With skin-loving picks from brands like SkinCeuticals, Tatcha, and more
Finding your go-to moisturizer is easier said than done—there are a ton of things to consider and even more options to choose from. Simply put, the best facial moisturizer for you will hydrate your skin without causing irritation, prompting unwanted breakouts, or turning your skin into an oil slick. Still, everyone has their own preferences, and when skin concerns and budget come into play, the search becomes more complex.
Everyone deserves healthy, super-soft skin, so we spent months testing the most popular facial moisturizers on the market—from tried-and-true drugstore picks to dermatologist-loved designer formulas. To determine the best of the best, we had testers and Byrdie editors (each representing a range of skin tones, ages, textures, and concerns) try out a bunch of options. We considered each formula’s consistency, how well it absorbs into the skin, and whether or not it lives up to its promises of addressing specific skin concerns. Then, we consulted with three trusted skin experts—board-certified dermatologists Dr. Marisa Garshick and Dr. Harold Lancer, as well as board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Levine. The result: This curated list of moisturizers.
Best Overall: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
One tube of the iconic Embryolisse Laid Crème Concentré sells every five seconds around the world, and after trying it out during testing, we can see why. This one product cleanses, hydrates, nourishes, and protects the skin on both the face and the body—and poses the question “What doesn’t this thing do?”
The formula—which has been a best-seller since the ‘50s—contains several natural-origin active ingredients, like shea butter, beeswax, soy proteins, and aloe vera, each of which works in tandem to combat skin concerns like dryness, irritation, and redness. One squeeze of the tube deposits a lovely whipped cream that melts on contact with the skin, which we experienced firsthand. The brand recommends applying a small amount of the product onto clean, damp skin post-cleanse to really lock in moisture and get the full effects of the creamy elixir. This super-rich cream is a great example of an occlusive, which Levine says can soothe and hydrate the skin. “These types of formulas create a protective film that traps moisture into the skin, softening and hydrating it in the process,” she adds.
It performs nicely on all skin types, but it might be a smidge too thick for very oily or acne-prone skin types.
Best Budget: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gel-Cream
Packed with powerhouse hydrator hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer from Neutrogena is a favorite among dermatologists, editors, and testers alike. Despite being super lightweight (and also non-comedogenic), this moisturizer is rich and nourishing. It’s cooling on contact with the skin and absorbs very quickly—a huge plus if you’ll be layering foundation and concealer on top of it.
Garshick explains that the formula is a great moisturizer for daily use, as it combines the benefits of a gel and a cream, allowing it to absorb quickly yet maintain long-lasting hydration.
It’s a tried-and-true option that’s been around for years—and it’s very accessible. 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 explains. “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.”
Our only complaint: The original formula contains fragrance. But for those who are easily irritated, the brand does offer a fragrance-free option.
Best Splurge: La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream
People often ask, “Does La Mer actually 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 consistently restock time and time again. 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 unique concoction created with a special bio-fermentation process that relies on vitamins, oils, and minerals—heals dryness, softens fine lines, and strengthens the skin’s barrier.
Despite the hefty price tag (we know, we know), this formula’s healing powers simply can’t be beaten. To make it last longer, we recommend supplementing it with other moisturizers.
Best for Oily Skin: Tatcha The Water Cream
This non-comedogenic formula is a must-have for those with oily skin. Why? Well, it’s lightweight (applying it feels like a splash of water on your face) and effective, and we love how it leaves skin looking dewy but never greasy. It absorbs into the skin quickly and doesn’t pill or flake underneath makeup, so it’s great for daytime use, plus since it’s incredibly hydrating, it performs nicely in any nighttime skincare regimen as well.
According to Garshick, this moisturizer contains several antioxidants—like the brand’s proprietary Hadasei-3 complex, which helps fight free radical damage, as well as Japanese wild rose extract, which is thought to improve the appearance of pores and skin texture. “The addition of these ingredients plus oil-controlling Japanese leopard lily make this moisturizer a good lightweight option for different skin types,” she explains.
Like 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, plus plumping hyaluronic acid. From the very 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 algae.
Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore
Odds are, you’ve heard of SkinCeuticals’ iconic moisturizer. If not, allow us to introduce you. The Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 moisturizer features an optimal lipid ratio—2 percent pure ceramides, 4 percent natural cholesterol, and 2 percent fatty acids—which is 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). After just one use, we were hooked on how silky smooth our skin felt, plus the fact that skin appears more radiant and full is the cherry on top.
