# e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Australia.

Brand: [e.l.f.](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/e-l-f)
Category: [Sunscreens and SPF moisturizers](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/best/sunscreens)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily acne-prone skin; other sunscreens fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your oily skin due to the presence of niacinamide which offers seboregulation, but lacks sufficient mattifying ingredients for optimal results.
- The product provides excellent moisturizing due to the presence of glycerin and sodium hyaluronate in concentrations that hydrate and plump the skin, though it lacks targeted ingredients for your acne and blemishes.
- There are no risks of irritation for your oily skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/mature-skin): Superior
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)

## Key ingredients

Sodium Hyaluronate, Peptides, Niacinamide, Squalane, Trehalose

## What the research says

- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))
- Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))
- Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts. ([Molecules, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/))
- Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway. ([Antioxidants, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40722956/))
- Sodium trehalose sulfate decreased transepidermal water loss and increased stratum corneum water content in participants with low stratum corneum water content when applied for 4 weeks compared to placebo. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38606717/))
- Topical chloramphenicol-betamethasone combined with sodium hyaluronate/trehalose/carbomer gel compared to chloramphenicol-betamethasone alone reduced most subjective symptoms at 1 week but increased blurred vision at 4 weeks following strabismus surgery in 31 patients, with no significant differences in conjunctival inflammation between treatments. ([Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31298607/))
- Topical treatment with Thealoz Duo significantly improved dry eye disease symptoms, tear break-up time, and restored tear lipid layer functionality by reducing inflammatory response proteins in moderate to severe dry eye patients over 56 days. ([Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40807147/))

## Why other sunscreens fit oily acne-prone skin better

- Biomimetic hyaluronic acid-stabilized zinc oxide nanoparticles selectively inhibited C. acnes, outperformed erythromycin in preclinical acne models, and safely reduced acne lesions and redness in a clinical trial. ([Journal of Controlled Release, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40254135/))
- Topical 0.5% hyaluronic-ZnO nanogel applied twice daily reduced inflammatory-lesion counts by 58% at week four in human subjects compared to baseline without causing erythema. ([Biomedicines, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41007718/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this moisturizer is widely celebrated for delivering deep hydration with a lightweight, non-greasy feel that rivals high-end luxury creams. It is generally praised for smoothing skin texture and working well under makeup. Some users with acne-prone skin experienced breakouts, and others found the scented version too overpowering.

- Liked: Effective hydration (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight & fast (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Excellent value (often mentioned)
- Liked: Makeup compatible (often mentioned)
- Liked: Beneficial ingredients (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong fragrance (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Greasy residue (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Not for dry skin (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging concerns (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your moisturizing sunscreen every morning. Reapply throughout the day if you are outside.
- Apply this moisturizing sunscreen as the final step of your morning routine after your moisturizer.
- Gently smooth a nickel-sized amount over your face and neck, avoiding harsh rubbing to keep oily areas calm.
- Apply this moisturizing sunscreen on clean, dry skin to ensure even coverage and protection.
- Avoid getting the product into your eyes and do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/53e9a436d82fca2a189dd08aa21de2fd.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream work for oily acne-prone skin?

This cream works moderately well for your oily skin because niacinamide helps balance oil, but it lacks enough mattifying ingredients. It also hydrates and plumps the skin well without causing irritation, though it does not target acne and blemishes. A moisturizer for this skin needs ingredients that hydrate without clogging pores, offer a lightweight and non-greasy feel, control excess oil, and help clear blemishes.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oil, while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate keep your skin plump and hydrated. To truly work for oily, acne-prone skin, a product of this type needs additional mattifying ingredients and targeted blemish-fighting ingredients.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Hyaluronic Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?

Hyaluronic acid helps calm oily acne-prone skin by reducing sebum production and lipid synthesis in sebaceous glands. It also supports skin barrier function and improves hydration while helping deliver treatments without causing irritation.
Sources: [The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28163068/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35796638/)

### What do Peptides do for oily acne-prone skin?

Peptides help calm oily, acne-prone skin by targeting acne-causing bacteria and reducing redness and swelling. Advanced delivery methods like nanomicelles may also improve how deeply these helpful ingredients sink into the skin.
Sources: [Advanced Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39783908/), [Bioorganic Chemistry, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40925226/)

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This moisturizer goes in the morning routine after a cleanser and hydrating toner, followed by sunscreen. Oily acne-prone skin needs a product of this type that also includes oil-absorbing powders or mattifying ingredients to control shine, alongside blemish-fighting actives.

### Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this cream with retinol by applying the cream after your retinol treatment to help keep your skin calm and moisturized. This type of skin needs a moisturizer that balances oil with ingredients like niacinamide, while also bringing soothing and acne-fighting additions to keep breakouts clear.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/)

### How often should I use this cream?

You can use this cream twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine, because it provides good hydration without heavy irritation risks for your oily skin. Daily application of this type of moisturizer helps maintain skin moisture and barrier function.
Sources: [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/), [Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14571069/)

### Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This cream is unlikely to cause irritation for your oily skin, though some reviewers report breakouts. Oily acne-prone skin needs lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers with oil-controlling ingredients and blemish-fighting additions to stay clear.

### Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum). Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/eltamd/uv-daily-broad-spectrum-spf-40/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — A$38.93 at Amazon
- [Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/olay/regenerist-whip-face-moisturizer-spf-25/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — A$29.99 at Amazon
- [Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — A$81.95 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/clear-pore-normalizing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$32.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$42.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$22.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com.au: A$39.99 (https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07ZQZVMRX?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 1 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Isohexadecane, Stearyl Heptanoate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Isopropyl Isostearate, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Olivate, Trehalose, Squalane, Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Octenylsuccinate Starch, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Panthenol Vb5, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Polyethylene, Disodium Edta, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Carbomer
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/e-l-f/holy-hydration-face-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin