For clear, breakout-free skin, you'll probably do anything to avoid clogged pores, which makes finding the right moisturiser tricky. A wrong turn can lead to blackheads, whiteheads and acne. Exfoliating regularly and using products that increase cellular turnover, like retinol, can help. You'll also want to avoid any products that could clog your pores even more. And yes, there are some "helpful" skincare products that can actually make the pore problem even worse, particularly moisturisers.
That's right. Some moisturisers, which are supposed to keep your skin smooth and hydrated, can clog your pores. So if you have issues with congestion and breakouts, you'll want to choose your moisturisers wisely. That's where one important product comes into play: non-comedogenic moisturisers.
What Is a Non-Comedogenic Moisturiser?
You've probably heard the term before and thought it sounded good for the most part, but didn't really know much about it. "Simply put, a non-comedogenic product has been tested to not clog pores," explains board-certified dermatologist Ife Rodney, MD, FAAD, of Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetics. "That means it's less likely to cause acne. Though this is not guaranteed. Dirt, dead skin cells, or sebum can clog the pores, causing acne. Comedogenic products—usually heavy or greasy—can also clog your pores. It's important to note that non-comedogenic products won't necessarily treat your breakouts. They just won't contribute to the problem."
While non-comedogenic products are helpful for just about anyone, those with oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin will benefit the most from them, as these skin types can easily become clogged, which can lead to breakouts. (Although, of course, if you need a specialist moisturiser for acne-prone skin, these are available too.)
So what makes a product comedogenic? "Ingredients that are 'pore clogging' or comedogenic are found in many skincare products and makeup," says board-certified dermatologist Jeremy Brauer. "The list of pore-blocking ingredients is long and includes various oils, alcohols, acids, butters, propylene glycol, and lanolins. Non-comedogenic products often contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur, but can also contain other oils such as grape seed." Other non-comedogenic ingredients include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, mineral oil and ceramides.
What to Look for When Choosing a Non-Comedogenic Moisturiser
When choosing a moisturiser, most products will specify that it's non-comedogenic, but you'll want to look at the label, too. "Do your research first. Before anything else, you want to narrow your search down to moisturisers that work with your skin type," Rodney says. "From there, check the label, which will state if the product is non-comedogenic. To be safe, aim for products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic. Next, check the ingredient list. Ingredient lists are usually listed in descending order in terms of concentration. If the product has some comedogenic qualities at the end of the list, it should be safe." Most non-comedogenic products generally avoid thick oils or emulsifiers.
Certain ingredients will work better depending on your skin type. If you have dry skin, Rodney suggests looking for glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane. Oily skin types will benefit from hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide and/or retinol. And overall, serums and gel-based or whipped moisturisers are best instead of thick creams.
Are There Any Downsides to Using a Non-Comedogenic Moisturiser?
While non-comedogenic moisturisers are so helpful for skin that's prone to clogged pores, there are a couple of drawbacks. Brauer says that products with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur can be drying or irritating, so you'll want to be careful with those.
Another drawback is that some people will expect to have their breakout problems solved after using a non-comedogenic product. They can prevent clogged pores, but that doesn't mean they're going to target acne or blemishes. "Just because it's non-comedogenic does not guarantee that you won't get breakouts," Rodney explains. "If you're seeing unwanted blackheads or whiteheads, stop the moisturiser. Then, look for signs of improvement. Some products also have side effects like dryness, redness, or skin irritation. In both cases, make sure to first test the product on a small area of your skin before committing to it."
How We Chose the Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturisers
We asked the experts that we consulted with for this story to weigh in with their top recommendations for the best non-comedogenic moisturisers and also drew on the experience of the wider Who What Wear UK team for their tried-and-tested favourites. From affordable high-street options to luxury brands, we've chosen the very best at different price points and considered whether they'll work for a range of skin types and needs.
So, if you're ready to change up your moisturiser for a non-comedogenic alternative, then take a look at these dermatologist- and editor-recommended picks below.
The Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturisers
- Best Overall Non-Comedogenic Moisturiser: CeraVe Moisturising Lotion (£18)
- Best Luxury Option: Chanel Hydra Beauty Crème (£63)
- Best for Spot-Prone Skin: Medik8 Balance Moisturiser with Glycolic Acid Activator (£42)
- Best Lightweight Moisturiser: Shani Darden Skin Care Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer (£46)
- Best Glow-Boosting Formula: Tatcha The Water Cream (£67)
- Best Firming Moisturiser: Skin Rocks The Moisturiser (£58)
1. CeraVe Moisturising Lotion
Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid
This CeraVe product is something of a cult moisturiser in its own right, beloved by beauty editors and dermatologists for its no-fuss approach to hydration for all skin types. "Ideal for both acne-prone and sensitive skin, this lightweight moisturiser quickly absorbs into the skin and contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and essential ceramides," Rodney says.
