Experimentation is part of the process when you’re on the hunt for your ultimate 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 the price tag.
So, where do you begin? We spoke with 2 dermatologists for their insights and rounded up 19 of the best face moisturizers for all kinds of skin types and budgets so you can zero in on what will work best for you.
Facts and benefits of face moisturizers
According to board certified dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD, 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.
Some moisturizers even help protect your skin from harmful 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.”
She 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.”
How we chose the best face moisturizers
Skin can run the gamut from oily to dry to sensitive. We specifically looked for moisturizers formulated for every skin type and based our recommendations on the quality of the ingredients and the most glowing customer reviews.
Best budget-friendly moisturizer
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream
Skin type: all
Key ingredients: squalane, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptide complex
SPF: none
Made for all skin types, this affordable moisturizer is packed with powerhouse ingredients. Hyaluronic acid and squalane hydrate your skin while vitamins B3 (niacinamide) and B5 soothe, even, and brighten. Peptides help promote collagen for a more youthful appearance.
Reviewers say this lightweight face cream moisturizes without feeling greasy.
Best for dry skin
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre
Skin type: all
Key ingredients: aloe vera, beeswax, shea butter
SPF: none
Reviewers rave about the light, milky texture of this moisturizer but caution that a little can still go a long way.
Made by a French cosmetic line, it’s enriched with vitamins and antioxidants and formulated for dry skin.
Best natural face moisturizer
Osmia Purely Simple Face Cream
Skin type: sensitive or normal
Key ingredients: aloe leaf juice, plant-based oils, vitamin E, glycerin
SPF: none
This no-nonsense face cream is made with plant-sourced ingredients like organic aloe juice and vegetable-derived glycerin for hydration. With minimal amounts of oil-based ingredients, it gently moisturizes even the most sensitive, allergy-prone skin.
However, it does contain small amounts of essential oils, which some people may find irritating.
Best for sensitive skin
Weleda Sensitive Care Facial Cream
Skin type: sensitive or reactive
Key ingredients: almond oil, glycerin
SPF: none
Nourishing for sensitive skin, this fragrance-free option is made with sweet almond oil and is dermatologically tested to calm and moisturize.
It’s made without synthetic preservatives, fragrances, dyes, and mineral oil, earning it a great score on the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep scale.
Best for oily skin
Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer
Skin type: oily
Key ingredients: red marine algae
SPF: none
Lightweight, fragrance-free, and nongreasy, this moisturizer is specifically designed for oily skin. Ingredients include red marine algae, which a 2018 research review shows may have a number of pro-aging benefits for skin.
The formula scores a 3 on the EWG’s Skin Deep scale.
Best hydrating gel moisturizer
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream
Skin type: normal, oily
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid
This bestseller is a gel formula made with hyaluronic acid and glycerin that can leave skin feeling hydrated, supple, and smooth. Reviewers say the cool blue gel feels like liquid to the touch and absorbs on contact.
Gel moisturizers are particularly well-suited for oily skin, but this formula can work well for dry and sensitive skin too.
Best vegan moisturizer
Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream
Skin type: combination or oily
Key ingredients: superfoods blend, vitamins C, E, and K, hyaluronic acid
SPF: none
Kale, spinach, and green tea pair with hyaluronic acid to give your skin a boost of vitamins, antioxidants, and some major moisture retention. This lightweight cream can be used on all skin types, though it’s particularly great for oily and combination skin. It’s also vegan and not tested on animals.
Online reviewers report that it works well with oily skin and can also help reduce and prevent some acne breakouts.
Best lightweight face moisturizer
Hanacure Nano Emulsion Moisturizer
Skin type: all
Free of: parabens, sulfates, alcohol, fragrance
This pH-neutral moisturizer features a high concentration of peptides and mushroom extract to help improve your skin’s tone and texture. It’s been tested and approved by dermatologists and is made without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. It’s also free from colorants, fragrances, and alcohol.
More than 1,000 5-star reviews report a soft, nongreasy finish.
Best moisturizer for mature skin
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Skin type: dry
Free of: fragrance, oil
This cream has been accepted by the National Eczema Association and is made with glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. It’s made to be gentle and is particularly well suited to the needs of mature skin.
It’s free of both fragrance and oil, and reviewers found it soothing and moisturizing on the driest, most sensitive skin. It can also be used as a hand cream.
Best pro-aging moisturizer for wrinkles
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Skin type: dry
Key ingredients: amino peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
This pro-aging fan favorite is for dry, normal, or combination skin. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, amino peptides, and niacinamide. These ingredients can offer a boost of plumping hydration and a softening effect on wrinkles and fine lines.
Hundreds of reviewers praise this moisturizer for its effectiveness, especially when comparing it with other products at more than triple the price.
Best moisturizer for day and night
Tula Skincare 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream
Skin type: all
Free of: gluten
This moisturizer pulls double duty, working as a hydrating cream for both day and night. It’s made without formaldehyde, triclosan, retinol, or gluten, and is suitable for all skin types. Probiotics, watermelon extract, and squalane work to hydrate your skin, while rice nutripeptides nourish and diminish the look of fine lines.
