Paula's Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer for oily acne-prone skin
Niacinamide
Blueberry Fruit Extract
Licorice Root Extract
Ceramide Np
Hydrolyzed Pumpkin SeedcakeAverage
- HighOily Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
Works for oily acne-prone skin; other moisturizers fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Suitable for your oily skin, this moisturizer offers excellent hydration with glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to plump and smooth your skin. Niacinamide also aids in regulating oil production, addressing your concerns about oiliness.
- The formula provides general skincare benefits and soothing effects, with ingredients like licorice root extract and blueberry fruit extract contributing to overall skin health.
- This product is safe for your oily skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and includes soothing components that minimize irritation risk.
How to apply
- Use this AM and PM routine every day to help clear your skin. Always remember to finish with SPF in the morning.
- Apply the moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your SPF during the day.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and avoid rubbing to keep pores clear.
- Apply on clean, slightly damp skin to help the product absorb better and control oil.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a simple patch test before your first use.
People Say
★3.9Overall rating based on 200+ reviewsThis lightweight gel-cream moisturizer is highly recommended for oily and acne-prone skin, effectively hydrating without causing breakouts or a greasy feel. However, users with combination or dry skin report it's not moisturizing enough, especially in colder weather, and some notice an initial scent.
Highlights
Lightweight, non-greasy Mostly Mentioned
- “Absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy residue behind.”
- “Lightweight gel cream and a little goes a long way.”
- “Dries down to a matte finish... no shine to it.”
- “Feels super clean on the skin.”
Acne-prone skin safe Often Mentioned
- “The only moisturizer that doesn't clog my pores.”
- “Hydrates but doesn't cause acne.”
- “My skin has been so much better since using this... no breakouts.”
- “Saved my skin and there's none like it.”
Insufficient hydration Often Mentioned
- “Not hydrating enough for winter.”
- “Left my skin feeling tight and dry.”
- “I have to layer it with another cream.”
- “Fails at its basic function as a moisturizer... skin incredibly dry.”
Reduces redness, soothes Sometimes Noted
- “Has reduced redness on my face.”
- “Soothes acne without leaving skin feeling greasy.”
- “Calms visible redness.”
- “Skin feels wonderfully hydrated and soft.”
Poor price-value Sometimes Noted
- “Pricey for only 2 oz.”
- “Bottle is small and runs out fast.”
- “Not the most economical option.”
- “Expensive for the amount you get.”
Unpleasant scent Rarely Noted
- “Has a slight smell initially.”
- “Smells a bit like plastic or chemicals.”
- “The smell was off-putting.”
- “Stings my skin and smells weird.”
Sources: lovi.care, paulaschoice.com, sephora.com, amazon.com, cultbeauty.com, skinsort.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Paula's Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer work for oily acne-prone skin?
Paula's Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer is an average fit for oily acne-prone skin, providing basic hydration and soothing effects without clogging pores. To work best for this skin type, a moisturizing treatment needs powerful hydrating and repairing ingredients that clear acne and blemishes while maintaining a lightweight texture without heavy oils.
Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?
Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and niacinamide make this cream a good fit for oily skin by providing light hydration and helping to balance oil production. To work best for acne-prone skin, this type of product also needs targeted ingredients that clear blemishes and soothe irritation without adding heavy oils or clogging pores.
What does Niacinamide do for oily acne-prone skin?
Niacinamide helps balance oil production, calms redness, and is unlikely to irritate oily, acne-prone skin while improving blemishes. Clinical tests show it reduces excess oil and helps clear up both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne breakouts.
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
What does Blueberry Fruit Extract do for oily acne-prone skin?
Blueberry fruit extract helps calm oily acne-prone skin by soothing redness and fighting daily damage from pollution and sun. It is packed with antioxidants that keep pores clear and skin smooth.
Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?
This cream goes toward the end of your morning and evening routines, right before sunscreen in the morning. An average fit for oily acne-prone skin, this type of product needs oil-balancing ingredients like niacinamide and lightweight hydrators like glycerin to keep skin smooth without feeling heavy.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Can I use this cream with salicylic acid, and in what order?
You can use this cream alongside salicylic acid by applying your salicylic acid treatment first, letting it absorb, and then following with this moisturizer. This routine helps keep your skin calm and hydrated while managing breakouts.
How often should I use this cream?
You can use this moisturizer daily in the morning and evening as part of your routine. Daily application helps maintain skin moisture and supports the skin barrier.
Health Science Reports, 2021Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?
This cream is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily acne-prone skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and features niacinamide to help regulate oil. However, this skin type often needs a lighter, oil-free formula with pore-clearing ingredients like salicylic acid to truly prevent breakouts.
Can I use this cream around the eyes or on my body?
You can use this moisturizing treatment around the eyes and on the body, though oily acne-prone skin often fits better with lightweight, oil-controlling formulas that also target specific body breakouts or delicate eye concerns.
Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.
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, 2017Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2015Bog blueberry anthocyanin-rich extract attenuated ultraviolet-B-induced toxicity, DNA damage, collagen degradation, and inflammatory cytokine release in human dermal fibroblasts by modulating NF-kappaB and MAPK signaling pathways.
Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 2009Topical 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, 2021Topical 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, 2008Topical 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, 2005Applying a topical product containing blueberry extract and Pro-xylane following micro-focused ultrasound significantly improved global aesthetic improvement, skin elasticity, and fine lines compared to standard moisturizer in 50 patients.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025Topical usage of blueberries may prevent skin damage from environmental stressors by inducing an active skin response against noxious effects.
Antioxidants, 2023Pretreatment with blueberry extracts prevented ozone-induced ROS production, NLRP1-ASC scaffold formation, and CASP1 and IL-18 transcripts across 2D, 3D, and human skin explant models.
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide.
Advanced Science, 2025Topical application of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Sophora japonica flavonoid-rich fractions individually and in combination significantly increased the wound healing rate and reduced oxidative stress compared to wound and Nolaver-treated groups.
Molecules, 2023Topical treatment with pumpkin seed oil-loaded niosomes decreased fallen hairs by 44.42% and increased the anagen to telogen ratio by 1.4-fold after 8 weeks compared to initial conditions.
Pharmaceuticals, 2022Topical application of prickly pear, pumpkin, and linseed oils significantly reduced clinical signs of acute inflammation, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress in carrageenan-treated rats compared to the normal saline-treated group.
BioMed Research International, 2020
Ingredients
Water, Ethyl Macadamiate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Triethylhexanoin, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Pumpkin Seedcake, Blueberry Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Prunus Serotina Fruit Extract Prunus Avium Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Tripeptide-29, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Panthenol, Sodium Pca, Adenosine, Lecithin, Arginine, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Isohexadecane, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our 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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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