Pros
- Long-lasting hydration
- Huge bottle
Cons
- It's no-frills
2. Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Creme
Key ingredients: White camellia, blue ginger
If you want a nourishing moisturiser that feels lightweight, then this cream is an indulgent investment for your skin. The light-as-air gel texture melts into the skin, helping to hydrate while plumping fine lines and leaving skin radiant. Plus, it makes an undeniably luxurious addition to your skincare routine.
Pros
- Lightweight yet quenching
- Pretty fruity-floral scent
Cons
- It's expensive
3. Medik8 Balance Moisturiser
Key ingredients: Probiotics, AHAs
Medik8 is renowned for its science-led skincare, and I always recommend this brand to those with acne-prone skin. The Balance Moisturiser is ultra lightweight and beautifully mattifying, and really helps to refine uneven texture and tone. Plus, it comes in a set with a glycolic acid treatment to help keep skin clear.
Pros
- Dials down excess oil
- Smooths skin
Cons
- Wish it was available to. buy separately from the glycolic acid
4. Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, aloe
Rihanna has really knocked it out of the park with this versatile moisturiser. It gives skin an abundance of glow, but is totally non-comedogenic and oil-free. Instead, the hydration comes from lightweight aloe vera and hydrating hyaluronic acid, and it also makes the perfect base for makeup.
Pros
- Lightweight and brightening
- Doubles as a hydrating primer
Cons
- Has quite a strong melon scent
5. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Moisturiser
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, pentavin
The whole Water Drench range from Peter Thomas Roth is brilliant, but the moisturiser is ideal if you want something hydrating but light as air. Described as a cloud cream, this gel-cream texture feels incredibly lightweight yet offers impressive hydrating properties thanks to bucketloads of hyaluronic acid. Even the most dehydrated skin will be left quenched and revived after using this.
Pros
- A little goes such a long way
- Deeply hydrating without weighing skin down
Cons
- Drier skin might prefer a richer texture
6. EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides
Although EltaMD isn't widely available in the UK, it is a brand that dermatologists rave about stateside, and, luckily, you can get your hands on it on Amazon. This versatile daily moisturiser is beautifully sheer and contains willow bark to stimulate cellular turnover. Other ingredients include vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and dimethicone to really look after your overall skin health.
Pros
- A great all-rounder for healthy skin
- Subtly brightening
Cons
- It feels a little basic for the pricepoint
7. Paula's Choice Clear Moisturiser SPF 30
Key ingredients: SPF 30+, antioxidants
This oil-free, water-based cream contains vitamin-rich plant extracts to control excess oil, reduce the appearance of pores, smooth skin and promote an overall glow. It's formulated to hydrate skin without leaving a greasy or sticky residue and does so beautifully. The addition of SPF 30+ is an added bonus (we'd still recommend applying a sunscreen on top), but it means you have a layer of protection to keep skin healthy and happy too.
Pros
- Great protective moisturiser
- Antioxidants and SPF improve signs of premature skin ageing
Cons
- It's quite watery in texture
8. Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturiser
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, phytonutrients
If you have oily or spot-prone skin, then I'd hazard a guess that you don't like the feeling of anything too heavy on your skin. This lightweight gel moisturiser has ingredients like moringa-seed extract and moringa water to refresh and clarify the skin, papaya extract to exfoliate, and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture, without weighing skin down. The product also minimises pores and reduces shine.
Pros
- Lightweight gel texture
- Refreshing and soothing
Cons
- Wish it came in a tube for hygiene
9. CeraVe SA Smoothing Moisturising Cream
Key ingredients: Ceramides, urea, salicylic acid
Skin can be uneven in texture for so many reasons, from breakouts to keratosis pilaris, and this daily moisturiser tackles it all. Infused with acne-fighting salicylic acid, gently exfoliating urea and hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate and strengthen the skin, it promotes a more even skin tone and radiant complexion.
Pros
- Gently smooths and exfoliates
- Non-stripping
Cons
- Might be too harsh for sensitive skin
10. Shani Darden Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer
Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, squalane, vitamin E
Founded by celebrity facialist Shani Darden, this moisturiser is a bit of an industry secret for normal to oily skin types. Super lightweight and totally oil-free, it has a fast-absorbing formula packed with ingredients that leave skin looking plump, smooth and bright.
Pros
- Totally weightless on the skin
- Love the pump dispenser
Cons
- Can find affordable alternatives
11. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
Key ingredients: Ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids
Yes, the price is slightly eye-watering, but this is widely considered to be a gold-standard moisturiser for those with perpetually dry skin. "Ideal for ageing skin, this non-comedogenic moisturiser has antioxidants and vitamins to fight free radical damage to your skin," Rodney says. Ingredients include essential lipids (for elasticity and hydration), vitamin E and essential oils.
