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How Do I Choose the Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer?

B. Miller
B. Miller

A non-comedogenic moisturizer is simply a moisturizer that is designed not to clog the pores, and may be beneficial to you, whether or not you are prone to acne. To choose the best non-comedogenic moisturizer, you will generally want to consider what other factors are important to you; these might include whether you simply want a basic moisturizer, for example, or if you need one that actively fights acne, contains sunscreen, or repairs fine lines. Fortunately, there are literally hundreds of different moisturizers available in stores or online, so you should be able to choose the moisturizer that is best for your skin.

For people looking for a non-comedogenic moisturizer that also fights acne, there are a number of options available. These will typically include benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, both ingredients that can help to treat and prevent breakouts. They can be a bit drying to the skin, though, even when they are included in a moisturizer. As a result, some people will choose to just use these moisturizers every other day, unless they have particularly blemish prone skin. Some of these are also slightly tinted, which can help to even out the complexion.

A non-comedogenic moisturizer.
A non-comedogenic moisturizer.

It is important to choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer for both day and night, as the skin is actively repairing itself when you sleep at night. Most people use different moisturizers for daytime and evening. This is because it is a good idea to use a non-comedogenic moisturizer that also includes sunscreen during the day; an SPF of at least 15 is generally recommended to protect the skin from sun damage. A daytime moisturizer might also be lighter, in order to prevent the skin from becoming oily during the day.

Non-comedogenic moisturizer may be used to help fight acne.
Non-comedogenic moisturizer may be used to help fight acne.

An evening non-comedogenic moisturizer, on the other hand, can be richer and creamier to soak into the skin at night, because it doesn't matter if it makes the face appear slightly greasy. These often include higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants as well, to help actively repair the skin. People who want to fight wrinkles may include a night cream specifically designed for this purpose, typically including an ingredient such as retinol.

It's essential to choose a non-comedogenic facial moisturizer that offers a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
It's essential to choose a non-comedogenic facial moisturizer that offers a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

Body lotion may also be available in non-comedogenic varieties, though this is less common, because the pores on the rest of the body are less prone to zits and blemishes. For those with particularly sensitive skin, however, it might be a good idea to look for this type of body lotion. Hypoallergenic varieties are available as well, for those who need them.

Discussion Comments

OeKc05

I love my anti-aging cream. It's non-comedogenic, and I use it at night.

I put it on after I shower and towel off. It feels like a cream but spreads like a mousse. It's thick yet light at the same time, and it disappears into my skin.

When I wake up in the morning, I can see a difference in my skin. I have a healthy glow, and I don't appear dehydrated. The fine lines under my eyes and around my mouth don't show up very well.

JackWhack

@orangey03 – I think that non-comedogenic moisturizers contain chemical sunscreens instead of physical ones. The chemical kind soaks into your skin and works from the inside out. The physical type is that thick white stuff that people used back in the day to literally block the rays.

I have a moisturizer that doesn't make me break out, and it has an SPF of 15. You can either use it under makeup or alone.

orangey03

It doesn't seem like the words “sunscreen” and “non-comedogenic” go together. Sunscreens are usually thick, and I often break out after using them. I don't understand how a moisturizer that won't clog your pores can contain sunscreen.

DylanB

I used a non-comedogenic moisturizer with acne treatment as a teenager, because I had really oily skin. I applied it to my T-zone, where I had the most oil.

Now that I'm in my thirties, I can't use the stuff. My skin is dry, so I have to use an anti-aging moisturizer.

I still buy the non-comedogenic kind, but it doesn't contain any acne fighting ingredients. I use it in the morning before I put on my makeup and at night before bed.

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    • A non-comedogenic moisturizer.
      By: picsfive
      A non-comedogenic moisturizer.
    • Non-comedogenic moisturizer may be used to help fight acne.
      By: soupstock
      Non-comedogenic moisturizer may be used to help fight acne.
    • It's essential to choose a non-comedogenic facial moisturizer that offers a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
      By: Mikhail Malyugin
      It's essential to choose a non-comedogenic facial moisturizer that offers a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
    • Most people use different moisturizers for the day and nighttimes.
      By: Konstantin Yuganov
      Most people use different moisturizers for the day and nighttimes.
    • Non-comedogenic moisturizers and lotions are designed to not block facial pores.
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      Non-comedogenic moisturizers and lotions are designed to not block facial pores.