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Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
A moisturizer is an integral part of any skincare routine, but it's hard to find the perfect one for your specific needs. As a rule of thumb, the best moisturizer for your face should hydrate your skin without causing irritation or other issues. We'll admit: It's easier said than done (we, too, can attest to owning partially-used lotions and creams that are currently gathering dust in our medicine cabinets). Everyone has unique preferences (like rich creams or lightweight gels, for example) and when skin concerns and budget come into play, the search becomes even more complex.
To help you achieve healthy, nourished skin, we spent weeks testing the most popular facial moisturizers on the market—from drugstore finds to designer dermatologist formulas. To determine the best of the best, we had testers and team members (each representing a range of ages, skin tones, textures, and concerns, including dryness, acne, and hyperpigmentation) try out a number of options. We considered each formula's consistency and texture, how easily it glides across the skin and absorbs into pores, and how well it addressed a range of skin conditions. Then, we combined our insights with guidance from New York City dermatologist Hadley King, MD. The result: This curated list of the best moisturizers for every skin type.
And remember: Unless you choose a moisturizer that contains an SPF, your skincare routine should always include a product that protects your face from damage and health risks caused by exposure to the sun's rays. Without further ado, here are the best facial moisturizers.
Best Overall
Tatcha The Water Cream
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Amazon
Provides deep yet lightweight hydration
Cools and refreshes
Clarifies and refines
May not be hydrating enough for drier skin types
A long-time Team Byrdie favorite, Tatcha's The Water Cream officially earned its place as the best overall facial moisturizer during our long-term testing. The non-comedogenic formula is lightweight (applying it feels like a refreshing splash of water on your face) and effective, and we love how it leaves skin looking dewy but not greasy. It absorbs quickly and doesn't pill or flake, so there was no disruption to our usual morning makeup routine. It's also hydrating, making it the perfect moisturizer to add to your nighttime skincare regimen, too.
Like the other products in the brand's repertoire, The Water Cream is free of parabens, mineral oil, and sulfates. It does contain ultra-hydrating botanicals, like Japanese leopard lily and wild rose, along with hyaluronic acid, which plumps skin and fades the appearance of fine lines. From the first try through weeks of continued use, we were impressed by how well the gel cream calmed minor skin irritations, thanks to soothing ingredients like green tea and red algae.
Though it's suitable for most skin types, The Water Cream is a smart buy if you've got oily or combination skin. (If your skin is very dry or you're looking for a creamy moisturizer to protect your skin in cold weather, we recommend the Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich or the Weleda Skin Food, but more on that later.) At $70 for a 1.7-ounce jar, The Water Cream isn't the most budget-friendly moisturizer on our list—it's not the most expensive, either—but considering that a little of the product goes a long way, it's a great value.
Price at time of publish: $70
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide | Skin Type: Oily, combo | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Budget
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
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Amazon
Formulation targets signs of aging and appearance of wrinkles
Packed with hydrating and soothing ingredients
Affordable
Contains fragrance and preservatives
This anti-aging drugstore face cream isn’t just affordable—it works really, well, thanks to its hyaluronic acid-, amino-peptide complex II- and niacinamide-rich formula, which targets signs of aging and aims to reveal a more youthful-looking complexion. When we first tried this formula, we were so impressed with how soft skin felt. The brand claims it hydrates the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just 28 days. It’s not a miracle cream, but we did see some improvements in the overall appearance and smoothness of our skin when we put it to the test.
Minor pilling was an issue, so we preferred to use it at night when it could settle in to hydrate skin as we slept, rather than applying it under makeup during the day. Upon waking, we noticed no retinol-induced flakey patches. We’d recommend this for anyone with combination skin, though if you have sensitivities or an aversion to fragrance, we found that the scent, although pleasant, was noticeable. (Olay also offers a fragrance-free version.)
