Non-comedogenic moisturizers are especially useful for those who struggle with acne, blackheads, and clogged pores. This skincare must-have doesn't contain pore-clogging ingredients and is also touted as lightweight, gentle, and fast-absorbing.
To help you get the best non-comedogenic moisturizer, we've created a buying guide and a list of the top picks available. We also have some helpful comments and tips from dermatologist Dr. Maria Elinor Grace "Meg" Sison. Read on to get an idea of which formula works best for your skin!
Quick List - Top Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers
La Roche-Posay
Restore and Hydrate Sensitive Skin with Dermatologist-Recommended Care
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Compared to other skincare items, moisturizers stay longer on the surface of your skin. Non-comedogenic moisturizers are the ideal option for everyday use. They have gentle ingredients that will not cause comedones. These refer to flesh-colored spots caused by pore blockage and are typically found on the forehead and chin.
If you have acne-prone skin, you might also want to check out this kind of moisturizer for a safer choice. It won't target and clear acne, but it'll avoid dirt and oil blockages that result in breakouts. However, also take note that everyone has a particular skin type and might react differently to a product's formula.
Non-comedogenic moisturizers are recommended for everyone not only because we live in a hot, humid climate but also because they are less likely to block our pores and lead to the formation of closed comedones (whiteheads).
Non-comedogenic moisturizers are less likely to aggravate acne because moisturizers with rich and thick formulas can make the skin more greasy and affect a patient's compliance with his/her skincare regimen.
The typical advice you'll hear from skincare enthusiasts is that a light moisturizer is suitable for daytime because you'll get exposed to different environmental aggressors. Meanwhile, a heavier moisturizer is best for nighttime so that the product can better seal in the moisture overnight. However, you should also consider which texture is more compatible with your skin type.
Having oily skin is accompanied by that pesky greasy feeling, which is why you need to carefully inspect the product to avoid clogged pores. Oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizers are a particularly great pick for oily skin, as these retain your skin's essential moisture minus the malagkit feeling. Opt for a water-based facial moisturizer that feels lightweight on the skin.
Lightweight moisturizers in lotion or emulsion format, as well as gel moisturizers, are recommended for those with oily skin. Moisturizers that do not contain pore-clogging ingredients such as isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, and coconut oil (although not all forms of coconut extract are acnegenic) should be chosen for those with oily skin.
Having dry and dull skin has multitudes of causes such as cold climate, frequent showers, and fragrances. This is the effect if your skin lacks oil production. Can’t decide between lotions or creams? Creams are your best option when it comes to dry skin. These products have a thicker texture and are typically oil-based.
Also opt for moisturizers that are infused with emollients, which help repair the skin barrier, as well as humectants for drawing and sealing in the moisture into the skin. These will keep your skin hydrated to improve rough and flaky skin.
For those with dry skin, look for moisturizers in cream format with more emollients and occlusives that can prevent moisture from escaping the skin's outermost layer. The occlusive coating also provides an emollient effect, helps increase penetration of previously applied ingredients, and decreases transepidermal water loss.
Look for ingredients like ceramides, squalane, cholesterol, fatty acids, paraffin, dimethicone, soybean oil, grapeseed oil, propylene glycol, lanolin, and beeswax.
If your skin reacts to the usual drugstore skincare products, it’s most likely you have sensitive skin. Opt for a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free moisturizer to avoid drying and redness that can irritate your skin.
Also, steer clear of products with sulfates, alcohol, and acids such as salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids that can disturb the skin barrier. Instead, you can consider soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and colloidal oatmeal.
Those with sensitive skin should look for moisturizers that are fragrance-free with short ingredients list to minimize the chances of skin irritation. Soothing anti-inflammatory ingredients such as argan oil, chamomile, niacinamide, colloidal oatmeal, feverfew, licorice extract, green tea, and chamomile can also provide benefits for those with sensitive skin.
When it comes to selecting a skincare product, it's always beneficial to check the list of ingredients. This will help you to get more familiar with the ingredients that are hiyang to your skin type. At the same time, it allows you to watch out for pore-clogging ingredients that can cause acne and other skin woes.
Dubbed a powerful humectant, hyaluronic acid soaks into the skin and ties water to your skin cells, intending to revitalize every skin layer. This ingredient is commonly found in moisturizers due to its impressive hydrating power. Additionally, it guards your lipid barrier, making it a beneficial choice for sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin to fight the signs of aging.
On the other hand, glycerin is a famous humectant that retains your skin moisture, alleviates dryness, and leaves your skin soft and healthy. This enhances the skin’s overall health and allows the penetration of ingredients into the other layers of the skin.
Humectants are ingredients with high water absorption capabilities that are able to attract water from the atmosphere. They rapidly draw water into the skin, causing a slight swelling of the skin's outermost layer that gives the perception of smoother skin with fewer wrinkles. Examples are glycerin, sorbitol, hyaluronic acid, urea, propylene glycol, alpha hydroxy acids, and sugars.
