Non-comedogenic moisturizers have become the norm in skincare and are especially useful for those who struggle with acne, blackheads, and clogged pores. This skincare must-have doesn't contain pore-clogging ingredients and is also touted as lightweight, gentle, and fast-absorbing. No matter what your skin type is, you deserve a product that will take care of your skin minus the risk of breakouts or blackheads.
These days, there are many great choices for non-comedogenic moisturizers in the market. To help you narrow down your options, we've created a buying guide and a list of the top picks available. We also have some helpful comments and tips from dermatologist Dr. Maria Elinor Grace "Meg" Sison. Read on to get an idea of which formula works best for your skin!
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Experts featured in this article only reviewed the content of our buying guide. They had no part in the selection or ranking of products or services listed.
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Compared to other skincare items, moisturizers stay longer on the surface of your skin. Non-comedogenic moisturizers are the ideal option for everyday use. It has gentle ingredients that will not cause comedones. These refer to flesh-colored spots caused by pore blockage that are typically found on the forehead and chin.
If you have acne-prone skin, you might also want to check out this kind of moisturizer for a safer choice. It won't target and clear acne, but it will avoid dirt and oil blockages that result in breakouts. However, also take into account that everyone has a particular skin type and might react differently to a product's formula.
The typical advice you'll hear from skincare enthusiasts is that a light moisturizer is suitable for daytime because you'll get exposed to different environmental aggressors. Meanwhile, a heavier moisturizer is best for nighttime so that the product can better seal in the moisture overnight. However, you should also consider which texture is more compatible with your skin type.
Having oily skin is accompanied by that pesky greasy feeling, which is why you need to carefully inspect the product to avoid clogged pores. Oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizers are a particularly great pick for oily skin, as these retain your skin's essential moisture minus the malagkit feeling. Opt for a water-based facial lotion that feels lightweight on the skin.
Having dry and dull skin has multitudes of causes such as cold climatic conditions, frequent showers, and fragrances. This is the effect if your skin lacks oil production. Can’t decide between lotions or creams? Creams are your best option when it comes to dry skin. These products have a thicker texture and are typically oil-based.
Also opt for moisturizers that are infused with emollients, which help repair the skin barrier, as well as humectants for drawing and sealing in the moisture into the skin. These will keep your skin hydrated to improve rough and flaky skin.
If your skin reacts to the usual drugstore skincare products, it’s most likely you have sensitive skin. Opt for a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free moisturizer to avoid drying and redness that can irritate your skin.
Also, steer clear of products with sulfates, alcohol, and acids such as salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids that can disturb the skin barrier. Meanwhile, you can consider instead soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and colloidal oatmeal.
When it comes to selecting a skincare product, it's always beneficial to check the list of ingredients. This will help you to get more familiar with the ingredients that are hiyang. to your skin type. At the same time, it allows you to watch out for pore-clogging ingredients that can cause acne and other skin woes.
Dubbed as a powerful humectant, hyaluronic acid soaks into the skin and ties water to your skin cells, intending to revitalize every skin layer. This ingredient is commonly found in moisturizers due to its impressive hydrating power. Add to that, it guards your lipid barrier, which makes it a beneficial choice for sensitive, acne-prone as well as mature skin to fight the signs of aging.
On the other hand, glycerin is a famous humectant that retains your skin moisture, alleviates dryness, and leaves your skin soft and healthy. This enhances the skin’s overall health, at the same time, allows the penetration of ingredients to other layers of the skin.
Moisturizers nowadays are formulated with ingredients that tackle multiple concerns. If you’re on the quest for a hydrating and pimple-fighting product, take into consideration a cica-infused moisturizer. Cica, also known as Centella Asiatica, helps in speeding up the healing process while improving your skin's hydration.
Meanwhile, tea tree oil is another excellent choice when dealing with acne. This popular ingredient is packed with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that ease redness and inflammation as well as reduce acne scars. According to studies, tea tree oil works wonders on acne, just like benzoyl peroxide.
In case the product's label does not directly indicate whether it is non-comedogenic or not. Simply steer clear of products with ingredients that stimulate oil production inside your pores. These include SD or denatured alcohol, menthol, camphor, as well as peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, grapefruit, and lime.
If you’re the type of person who loves to inspect the ingredients list before buying a product, also consider reading an ingredients dictionary to grasp a better understanding of the ingredients, their functions, and how they will benefit or harm your skin.
Lightweight and refreshing. These are two words that best describe Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel. It is a non-comedogenic moisturizer that brings 24-hour hydration to your skin minus the greasiness. Beauty junkies love cooling products as they deliver good benefits to the skin while leaving a fresh feeling. And yes, this gel moisturizer ticks all the boxes!
It is loaded with glacial glycoprotein and desert plant extract to maintain the skin's moisture barrier. Also, it blends easily and treats drier areas of the skin. This moisturizer is ideal for your day and night skincare routines for supple skin throughout the day.
Dry patches are no match with this oil-free moisturizer from La Roche-Posay. With just a few applications, you'll be impressed with the intense hydration it provides, thanks to Thermal Spring Water and glycerin in its formulation. It also includes ceramides to create a barrier and lock in moisture and extra protection against environmental stressors.
This holy-grail is one of the most recommended moisturizers for sensitive skin, as it is hypoallergenic and has no artificial perfumes or any harsh chemicals that can exacerbate skin conditions. If skin reactions are your concern, this moisturizer is definitely worth trying.
