# EltaMD PM Restore Moisturizer for acne-prone skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/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: [EltaMD](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/eltamd)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/best/moisturizers)

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

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

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate benefits for your acne, blemishes, and breakouts due to the presence of niacinamide and linoleic acid, which support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation, making it suitable for combination skin by balancing oil production.
- The product provides excellent moisturizing with sodium hyaluronate and linoleic acid, enhancing barrier resilience and hydration.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your combination skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Niacinamide, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Sodium Hyaluronate, Linoleic Acid, Peptides

## What the research says

- 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/))
- Rice protein hydrolysate and its characteristic peptides Leu-Leu-Lys, Leu-Pro-Lys, and pyroGlu-Lys reduced melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and ROS production in UVB-induced human epidermal melanocyte PIG1 cells by regulating the JNK/Β-Trcp/NFΗB-p65/MITF signaling pathway and lowering TRP-1 and TRP-2 expression. ([Food & Function, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32955075/))
- 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 application of linoleic acid achieved an almost 25% reduction in the overall size of follicular casts and microcomedones over a 1-month treatment period in patients with mild acne compared to no change at placebo-treated sites. ([Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 1998](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9692305/))
- A lotion containing triethyl citrate and ethyl linoleate reduced Leeds grading, total, inflammatory, and noninflammatory lesion counts, and sebum production compared with a placebo in patients with mild to moderate acne. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17635508/))
- Liposomal formulation of linoleic acid significantly enhances its skin whitening effect compared to non-liposomal forms in UV-stimulated guinea pig and human skin. ([Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15056874/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this moisturizer is highly regarded for its lightweight, non-greasy texture that effectively hydrates and repairs the skin barrier overnight. Some users noted issues with packaging visibility and a few found it insufficient for very dry skin, with occasional comments about formula changes or the price point.

- Liked: Lightweight, non-greasy (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Effective hydration (often mentioned)
- Liked: Soothing for sensitive (often mentioned)
- Liked: Fragrance-free formula (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Packaging visibility (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Formula changes (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Insufficient hydration (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Price point (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your moisturizer twice a day in your AM and PM routines. Apply it daily to help keep breakouts under control.
- Apply after your cleanser and toner, and make sure to use your SPF right after in the morning.
- Gently spread a small amount of moisturizer over your face using soft motions. Let it absorb into the skin for a minute before getting dressed or applying makeup.
- Apply on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture. This keeps your combination skin balanced without feeling heavy.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use. Stop using if you feel any irritation.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does EltaMD PM Restore work for acne-prone skin?

EltaMD PM Restore Moisturizer works moderately well for acne-prone skin, helping balance oil and calm breakouts with niacinamide and linoleic acid. It is unlikely to cause irritation, but acne-prone skin typically needs products with higher suitability that deliver more targeted benefits for blemishes while maintaining a balanced texture.

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

Niacinamide and linoleic acid make this cream a good fit for acne-prone skin by supporting your skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and balancing oil production. Moisturizing treatments that fit this skin better need soothing extracts, calming agents, and ingredients that provide hydration and repair without causing irritation.

### What does Niacinamide do for acne-prone skin?

Niacinamide helps acne-prone skin by reducing both inflamed and uninflamed breakouts and calming redness. It is also very helpful for keeping oily skin balanced by cutting down on excess oil production, and it is well tolerated by most people.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38299457/), [Cureus, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38725769/)

### What does Hydrolyzed Rice Protein do for acne-prone skin?

Hydrolyzed Rice Protein helps calm and moisturize acne-prone skin while reducing irritation. Rice-derived ingredients are known to soothe redness and support a smooth, healthy feel.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35587098/)

### Where does it go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This moisturizer goes in the morning routine after a hydrating toner, and in the evening routine as the final step after your treatment. It provides great hydration and is unlikely to cause irritation on acne-prone skin, though this skin type generally does better with products that include oil-balancing ingredients and blemish-fighting actives.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31461548/)

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

You can use this cream with retinol by applying it before your retinol to help calm your skin and lower the chances of irritation. Using a moisturizer alongside treatments like retinol helps keep your skin comfortable and supports your skin barrier. Acne-prone skin of this type needs lightweight hydrators and soothing ingredients like niacinamide and linoleic acid to balance oil without clogging pores.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/), [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26293170/)

### How often should I use it?

You can use this moisturizing treatment twice daily as part of your morning and evening routine. Regular daily application helps keep skin hydrated and balanced, though acne-prone skin needs a product that also features lightweight, non-clogging hydrators and blemish-clearing ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32141711/), [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/)

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

This cream is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores for acne-prone skin because it has a very safe formula with no harsh or irritating ingredients. It helps balance oil and calm redness with niacinamide and linoleic acid, though acne-prone skin sometimes needs a lighter or more targeted formula to get the best results.

### Can I use it around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this moisturizing treatment around the eyes and on the body since it has a very safe formula with no harsh ingredients. This type of product works best for acne-prone skin when it includes soothing ingredients like niacinamide and linoleic acid to keep the skin calm and balanced.

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for acne-prone skin

- [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$24.00 at Amazon
- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$18.90 at Amazon
- [belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/belif/the-true-cream-aqua-bomb/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — A$50.56 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$13.99 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$34.66 at Amazon
- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$80.43 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Australia has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Niacinamide, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, C10-30 Cholesterol Lanosterol Esters, Glycereth-26, Phenoxyethanol, Linoleic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Oleic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Disodium Edta, Thioctic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Sodium Bisulfite, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phosphoric Acid, Tetrasodium Edta
## 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/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/eltamd/pm-restore-moisturizer/for/acne-prone-skin