All the moisture without the pore-clogging effects
Non-comedogenic. It’s a mouthful, right? As clinical as this term may sound, it’s actually very easy to explain. “Simply put, non-comedogenic moisturizers contain ingredients that won’t clog or block your pores,” says certified aesthetic nurse specialist and a board-certified nurse practitioner, Christine Adams. Clogged pores are the jumping-off point for a host of skin issues—breakouts, rough texture, uneven tone, you name it.1
But a non-comedogenic formula, specially created to prevent these issues is great for those who have oily skin, or are prone to whiteheads or acne, says Dr. Jessie Cheung, a board-certified dermatologist. But anyone can benefit from using a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
To choose the best non-comedogenic moisturizers on the market, we tested 15 formulas and narrowed down our favorites based on their active ingredients, feel on skin, textures, and ability to hydrate—without clogging pores or causing breakouts.
Here, find our picks of the best non-comedogenic moisturizers for all skin types.
Best Overall: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50
There’s truly not much we didn’t love about this pick from Neutrogena. An SPF moisturizer from Neutrogena’s popular Hydro Boost line, this pick is loaded with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and antioxidants to hydrate and protect your skin.
We loved how lightweight this felt on the skin—it wasn’t too heavy and didn’t leave our skin feeling greasy, either. It absorbs fast and hydrates the skin really nicely. We found that you don’t need a lot of product to fully moisturize your face.
This product doesn’t leave a white cast, so it’s ideal for folks with darker skin tones. It does smell a little bit like sunscreen, but that’s to be expected, considering it has SPF 50.
Best Glowy: Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer SPF 45
If you love a glowy moisturizer, look no further than the Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer SPF 45. This formula leaves a light, pearlescent glow on the skin and really boosts the appearance of a drier dermis.
We liked that this moisturizer didn’t feel too greasy or too drying, either. It was the perfect amount of hydration without going overboard—a difficult feat when using a “glowy” moisturizer. It left a beautiful sheen to the skin, but because the tint is a bit on the lighter side, it might not bode well for folks with darker skin tones.
Another issue we noticed with this pick is that it pilled a bit. Beware that, if applied over a serum or under makeup, it might pill.
Best Splurge: MDSolar Sciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer
The MDSolarSciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer is the perfect amount of lightweight hydration and adequate sun protection, too. Featuring ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and antioxidants, this pick keeps your skin feeling moisturized, calm, and protected throughout the day.
We really loved how this product melted into the skin and didn’t smell overly sunscreen-y. The texture is silky smooth and rich but doesn’t feel heavy on the skin at all. It holds up throughout the day and doesn’t leave your skin looking or feeling greasy, either.
It’s hard to find anything we didn’t love about this moisturizer, other than the price. At $68 a bottle, it’s an expensive moisturizer that’s worth the investment.
Best Lightweight: Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20
With a lightweight formula that glides onto the skin, sun protection of SPF 20, and an incredibly chic-looking container, the Shiseido Hydrating Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20 was our favorite for folks who prefer a lighter texture. This pick contains hyaluronic acid to thoroughly hydrate your skin, while ginseng root extract builds your skin barrier, too.
This is an elegant formulation, there’s no doubt about it. However, we thought the smell was pretty strong—for some, it might even be off-putting. If you have an aversion to strongly-scented skincare products, you might want to pass on this one.
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV With SPF 30
La Roche-Posay is well known for its products formulated for sensitive skin—the Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30 falls right into that category. We loved that this formula didn’t irritate our skin, didn’t leave any sort of white cast, and didn’t make our face look overly greasy, either.
One thing we noticed about this formula is that it stayed put, even during our water spritzing test. We think this pick would be a good option if you sweat a lot or do a bunch of outdoor activities or sports.
We also noticed that this formula does leave the tiniest bit of sheen and shine to the skin. Not anywhere near greasy, but it does add a bit of dewiness. If you have oily skin, you might not love this formula on your face.
Best Refillable: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
A sleek bottle, lavender-colored formula, and an easily refillable tube, we love the sustainability aspect of the Fenty Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer. The brand makes it easy to order another refill to add to the existing outer packaging. The refill size costs $4 less than the product with the outer packaging included.
We loved that this moisturizer left a dewy glow on the skin, and it was hard to tell that it even contained SPF in it—the fragrance really masked any sunscreen smell. One thing we noticed was that this product pills if anything is applied on top of it. Because of this, we probably wouldn’t recommend this if you tend to wear makeup often. It’s a better option for folks who don’t wear makeup every day.
Best for Oily Skin: Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Niacinamide Restoring Gel Cream
Skinfix knows a thing or two about creating excellent non-comedogenic moisturizers for a range of skin types. We love this formula for oily skin because it has a super light gel texture that spreads easily and absorbs quickly. It contains peptides and niacinamide to moisturize the skin while absorbing excess oil and evening tone, and it delivers weightless hydration that lasts all day. We also love that it gives the skin a subtle glow that never looks greasy, and it creates a soft, smooth canvas for makeup.