Enriched with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this cult-favorite moisturizer will surely target any dry skin woes without clogging your pores. The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream can be applied to both the body and the face to enhance your skin's barrier, thanks to the three essential ceramides in its formulation.
One of the highlights of this gentle product is the use of MVE technology, which delivers 24-hour hydration to your skin. Aside from keeping your skin soft, the formula is fast-absorbing and does not cause a greasy finish. It's also oil-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic.
The Shiseido Essential Energy Hydrating Cream takes pride in its ability to provide intense hydration that lasts for 24 hours. It uses hyaluronic acid to strengthen your skin's moisture barrier and retain more moisture. It is complemented with ginseng root extract to support your skin's ability to produce hyaluronic acid naturally and thus nurture your skin from within.
This product makes big claims, but delivers them without a doubt. In fact, compared to other moisturizers, it produces quick and long-lasting results. According to tests done on a group of women, a whopping 92% said that this cream kept their skin hydrated indeed. It also sustains this success even after several weeks of use, giving your skin long-term rejuvenation.
If you're seeking the right moisturizer for daily use, the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream promises to enhance skin moisture from day one. It has a non-greasy, creamy formula infused with powerful emollients and humectants to retain the natural moisture barrier. You can also apply this not just on your face, but also on your hands, feet, elbows, and other areas.
Also fragrance-free and paraben-free, this dermatologist-recommended moisturizer will make you bid goodbye to your dry and sensitive skin concerns. Not surprisingly, many beauty enthusiasts love how the formula plumped up their skin without the fragrance frills.
Given that UV rays contribute to skin aging, it's important to include a product with sun protection in your routine. This moisturizer from Neutrogena not only replenishes skin moisture but doubles as your sunscreen as well. It is formulated with SPF15 to help prevent the early signs of skin aging.
The lightweight and non-sticky texture can be immediately absorbed by the skin, revealing a mirror-like shine and youthful, glowy skin. This is an excellent pick for all skin types, as it is hypoallergenic, alcohol-free, and non-comedogenic. If you're always on the go and seeking a multitasking skincare product, this moisturizer does wonders on the skin.
The Face Republic Cica Gel Moisturizer feels soft like a feather when applied to your skin. Featuring an intensely hydrating formula, this moisturizer combats skin troubles in no time. It is packed with cica, a tried-and-tested ingredient for speeding up the healing of small wounds and acne scars, as well as tea tree oil for relieving redness and inflammation.
If you're curious whether this moisturizer has a sticky residue, you'll be happy to know that it's non-sticky and leaves a cottony finish. This lightweight and cruelty-free gel is a reliable companion that can help you achieve nourished and supple skin.
Dehydrated skin is often accompanied by dullness, and this Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion from CosRx is a good solution for both issues. It comes with a combination of vitamins and antioxidants that make your skin feel extra silky and look fresh and hydrated.
It contains 70% birch sap that calms redness and improves the skin condition, as well as panthenol to strengthen the skin barrier. Aside from that, it also has hyaluronic acid for an extra dose of moisture. The best part is that it heals spots and keeps excess sebum at bay. It also features a non-greasy formula, so there is no reason to worry about your skin feeling oily.
From ₱1,695
Whether you're a coffee lover or simply love smelling its fresh aroma, here is something you'll enjoy from Origins. This oil-free gel moisturizer is infused with coffee, a naturally-derived ingredient famed for recharging the skin. It also has ginseng, which aids in increasing natural energy and rejuvenating the skin.
It also features a patented Hydra-Hug Technology to seal in long-lasting moisture throughout the day. The Origins Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer also contains no parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil. Hence, you can rest easy knowing that it won't aggravate your skin or cause irritation. Flaunt that fully-recharged skin in every selfie!
From ₱410
This vegan and cruelty-free moisturizer from The Ordinary has a blend of potent ingredients to improve dry skin. It is packed with natural moisturizing factors like 11 amino acids, phospholipids, and alpha/beta/gamma fatty acids. With continued use, you'll get both immediate and lasting results.
Users love how this non-greasy moisturizer helps treat flaky and itchy skin, and how just a dime-sized amount of it can certainly go a long way. It's also free of parabens, oil, fragrance, and alcohol, so it's safe even for sensitive skin. No wonder this product is popular across a wide range of users!
Choosing a new product to add to your routine is never easy, especially when there are so many unanswered questions on your mind. To help you even just a little bit, we asked Dr. Meg Sison some of the most asked questions on the web. Here are her answers!
It actually depends on the individual using the product. The overall formulation of a product is very important because everyone will react differently. Some products can trigger comedone formation in certain individuals while others will not react at all.
Not necessarily. Oil-free means that the formula is lighter, but it does not mean that it is non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic means that a product will not clog pores and will not lead to the formation of whiteheads or comedones.
Always consult a board-certified dermatologist for guidance in your skincare regimen, most especially if you have skin concerns like acne, fine lines, enlarged pores, to name a few. Keep your skincare routine simple and gentle, and avoid trying out multiple products at the same time.
The best way to avoid breakouts is to use gentle products that bring back your skin's best condition. Check out these links to know more about the best skincare products that will help you conquer your skin concerns. Happy shopping!
Author: B. Tan
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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