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan found in the extracellular matrix and is thought to give the skin its volume and plumpness. Aged skin, which is less plump than youthful skin, is characterized by decreased levels of hyaluronic acid. Studies have been conflicting about the penetration of hyaluronic into the skin on topical application, but the size of the molecule plays an important role.
Moisturizers nowadays are formulated with ingredients that tackle multiple concerns. If you’re on the quest for a hydrating and pimple-fighting product, take into consideration a cica-infused moisturizer. Cica, also known as Centella Asiatica, helps in speeding up the healing process while improving your skin's hydration.
Meanwhile, tea tree oil is another excellent choice when dealing with acne. This popular ingredient is packed with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that ease redness and inflammation as well as reduce acne scars. According to studies, tea tree oil works wonders on acne, just like benzoyl peroxide.
Centella Asiatica has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which makes it a great addition to skincare products. In vitro studies showed the benefit of Centella Asiatica for acne, but more human clinical trials are still needed to prove its claim of treating acne.
Tea tree oil is known to have antimicrobial properties, and an in vitro study showed that it has capabilities as an antimicrobial agent against Cutibacterium acnes bacteria. Further studies are still needed to confirm its activity and that of its components in isolates of the microorganism from patients with acne vulgaris.
In case the product's label does not indicate whether it is non-comedogenic or not, steer clear of products with ingredients that stimulate oil production inside your pores. These include SD or denatured alcohol, menthol, camphor, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, grapefruit, and lime.
If you’re the type of person who loves to inspect the ingredients list before buying a product, also consider reading an ingredients dictionary to get a better understanding of the ingredients, their functions, and how they will benefit or harm your skin.
Simple alcohols like denatured alcohol, SD alcohol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol are added to skincare products as a solvent, penetration enhancer, preservative, and to lighten the product's texture. They may cause skin irritation and dryness when used in high concentrations. Menthol, camphor, peppermint, and eucalyptus are added for their cooling effects, but these can also make the skin irritated as well, so it's best to avoid them.
Lemon, grapefruit, and lime are citrus fruits that can cause skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. Caution is advised in using them because, at high concentrations, they can cause blistering when the skin is exposed to sunlight, a condition called phytophotodermatitis.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Skin Type | Key Ingredients | Application | Volume | |||||
1 | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel | ![]() | Boosts Hydration for Smooth, Supple Skin All Day | Normal to Oily, Combination, Acne-Prone, Sensitive | Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Amino Acids, Electrolytes, Yeast Extract, Trehalose | AM, PM | 50 mL | |
2 | Céleteque Acne Clearing Facial Moisturizer Gel | ![]() | Clear Skin, Calm Confidence | Acne-Prone; Oily, Combination, Sensitive | Salicylic Acid, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice | AM, PM | 50 mL | |
3 | La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer | ![]() | Restore and Hydrate Sensitive Skin with Dermatologist-Recommended Care | Normal, Combination, Dry, Sensitive | Ceramide, Niacinamide | AM, PM | 75 mL | |
4 | Face Republic Calming Care AHA/BHA Moisturizer | ![]() | Gentle Glow, Calm Confidence | Oily, Acne-Prone, Sensitive, Dry, Combination | Plant-derived Squalane, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Lactic Acid, Willow Bark Extract, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Panthenol, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Vitamin E | AM, PM | 50 mL | |
5 | Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream | ![]() | Deep Hydration, Zero Heaviness: Your Skin’s Daily Refresh | Combination to Oily, Dry, Normal, Sensitive, Acne-Prone | Hyaluronic Acid,, Betaine, Sodium PCA, Phytosqualane, Centella Asiatica Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Chamomile, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Trehalose, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Glycerin | AM, PM | 100 mL | |
6 | Dr. G Red Blemish Soothing Cream | ![]() | Calm the Red, Clear the Skin | Sensitive, Acne-Prone | Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, 5-Cica Complex, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Beta-Glucan, Panthenol, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Yeast Ferment Extract, Vitamin E | AM, PM | 70 mL | |
7 | COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion | ![]() | Lightweight Hydration, Soothing Care | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Acne-Prone | 70% Birch Sap, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Allantoin, 4-Terpineol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Betaine, Lemon Peel Oil, Tea Tree Leaf Oil | AM, PM | 100 mL | |
8 | Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream | ![]() | Deep Hydration, Stronger Barrier, Naturally Nourished Skin | Dry, Sensitive | Ceramide, Vitamin E, Panax Ginseng Root Water, Cholesterol, Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Extract, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol | AM, PM | 30, 150, 200 mL | |
9 | Hada Labo Gokujyun Perfect Gel | ![]() | Deep Moisture, Firmness, and Youthful Glow | Dry, Dehydrated; Sensitive | Four types of Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Glucosyl Ceramide, Squalane, Sacran | AM, PM | 100 mL | |
10 | Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream | ![]() | Hydration That Stays Fresh, Shine-Free All Day | Normal to Oily | Glacial Glycoprotein, Imperata Cylindrica, Micronized Amino Acid | AM, PM | 28, 50, 125 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many users with oily, combination, and acne-prone skin find the gel lightweight, non-greasy, and hydrating, leaving skin feeling smooth, supple, and refreshed. Dermatologists and cosmetic chemists praise it for being suitable for normal to oily skin types, including sensitive and mature skin. The jar packaging is considered unhygienic by some users
Skin Type | Normal to Oily, Combination, Acne-Prone, Sensitive |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Amino Acids, Electrolytes, Yeast Extract, Trehalose |
Application | AM, PM |
Volume | 50 mL |
Skin Type | Acne-Prone; Oily, Combination, Sensitive |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice |
Application | AM, PM |
Volume | 50 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many users praise the moisturizer for being lightweight yet effectively hydrating without feeling greasy or heavy. The formula’s gentle, dermatologist-recommended ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides are frequently noted as beneficial. There is concern among some about the presence of the ingredient myristyl myristate, which is considered comedogenic by some.