Price at time of publish: $37
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide | Skin Type: Dry, combo, mature | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Splurge
La Mer Crème de la Mer
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Bloomingdales
Intensely hydrates, soothes, and heals
Contains La Mer's anti-inflammatory “Miracle Broth”
Packed with vitamins, oils, and minerals
Extra-thick formula contains mineral oil, petrolatum, and paraffin
People often ask, "Does La Mer really work?" and the answer is yes, it absolutely does. Creme de la Mer is the brand's hero product, and it's the product fans of the brand just keep going back to time and time again. Said to be formulated over the course of 12 years by an aerospace physicist looking to cure burns he suffered in a lab accident, the final product—a skincare concoction created with a special bio-fermentation process that relies on vitamins, oils, and minerals—promises (and delivers) to heal dryness, soften fine lines, and strengthen the skin's natural barrier. The hefty price tag is tough to swallow (it costs $190 for just one ounce), so we recommend supplementing it with other moisturizers to make it last.
Price at time of publish: $212
Active Ingredients: Miracle Broth (proprietary) | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 0.5, 1, 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Drugstore
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel
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Neutrogena
Hyaluronic acid boosts moisture
Absorbs quickly
Lightweight texture
Added fragrance may irritate sensitive skin
Packed with powerhouse hydrator hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer is beloved by high-end beauty aficionados and drugstore dwellers alike. “The lightweight moisturizer is rich in hyaluronic acid and is non-comedogenic, a particularly great pick for oily skin,” says Dr. King, who also adds that it’s oil- and alcohol-free. If you're a fan of the cooling benefit of gel moisturizers, this lightweight formula should be front and center on your vanity. Commerce writer Caitlyn Martyn swears by this moisturizer for her oily, acne-prone skin. "Ever since my dermatologist recommended this lightweight gel formula to me, I never looked back—and my skin has never looked better," she says. "Plus, it's affordable, so I don't have to skimp on product during application and even if I apply too much, I never look greasy." The brand does offer a fragrance-free option for those irritated by added fragrances.
Price at time of publish: $20
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 6.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Mature Skin
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
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Dermstore
Intensely hydrates the skin
Silky, luxurious texture
Absorbs well
May not be ideal for oily skin
The numbers in the name correspond to an optimal lipid ratio—2 percent pure ceramides, 4 percent natural cholesterol, and 2 percent fatty acids—responsible for making this anti-aging cream one of the best out there. This blend of lipids aims to restore those essential skin lipids lost from natural aging or environmental aggressors (or a combo of the two). The result is skin that feels softer and looks more radiant, smooth, and full. It works exceptionally well on mature skin (or anyone who's concerned about aging), but it's also a welcome addition to any skincare routine, regardless of your age. Martyn, who has used it for years, explains that it feels as creamy as whipped butter. "As someone with oily skin, I love using this moisturizer at night either in the winter or alongside retinol," she says. "I even gave my mom a jar and she swears she's never using anything else again; it's drastically improved the elasticity and youthfulness of her skin."
Price at time of publish: $136
Active Ingredients: Vitamin E | Skin Type: Normal, mature, dry | Size: 1.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Oily Skin
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
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Amazon
Lightweight, whipped texture
30% hyaluronic acid and ceramides hydrate, smooth, plump, and repair
Absorbs quickly without pilling or greasy residue
May not be hydrating enough for drier skin types
If you have oily skin, your best bet is a moisturizer that’s lightweight but hydrating enough to balance your complexion. Peter Thomas Roth’s Water Drench moisturizer contains an impressive 30% hyaluronic acid as well as ceramides to smooth out and repair skin. While most moisturizers might be too emollient, this one comes in a whipped, cloud-like texture that feels like a smooth gel on the skin. Reviewers said it plumped up their skin without leaving a greasy residue (an enduring part of having oily skin), and that makeup glides over the moisturizer with no issue. Associate editorial director Holly Rhue explains that this is the moisturizer she always goes back to, especially in the summer when her skin tends to be the most oily. "This formula absorbs into the skin so quickly, it layers well under sunscreen sans pilling, and leaves my skin feeling dewy, plump, and non-greasy," she explains.
