The Fast Facts
- Everyone’s skin is different, so look for a moisturizer that’s designed for your skin type. If you’re not sure about your skin type, see how it feels after a shower. If it looks slick or shiny, you likely have oily skin. Tight or flaky means you have dry skin. Combination skin feels like a mix between the two.
- Look for ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid if you have dry skin.
- Our picks for various skin needs include Nurx Revive Rx Cream, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, and Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer.
Experimentation is part of the process when you’re on the hunt for your holy grail moisturizer. Not only are there countless creams, lotions, and gels for the job, but you also have to consider your skin type, any concerns you may be hoping to address, and, of course, the price tag.
To get you started, we spoke with two dermatologists to get their insights and advice. Then we put dozens of moisturizers through our medical vetting process. From there, we selected 10 of the best for different skin types and budgets so you can zero in on what will work best for you.
or reactive skin
To create our list of the best face moisturizers, we looked for products designed for specific skin types, like oily, dry, and sensitive. We also looked for moisturizers designed for particular skin concerns, like acne.
We narrowed down our list further by checking out the quality of ingredients in each product and scouring feedback from online reviewers. Then, we tested some of the products ourselves so we could provide hands-on insights.
Finally, we vetted each product to ensure it meets Healthline’s medical standards and aligns with our approach to well-being.
We spoke to board-certified dermatologists Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD, and Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, FAAD, and Dove partner, to get their expert advice on choosing and using face moisturizers.
Trial and error might need to be part of your hunt for a good moisturizer, but there are a few ways to better narrow down your options.
First, consider geography. “The climate and weather help dictate the correct moisturizer to choose,” says Zubritsky. “In humid climates, consider a lightweight moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid in a gel or cream-based formulation. For those in drier or colder climates, thicker creams and ointments work best.”
Here’s what else to keep in mind as you shop.
Skin type
Moisturizers are typically formulated to meet the needs of specific skin types, so thinking about your skin type is a good place to start.
Common skin types include:
- dry
- oily
- combination
- sensitive
- acne prone
If you’re not sure about your skin type, think about how it feels after a shower. If it starts to feel tight, dry, or flaky, you probably have dry skin. If it feels slick or looks shiny, you probably have oily skin. Combination skin looks and feels like a mix between the two.
Once you’ve identified your skin type, check out the labels on the products you’re interested in. Most moisturizers will list which skin types benefit the most from using their product.
They might also call out other potential skin benefits. For example, certain formulations can treat breakouts, calm irritations, even out skin tone and texture, and help smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
Shainhouse advises sampling moisturizers while browsing if you can (Sephora, we see you). “Look for a texture you like because you will use it if it feels good on your skin,” she says.
Ingredients
Ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid make great additions to facial moisturizers. “Ceramides are an excellent ingredient incorporated in moisturizers to protect the skin,” says Zubritsky. “These fatty acids help support the skin’s barrier to seal in moisture and keep out harmful elements.”
She also recommends acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, which work well to reduce oil on the skin. “If you have oily or acne-prone skin, consider finding a moisturizer that is lightweight and noncomedogenic, like a hyaluronic acid-based gel formulation,” she says.
Make a point of scanning the ingredients label before purchasing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t require cosmetics to be approved before going to market. However, it does require them to list all of the ingredients so customers can make informed decisions.
It’s not always easy to decipher ingredients, so consider looking up any unfamiliar ingredients in the EWG’s Skin Deep database.
In general, it’s best to steer clear of moisturizers made with a few specific ingredients. “Fragrances, essential oils, certain preservatives, and acrylates can trigger irritant and allergic contact dermatitis in some people,” says Shainhouse. “This may be more common in people with eczema and rosacea, who already have a compromised skin barrier.”
“If specific ingredients in a moisturizer irritate your skin, schedule an appointment with your board certified dermatologist, who can perform an allergy patch test to help figure out what those might be and show you how to avoid them in the future,” says Shainhouse.
SPF
Some moisturizers help protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can be a benefit. “SPF in a moisturizer can be helpful for those who want to save time and money,” says Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, FAAD, and Dove partner. “However, it’s important to remember that these all-in-one products may not provide adequate sun protection if you aren’t applying the appropriate amount.”
Plus, sunscreen needs to be reapplied regularly (about every two hours), even if it’s a part of your moisturizer or makeup.
Zubritsky recommends using a separate moisturizer and sunscreen for the best UV protection.
Shainhouse seconds that idea. “It’s essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ daily to sun-exposed areas,” she says. “Sunscreen helps absorb and deflect UV rays that can cause damage to skin cells and collagen.”
For what she calls “nonbeach” days, when you’re going to work or running errands, moisturizers with SPF included can be sufficient. “Choose those with a higher SPF and apply enough to cover your entire face,” she says. “Tinted formulations will have the added effect of blocking blue light, which radiates from the sun and devices and contributes to skin aging and discoloration.”
Most experts recommend moisturizing your face in the morning and again at night as part of your daily skin care routine. By moisturizing twice per day and after working out or swimming, you’re ensuring that your skin’s moisture content stays largely consistent.
Moisturizer ingredients will vary depending on your skin type.
Dry skin types benefit from heavier, oil-based options. Oily skin types benefit from lighter, water-based moisturizers.
Mature skin types tend to do well with oil-based products. Sensitive skin types benefit from soothing ingredients, such as aloe and fragrance-free formulas.
Combination skin types often do well with lighter, water-based formulas.
Yes. Oily skin needs proper hydration, too, just like any other skin type. Look for lighter formulas with water bases. Gel moisturizers are a good option for oily skin.
Facial oil can work as a supplement to your skin care routine, but it shouldn’t necessarily replace your moisturizer.
For some people, oil-based moisturizers can clog their pores and potentially trigger acne breakouts. Applying facial oil over your moisturizer can be a good way to lock in the hydrating ingredients from your moisturizer, but use it with caution if you have acne-prone skin.
Board-certified dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD, tells us moisturizers can benefit the skin in a few different ways. “A hydrating product draws moisture into the top layers of the skin,” she says.
Facial moisturizer can also help repair breaks in the skin barrier to minimize moisture loss and prevent irritants from getting into the skin.
Finally, “a good moisturizer can provide an occlusive barrier to lock in moisture and skin care ingredients and prevent irritation from moisture and overwashing,” explains Shainhouse.
Serums and moisturizers serve different purposes on your skin, so including both can be a good idea. While serums are a great source of specific nutrients, some skin types will also need a moisturizer for proper hydration, especially when it’s cold outside.
Yes. Your morning skin care routine should always include an SPF to help protect against damaging UVA and UVB rays. Using an SPF on your face every day can significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer, while also minimizing premature wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots.
Keep in mind that sunscreen wears off after about 2 hours, so for best protection, it’s recommended to reapply every 2 hours, especially if you’re out in the sun all day.
Finding the best moisturizer for your skin may take trial and error, but looking for products that suit your skin type and goals is a good place to start.
If you have concerns about your skin health or appearance, a dermatologist can recommend suitable products.