Best OTC Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin in Adults

It has happened to the best of us: our skin starts breaking out and all we want to do is use a product that will ‘wash’ the acne away as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Adults all have different faces and skin types-no TV or movie star who endorses the best acne moisturizer or face wash can make a correct diagnosis for you. Over-washing the face can also really irritate the skin and worsen the acne. Moreover, many over the counter or OTC moisturizers and acne cleansers are extremely drying. They send the skin into an overdrive causing it to produce even more oil. This clogs up the skin’s pores leading to further breakouts.

So today we are going to take a look at a few tried and tested moisturizers for acne prone skin which you can use after cleansing your face. These moisturizers are categorized based on oily, dry or sensitive skin types. All of the products reviewed here are top rated and will definitely help you as they have helped hundreds of thousands of people. The best part is that they are available over the counter.

How to decide which OTC acne product is best for you?

The best choice in OTC oil free moisturizer for one person may not be the best choice for another. For example, if you have dry skin, you may want to go for a creamy, oil based moisturizer. Conversely, if you have oily skin, you’d need a lotion or gel based moisturizer for oily acne prone skin. The choice of best drugstore moisturizer for acne prone skin will also change based upon the season. In winters, you’d need thicker, creamier products while in summers you’d want to avoid heavy, oily products. Also if you have sensitive skin, you’d need to choose your OTC moisturizer with great care so as to prevent further irritation. In any case, perform a patch test first since many so called natural products are known to trigger severe allergic reactions in some people. If this occurs, discontinue use immediately.

Based on best moisturizer for acne prone skin reviews, here are top moisturizers for acne prone skin which you can buy at a drugstore near you.

Best moisturizer for acne prone skin

Best moisturizer for dry acne prone skin

CeraVe cream for face and body

Thousands of acne sufferers with dry skin type have benefitted from this cream for dry skin. Its hyaluronic acid content restores the lipid barrier and is especially suitable for adult/mature skin. CeraVe is known for its non-irritating, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic products. The ceramides in this cream for dry acne prone skin provide 24-hour hydration.

On the downside- CeraVe cream comes in a large tub. So if you are going to dip your hands in it, you’d want to scoop out a small amount in another jar to prevent contamination. CeraVe also tends to form a thick coat on the skin which some users find uncomfortable. Many users also broke out with this product.

Cetaphil moisturizing Lotion for dry/sensitive skin

Cetaphil is a moisturizing lotion that anyone from elderly people to babies can benefit from. It hydrates the skin without making it greasy. Dermatologists recommend this for reliving winter dryness without the fear of acne. Cetaphil contains Shea butter and macadamia oil along with other moisturizing ingredients. Hundreds of satisfied users have given this a 5-star rating.

Best moisturizer for oily acne prone skin

EraOrganics Tea Tree oil cream for acne prone skin

This all natural moisturizer for oily skin contains Aloe Vera, Tea tree oil, Zinc oxide, Budrock, St. John’s wort, Pomegranate seed oil, Tea tree oil and other natural ingredients. It fights excess oil and prevents acne. This product also soothes redness and inflammation in people with rosacea. With regular use, your skin will clear up as the ingredients in EraOrganics Tea tree oil cream eliminate acne bacteria, exfoliate dead skin and also soften mature and rough skin.

Caution-Some users broke out with this product. Do try a skin patch test first before use.

Serumtologie Pure whipped chiffon for oily, dry, combination and acne prone skin

This lightweight formula is like a superfood for the face and suits different skin types. It is being hailed as a ‘miracle in a jar-pure whipped heaven, if you will! Your skin soaks up this cream without breaking out. Unlike other drugstore moisturizer for acne prone skin, it does not contain parabens or chemicals. Instead you will find natural ingredients like Aloe vera, wild Geranium, Gotu kola, Dandelion, Shea butter, Olive oil and Green tea extracts. All these ingredients reduce fine lines, diminish age spots, fight wrinkles and also lighten past acne scars.

And those are some of the best drugstore moisturizer for acne prone skin. It is important to use the products regularly to see results-you must give it at least 8-10 weeks. Also, after starting a product the acne could worsen before it starts getting better, so patience is key. Some dermatologists recommend using one product in the morning and one in the evening. Note that if you stop using the cleanser and moisturizer, the acne might return. If, after several weeks you do not see an improvement, do see a dermatologist.