This formula 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. Garshick calls it a “great option for restoring moisture and strengthening the natural skin barrier,” which we know weakens as we age, leading to dryness and lack of suppleness. “This moisturizer effectively restores the fatty molecules and encourages the skin to appear more hydrated and smooth,” she says. “It’s also a nice choice for someone using a retinoid, as it does a great job of keeping the skin moisturized and helping the skin tolerate the ingredient.”
Best for Combination Skin: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
Another household name when it comes to moisturizer, Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream is one of our favorites. 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. In simpler terms, it allows the skin to heal itself.
At first, the moisturizer can come across as a bit thick and once it’s on the skin, it can be a bit shiny. But it absorbs very nicely into the skin over time. Just be mindful of the amount you apply, which, chances are, you’ll be doing anyway given the higher price point.
Best for Dry Skin: Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich
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 became a fan favorite, and this cream is no different. The formula features a nourishing blend of antioxidants (think: vitamin E and purslane), cell-renewing skullcap extract, and rich oils that ensure long-lasting hydration.
Like several other products on this list, it’s on the thicker side, so those prone to shine might want to skip it.
Best for All Skin Types: Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Refillable Moisturizer with Ceramides
Drunk Elephant’s best-selling 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 some time to absorb, so allow it to settle before you layer on other skincare products or start applying 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 the skin and result in congestion.
Best for Barrier Repair: Caudalie Premier Cru Skin Barrier Rich Moisturizer
This impressive formulation is great if you have a compromised skin barrier. Unsure if you have one? Disruption in the core functions of the skin barrier can present itself in a few ways, whether it be itchiness, dehydration, or dullness of the skin or something more extreme like a skin infection or delayed wound healing. We love this shea butter- and ceramide-rich moisturizer because it deeply nourishes the skin and promotes a happier (and healthier) moisture barrier. Upon application, we were drawn to the formula’s luxuriously buttery feel—which explains why it’s a pricier formula—and how quickly it drenched our skin in moisture.
We’d recommend using this cream at night for a few reasons: one, it’s on the heavier side, so it may be too much for daytime use. Two, there’s nothing quite like waking up in the morning to soft, baby-like skin. We loved how soothing and butter-soft this formula felt, so it’s no wonder it’s the magic fix for dry patches and irritation.
Best Calming: Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Moisturizer
If your skin is stressed and irritated, your best bet is to treat it with a pared-down skincare routine made complete with a calming moisturizer like this one from Innisfree. It’s formulated with five forms of hyaluronic acid to amp up the hydration, plus the brand’s Green Tea Tri-biotics to help fortify the skin’s moisture barrier. What’s more, squalane and ceramides lock in moisture by creating an impenetrable protective barrier. As far as consistency is concerned, the moisturizer feels lightweight on the skin but is actually on the thicker side, which makes sense given the gel-cream combination. It doesn’t feel like it weighs skin down, but it doesn’t go completely unnoticed—it’s the perfect in-between.
The only complaint we have is that it has a fragrance, which some people find very lovely, but those who are ultra-sensitive to fragrance might want to skip this one and opt for something fragrance-free.
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, a milky formula loaded with shea butter, ceramides, and soy proteins. It restores moisture levels (even in very dry skin), revitalizes dull complexions, and increases elasticity in the skin. For a more budget-friendly pick, you can’t go wrong with the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel-Cream, a lightweight yet nourishing formula that pairs well with almost any skincare routine and can be found at any local drugstore.
How We Researched & Tested
To compile this list, our team of editors spent hours researching the best facial moisturizers, creams, and lotions on the market, evaluating features like ingredients, size, and textures, before landing on over a dozen formulas to try out for ourselves. We tested each formula, taking into account how well each formula lingered on the skin, whether or not the formula plumped fine lines, and how our skin looked and felt at the end of the day. We then assigned each moisturizer formula a rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to all of the products we tested. The highest-rated products made the list.
What to Look for in a Facial Moisturizer
Skin Type and Concerns
When shopping for a facial moisturizer, the most important things to consider are your skin type and concerns. According to board-certified dermatologist and founder of Lancer Skincare Dr. Harold Lancer, if you’re looking to target fine lines and wrinkles, look for firming peptides and ingredients like elastin and collagen. If you have acne-prone skin, look for something oil-free and on the lighter side, like the Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer. If your skin is dry, he says, opt for a thick cream. (We like the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, which is loaded with heavier, more hydrating ingredients.)