Price at time of publish: $54
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 1.08 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Oily Skin, Runner-Up
Shani Darden Skin Care Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer
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Sephora
Weightless, oil-free formula is great for oily or combination skin types
Hyaluronic acid boosts moisture
Collagen restores skin suppleness
May not be hydrating enough for drier skin types
If you have combination or oily skin, this oil-free moisturizer goes on weightless and hydrates skin without a greasy residue. It's full of hyaluronic acid to help skin retain moisture, and contains collagen to restore suppleness. Brand founder Shani Darden, also known as Hollywood's favorite esthetician, says, “If you’re breaking out, your moisturizer might be to blame. I often see my clients using heavy, oil-based moisturizers and then wondering why they have pimples and congestion.” This one, however, is formulated without oils and is light enough to use as a precursor to SPF even on the warmest of days.
Price at time of publish: $48
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Oily, combo, normal | Size: 2.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Innovation
Augustinus Bader The Cream
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Nordstrom
Packed with good-for-skin ingredients
Hydrates, softens, and improves signs of aging
Product claims tested in research
May not be hydrating enough for drier skin types
If you're really into the science behind what makes a product work the way it does, prepare to be blown away by this revolutionary formula. Professor Augustinus Bader created this unique cream that features Trigger Factor Complex, or TFC8, (aka a combo of natural amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules), which provides our stem cells with everything they need to regenerate. TL;DR It allows the skin to heal itself. And yes, we see the price and still stand behind this pick. The hype is very real; your skin will look and feel luxuriously soft and supple. News director Madeline Hirsch agrees, explaining that she was absolutely floored by the look of her skin after a few weeks. "It was like a lightbulb had been turned on underneath my epidermis," she says of the radiance she noticed. "If you're a skincare minimalist like me, this all-in-one product is a true game-changer that will save you time and money in the end, despite the high price point."
Price at time of publish: $92 for 0.5 oz
Active Ingredients: Squalane, citric acid, sodium hydroxide | Skin Type: Dry, combo | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Hyperpigmentation
ROSEN Skincare Tropics Moisturizer
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Target
Brightens and gently exfoliates with kojic acid and pineapple extract
Hyaluronic acid boosts moisture
Calms and smooths the complexion
Slightly sticky texture
This fruity, hydrating moisturizer is formulated to fade dark marks and improve skin texture. But how? Well, with hyaluronic and kojic acid working together, we were pleased to see breakouts appear calmer and our overall complexions appear brighter and smoother. We'd be remiss not to mention the fact that it also contains pineapple extract, which provides vitamin C and a natural tropical scent. It's also non-greasy and serves as a lovely base for makeup. It's light, hydrating, and works to even out the look of your skin while you wear it—what more could you want?
Price at time of publish: $20
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Dry Skin
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich
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Nordstrom
Rich oils intensely hydrate
Antioxidants promote cell renewal
Soothes, calms, and tightens skin
May be too heavy for oily skin types
Dr. Barbara Sturm knows good skin—after all, the German aesthetics doctor is known for her vampire facials and the fact that she's the skin therapist to the stars. When she launched her eponymous skincare line back in 2014, it quickly garnered a cult-like following, and this face cream is no different. The formula features a hard-hitting mix of antioxidants like vitamin E and purslane, skullcap extract (to promote cell renewal), and rich oils that ensure long-lasting hydration. Byrdie senior editorial director Hallie Gould calls this her "most treasured moisturizer," which speaks volumes if you ask us. It's ideal for daily use as the final step in your skincare routine before SPF and makeup.
