Dr. Priya Gill, a Malaysian dermatologist, says, “Oily skin is caused by the over-production of sebum from your sebaceous (oil) glands. This excess sebum can be due to many factors such as stress, poor diet, hormonal shifts, pollution, and improper skin care. By applying the right moisturizer to your skin, your sebum levels will begin to decrease and your skin will become less oily. When you use moisturizers with SPF, your skin gets both hydration and protection from sun damage. In addition, they are gentle and lightweight on your skin and do not cause any harm to your acne-prone skin. So, are you ready to replace all those acne-fighting creams with this single skin care product that does the job of many? Scroll down to check out the best moisturizers with SPF suitable for acne-prone skin and transform your skin care game.

15 Best Moisturizers With SPF For Acne-Prone Skin

1. Best Non-Greasy Finish: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen

On the top of our list is the all-time favorite and dermatologist-recommended CeraVe AM facial moisturizer. As the name suggests, it is formulated for use in the morning. With a broad spectrum SPF 30, this moisturizer gives you your daily dose of UV protection without the need for added layering. It is fragrance, paraben, and oil-free. It is also non-comedogenic, making it more than ideal for acne-prone skin. To make things even better, this acne-prone skin moisturizer with SPF contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide — gentle active ingredients that help in making your skin super healthy and glowing without a hint of breakouts. To understand more about the usage of this product, click on the YouTube video given below. Pros

Affordable Contains active ingredients Recommended for daily use Fragrance, paraben, and oil-free Easy to use pump-out dispenser Non-comedogenic and non-greasy Protects against UVB rays

Cons

Not ideal for use under makeup

2. Best Non-Comedogenic Formula: Neutrogena Bright Boost Moisturizer With Sunscreen

This product is from Neutrogena’s Bright Boost line and contains a broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 that protects your skin from sun damage while improving and brightening your skin tone. This day cream is formulated to visibly reduce hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage or acne, improve uneven skin tone, reduce redness, and hydrate the skin. That’s a whole lot of things in a small bottle, we know! Use it daily to let the moringa seed extract and vitamin E work their magic. This product is non-greasy, sheer, lightweight, and works well under your makeup! It is also non-comedogenic, making it ideal for your skin care routine. Go through the YouTube video given below to understand the features of this product. Pros

Affordable Brightens skin tone Can be used under makeup Firming, plumping, and hydrating Non-greasy Non-comedogenic

Cons

Contains fragrance

3. Best Lightweight Texture: Cetaphil Pro DERMACONTROL Oil Control Moisturizing Lotion

All oily-skinned folks who have patches of dry, flakey skin and are sick of looking for the right product — we’ve got just the thing for you. Cetaphil understands that just because you have acne-prone oily skin, does not mean your skin is adequately moisturized. Which is why they have gifted us with this 4-in-1 oil control product. This wonder product not only moisturizes the skin, but also helps in absorbing excess oils, reduces shine, hydrates, and provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It is specially formulated for oily skin to relieve dryness and soften the skin. It is lightweight, non-greasy, and contains a lower concentration of sunscreen filters to reduce the chances of a breakout. Pros

Ideal for irritated skin Suitable under makeup Paraben and fragrance-free Easy to use pump-out dispenser Can be used with acne medication Dermatologically developed and tested

Cons

May cause discomfort around eyes in rare cases

4. Best Anti-Oxidant Protection: DRMTLGY Broad Spectrum 45 Anti-Aging Moisturizer

Here’s a DRMTLGY product that has descended from the big leagues into our laps to give us clear and healthy skin for days! Formulated to suit all skin types, especially acne-prone skin, it is fragrance, oil and paraben-free, non-greasy, and unlike most sunscreens, it doesn’t leave a white cast! With a broad spectrum SPF 45, this acne skin moisturizer provides advanced skin protection for all skin tones. With a combination of anti-aging products like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and zinc oxide, this product is the best multi-tasking moisturizer you could have asked for. To make things even better, it is gluten, cruelty, and hormone-free to give you a guilt-free skincare experience. Pros

Hydrates the skin Fights free radicals Combats signs of skin-aging Ideal all-round moisturizer Corrects uneven skin tone and dark spots Provides antioxidant protection Easy to use pump-out dispenser