Board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Levine explains that the time of year is essential, too. “You’ll need a heavier moisturizer in the winter to supplement for cold weather,” she suggests.
Moisturizer Type
Moisturizers fall into three categories—humectants, emollients, and occlusives:
Humectants, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, are low-molecular-weight substances that attract water and hold it in the skin. To get the best results, humectants need to be used alongside other products that retain water, like hyaluronic acid serums or water-based primers and foundations. Tatcha’s The Water Cream is an excellent humectant.
Emollients, on the other hand, help attract moisture to the skin. Look for ingredients like oils, fatty acids, and ceramides as a tell-tale sign that your moisturizer is loaded with emollients. The Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Moisturizer is an example of an emollient we love.
Occlusives, alternatively, lock all of the moisture into the skin to prevent transepidermal water loss, says Lancer. Occlusives are typically in the form of oils and waxes that create a layer on the skin to block water loss physically; ingredients like petrolatum, beeswax, mineral oil, and lanolin are all considered occlusives.
Additional Benefits
Many moisturizers promise to smooth fine lines, fade dark spots, and restore a youthful appearance. Others, says Garshick, will incorporate sunscreen to provide added UV protection or contain ingredients like antioxidants to protect against free radical damage (looking at you, Tatcha The Water Cream). Formulas such as these can also brighten the skin, while also nourishing and moisturizing it.
FAQ
What’s the difference between facial moisturizer and body lotion?
Not all moisturizers are made the same, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to facial creams and the type of lotion you’d slather all over your body. According to Lancer, body moisturizers are usually heavier than face moisturizers and contain ingredients like butters, oils, and more, that are too heavy for the face (and can cause unwanted breakouts). Garshick explains that facial moisturizers tend to absorb easier and are normally formulated to be non-comedogenic to prevent clogged pores and breakouts. “In some cases, facial moisturizers can contain ingredients to help address signs of aging or other concerns,” Garshick adds.
What is the difference between humectants, emollients, and occlusives?
It’s all in the ingredients, Garshick explains. Humectants (like formulas containing hyaluronic acid) draw moisture in and help hydrate the skin. Emollients, on the other hand, are formulas that often soften the skin and support barrier health and repair as they often contain ceramides and rich oils. Occlusives, like petrolatum, essentially act as a protective barrier that locks moisture into the skin, she says.
Why should you use a facial moisturizer?
Using a facial moisturizer, cream, or lotion, is a surefire way to ensure your skin stays hydrated throughout the day and night. It’s especially important to apply facial moisturizer if you use products that can dry the skin out (like retinoids, exfoliants, salicylic face washes, and more). Using the right facial moisturizer can help smooth, plump, and nourish the skin, as well as support the skin’s barrier—which, in turn, improves both the texture and the overall appearance of the skin.
How often should you use a moisturizer on your face?
In most cases, twice a day will suffice. However, this may vary depending on your climate, how oily or dry your skin is, and the products you’re using—retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide, for example. “I recommend moisturizing every day both in the morning and at night, or whenever the skin barrier is dry or compromised,” Lancer explains. Garshick agrees, adding that it’s best to add moisturizer whenever you wash your face.
How do you layer a serum and a facial moisturizer?
The general rule of thumb for applying skincare products is to start with the lightest and work your way up to the heaviest; serums are innately more lightweight than any type of moisturizer, so if you’re using one, apply it first. Give it some time to soak in (a minute or two is fine) before following up with your moisturizer of choice.
How much moisturizer should you use on your face?
Garshick recommends applying moisturizer twice each day, using a nickel-sized amount for the whole face. To extend the moisturizer down to your neck and chest, Lancer says to use a quarter-sized amount. Again, this varies, depending on how dry your skin is and the particular moisturizer you’re using.
Do you need to use a separate sunscreen if your moisturizer has SPF?
Yes! Even if you use a two-in-one moisturizer, you’ll need to slather on a good facial sunscreen to help prevent skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Apply your sunscreen as the last step in your skincare routine (after moisturizer) and don’t forget to reapply every two hours during prolonged exposure to the sun.