Price at time of publish: $240
Active Ingredients: Citric acid, ascorbic acid | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo | Size: 1.69 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Mature Skin, Runner-Up
Lancôme Absolue Night Premium Bx Cream
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Nordstrom
Glycerin, wild yam extract, sea algae, and soy restore moisture
Contains patented anti-aging ingredient to support collagen and elastin
Velvety, luxurious feel
Heavily scented
This heavy-duty moisturizer contains glycerin, which is a great humectant, as well as wild yam extract, sea algae and soy. You can expect it to sit nicely atop the skin and work to restore moisture. It has a thick consistency that imparts a subtle glow to the skin almost immediately after application. The only caveat: It is heavily fragranced, so if you're allergic to fragrance or just want to steer clear of the stuff, you might want to skip this one. Otherwise, it's luxurious and almost addictive; once you start on it, you may never go back to your old mainstays.
Price at time of publish: $278
Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 2.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra-Sensitive Skin Face Moisturizer
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Amazon
Shea butter and neurosensine hydrate and soothe
Free of common potential irritants, parabens, fragrance, preservatives, and alcohol
Tested on people with skin allergies
Leaves behind slight residue
La Roche-Posay tested this moisturizer on people with skin allergies, just to make sure they got the formula right. And we believe they did: It provides the right amount of hydration without irritating sensitive skin. Dr. King agrees, noting that it’s free of parabens, fragrance, preservatives, and alcohol, common potential irritants, especially for those with sensitive skin. (In fact, the entire Toleriane line is suited for sensitive-skinned folk.) If your skin is easily freaked out and you don't want to take any chances, this is absolutely a lifesaver.
Price at time of publish: $32
Active Ingredients: Squalane | Skin Type: Combo, sensitive, normal | Size: 1.35 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Rich Cream
Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
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Amazon
Formulated for face and body
Dermatologist-tested
Softens cracked, rough skin
May cause mild sensitivity or irritation
If your complexion is prone to dryness and flaking, this moisturizer will be your new skin savior. Celebrities, editors, and skin experts alike are obsessed with it because it truly does what it promises. “It’s definitely a cult favorite, I have so many patients who swear by it,“ says Dr. King. With essential fatty acids, beeswax, lanolin, sweet almond oil, cholesterol, and vitamin E, it does a great job of moisturizing dry skin, she says, and also leaves skin looking healthy and glowy. Pro tip: Dab a bit of this cream on the high points of your face to replace a highlighter when you're in a pinch. It's also worth noting that this rich cream pulls double-duty as a body lotion on rough, dry areas like elbows, hands, and feet.
Price at time of publish: $18
Active Ingredients: Zinc | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 2.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Night Cream
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream
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Amazon
Hydrates, brightens, and improves signs of aging while you sleep
Supports skin barrier
Rich in antioxidants
Added fragrance may irritate sensitive skin
This night cream is a dream, and not just because it's in the name. It has the perfect consistency for a night cream: thick enough that it'll keep hydrating your skin while you're asleep, but thin enough that it won't rub off on your pillow when you finally lay your head down. The best part about this cream is, of course, what it does overnight. Even if you're not looking for a line reducing effect, this cream utilizes lotus and peach to make skin brighter and more even. This means it's just as good for tired skin as it is for aging skin. It also smells phenomenal.
Price at time of publish: $22
Active Ingredients: Sodium hydroxide | Skin Type: Dry, combo, normal, mature | Size: 1.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Whipped Formula
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Moisturizer
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Amazon
Fragrance and silicone-free
Suitable for most skin types
Plant-based ceramides support a healthy skin barrier
Might feel too heavy during warmer months
Drunk Elephant's bestselling whipped moisturizer is both nourishing and non-greasy, so you get a matte finish that's also slightly glowy. The blend of African oils and plant-based lipids like ceramides and phytosphingosine takes to absorb, so allow it to settle in before you layer on other skincare products or apply your makeup. After long-term testing, we put the Lala Retro moisturizer into our regular skincare rotation, giving it five stars for its fragrance and silicone-free formulation, which is suitable for most skin types. We found that our skin was more resilient since we started using it. It's rare to find a moisturizer with all the nourishing power of a richer formulation that doesn't overwhelm skin and result in congestion.