One reviewer shared that despite the small size of the product, even a small amount of the cream can go a long way and lasts for a while.
Best moisturizer with SPF
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30
Skin type: all
SPF: 30
This daily moisturizer is formulated with SPF 30 sunscreen, making it ideal for daytime use. Lightweight and nongreasy, it’s designed to deliver 24-hour hydration for all skin types, so you can apply it first thing in the morning for all-day coverage.
Best moisturizer for acne
Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
Skin type: oily, combination, dry
Free of: fragrance
This hydrating gel moisturizer has an ultra-lightweight feel, and ingredients like squalane and probiotics help soothe and support the natural skin barrier.
Gel moisturizers work particularly well on oily skin, but this Biossance product is a good choice for dry and combination skin types too.
Best tinted face moisturizer
Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin
Skin type: all
Form: serum
Weekend Skin is skin care and SPF in one, and it gives skin a dewy, balmy finish. Vitamin C and niacinamide keep skin bright and hydrated, while zinc blocks UVA/UVB rays and leaves behind zero white cast.
This clean, vegan formula comes in one shade, which is designed to complement all skin types.
Reviewers have nothing but good things to say about the effects of Weekend Skin, calling it sheer, glowing, and natural.
Best moisturizer for combination skin
Josh Rosebrook Vital Balm Cream
Skin type: combination, dry, sensitive
Free of : GMOs
Vital Balm Cream has a whipped, mousse-like texture that feels light on the skin and absorbs quickly, which makes it ideal for combination skin. Hero ingredients like phytonutrients, antioxidants, and herbal actives combine to hydrate and soothe for calm, balanced skin.
Reviewers with combination skin say it’s nourishing and soothing like a balm should be, without feeling greasy or heavy.
Best moisturizer for cold weather
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
Skin type: dry, sensitive
Form: cream
This barrier cream from Kiehl’s was made with dry, compromised skin in mind, which makes it ideal in cold winter months. The formula is designed to replenish lipids, relieve itchiness and redness, and hydrate for instant relief. While it does have a thicker texture, it absorbs quickly with no greasy feel.
Hundreds of reviewers rave about this barrier cream, calling it incredibly hydrating for dry winter skin.
Best moisturizer for itchy skin
Lumene Intense Hydration Moisturizer
Skin type: dry
This is a lightweight, vegan moisturizer designed with three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. The smaller ones penetrate deeply to hydrate, while the larger weights create a soothing and moisturizing barrier to quickly calm dry, itchy skin. Organic Nordic birch sap is also rich in minerals and amino acids to help retain moisture.
Bonus: the refillable package is made with recycled materials.
What to look for in a face moisturizer
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 too. Certain formulations can treat breakouts, calm irritations, even skin tone and texture, and help smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
Shainhouse advises sampling moisturizers while browsing if you can. “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.”
How to use face moisturizers
Zubritsky advises that moisturizers are best applied to damp skin, so this step should follow cleansing and any toners or serums you may be using.
“However, if you’re using a medicated product that has the potential to cause skin irritation, you may choose to apply your moisturizer first to protect the skin and then layer the medication on top,” says Shainhouse. “This can be extremely helpful for acne and anti-aging topical creams, like retinoids.”
To apply moisturizer, start with a nickel-sized amount. Dot the moisturizer on the damp skin of your forehead, cheeks, and chin. Then, gently rub using upward strokes. If you’re using a separate SPF, it should be applied after your moisturizer.
Many people find success moisturizing twice a day, in the morning and before bed. However, depending on your skin type, you may need to apply moisturizer more or less frequently to see the desired results.
When to visit a dermatologist
“Prior to seeing a dermatologist, try minimizing your skin routine,” advises Zubritsky. “Stick to fragrance-free, moisturizing products and avoid any unnecessary or active skin care. If skin issues persist even with eliminating anything that may be triggering your skin, it’s best to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.”
The same is also true if you’re finding that moisturizers irritate your skin or trigger breakouts.
“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.
A dermatologist can also recommend which moisturizers are designed for your skin type and discuss any other skin concerns you may have.
Other tips for facial care
Consistency goes a long way, and a great moisturizer is just one piece of a good skin care routine. For a basic, well-rounded skin care routine, Shainhouse recommends the following:
- In the morning: cleanser, antioxidant serum, moisturizer, sunscreen
- Before bed: cleanser, topical retinoid (if using), moisturizer
If dryness is an issue, you might consider switching to oil cleansing. It’s a gentle way to wash away grime, make-up, oil, and SPF without disruption the skin’s microbiome, which can help strengthen its protective barrier.
It’s also important to pay attention to how your skin responds to anything you use. “The most important thing to note is to stop using a skin care product if it’s irritating your skin,” says Shainhouse. “Irritation is never the goal. Sometimes it means cutting back frequency, and sometimes it means avoiding the product altogether.”
Frequently asked questions about face moisturizers
How often should you moisturize your face?
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.
What should you look for in a moisturizer?
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.
Should you moisturize if you have oily skin?
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.
Can you use face oil instead of moisturizer?
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.
Do you need a serum to go with a face moisturizer?
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.
Do you need SPF in addition to a face moisturizer?
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.
