11 Best Salicylic Acid Moisturizers for Oily Skin, Acne and Blemishes

If you’re looking for an anti-acne skin care routine, then you know that salicylic acid is the holy grail ingredient you need. While most people use it in their serums, salicylic acid moisturizers are just as noteworthy.
Despite popular belief, skipping moisturizer is not the answer for oily or acne-prone skin. In fact, when your skin lacks moisture, it compensates by producing more oil, which leads to a vicious cycle of acne and excess sebum production.

So, to keep your skin balanced, don’t skip moisturizing and choose a targeted moisturizer that not only hydrates, but also reduces breakouts and prevents future breakouts from popping up. This is where salicylic acid-powered moisturizers come in handy. They provide the necessary moisture to keep your complexion plump and healthy, while helping to clear existing blemishes and reduce acne formation. In other words, they are multifunctional products that strike the perfect balance between moisturizing and conditioning.

To help you find the best salicylic acid moisturizer that really works, we’ve gathered our favorite products and top sellers. They are all non-comedogenic, non-greasy, lightweight, oil-free and will help you create acne-free skin.

Best Salicylic Acid Moisturizers

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Facial Moisturizer

We have some good news for you: our go-to remedy is readily available at your local drugstore for just $15. Not only is it affordable, but it’s super effective. The secret is the 0.5% salicylic acid, which exfoliates dead skin cells and reduces oil production. But that’s not all – this moisturizer is enriched with soybean seed extract, a potent source of antioxidants that fade those stubborn post-acne marks. Plus, the formula is oil-free and non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores and is as light as air, so your skin can breathe while you wear it without feeling greasy.

 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Moisturizer
In addition to salicylic acid, Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat is enriched with lipohydroxy acids, a derivative of salicylic acid that has the same renewing, exfoliating and acne-treating properties. They are twice as effective in clearing acne, unclogging pores and regulating sebum production. In addition, this moisturizer uses perlite and silica powders, which give the skin a matte look thanks to their oil-absorbing properties. Oil-free? Check out. Matte? Check it out. Sebum control? View.

Perricone MD Acne Treatment Cream and Moisturizer
Perricone MD Acne Relief Moisturizer combines a trio of blemish-fighting ingredients – salicylic acid, retinol and niacinamide – with the promise of balancing excess oil and treating breakouts without drying out the skin.

And it apparently does it well; after all, if there’s a winning combination that fights blackheads and pimples, it’s retinol and salicylic acid. They both exfoliate and work on multiple layers to remove the build-up of dead cells and unclog pores. In turn, this will reduce the chances of new pimples appearing while speeding up the healing of existing ones. In addition, niacinamide and two amino acids hydrate your skin and help retain moisture, counteracting the drying effects of these two anti-acne agents.

Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Remedy Moisturizer
This moisturizer detoxifies the skin and helps unclog pores with salicylic and lipohydroxy acids, both of which lift and loosen dead cells that clog pores. The formula is also blended with botanical extracts, including green tea, eucalyptus and Irish moss, designed to improve the appearance of pores and ward off oxidative stress, which often triggers breakouts. It moisturizes intensely, feels extra light, doesn’t add any oil to already greasy skin, won’t cause acne, and is vegan and cruelty-free.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer
Without a doubt, Neutrogena makes one of the most affordable salicylic acid moisturizers that is non-greasy and oil-free. Thanks to 0.5% active salicylic acid, this fast-absorbing, lightweight formula keeps skin hydrated without clogging pores, while regulating sebum and clearing acne. If you have a sensitive complexion, start with three days a week and gradually increase to daily use to help build your skin’s tolerance.

Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Salicylic Acid Moisturizer
This moisturizer works similarly to clear acne with 1.0% salicylic acid – the highest amount compared to other moisturizers on this list. The formula also contains Oligopeptide 10, a peptide that inhibits acne-causing bacteria and is known to work synergistically with salicylic acid to clear blackheads. There is also Squalane to regulate sebum production and soften the skin. The silky formula controls oil and creates a beautiful matte finish that absorbs immediately without feeling heavy, making it an excellent primer. Also, it is fragrance, alcohol and oil free.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Spring Mineral Water Gel Moisturizer
Acne is often the cause of overly dry skin, and that’s exactly what this moisturizer aims to do. The soothing hydrogel formula relies on two outstanding humectants – sodium PCA and hyaluronic acid – to draw moisture into the skin for added hydration, while hydrangea seed oil locks in moisture. Then, salicylic acid fights bacteria, helps unclog pores, regulates oil and leaves skin looking clear and balanced. Everything is formulated with a light-as-air formula that never feels sticky and provides instant relief during and after application.

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer
This salicylic acid-infused moisturizer is clinically proven to clear acne and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores without breaking down the skin’s barrier. The magic? A juicy concentration of salicylic acid (0.5%) plus prebiotics and squalane, along with other skin-soothing ingredients like allantoin and red myrrh alcohol. Add to that the fact that it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry ones, that it has a matte finish, and that it costs less than $10, and you have a winning product.

Lancôme Hydra Zen Salicylic Acid Moisturizer
Lancôme Hydra Zen is the epitome of hydration, calming and radiance. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer, it contains everything you need to keep acne-prone skin soft and clear, including salicylic acid and hydroxy cumene glycosides, a compound derived from the mica plant that has restorative, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Peony root and moringa seed extracts give this cream the ability to scavenge free radicals so they don’t wreak havoc on your complexion. Massage into damp skin in the morning and afternoon and let the zen happen.

SkinMedica AHA/BHA Brightening Cream
This is a great solution for post-acne blemishes and fading sun spots. The secret? A blend of lactic, glycolic, malic and salicylic acids. The combination of acids gently removes dead cell buildup and removes pore-clogging oil and debris, ensuring your skin becomes clearer, brighter and smoother with each application. Meanwhile, Squalane, Soy Protein and Red Myrrh Alcohol soothe and strengthen the complexion without drying it out. If you’re a fan of multitaskers, then this formula should be front and center of your vanity.

Bioderma Sébium Pore Refining Cream
If you’re looking for the best salicylic acid moisturizer with mattifying and pore tightening properties, this is it. Bioderma Sébium Cream does a great job of maintaining radiance and tightening pores with silica powder and mushroom-derived aglyconic acid, a natural astringent and sebum regulator. Thanks to salicylic acid, this cream also gently exfoliates to prevent clogged pores and improve skin texture. Most people praise its gel and soft-to-the-touch texture that absorbs immediately and leaves skin feeling silky smooth.