

Most acne topical medications are drying, and a lack of moisture leads to a damaged skin barrier, says Dr. Regardless of skin type, though, *everyone* needs to moisturize. “These aren’t heavy or pore-clogging, but they are still deeply hydrating and healthy for the skin, and restoring to the moisture barrier,” he explains. Jacobs recommends hyaluronic acid and glycerin, as well as ingredients like ceramides, squalene, and peptides. When it comes to ingredients you should look for, Dr. You can also check the labels and look for phrases like “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic,” and scan the ingredient list for oils or petroleums. So how do you tell if a moisturizer is actually oil-free? “You can tell based on the texture because it’s more translucent and light, and not creamy,” says David Kim, MD, a dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology. Meet Our Experts: Michael Jacobs, MD, dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, David Kim, MD, dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology They’re also often less pore-clogging than heavy moisturizers but still pack a hydrating punch while remaining lightweight, he adds. “Anyone with combination or oily skin is a good candidate for an oil-free moisturizer, which is a good option for layering under sunscreen in the morning for added hydration,” says Michael Jacobs, MD, a dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. But good news: we spoke to dermatologists, who weighed in on the best oil-free moisturizers that check all the boxes. Unfortunately, tons of skincare products contain oil which can result in breakouts and a greasy texture for certain skin types.

On top of that, you likely want your go-to products to brighten and purify without clogging your pores (is that too much to ask?!). There’s something incredibly satisfying about a moisturizer that glides onto your skin and boosts hydration for hours.
