I know what you’re thinking — acne-prone skin and rich moisturizing creams don’t usually go hand in hand. A few months ago, I would have wholeheartedly agreed, but, after a frustrating run trying most gel-based and oil-free moisturizers for acne-prone skin, I realized that my skin needed something more. You might think it’s impossible to track down a rich, hydrating moisturizer that doesn’t cause more breakouts, but I found the holy grail of sensitive, acne-prone skincare products, and it’s hiding in plain sight.

Amazon

You may already be a fan of drugstore hero product Vanicream moisturizer — the O.G. version, that is. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fantastic product. But, if you’re like me and have dealt with incredibly touchy acne-prone skin that breaks out when you look at it slightly wrong, you know heavier creams can sometimes be dangerous territory. What most don’t know is that Vanicream also makes a sensitive skin-friendly version of its original formula that’s suitable for acne and is free of common irritants known to trigger sensitive skin.

With an impressive 4.6 out five star rating on Amazon, this noncomedogenic moisturizer is the brand’s hidden gem. While most people default to buying the original cream, I’m going to tell you exactly why this special formulation deserves as much of a spotlight.

Like I mentioned previously, Vanicream’s sensitive skin moisturizer is completely noncomedogenic, meaning it’s designed not to clog your pores. While gel creams and other oil-free options might be enough for some with acne, if your skin is like mine and is prone to dehydration, you need something that packs a bit more of a punch. While this moisturizer is, in fact, oil-free, it’s rich and hydrating enough with five key ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, and other moisturizers that get the job done without leaving you wanting more.

To be honest, this moisturizer got my skin through some rough times. My skin barrier wasn’t in the best shape after I quit using tretinoin. It was drier, easily irritated, and, ironically, even more prone to acne. I realized that my skin was too sensitive for stronger retinoids and it was time to do some damage control. I needed a moisturizer that was thicker and would keep my skin from feeling parched without causing a negative reaction. This moisturizer was just the ticket. It’s rich but lightweight at the same time and never irritated my skin. It takes vulnerable skin and wraps it in the biggest warm hug.

That’s another great thing about this moisturizer. Even if you don’t struggle with acne, but you do with sensitivities to certain ingredients, this cream was still designed with you in mind. It’s free of dyes, fragrance, parabens, and other potentially irritating preservatives that can cause sensitive skin to flare. And starting at just $14 for a 3-ounce bottle, it’s extremely affordable. If my own personal tale isn’t enough to sway you, take a look at these other glowing reviews on Amazon.

“I have extremely sensitive, dry combination skin that breaks out easily. I used to use CeraVe because most moisturizers were either too heavy, too light, or caused breakouts. But after a bad breakout, I tried this and saw a huge difference!!! My skin cleared up within a week. It gives a healthy glow, works perfectly under makeup with no pilling, and feels lightweight. On extra dry days, I just apply two layers. I wait a few minutes in between each layer. This is my new go to, and I want to also try the version with SPF.” —Milena A.

“I was always hesitant about this product, I’m not sure why. But once I started using it, my skin entirely cleared up. I have very dry sensitive skin and live in a dry climate as well. I also have EXTREMELY acne prone skin. This has never once made me break out or cause any irritation. It has almost no smell at all. It is rather thick, so if you wear makeup I’d suggest putting it on a while beforehand. Otherwise, it literally has helped me so much.” —Grace C.

“I was looking for a good, fast drying, light moisturizer for the morning and this was it. It’s got a nice texture and does not make my face oily. I listened to the reviews and absolutely love it. There’s a lot of product which goes a long way. I only use about half a pea size and that’s all I need to cover my face and neck.” —Hall

Get it from Amazon for $13.97.

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.