Cons

Slightly expensive

5. Best Hypoallergenic Formula: Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With Sunscreen

If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard all the rave about Differin. Most popular for its retinol products, this brand has changed the face of the affordable skincare regime. This oil-absorbing moisturizer for acne-prone skin with broad-spectrum SPF is lightweight, does not irritate the skin, oil-free, and contains SPF 30. Its Micropearl technology absorbs all the oil on the surface and leaves the skin with a clean, matte finish. It is non-greasy, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic — a dream come true for all acne-prone-skinned folks out there! To understand the functionality better, check out the product review by this YouTuber. Pros

Ideal for daily use Does not leave a white cast Can be layered with Differin gel Oil-absorbing Non-greasy

Cons

It may burn the eyes if applied incorrectly.

6. Best Water-Resistant Formula: IMAGE Skincare Prevention + Daily Matte Moisturizer

Here is another one of our favorites. A sheer mattifying moisturizer, that one melts like butter on your skin (but definitely does not feel like butter — don’t worry!). It spreads easily and leaves your skin without a greasy shine. The soft matte touch makes it ideal for daily use and an excellent makeup base. In addition to using mineral and chemical UV filters with a blend of marine extracts, this formula is water-resistant, giving you a longer application compared to other products. Pros

Doesn’t leave a white cast Water-resistant Non-greasy Matte-finish Mineral sunscreen Contains antioxidants to combat environmental stressors

Cons

Slightly expensive

7. Best For Using With Makeup: Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery Sunscreen Moisturizer

Another big-league product that assures professional-grade skincare and results without a single breakout, this acne moisturizer with a broad spectrum SPF helps fight all signs of aging. With medium-weight consistency, this product strikes the perfect balance between a moisturizer and a sunscreen. It helps to improve photoaged skin by using a blend of antioxidant white tea, polyphenols, and unique polypeptides. It is paraben, fragrance, and artificial color-free to ensure that your skin stays calm and doesn’t breakout. It is also cruelty and gluten-free and is vegan, making sure you have a guilt-free skincare experience. Pros

SPF 50 Anti-aging properties Cruelty and gluten-free Ideal for sensitive acne-prone skin Easy to use pump-out dispenser Can be used under makeup Paraben, fragrance, and artificial color-free

Cons

May not be ideal for oily skin

8. Best Long-Lasting Formula: Block Island Organics Natural Face Moisturizer SPF 30 With Clear Zinc

This acne-prone skin moisturizer with SPF is so good and safe (for you and the environment) that it has been winning awards for the past 5 years now! The reef-safe mineral sunblock ingredients used in this product leaves your skin with no white cast and irritation. There are no chemicals used in the UV filters and it is completely natural and organic. With deeply hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, aloe, and a bunch of antioxidants, this product leaves your skin soft and glowing. Packed with non-toxic and cruelty-free ingredients that are especially gentle with sensitive skin, ensuring you don’t suffer unnecessary breakouts. Pros

Anti-aging properties Transparent protection Non-toxic Organic Ideal for sensitive acne-prone skin Contains anti-aging green tea and pomegranate

Cons

May not be ideal for oily skin

9. Best For Oily Skin Type: Aveeno Clear Complexion Sheer Daily Face Moisturizer

Specially formulated for acne-prone skin, this product is the go-to daily SPF moisturizer you are looking for! It contains soy complex to help improve overall skin health and complexion, and broad-spectrum SPF 30 to protect your skin from further damage. The soy complex helps even out skin tone and texture to give you soft, smooth, and clear skin. You can wear it under your makeup with ease and if you keep using it, trust it to eventually make your foundation obsolete. It is lightweight, fast-absorbing, oil-free, and non-comedogenic — the perfect recipe for oily acne-prone skin. Pros

Affordable Protecting and hydrating Evens skin tone and texture Easy to use pump-out dispenser Oil-free Non-comedogenic Non-greasy

