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SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer for oily acne-prone skin

High

  • SuperiorOily Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

A great choice for oily acne-prone skin; a few moisturizers fit it even 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

  • Excellent suitability for your oily skin is provided by dimethicone and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, which balance sebum production and offer antioxidant benefits without clogging pores.
  • Sodium hyaluronate and panthenol further enhance barrier resilience and provide excellent moisturization, addressing your concerns for acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
  • The product is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

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

★4.8Overall rating based on 500+ reviews

This moisturizer is highly regarded for its ultra-lightweight, oil-free formula, making it an excellent choice for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin types as it hydrates without clogging pores. It also provides a smooth, matte finish ideal for makeup application and offers antioxidant benefits. However, users with dry skin or those in dry climates may find it insufficient for their hydration needs.

Highlights

  • Lightweight feel Mostly Mentioned
    • “vanishes into skin”
    • “completely evaporated”
    • “weightless feel”
    • “no residue”
  • Acne-safe formula Often Mentioned
    • “zero new breakouts”
    • “doesn't clog pores”
    • “clear skin”
    • “safe for acne-prone”
  • Good for oily skin Often Mentioned
    • “controls oil”
    • “matte finish”
    • “perfect for summer”
    • “balances combination skin”
  • Not enough hydration Often Mentioned
    • “not moisturizing enough”
    • “too light for winter”
    • “skin felt tight”
    • “need to layer”
  • Gentle and soothing Sometimes Noted
    • “good for sensitive skin”
    • “no irritation”
    • “calms redness”
    • “feels cooling”
  • Makeup base Sometimes Noted
    • “perfect smooth base”
    • “no pilling”
    • “sits well under foundation”
    • “primer-like finish”
  • High price point Sometimes Noted
    • “expensive for size”
    • “pricey”
    • “small bottle”
    • “costly daily use”
  • Rare reactions Rarely Noted
    • “caused breakout”
    • “skin reaction”
    • “rash”
    • “stinging”
  • Thin consistency Rarely Noted
    • “very runny”
    • “watery texture”
    • “too thin”
    • “pours out fast”

Sources: lovi.care, lovelyskin.com, dermstore.com, influenster.com, walmart.ca, skinmedica.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer a great fit for oily acne-prone skin?

SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer is a great fit because dimethicone and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate help balance oil and provide antioxidant benefits without clogging pores. Sodium hyaluronate and panthenol also support your skin barrier and keep it soft while addressing breakouts.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

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

Dimethicone and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate make this moisturizer a great fit for your oily skin because they balance oil and provide antioxidants without clogging pores. Sodium hyaluronate and panthenol also help strengthen your skin barrier and keep it soft while addressing breakouts.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

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.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022

What does Vitamin C do for oily acne-prone skin?

Vitamin C helps calm red and irritated skin and may improve the look of post-acne marks when used as part of your routine. For oily and acne-prone skin, this type of product also needs soothing ingredients and lightweight hydrators that keep pores clear without feeling heavy.

European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024

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

This moisturizer goes after your hydrating toner in the morning and after your treatment step at night. It helps balance oil production and adds moisture without clogging pores.

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

Yes, you can use this moisturizer with retinol by applying the moisturizer first to help your skin stay calm and smooth. Using a hydrating moisturizer alongside treatments like retinol is unlikely to cause irritation and helps keep your skin barrier strong.

Cutis, 2006The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

How often should I use this moisturizer?

This moisturizer is a great fit for your oily acne-prone skin and can be used daily in your morning and evening routines. It helps balance oil production and adds moisture without clogging pores, with a low risk of irritation.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Health Science Reports, 2021

Can this moisturizer clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This moisturizer is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts because dimethicone and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate help balance oil without heavy blockage. It also has a safe profile with no harsh ingredients, though a few reviewers have noted it does not provide enough hydration for very dry areas.

Can I use this moisturizer around the eyes or on my body?

Yes, you can use this moisturizer around the eyes and on your body because its light ingredients provide deep moisture and protect the skin barrier without causing irritation or clogging pores.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

Is this moisturizer 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 new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.

    The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
  • Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.

    American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
  • A panthenol-enriched mask significantly decreased erythema and hyperpigmentation, increased sebum and stratum corneum moisture, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to a saline dressing in 60 subjects undergoing facial laser treatment.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2003
  • Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.

    Journal of Periodontology, 2009
  • Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
  • Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
  • Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans.

    Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000
  • Hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol, and isotonic saline nasal sprays all significantly improved dry nose symptoms over four weeks in 240 patients, with hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol providing superior nasal moisturisation compared to the other two.

    Auris, Nasus, Larynx, 2020
  • Wearing an N95 mask alone compared to using dimethicone cream or hydrocolloid dressing caused more adverse skin reactions among 73 military health care workers, with no significant differences in fit test failure rates between groups.

    Military Medicine, 2024
  • A dimethicone skin protectant lotion significantly decreased visual scoring and transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control and SLS-only treated sites in 12 healthy humans exposed to sodium lauryl sulfate.

    Skin Research and Technology, 2000
  • Treatment with a moisturizer containing dimethicone and glycerine increased epidermal thickness by 0.019 mm, improved barrier function by decreasing transepidermal water loss by 13%, decreased melanin intensity, and induced keratins 6 and 16 in fifteen women with moderately photoaged forearms.

    Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2007
  • Topical application of an antioxidant serum containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented particulate matter-induced degradation of extracellular matrix components, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skin of 15 female volunteers compared to untreated controls.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
  • Dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate showed non-comedogenic potential with less than a 50% increase in microcomedones in 12 healthy male subjects compared to octyl palmitate.

    Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021
  • Topical application of an antioxidant mix containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented PM and UV-induced skin barrier perturbation, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers, MMP9 activation, and Type I collagen loss in 15 healthy females compared to untreated exposed skin.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

Ingredients

Water, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Sorbitan Stearate, Methyl Gluceth-20, Polysorbate 60, Dimethicone, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Aminomethyl Propanol, Carbomer, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben

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.

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.