Price at time of publish: $60
Active Ingredients: Ceramides, African oils, phytosphingosine | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.69 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Natural Formula
Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisturizer
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Amazon
Packed with plant-based ingredients to deliver vitamins, phytonutrients, and antioxidants
Hyaluronic acid provides lightweight moisture
Can be used by all skin types
May not be hydrating enough for drier skin
A moisturizer that works for all skin types is hard to come by, which is why we’re big fans of this all-natural formula from Youth to the People. Essentially a green smoothie for your face, this lightweight yet ultra-nourishing formula is packed with kale, spinach, and green tea to deliver essential phytonutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants to the skin, while hyaluronic acid helps the skin stay supple and hydrated. It certainly doesn’t hurt that the formula is vegan and cruelty-free and comes in recyclable packaging.
Price at time of publish: $48
Active Ingredients: Kale, hyaluronic acid, green tea | Skin Type: Oily, combo, normal, dry | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Winter
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane
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Amazon
Deeply nourishing formula
Feels lightweight on the skin
Non-irritating
Very thick consistency may not suit all
This is the bestselling facial cream for Kiehl's and one we can't get enough of, especially during winter weather. A potent hydrator, this formula boasts a glacial glycoprotein to deeply hydrate and prevent water loss from the skin, as well as hydrating squalane to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier. All of that translates to 24-hour hydration and softer, smoother skin that's noticeably more plump.
Price at time of publish: $67
Active Ingredients: Squalane | Skin Type: Dry, combo, normal | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
A-DERMA Compensating Cream
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Amazon
Combats dryness and irritation caused by acne treatments
Calms and soothes fragile skin
Rich, silky texture with a non-greasy, matte finish
Added fragrance may irritate sensitive skin
Quick disclaimer from the jump: This is not an acne-fighting cream. It's an uber-soothing formula that can help combat the dryness and irritation that often results from the continued use of powerful acne treatments and products. Use this in conjunction with your acne treatment to quell some of those awful side effects by calming and soothing your fragile skin. After all, treating acne is hard enough; you shouldn't have to deal with even more irritation. Amen to that.
Price at time of publish: $24
Active Ingredients: Citric acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 1.35 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Combination Skin
Dr. Jart Ceramidin Liquid
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Sephora
Ceramide complex deeply hydrates and strengthens skin barrier
Panthenol and other plant-derived extracts helps to relieve cracked, flaky skin
Lightweight texture sinks into the skin
May cause mild sensitivity or irritation
With this moisturizer, a little goes a long way. The Ceramidin Liquid contains the same moisture-barrier-repairing ingredients as the cream moisturizer. With a few drops, the liquid sinks into the skin for all-over hydration while reducing redness. It feels weightless on the skin, doesn’t exacerbate oily patches, plumps up the skin, and even layers well under makeup.
Price at time of publish: $29
Active Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate | Skin Type: Dry, combo, normal, sensitive | Size: 5.07 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Wrinkle Prevention
Moon Juice Cosmic Cream
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Sephora
Adaptogens support natural collagen production
Helps protect against environmental stressors that cause collagen breakdown
Hyaluronic acid boosts moisture
Essential oil-derived fragrance may irritate sensitive skin
As you age, collagen and elastin production slows, which results in more visible lines, wrinkles, and overall dullness. And while you can't pause time, or even slow it down, you can protect your skin against premature collagen loss with this moisturizer. It features two adaptogens—ashwagandha and schisandra plant extracts—to help support natural collagen and protect against the environmental aggressors that can cause it to break down.
Price at time of publish: $58
Active Ingredients: Citric acid, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo, oily | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best K-Beauty
Make P-rem Micro Tension Cream
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Amazon
Lightweight gel absorbs quickly
Plumps and hydrates
Leaves the skin dewy and glowy
Heavily scented
Bring your glowing "glass skin" dreams to life with this K-beauty favorite. The gel-like texture lends itself to quick and easy absorption without leaving behind a greasy or thick residue. It immediately plumps the skin with hydration and imparts a dewy glow that'll turn heads. And thanks to the affordable price tag, you can apply this baby with a heavy hand and not worry too much about the cost.