Cons

Contains fragrance

10. Best Cruelty-Free Formula: Paula’s Choice Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid

Alright, this product is for everyone, including our skincare fanatics who love layering on serums, treatments, you name it! This AM moisturizer gives you the perfect matte finish with sufficient SPF 30. It is lightweight, oil-free, and contains antioxidants to promote youthful-looking skin while protecting it from sun damage. To make things even better, this moisturizer for acne-prone skin softens the look of your enlarged pores, irrespective of your skin type. This product contains no fragrance, parabens. As the brand likes to say, this product is just effective, science-backed, and nothing else. Pros

Matte finish Leaves no cast Reduces visible pores No fragrance Paraben-free

Cons

Slightly expensive

11.Best Vegan Formula: Kimberly Sayer Ultra Light Facial Moisturizer

This Kimberly Sayer product is exactly what it says! Ultra-lightweight and easy to absorb. It opens up clogged pores, ensuring no future breakouts. It contains a unique blend of lemon oil and zinc oxide to detoxify your skin, minimize oil production, dry up existing acne and zits, and ensure that you don’t get more of them! It is the prevention and the cure; how great is that? With SPF 30, this moisturizer is all you need to combat acne while starting your day. The formula leaves you with a soft matte finish that is ideal to use under your makeup. It also contains sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, and aloe leaf juice among others to keep your skin hydrated and nourished. Pros

SPF 30 Vegan Cruelty-free Ideal for under makeup use Easy to use pump-out dispenser A fusion of organic beauty and science

Cons

It may not be best-suited for dry skin.

12. Best Non-Greasy Finish: COUI UV Facial Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen

For all our makeup lovers out there, who love to apply makeup but don’t like what it does to your skin, this product is for you. If you hate the heavy and cakey feel of sunscreen under your makeup, this product is for you too. Specially formulated for oily and sensitive skin, this sunscreen feels super light, leaves a matte non-greasy finish that is hard not to love. Using a blend of botanical extracts, vitamins, zinc oxide, and antioxidants, this product protects your skin from harmful UVA/UVB damage. Pros

Cruelty-free Lightweight daily moisturizer Provides dual protection Soothes redness and reduces roughness Contains Japanese green tea and camomile extracts

Cons

Some may find it slightly greasy.

13. Best Oil-Free: Proactiv Clear Skin Sunscreen Moisturizer

The Proactiv Clear Skin Sunscreen Moisturizer is a hydrating SPF lotion. The broad-spectrum oil-free moisturizer offers a lightweight matte finish that does not clog pores or cause greasy shine or breakouts. It is absorbed quickly to hydrate and protect your skin. This SPF 30 product controls shine and is safe for acne-prone skin. Pros

Non-comedogenic SPF 30 Dermatologically tested Lightweight Fragrance-free

Cons None

14. Best Silicone-Free: Hero Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen

The Force Shield Superlight sunscreen by Hero offers a skin-like finish that does not clog pores. The fragrance-free formula is infused with zinc oxide, green surge, and extremolytes that are safe for acne-prone skin and prevent breakouts. This lightweight gel is hydrating and easily absorbed into the skin without greasy residue. It comes with SPF 30 and is reef-safe, clinically tested, and non-irritating, even on sensitive skin types. Pros

Fragrance-free Lightweight Non-comedogenic Safe for sensitive skin Suitable for daily use Value for money

Cons

Not long-lasting

15. Best Paraben-Free Formula: Murad Anti-Aging Moisturizer

Last (but not least!) on our list is this sleek premium beauty product that promises you a grease-free daytime SPF moisturizer for acne-prone skin that makes your skin happy! By happy we mean, it relieves dryness, provides lightweight hydration, and visibly minimizes fine lines and wrinkles to finally give you soft, youthful, and plump skin. The stuff of all our dreams really. It is formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten, mineral Oil, and any other common unwanted ingredients in our beauty products. Pros

Non-greasy Ideal for all skin types Does not leave a white cast Works extremely well on sensitive and combination skin

Cons

Slightly expensive

Well, that brings us to the end of our list of the 15 best moisturizers with SPF for acne-prone skin. To make things easier for you, here is a brief buying guide that assists you in making your final choice!

How To Choose A Moisturizer With SPF For Acne

Before you dive deep into your shopping cart, picking every item that you can probably relate to, we suggest keeping the following things in mind to make sure that your multitasking moisturizer is the best fit for you.

