Building a skin care routine for acne-prone skin is a finely-tuned and carefully-curated endeavour. And it’s never a one-size-fits-all journey either.
Although the basic principle of preventing congestion underlies all truly beneficial pimple-busting products, there’s also a wealth of factors to consider, which determine what your skin may need.
It’s for this very reason that we’ve cultivated a comprehensive list of moisturisers for acne-prone skin that combat congestion, but also do so much more.
Acne-prone skin can deal with a long list of issues that either accompany or stem from its congestion and imbalance, such as dehydration, inflammation, an impaired moisture barrier, et cetera, et cetera.
Here, these six top-rated moisturisers for acne-prone skin aim to calm, balance and clear where possible, and fortify the foundations of healthy skin.
2025’s top moisturiser for acne prone skin
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Matte Anti-Shine Moisturiser, $21.03, Amazon Australia
- Bioderma Sébium Hydra Moisturiser, $16.19, Amazon Australia
- Glossier Priming Moisturiser Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream, $45, MECCA
The best moisturiser for acne-prone skin 2025
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Matte Anti-Shine Moisturiser
from $21.03 at Amazon Australia
Best for: A shine-free complexion
This multitasking moisturiser regulates sebum and oil-production to keep pores congestion-free, plus, it mattifies for a shine-free finish that works well under makeup.
Sizes: 40ml
Key features:
- Formulated with sebum-regulating ingredients
- Gentle exfoliants tighten enlarged pores and refine skin texture
- Mattifies the complexion
- Suitable for sensitive, oily and acne-prone skin susceptible to shine and clogged pores
Available at:
- $21.03 from Amazon Australia
- $30.36 from Priceline
- $30.39 from Chemist Warehouse
Bioderma Sébium Hydra Moisturiser
from $16.19 at Amazon Australia
Best for: Regulating pore-clogging sebum
Bioderma have patented their own Fluidactiv
complex to biologically regulate sebum quality, ensuring pores stay free from congestion and blemishes. Anti-irritants enoxolone and allantoin soothe and reduce redness, and moisturising glycerine and reinforcing ceramides help to hydrate and strengthen the moisture barrier.
Sizes: 40ml
Key features:
- Contains sebum-regulating Fluidactiv complex
- Stops congestion and blemishes from forming
- Anti-irritants soothe and reduce redness
- Lightweight hydrators provide moisture
- Helps to reduce dry, tight-feeling skin
Available at:
- $16.19 from Amazon Australia
- $20.99 from Priceline
- $29.99 from Adore Beauty
Glossier Priming Moisturiser Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream
from $45 at MECCA
Best for: Prepping skin before makeup
Lightweight and shine-balancing, this pick from Glossier has been formulated with oily skin in mind. It contains niacinamide, which helps to refine the appearance of pores and uneven skin tone, while willow bark extract smooths unwanted texture, and marine extract minimises shine. But it’s the hydrating glycerin, and smoothing primer complex that makes this moisturiser the best match for your makeup.
Sizes: 50ml
Key features:
- Niacinamide refines the appearance of pores and uneven skin tone
- Willow bark extract smooths skin texture
- Marine extract controls shine
- Glycerin hydrates
- Customised Power Primers smooth and blur imperfections
Available at:
By Wishtrend Vitamin A-mazing Bakuchiol Night Cream
from $42 at Nudie Glow
Best for: Anti-ageing
Enjoy the benefits of vitamin A without compromising breakout-prone skin, and start using a bakuchiol-enriched night cream (like this K-Beauty best-seller) in the evenings. It’s enhanced with the addition of retinal, which in turn helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, refine skin tone and texture, and minimise the frequency of breakouts.
Sizes: 30ml
Key features:
- Enriched with bakuchiol and retinal
- Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
- Refines skin tone and texture
- Minimises the frequency of breakouts
- Suitable for evening use
- It is recommended to apply an SPF the morning after
Available at:
- $42 from Nudie Glow
- $42.50 from Beauty Amora
- $49 from Oz Hair & Beauty
BYOMA Moisturising Gel Cream
from $27 at Sephora
Best for: Dehydrated skin
While a lot of people who deal with breakouts have oily skin, some are actually noticing spots pop up as a result of dehydration. However, these folks benefit the most from lightweight, non-comedogenic hydrating moisturiser formulas that won’t clog their pores. Enter: BYOMA’s Moisturising Gel Cream. This oil-free face cream contains a Tri-Ceramide Complex (ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids), which enriches and strengthens the skin’s natural moisture barrier, while niacinamide and green tea aim to balance, refine and soothe the complexion.
Sizes: 50ml
Key features:
- Non-comedogenic and oil-free
- Lightweight gel-cream texture
- Contains a barrier-fortifying Tri-Ceramide Complex (ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids)
- Promotes moisture retention
- Enriched with refining, balancing and soothing niacinamide and green tea
Evereden Let’s Bounce Gel-Cream Moisturiser
from $59 at Sephora
Best for: Skincare beginners
Whether you’re dealing with hormonal breakouts later on in life, or have a teenager at home who’s sporting their first-ever spot, this lightweight gel-cream moisturiser is suitable for all. It’s infused with a Triple Tea Complex and tangerine extract, which gently smooth skin texture, and simultaneously soothe, hydrate, and reinforce the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Sizes: 50ml
Key features:
- Suitable for ages 12+
- Lightweight gel-cream formula
- Infused with Triple Tea Complex and tangerine extract
- Soothes and calms skin
- Smooths skin texture
- Hydrates, strengthens and protects the skin’s natural moisture barrier
Looking to save money on moisturiser for acne-prone skin? Check out our coupon codes for Net-A-Porter, MECCA and more.
Which moisturiser is best for acne-prone skin?
“Lightweight gel cream textures with non-pore-clogging hydrators are ideal,” Dr Amy Chahal, Cosmetic Doctor and Founder of Future Skin, tells us. “My go-to combo is niacinamide for oil-balance, squalane for feather-light emollience, and a dash of zinc PCA to keep inflammation in check.”
Is moisturiser good for acne?
Moisturiser can be beneficial to acne-prone skin as it can help to regulate oil and sebum production by keeping the skin hydrated and balanced, but be wary of ingredients lists that include ingredients such as pore-clogging heavy oils, waxes, and petrolatum, and irritating fragrance and perfume.
“Heavy comedogenic emollients such as coconut oil, cocoa butter and isopropyl myristate, can trap dead cells and fuel breakouts,” explains Dr Chahal.
“I’m equally wary of high-percentage synthetic fragrance, and thick occlusive balms that leave a waxy film,” she warns.
Do acne-prone skin types still need to moisturise twice a day?
“Absolutely. Stripping the skin without replacing water and lipids triggers a rebound oil surge,” explains Dr Chahal. “A breathable, non-comedogenic moisturiser, used morning and night, helps keep the barrier intact, allowing your active treatments to work more effectively with reduced irritation.”
Main image credit: @taylor_hill
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