Price at time of publish: $27
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 2.19 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Itchy Skin
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
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Sephora
Intensely moisturizing
Colloidal oatmeal soothes itchy, dry skin
Ceramides repair the skin barrier
Slightly sticky texture
As if parched skin weren't already bad enough, it usually accompanies itchiness and flaking. Thankfully, this intensely moisturizing cream can come to your skin's rescue. Colloidal oatmeal lovingly smothers itchy, dry skin with its soothing properties. Ceramides swoop in to help repair the moisture barrier, while shea butter adds another surge of moisture. People struggling with eczema and dry patches alike can use this cream, and if you happen to over-exfoliate, dab this on to soothe the healing process.
Price at time of publish: $38
Active Ingredients: Squalane, sodium hydroxide | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best During Pregnancy
Matrescence Skin Rose Glow Brilliance Protection Soufflé
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Amazon
Contains pregnancy-safe mushroom-derived brightening ingredients
Improves the appearance of scarring, hyperpigmentation, and melasma
Hydrates with natural ingredients like sunflower seed oil and cucumber extract
May be too heavy for oily skin—use sparingly!
Many of our favorite skincare ingredients for treating hyperpigmentation and providing plump skin aren't always the best options for pregnancy. That's why this emollient soufflé is a prime investment. If your skin is dull or distressed, it will love the hydrating results of sunflower seed oil, cucumber extract, carrot root, and other yummy ingredients that are pregnancy-safe and stressed out-skin friendly.
Price at time of publish: $86
Active Ingredients: Shiitake and Lingzhi mushroom extracts, vitamins C and E | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best pH-Balancing
Base Butter Radiate Face Jelly
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Base Butter
Ingredients help balance pH for a rejuvenated complexion
Lavender regulates sebum production
Evening primrose boosts elasticity
May not be hydrating enough for drier skin types
Whether you have dry skin or oily skin, this best-selling aloe vera gel moisturizer is a fan favorite for moisture that lasts all day long. The natural formula balances your skin's pH levels between 4.2 to 5.8, leaving your skin rejuvenated, restored, and protected. This product gets extra brownie points for lavender that works to regulate sebum production and evening primrose to boost skin elasticity.
Price at time of publish: $29
Active Ingredients: Aloe, beta-carotene, Vitamin C and E | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 2. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Fine Lines
The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer
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Sephora
Royal Epigen decreases the appearance of fine lines
Dual peptide formula balances the skin's oil levels
Affordable
Squeeze tube makes it hard to dispense the product
Skincare-for-the-people brand The Inkey List was founded on the principle that intelligent beauty should be accessible to everyone. And though this lightweight cream is super affordable, it delivers on its promise to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and add back firmness and elasticity. The peptide-based formula also balances the skin's natural oil levels so you won't get that greasy feeling.
Price at time of publish: $16
Active Ingredients: Royal Epigen, peptides | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Mattifying
Origins Original Skin Matte Moisturizer with Willowherb
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Sephora
Willowherb minimizes look of pores
Water cream formula mattifies
Unhygienic container
If you have super oily skin, moisturizer might be the last thing you want to put on your face. But, as Dr. King explains, it's a must for maintaining a healthy skin barrier (and achieving supple, youthful-looking skin). This mattifying moisturizer helps combat T-zone oiliness with willowherb, which also helps to minimize the appearance of pores to help you stay shine-free all day long. You might also find that with repeated use, it evens out skin tone, refines bumps and other texture, and even minimizes pores. We especially love it's natural matte finish, which doesn't skimp on hydration or softness. The result: Skin that looks and feels soft, fresh, and ready for the day.