Pros
- Replenishes and strengthens a compromised skin barrier
- Ultra-nourishing
Cons
- It is so expensive
12. Origins Ginzing Gel
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, ginseng, caffeine
Gel moisturisers can be so soothing on the skin and, not to mention, fast absorbing. This one keeps your skin hydrated for 72 hours and contains unique ingredients including caffeine to refresh and ginseng to energize. The result is skin that's glowy and bright, but never weighed down.
Pros
- Instantly brightening
- Light texture
Cons
- Better for oilier skin types than very dry
13. Tatcha The Water Cream
Key ingredients: Hadasei-3, wild rose
Not only is the pot like a work of art in itself, but the moisturiser inside is an undeniably luxurious. experience. Designed to balance hydration while reducing excess oil, this lightweight cream melts undetectably into the skin, leaving a soft, velvety and hydrated finish that works beautifully beneath make-up.
Pros
- Luxurious packaging
- Skin looks so dewy
Cons
- It is very lightweight
14. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Creme
Key ingredients: Glycerin, ceramides, vitamin B3
If you have very sensitive skin or quite a reactive complexion, then this lightweight non-comedogenic moisturiser makes a great one to have on hand. It is a little thicker than some others on the list, thanks to its reparative nature, but it makes light work of soothing and repairing a delicate skin barrier and reducing sensitivity over time.
Pros
- Reduces redness and irritation
- Works all-over, not just as a facial moisturiser
Cons
- It's quite rich compared to others on the list
15. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, amino acids
Another lightweight gel formula, this one will brighten, hydrate, and protect your skin without weighing it down, so I'd rate it particularly highly for oily complexions. It has nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and watermelon extract that lends the moisturiser a fruity fragrance—perfect for summer.
Pros
- Refreshing gel consistency
- Plumps skin and boosts radiance
Cons
- Strong watermelon scent that not everyone will love
16. Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Glycolic Night Cream
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, papaya enzyme, viniferine
Part-overnight peel, part-night cream, this clever moisturiser works overnight to exfoliate skin and promote cell renewal while reducing the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and acne scars. Come morning, you'll wake to brighter skin that feels smooth and soft.
Pros
- Minimises discolouration
- Smooths uneven texture
Cons
- You do need to use it consistently for best results
17. Cetaphil Daily Facial SPF50+ for Sensitive Skin
Best for sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Zinc oxide
Sensitive skin types can breathe a sigh of relief as you won't experience any irritation with this gentle moisturiser, as it's entirely free of all the things that might annoy your skin, like dyes and fragrances. As well as hydrating, it also contains SPF 50+, so your daily sun protection is covered, too.
Pros
- Gentle and non-irritating
- Protects skin from the sun
Cons
- It is a little heavy in texture
18. The Inkey List Omega Water Cream
Key ingredients: Omegas 3, 6 and 9, glycerin, niacinamide
So many beauty editors rave about this cream, claiming that the low price point rivals some of the more luxury options on the market. Free from oil and silicones, this ultra-lightweight moisturiser sinks into the skin while skin-nourishing omegas help to keep your skin's barrier healthy and resilient. This is truly a brilliant moisturiser for the price.
Pros
- Affordable
- Suits all skin types
Cons
- No-frills but it works
19. Murad Clarifying Water Gel
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, Korean red pine extract
Murad's lightweight and oil-free moisturiser is designed to target large pores and reduce shine, and means that it not only does a brilliant job of calming and mattifying, but also keeping breakouts at bay. Despite this, it doesn't feel harsh at all on the skin, leaving it hydrated, soft, and clear.
Pros
- Gently exfoliating
- Calms and refreshes
Cons
- Best for oily or spot-prone, rather than sensitive skin
20. Byoma Moisturising Gel Cream
Key ingredients: Tri-ceramide complex, niacinamide, green tea
With a real focus on creating a healthy skin barrier, this Byoma moisturiser is great for all skin types but is particularly good for younger skin types who want to keep their skin hydrated and happy. This ultra-lightweight and creamy gel-like moisturiser contains a skin-loving blend of barrier-boosting actives, such as niacinamide and green tea, for moisture that lasts throughout the day.
Pros
- Versatile gel-cream texture
- All-day hydration
Cons
- Not much—it's a great, affordable option
21. Skin Rocks The Moisturiser
Key ingredients: Pro-vitamin D3, ceramides, squalane, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
For instant hydration and long-term skin health, this makes an excellent option for those with drier skin that craves moisture or skin that's losing some of its natural bounce. While you might expect this to therefore be heavy and thick, it's delightfully light with no greasy finish at all. Instead, skin is left juicy, plump and firmer.
Pros
- Plumps and firms
- Deeply hydrates
Cons
- It's slightly pricier than others on the list
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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