Skin Type | Normal, Combination, Dry, Sensitive |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Ceramide, Niacinamide |
Application | AM, PM |
Volume | 75 mL |
Skin Type | Oily, Acne-Prone, Sensitive, Dry, Combination |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Plant-derived Squalane, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Lactic Acid, Willow Bark Extract, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Panthenol, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Vitamin E |
Application | AM, PM |
Volume | 50 mL |
It is often recommended for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin because it hydrates without clogging pores or causing breakouts for most users. Many users appreciate its lightweight gel-cream consistency that absorbs quickly. A few users with oily-dehydrated skin noticed that it made their T-zone oilier faster.
Skin Type | Combination to Oily, Dry, Normal, Sensitive, Acne-Prone |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid,, Betaine, Sodium PCA, Phytosqualane, Centella Asiatica Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Chamomile, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Trehalose, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Glycerin |
Application | AM, PM |
Volume | 100 mL |
Skin Type | Sensitive, Acne-Prone |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, 5-Cica Complex, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Beta-Glucan, Panthenol, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Yeast Ferment Extract, Vitamin E |
Application | AM, PM |
Volume | 70 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many users love the lotion for daily use, noting it maintains skin hydration well throughout the day and feels refreshing, even on dehydrated skin. The inclusion of birch sap (about 70% of the formula) and tea tree leaf oil contributes to soothing and calming benefits. Some users find the lotion only maintains skin condition rather than improving it significantly.
Skin Type | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Acne-Prone |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | 70% Birch Sap, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Allantoin, 4-Terpineol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Betaine, Lemon Peel Oil, Tea Tree Leaf Oil |
Application | AM, PM |
Volume | 100 mL |
Many users praise the cream for its excellent moisturizing and skin barrier repair properties. Users with sensitive and acne-prone skin report no breakouts and find it soothing. Some users find the texture a bit waxy or gritty due to the ceramide capsules.
Skin Type | Dry, Sensitive |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Ceramide, Vitamin E, Panax Ginseng Root Water, Cholesterol, Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Extract, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol |
Application | AM, PM |
Volume | 30, 150, 200 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
It is appreciated for its ability to provide long-lasting hydration due to ingredients. Some reviewers mention it works well as an all-in-one product (essence, moisturizer, and sleeping mask). The texture is a common point of contention. Some find it tacky or sticky.
Skin Type | Dry, Dehydrated; Sensitive |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Four types of Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Glucosyl Ceramide, Squalane, Sacran |
Application | AM, PM |
Volume | 100 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Generally well-received for its lightweight, hydrating, and non-greasy formula. Many users appreciate its fast absorption, cooling effect, and ability to reduce shine while maintaining moisture balance throughout the day. However, those with dry or highly sensitive skin may want to be cautious due to its alcohol content.
Skin Type | Normal to Oily |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Glacial Glycoprotein, Imperata Cylindrica, Micronized Amino Acid |
Application | AM, PM |
Volume | 28, 50, 125 mL |
Choosing a new product to add to your skincare routine is never easy, especially when there are so many unanswered questions on your mind. To help you even just a little bit, we asked Dr. Meg Sison some of the most asked questions on the web. Here are her answers!
It actually depends on the individual using the product. The overall formulation of a product is very important because everyone will react differently. Some products can trigger comedone formation in certain individuals while others will not react at all.
Not necessarily. Oil-free means that the formula is lighter, but it does not mean that it is non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic means that a product will not clog pores and will not lead to the formation of whiteheads or comedones.
The best way to avoid breakouts is to use gentle products that bring back your skin's best condition. Check out these links to know more about the best skincare products that will help you address your skin concerns. Happy shopping!
Author: B. Tan
Re-editor: R. Victoriano
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Neutrogena|Hydro Boost Water Gel
No. 2: Céleteque|Acne Clearing Facial Moisturizer Gel
No. 3: La Roche-Posay|Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
No. 4: Face Republic|Calming Care AHA/BHA Moisturizer
No. 5: Isntree|Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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