5 Favorite Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin: From $ to $$$$
A breakdown of my top five moisturizers: the best for acne-prone skin, fun discoveries, and unexpected favorites
Navigating the world of skincare with acne-prone skin can be a challenge, but a good moisturizer is a non-negotiable part of the journey. While I’ve tried countless products, these five moisturizers stand out as the best for my skin. From budget-friendly to luxury splurges, here’s how they stack up in terms of price, feel, consistency, and overall performance. Stick around for some fun stories on how I discovered the products along the way!
1. Vanicream Moisturizer – $15
Price: Affordable and accessible at most drugstores.
Feel: Simple hydration.
Consistency: Light and absorbs well without feeling greasy.
Best For: Sensitive skin.
Notes: This is my go-to affordable option, especially when my skin needs something gentle and reliable. However, it falls short during winter when my skin craves deeper hydration.
How I discovered it: I first spotted Vanicream in a dermatologist’s TikTok where it was praised for being simple, effective, and non-irritating. Curious and impressed by its reviews, I grabbed it at my local drugstore, and it’s been a staple ever since.
2. Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb – $38
Price: Mid-range and widely available.
Feel: Refreshing and lightweight.
Consistency: Gel-cream texture that’s perfect for oily or acne-prone skin.
Best For: Summer months when you need something light yet effective.
Notes: This is a classic for a reason. It’s been a beauty community favorite for years, and I love it during the warmer months when heavier creams feel too much.
How I discovered it: This moisturizer has a special place in my heart because it takes me back to my first Sephora trip in 2017. I had just moved to New York for college, and it felt surreal to finally walk into the store I had dreamed about for years. Back in Ukraine, I would binge-watch beauty YouTubers from 2013 to 2017, dreaming of the day I could own the products they talked about so casually. At the time, I was on track to move to Germany, but a family trip to NYC in 2015 changed everything. Fast forward two years, and there I was - living in the city.
Sephora was overwhelming in the best way. The Aqua Bomb had been an “it” product on YouTube, and I couldn’t wait to finally try it. It felt like the ultimate upgrade from the drugstore moisturizers I grew up using back home. That first swipe was magical, and I felt like I had stepped into the world I used to admire from afar. This moisturizer still reminds me of that moment, and I love using it during the summer when my skin needs something light and refreshing.
3. Skinfix Barrier+ Gel Cream Moisturizer – $54
Price: Mid-range and widely available.
Feel: Soothing, ideal for compromised skin.
Consistency: Lightweight gel cream that hydrates all day and layers beautifully under makeup.
Best For: Repairing your skin barrier after overdoing it with actives.
Notes: I love this one, especially during times when my skin feels irritated or inflamed. It’s my savior for restoring balance without clogging pores.
How I discovered it: I received this cream in PR and initially I didn’t expect much - it looked like another standard gel cream but I was still excited to try it. The moment I applied it, I knew it was going to be my next favorite. It was cooling, soothing, and hydrating without being heavy. My skin was going through a rough patch from too many active ingredients, and this moisturizer brought it back to life almost immediately. It’s now one of my go-to products when my skin feels irritated or out of balance.
4. SkinBetter Science Trio Rebalancing Moisturizer – $155
Price: Premium, but worth every penny.
Feel: Luxurious, leaving your skin silky smooth.
Consistency: Rich but not heavy, feels lightweight; sinks in beautifully.
Best For: A radiant glow and hydration boost.
Notes: Hands down my all-time favorite. The cost-to-performance ratio is unbeatable. My skin feels glowy, hydrated, and incredibly soft every single time I use it.
How I discovered it: If you know who Savanna Boda is, you’re on the right side of social media. I stumbled upon her TikToks in early 2023 and was instantly hooked - her glowing skin is the definition of goals. She often shares the products she uses in her clinic, and when she described this moisturizer as “silk in a bottle,” I knew I had to try it. Last fall, I went all in and tried a full SkinBetter Science routine (which grants a separate post), and this moisturizer was the star. My skin has never looked better. It was hydrated, radiant, and felt healthier than ever before. While it’s definitely an investment, the results make it more than worth it. Savanna wasn’t lying - this moisturizer is pure silk.
5. Valmont Hydra 5 Regenetic Cream – $380
Price: The ultimate splurge.
Feel: Exceptionally luxurious, with an unmatched glow.
Consistency: Rich and creamy texture that deeply hydrates.
Best For: All-year-round hydration and radiance.
Notes: If you’re ready to invest, this cream delivers like no other. It’s deeply hydrating without being heavy and gives you the most luminous skin. Perfect for when you want to feel truly pampered. I have quite a funny story with this one.
How I discovered it: I first tried this during a facial at Rescue Spa in NYC. When the esthetician used it on me, I was immediately obsessed with how my skin felt: plump, hydrated, and luminous. They gave me a small sample to take home, which I devoured in days. I decided to go back with a distinct goal of purchasing, but, I made a grave mistake – I did not look up the price.
I am quite used to seeing +$150 moisturizers on the market and I expected this one to be $200 max… When the cashier rang me up, the total came to a jaw-dropping $400, tax included. This was one of the moments when one would speak up, but I decided to not embarrass myself and just handed over my card.
Do I regret it? Not for a second. Would I buy it again? Only if my income sees a significant boost. Thankfully, I had just closed a brand deal that week, so a portion of that income covered the cost and I did not feel like I had to budget for the rest of the month. Lesson learned: always check the price tag before committing, no matter how much you’re in love with the product!
While there are other moisturizers I really like, these five are the ones I keep coming back to and the ones I would recommend to someone who has no idea where to start! Each serves a specific purpose depending on the season and the state of the skin. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly staple or a luxury indulgence, these picks have you covered.
I hope this guide helps you navigate your own skincare journey with confidence and ease. Your skin deserves the best!
Let me know your all-time skincare favorites, I would love to try more!
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