Non-comedogenic. It’s a mouthful. While this word might sound, it’s simple to understand. “Simply put, non-comedogenic moisturizers contain ingredients that won’t clog or block your pores,” is an aesthetic specialist certified by the FDA and board-certified nurse practitioner Christine Adams. Acne-clogged pores are the starting of a myriad of skin problems, including breakouts, rough texture, uneven tone, etc.
According to Dr. Jessie Cheung, a board-certified dermatologist, a non-comedogenic formulation specifically designed to combat this problem is ideal for those with oily skin or who are susceptible to acne or whiteheads. Anyone can benefit from applying a non-comedogenic moisturizing cream.
To find the most non-comedogenic moisturizers in the market, We tested 15 different formulations. We narrowed our top choices based on their active ingredients, feel on skin, texture, and ability to hydrate without creating breakouts or clogging pores.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV With SPF 30
La Roche-Posay is well known for its products designed for sensitive skin. The Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer UV SPF30 fits precisely into this category. We were impressed by the fact that this formula didn’t cause any irritation to our skin, did not leave any white cast, or made our skin appear overly greased, either.
One thing we found with this product was that it remained in place throughout our water spritz test. This formula could be an excellent choice for those who sweat or engage in many sports or outdoor activities.
We also observed that this formula leaves little flecks of shine and sheen on the skin. It’s not greasy at all, but it does go some dew. If you’ve got oily skin, you might not like this formulation on your face.
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
An elegant bottle with a lavender-colored formula and a refillable tube. We love the environmental aspect of Fenty Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer. The company makes it simple to purchase another refill to be added to the outer packaging already in place. The refill size is less than the one without the outer packaging.
We adored that this moisturizing cream created a luminous glow on the skin. It wasn’t easy to discern if it included SPF. The scent blocked any sunscreen scent. Another thing we noticed was that the product would swell if anything else was applied to it. This is why we would probably not suggest this if you prefer to wear makeup frequently. It’s an option that is better for people who don’t use makeup all day.
Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Niacinamide Restoring Gel Cream
Skinfix is a pro-two about making excellent non-comedogenic moisturizing products for a variety of different types of skin. We are awestruck by this formula for oily skin as it has a lightweight gel that is easy to spread and is absorbed quickly. It’s formulated with niacinamide and amino peptides to hydrate the skin while also drinking excess oil and enhancing the evening tone, and delivering weightless hydration that lasts throughout the day. It also provides a soft shimmer that isn’t greasy and a smooth, soft surface for applying makeup.
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream
If you suffer from dry skin that needs the most intense amount of moisture but is struggling to find a formula that doesn’t block your pores or contribute to breakouts, we suggest looking at this well-known and highly-rated product from Skinfix. It is a combination of nutritional components, including lipids, Glycerin, and peptides–that aid in hydrating your skin while ensuring the health of your skin barrier. Its texture is rich but not too heavy or oily, and we love that it imparts an energizing, fresh glow. At the same time, we love the product for those with dry skin types, and a few of our editors with oily skin praise it.
Tatcha The Water Cream
Intensely nourishing and packed with botanicals, this luxurious formulation will feel like heaven on your skin. It is infused with algae, green tea, and rice filled with a deep protein, which helps hydrate and restore a radiant, healthy glow. It’s a gel-like texture that absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel too heavy or oily. This makes it an ideal option for people with oily skin or who favor lightweight skincare. As if that weren’t extravagant enough, it comes with a hint of gold-plated 23-karat to create the perfect shimmer.
REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm
Creams are lovely; however, Balms are more efficient for skin issues requiring much strength. It is thick, rich, and packed with critical water-retaining agents (like plant oils and beta-glucan)6 The balm that you apply overnight should be the last product to be used in your regimen since it seals everything. One user reported that her complexion appeared less splotchy and even following consistent application. Although it may be a little heavy on the skin, It’s an excellent option if you suffer from extreme dryness. We appreciate that it can be used on the dryest areas of the body too.
Final Verdict
If you’re prone to breakouts or blackheads, then it’s time to get a non-comedogenic, non-irritating moisturizer in your routine. It’s not hard to find it. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Skin Moisturizer has SPF 50, free of fragrance. It has adequate sun protection and won’t block pores despite the additional hydrating ingredient (thank for hyaluronic acid!). If you’re looking for a light and affordable option, consider this MDSolarSciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizing Moisturizer. It is hydrating, and soothing and protects the skin from sunburn.
How We Tested
To create our top 10 list of non-comedogenic moisturizing products, we enlisted fifteen Byrdie editors to try 15 different formulas on their skin. We jotted down the way each product felt on the skin, the extent (or tiny) it helped to hydrate our skin, how they left the skin looking greasy, and, more importantly, if they blocked pores and caused breakouts. We tried each product to determine how it was absorbed by the skin over time and if it appeared friendly under makeup, too.
Exfoliating Acids
It is said that Dr. Cheung says that formulas with beta- and alpha-hydroxy acids are beneficial, particularly for those who have oily skin, because they aid in exfoliating gently and aid in removing excess oil. Sebum and oil build-up can cause pores to become blocked and can cause acne breakouts.
Humectants
It’s not ideal for the moisturizer to cause clogging of pores. However, it would be best if you had it to moisturize. The dermatologist Dr. Cheung says choosing moisturizers that contain humectants or hydrating ingredients that draw water and hold it in the skin are the ideal ingredients to look for in non-comedogenic formulations. Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid are two of her favorite ingredients. Tatcha’s Water Cream can be described as a worthy product packed with humectants such as Glycerin, earning it a place in our top 10 list. Its water-based Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Cream is also incredibly hydrating. You can purchase it for less than $10.