Price at time of publish: $40
Active Ingredients: Willowherb | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, oily, combination | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No| Byrdie Clean: No
Best Moisturizer With SPF
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
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Sephora
Hyaluronic acid provides lightweight hydration
Niacinamide helps fade dark spots
SPF 30
Contains fragrance
If you often forget to apply sunscreen as part of your daily skincare routine, this lightweight SPF 30 moisturizer has you covered. The lightweight yet creamy formula delivers serious hydration to the skin barrier with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which also helps to fade dark spots, while also offering some sun protection. We also really like that the non-white cast formula contains Kalahari melon, aloe, and baobab keep the formula shine-free and help to reduce the appearance of large pores.
It's also worth mentioning that if adopting a more sustainable beauty routine is important to you, you'll like that this product offers refills. Once you purchase it initially, you can buy a refill cartridge once you run out—it makes for less plastic, and it’s more cost-effective. We love this concept so much, we named the product the best refillable option during our Best Moisturizer with SPF test.
Price at time of publish: $38
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, aloe | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Gel Moisturizer
Clinique Moisture Surge 100-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
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Sephora
Light texture
Activated aloe water provide lasting hydration
Hyaluronic acid could irritate sensitive skin
The next generation of Clinique's Moisture Surge line is made for very dry to dry combination skin—and it works. It's a super-rich, oil-free gel hybrid that promises to repair your skin's moisture barrier. The blend of vitamins C and E provides antioxidant protection against daily dehydrators, and it's paraben and phthalate-free.
Price at time of publish: $44
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe bio-ferment, vitamins A, C, E | Skin Type: All | Size: 4.2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Final Verdict
We're giving top honors to Tatcha's The Water Cream, a lightweight and refreshing yet supremely hydrating formula packed with fancy ingredients like Japanese leopard lily, Japanese wild rose, and 24k gold. For a budget-friendly option, consider Olay's Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream; the pretty red jar sells every 20 minutes worldwide—no joke. Hyaluronic acid provides clinically proven hydration, and the affordable price sure doesn't hurt. Looking to splurge? You can't go wrong with La Mer's Crème de la Mer, a cult classic with its patented "Miracle Broth" formula that contains a blend of fermented ingredients to justify its price points.
Meet the Expert
- Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also a Clinical Instructor in Dermatology at the Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University. You can find her research in a variety of medical journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association.
What to Look For in a Facial Moisturizer
Skin Type
When shopping for a facial moisturizer, the first thing to consider is your skin type. If you have oily or combination skin, look for a lighter formulation, like our pick from Peter Thomas Roth. If your skin is on the dry side, shop for a cream like the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, which packs more punch. Those with sensitive or acne prone skin tend to have a compromised skin barrier, so the right moisturizer can help strengthen and soothe the skin while providing much-needed hydration.
Moisturizer Type
Dr. King explains that moisturizers ideally contain three components: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. “It’s important to look for products that contain all three,” she says.
Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, are low-molecular-weight substances that attract water and hold it in the skin. However, “they need to be used along with the other components in order to retain that water content,” she says. Tatcha's The Water Cream and Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel are great humectants.
Emollients, on the other hand, are saturated and unsaturated substances that aid in skin barrier function, membrane fluidity, and cell signaling, which lead to an overall improvement in skin texture and appearance, helping to soften and smooth its surface. Ingredients such as oils, fatty acids, and ceramides are all good emollients to look for in a formula. The Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream Moisturizer is an example of an emollient we love.
Occlusives, alternatively, act as the seal on the surface of the skin, helping lock in moisture. “Occlusives are oils and waxes which form an inert layer on the skin and physically block trans-epidermal water loss,” says Dr. King. Petrolatum, beeswax, mineral oil, and lanolin are all considered occlusives. Weleda's Skin Food is an occlusive we're big fans of.
Additional Benefits
Many moisturizers promise to smooth fine lines, fade dark spots, and restore a youthful glow. Products that contain vitamin C (which can be found in the ROSEN Skincare Tropics Moisturizer) are great for brightening discoloration, and ingredients like retinoids, for example, are great for anti-aging. Some formulas also contain SPF, such as the Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30, which can be helpful in protecting the skin from the sun's harmful rays.
How We Researched & Tested
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.