Does Moisturizer Cause Breakouts? The Truth About Hydrating Acne-Prone Skin

You’ve probably heard it before, but it bears repeating: no matter your skin type, moisturizing is a must.

A good moisturizer does more than just keep your skin hydrated—it strengthens your skin’s barrier, keeping moisture in and external irritants out. Without it, skin can become dry, tight, and more susceptible to inflammation, which only aggravates acne further.

Moisturizers work by replenishing the skin’s natural hydration and locking in moisture. When the skin is well-hydrated, it’s less likely to produce excess oil—a common trigger for breakouts in acne-prone skin. 

So, rather than causing breakouts, the right moisturizer can actually help your skin stay balanced, resilient, and more resistant to irritation.

It’s easy to think that adding moisture to oily or acne-prone skin will clog pores and lead to breakouts, but this is a myth.

In reality, breakouts are the result of a combination of factors: excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation.

Rather than contributing to this, the right moisturizer can balance oil production, reduce inflammation, and support your skin’s natural defences.

Acne occurs when pores become clogged with dead skin cells and oil, providing the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.

Skin that’s dried out or stripped of moisture can overcompensate by producing more oil, which only exacerbates the problem.

Using a non-comedogenic, lightweight moisturizer like Otis Skincare HYDRATING DAILY MOISTURIZER can help regulate this oil production, keeping your skin hydrated without triggering excess oil. 

The result? 

Healthier, clearer skin that’s less prone to the cycle of dryness and oiliness that can lead to breakouts.

Our HYDRATING DAILY MOISTURIZER is a game-changer if your skin tends to breakout. Here’s why:

1. Lightweight and Non-Greasy: Unlike heavy creams that can feel suffocating, this moisturizer has a light, easily absorbed formula that won’t leave a greasy shine.
   
   
2. Non-Comedogenic Ingredients: Specifically designed to avoid clogging pores, so you can feel confident it won’t trigger breakouts.
   
   
3. Powerful Hydration with Hyaluronic Acid: This superstar ingredient locks in moisture, plumping the skin and keeping it smooth and hydrated without adding oil.
   
   
4. Soothing and Balancing: With calming ingredients that reduce redness and inflammation, this moisturizer soothes acne-prone skin, helping it look and feel its best.
   
   

By giving your skin the moisture it craves without the heaviness, HYDRATING DAILY MOISTURIZER helps to restore balance and protect against environmental stressors, making it ideal for anyone dealing with acne or breakouts.

Ready to see real results? Follow this simple 2-step skincare routine:

1. CLEAN AND GENTLY EXFOLIATE

The first step to clear skin is a good cleanse.
Our DAILY FACE WASH does double duty by cleaning and gently exfoliating in one step, removing dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that can clog pores. Formulated with tea tree oil, it reduces redness and oiliness, keeping your skin fresh and clean without over-drying.

2. MOISTURIZE

After cleansing, apply Hydrating Daily Moisturizer. This will seal in moisture and provide your skin with essential hydration to balance oil production and reduce breakouts.

Why These Steps Work: Gentle cleansing and proper hydration are key to managing acne-prone skin. By keeping your skin clean and balanced, you’re helping it function optimally and reducing the risk of clogged pores and breakouts.

Will moisturizer make my skin more oily?
Nope! A quality moisturizer actually helps balance oil production, often leading to less oily skin over time.

Can I skip moisturizer if I have oily skin?
Skipping moisturizer can lead to dehydration, which may cause your skin to produce more oil as a compensatory response.

What does “non-comedogenic” mean, and why is it important?
“Non-comedogenic” means a product is formulated to avoid clogging pores. For acne-prone skin, this is crucial to prevent breakouts.

How often should I moisturize if I have acne?
Twice a day is ideal. After cleansing in the morning and evening, follow up with a light moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and balanced.

Is there a “best” type of moisturizer for acne-prone skin?
Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Avoid heavy oils or creams that can clog pores.

Using a moisturizer is one of the best things you can do if your skin is prone to breakouts.

Instead of avoiding it, choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic product like OTIS Skincare's HYDRATING DAILY MOISTURIZER to help hydrate, balance, and protect your skin without adding oil or shine.

Follow our simple, 2-step routine that includes gentle cleansing and effective hydration to see real improvements in your skin’s clarity and health.

Don’t let the fear of breakouts keep you from healthy, hydrated skin—embrace the power of moisture for a complexion that looks and feels its best!

References 

Proksch E, Brandner JM, Jensen JM. The skin: an indispensable barrier . Exp Dermatol. 2008 Dec;17(12):1063-72. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2008.00786.x. PMID: 19043850.

Lynde CW, Andriessen A, Barankin B, Gannes GD, Gulliver W, Haber R, McCuaig C, Rajan P, Skotnicki SP, Thomas R, Toole J, Vender R. Moisturizers and Ceramide-containing Moisturizers May Offer Concomitant Therapy with Benefits . J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014 Mar;7(3):18-26. PMID: 24688622; PMCID: PMC3970828.

Fakhari A, Berkland C. Applications and emerging trends of hyaluronic acid in tissue engineering, as a dermal filler and in osteoarthritis treatment. Acta Biomater. 2013 Jul;9(7):7081-92. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2013.03.005. Epub 2013 Mar 15. PMID: 23507088; PMCID: PMC3669638.

Enshaieh S, Jooya A, Siadat AH, Iraji F. The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study . Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2007 Jan-Feb;73(1):22-5. doi: 10.4103/0378-6323.30646. PMID: 17314442.