Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream for oily acne-prone skin
Glycerin
Squalane
Allantoin
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Ceramides
Average
- LowOily Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for oily acne-prone skin; other moisturizers fit it better.
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006
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
- Offers general hydration for your oily skin, with glycerin and squalane enhancing barrier resilience, but it lacks targeted ingredients like salicylic acid to effectively address your acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- While allantoin and eucalyptus globulus leaf extract provide soothing benefits, ingredients like squalane and dimethicone may exacerbate oiliness for your oily skin.
- The product is safe for your skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and includes soothing components.
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
★4.6Overall rating based on 2.2k+ reviewsIt is praised for its light, whipped texture that absorbs quickly, providing deep hydration and a soothing effect for irritated skin. Some users find the quantity small for the price, and a few experienced breakouts or found it insufficient for extremely dry skin, particularly in winter.
Highlights
Deeply hydrating Mostly Mentioned
- “healed my dry patches”
- “skin feels plump and soft”
- “glowy finish”
Lightweight texture Mostly Mentioned
- “light as air”
- “sinks in immediately”
- “fluffy and whipped consistency”
- “doesn't feel heavy”
Gentle, non-irritating Often Mentioned
- “no stinging”
- “didn't irritate my sensitive skin”
- “safe for acne-prone skin”
Small quantity Often Mentioned
- “tiny jar”
- “finished in a month”
- “expensive for the amount”
- “wish it came in a bigger size”
Good makeup base Sometimes Noted
- “makeup sits beautifully”
- “no pilling”
- “smooth canvas”
- “non-sticky finish”
Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
- “gave me whiteheads”
- “clogged my pores”
- “caused small bumps”
- “breakouts on forehead”
Jar packaging Rarely Noted
- “hate dipping fingers in”
- “prefer a pump”
- “unhygienic packaging”
- “needs a spatula”
Not rich enough Rarely Noted
- “need to layer it”
- “too light for winter”
- “skin felt dry by morning”
- “needed more moisture”
Sources: lovi.care, curel.com, influenster.com, ulta.com, boots.com, makeupalley.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Curél Intensive Moisture Cream work for oily acne-prone skin?
This cream works decently for your oily skin by offering general hydration and soothing benefits, but it lacks targeted ingredients for breakouts and its squalane and dimethicone may add to your oiliness. An ideal moisturizer for this skin needs lightweight hydration, powerful ingredients that clear acne and blemishes without heavy oils, and components that support the skin barrier without clogging pores.
Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?
Glycerin, squalane, allantoin, and eucalyptus leaf extract help hydrate and calm your oily skin. However, a moisturizer for this skin needs targeted blemish-fighting ingredients and a lightweight, oil-free formula that avoids heavy oils and pore-clogging components to effectively prevent breakouts.
What does Glycerin do for oily acne-prone skin?
Glycerin helps keep oily acne-prone skin hydrated without feeling heavy. It draws moisture into the skin while supporting the skin barrier so it stays soft and balanced.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
What does Squalane do for oily acne-prone skin?
Squalane may help keep oily skin soft and smooth, but oxidized squalene can trigger inflammation in acne-prone skin. Because of this, oily acne-prone skin needs lightweight, non-greasy ingredients that balance moisture without clogging pores.
Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?
This cream goes as the third step in your morning routine after a cleanser and hydrating toner, and as the last step in your evening routine after a treatment. It offers general hydration and soothing benefits for your oily skin, though an oily acne-prone skin type needs targeted ingredients like salicylic acid to address breakouts and lighter textures that do not exacerbate oiliness.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this moisturizer with retinol to help keep your skin soft and calm while reducing dryness. Apply it after your retinol treatment in the evening, or use it alone when your skin needs simple hydration.
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 keep your skin hydrated and supports your moisture barrier, though oily skin may need a lightweight formula with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Health Science Reports, 2021
Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?
Yes, this cream may clog pores and cause breakouts for oily acne-prone skin because it includes ingredients like squalane and dimethicone that can make your skin feel too oily. It is generally safe and unlikely to cause harsh reactions since it lacks harsh ingredients, but an average fit like this needs targeted ingredients like salicylic acid to properly clear blemishes.
Can I use this cream around the eyes or on my body?
Yes, you can use this cream around the eyes and on your body, as it has a very safe profile with gentle, soothing ingredients. The skin around the eyes is quite thin, and this moisturizer provides safe hydration, though body use may require more product since the skin there is thicker.
Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
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, 2017Peroxidated squalene induces an early activation of NF-kappaB, an increase in PPARalpha levels, and an upregulation of IL-6 production in HaCaT keratinocytes, which is subsequently counteracted by PPARalpha activation.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts.
Molecules, 2025Plant-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, 2025Topical gel containing chitosan, 0.2% chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol did not improve postoperative comfort regarding swelling and pain, but improved the wound's aesthetic appearance following impacted lower third molar extraction compared to no gel.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2016A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020An overnight patch containing Allium cepa extract and allantoin safely promotes scar healing after dermatologic surgery, resulting in significantly greater reductions in observer- and patient-assessed POSAS scores compared to no treatment.
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2018Treatment with a moisturizer containing Eucalyptus extract significantly improved skin conductance and transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects with dry skin, accompanied by an increase in CER [NP] levels.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2013Topical and in vitro application of Eucalyptus extract increases ceramide levels and biosynthesis in keratinocytes and human stratum corneum, improving water-holding and barrier functions in dry skin compared to untreated solvent-induced dry skin.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2012Camphor oil treatment achieved complete cure of human facial demodicidosis at concentrations of 100%, 75%, and 50%, and an incomplete cure with a marked drop in infestation density at 25-20% concentrations.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2002
Why other moisturizers fit oily acne-prone skin better
Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.
Molecules, 2023A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024A facial serum containing snail secretion filtrate, Calendula officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract significantly reduced inflammatory acne lesions compared to placebo in 66 participants with mild-to-moderate maskne over 12 weeks.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Squalane, Trisiloxane, Dimethicone, Peg-3 Dimethicone, Allantoin, Magnesium Sulfate, Butylene Glycol, Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether, Peg-12 Dimethicone, Succinic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Bis-Methoxypropylamido Isodocosane, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Methylparaben
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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