouncy. Despite being so rich, it doesn’t leave a residue, and it was comfortable on her skin from morning until night. She said the product has a dewy finish, which she appreciated, and using it feels like a little luxury or an act of self-care.   

Candice: tester with combination skin: “This moisturizer feels like a little luxury, in terms of how it looks and how it performs. I love the silky texture of the cream and how it makes you glow. It wears comfortably throughout the day, and over time, I do notice my skin feeling more supple and bouncy.”