Best for Dry Skin: Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream
If you have dry skin that requires a serious dose of moisture but you struggle to find formulas that won’t clog your pores or lead to breakouts, we recommend trying out this popular and highly-rated option from Skinfix. It contains a blend of nourishing ingredients—like lipids, peptides, and glycerin—that work to deeply moisturize your skin and support a healthy skin barrier. The texture feels rich but not overly heavy or greasy, and we love that it gives the complexion a fresh, hydrated glow. Though we adore it for dry skin, some of our editors with oily skin also sing its praises.
Best Luxury: Tatcha The Water Cream
Rich in nutrients and botanicals, this ultra-plush formula feels like heaven on the skin. Infused with green tea, algae, and protein-packed rice, it deeply hydrates and restores a healthy radiance. It has a water-like gel texture that absorbs quickly and never feels heavy or oily, making it a great choice for those with oily skin types or anyone who prefers ultra-lightweight skincare. As if it wasn’t luxurious enough, it also includes a hint of 23-karat gold for the ultimate gorgeous glow.
Best Balm: REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm
Creams are great, but for skin concerns that require heavy-duty solutions, a balm might be more effective. Rich, thick, and packed with major hydrators (like plant oils and beta-glucan)6, this overnight balm should be the last skincare product applied in your regimen as it seals everything in. One reviewer noted that after consistent use, her complexion looked less splotchy and more even. While it can feel a bit heavy on the face, it’s a great choice if you’re dealing with serious dryness, and we love that it can be applied on the driest areas of the body, too.
Final Verdict
If you’re prone to blackheads or breakouts, you definitely need a non-comedogenic moisturizer in your life. You can’t go wrong with the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer with SPF 50, which is fragrance-free, contains adequate sun protection, and won’t clog pores, despite the extra-hydrating formula (thank you, hyaluronic acid). If you’re looking for a lightweight and splurge-worthy option, try the MDSolarSciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer, which hydrates, soothes, and protects the skin from sun damage, too.
How We Tested
To come up with our list of the best non-comedogenic moisturizers, we asked 15 Byrdie editors to test 15 different formulas on their own skin. We took note of what each product felt like on the skin, how much (or little) they hydrated our complexion, whether they left our face looking greasy, and most importantly if they clogged pores or caused breakouts. We tested each product to see how it settled into the skin throughout the day, and if it looked good under makeup, too.
What to Look When Buying a Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer
Exfoliating Acids
Dr. Cheung says that formulas that contain alpha- and/or beta-hydroxy acids are great, especially for those with oily skin, as they help gently exfoliate and help further dissolve excess oil. Excess oil and sebum can cause the pores to be clogged, which can lead to breakouts.1
Humectants
You don’t want the moisturizer to clog pores, but you do want it to hydrate. Dr. Cheung says choosing moisturizers with humectants, lightweight hydrating ingredients that attract water to and trap it in the skin, are ideal to look for in non-comedogenic formulas. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are two of her faves. Tatcha’s The Water Cream is a splurge-worthy pick packed with humectants like glycerin, earning a spot on our list. The water-based Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer is also ultra-hydrating—and you can score it for under $10.
FAQ
What does non-comedogenic mean?
Formulas that are non-comedogenic simply don’t contain components that can clog your pores, says Adams. She says this is important especially in a moisturizer for oily skin or acne-prone skin, as clogged pores can exacerbate these issues and worsen skin.
How can I tell if a moisturizer is non-comedogenic?
According to Adams, all skincare ingredients fall somewhere from 0 to 5 on the comedogenic rating scale, which shows how likely a specific ingredient can clog your pores. So, an ingredient rated 0 is non-comedogenic and one that’s rated 5 is very comedogenic.2
Some examples of ingredients that land at a 0 are vitamin C, glycerin, and aloe vera, so look for those while shopping for a non-comedogenic moisturizer. We love Urban Hydration Bright & Balanced Aloe Vera Daily Gel Moisturizer, our best budget pick, for being chock full of humectants like aloe vera, which rates a 0 on the comedogenic scale.
Adams warns to stay away from certain oils and butters, such as coconut oil and cocoa butter, which can be pore-clogging—especially when used together. However, some oils are pretty low on the comedogenic scale, so make sure to do your research before buying.
What skin types should use a non-comedogenic moisturizer?
All skin types can benefit from using non-comedogenic moisturizers, but they’re especially helpful for those with and combination skin types, says Adams. “Dry skin types can tolerate more higher scaled comedogenic products, such as oils, but I would still be cautious with using too many,” she says. No skin type is insusceptible to clogged pores, so you’ll still want to be careful when adding those formulas to your routine.