Skin type

It is important to know that ‘acne-prone’ skin is a skin condition and not a specific skin type in itself. Most commonly, people who suffer from acne, either have sensitive skin that tends to get irritated, which leads to breakouts, or oily skin that clogs your pores causing sebum to build up, which eventually causes acne. In some rare circumstances, you could be in the center with combination skin, where patches of your skin, most commonly the chin, flare up and other patches, most commonly the T-zone, clog. It is important to identify your skin type to invest in products with ingredients that are best suitable for your skin.

Price

Whoever said beauty comes with a price was wrong. It can come with a price if you want, but doesn’t necessarily have to. Our list has everything for everyone! Affordable skincare products that promise positive results, just as much as the expensive ones do. Here, the decision comes down to you. If you are experimenting and are unsure if the product is for you, we’d recommend committing to an affordable product. Allow your wallet to breathe in ease while you decide what is made for you and what isn’t.

Non-comedogenic

Having a non-comedogenic product is a good idea for everyone but it is truly the holy grail for all the oily-skinned folks out there. Non-comedogenic products don’t clog the pores in your skin, ensuring that there is no product build-up that causes acne and excessive oiliness.

Fragrance-free formulation

Alright now, fragrance is a touchy subject. We obviously love smelling like freshly cut daisies but it’s not always the best idea to put it on our face, especially with sensitive skin. If your skin is sensitive and tends to react easily, we’d suggest staying away from fragrance as much as possible and invest in products that understand this and make fragrance-free formulations

Casting

We haven’t met a single person who is fond of sunscreen casting. It leaves a whitewashed look behind that is neither desirable nor required. You deserve to show off your true self, without leftover sunscreen casting! There are plenty of products on our list that leave you without a white cast and plenty that are ideal for use under your makeup. Well, that brings us to the end of our buying guide and a long list of products for you to choose from. Remember, both a moisturizer and SPF are a must-have in your skincare regime, irrespective of your skin type. For acne-prone sensitive skin, it is important to make sure you buy something that doesn’t trigger irritation to flare-up acne, whereas for acne-prone oily skin use something that doesn’t clog your pores. Get this right and watch your skin transform. You can thank us later! Go enjoy clear and radiant skin for you.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Vaishnavi Kothuri, is a hair and beauty enthusiast who stays up to date with the latest skin care products. Finding the right moisturizer with SPF for acne-prone skin isn’t an easy task as there are loads of choices, but she’s found the best ones. She compiled a comprehensive and detailed list of the top products after surveying several product reviews on the market. With moisturizers containing SPF, your skin can be moisturized and protected against sun damage. Is SPF good for acne-prone skin? SPF goes beyond the barriers of skincare and dives deep into skin health. It is a crucial step that people should never skip! Since it is so crucial, it would be odd for us to suggest that it isn’t good for acne-prone skin, but truth be told- most over-the-counter sunscreens with greasy formulations tend to cause further breakouts in acne-prone skin. But remember, sunscreen is a preventive measure, not the cure- you need it despite the fact it breaks you out! Thankfully the cosmetic industry recognized our struggle and gifted us with Moisturizers for acne-prone skin that contain SPF- the solution to all our problems. Can moisturizer with SPF cause acne? Technically, yes. The oils in the SPF can clog or irritate your pores and cause acne. However, there are enough products out there, and on our list, which don’t contain any oil and are non-comedogenic. You can say goodbye to blocked pores and say hello to clear protected skin. Does SPF in moisturizer work? Absolutely! It is obviously not as effective as a thick layer of plain greasy sunscreen, but they definitely do the job. Can I use a moisturizer with SPF instead of sunscreen? You can use a moisturizer with sunscreen if it has a SPF value of 40 and above. However, a pure sunscreen offers more protection with its SPF and PA+++ gradations to shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. What is a good SPF moisturizer for sensitive and oily acne-prone skin? The Differin Moisturizer is a a good SPF moisturizer for sensitive and oily acne-prone skin. It is also an affordable option that works wonders.

Moisturizers For Acne-Prone Skin Natural Moisturizers With SPF For Healthy And Radiant Skin