The Best Face Moisturizers For Black Skin in 2024

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Black skin, like Caucasian or Asian skin, has its unique concerns. From managing hyperpigmentation to handling extremes of oiliness and dryness, finding the right moisturizer for black skin is crucial.

Hyperpigmentation is a common issue, while challenges like intense oiliness or extreme dryness need tailored solutions. This skin type tends to lose moisture quickly, emphasizing the need for hydration and sun protection. However, some sunscreens can leave a grayish cast on the skin.

In this article, we’ll explore the best face moisturizers for black skin and guide you on selecting the ideal one, ensuring your skin gets the care it deserves.

What are the best face moisturizers for black skin?

1. Filorga Skin-Unify Illuminating Even Skin Tone Cream

Looking for one of the best face moisturizers for dark skin? Look no further! Inspired by three aesthetic medicine techniques, laser, peeling, and medical strobing, comes the Filorga Skin-Unify Illuminating Even Skin Tone Cream daily moisturizer.

A Filorga care product that reduces and prevents the formation of darker spots, while brightening the skin tone, thanks to the presence of Achillea millefolium and Cystoseira tamariscifolia which control melanogenesis and brighten the skin.

Suitable for all skin types, this formula also features powerful and key ingredients to enhance its results:

• hyaluronic acid that hydrates and provides a feeling of fullness;
• vitamin C with antioxidant action, prevents damage caused by oxidative damage and signs of aging;
• Glycyrrhiza glabra inhibits melanin synthesis, with a consequent illuminating effect, enhanced by soft focus agents.

The cream has a smooth texture and gives the skin a silky finish with each application.

Related content: Fight signs of aging with the best neck-firming creams.

2. Caudalie Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturizer

With a high commitment to the environment and the planet, Caudalie launches the Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturizer.

An ideal vegan moisturizer for black skin with 97% ingredients of natural origin, which hydrates, brightens, and reduces dark spots.

It contains Viniferine, an active ingredient common to the entire vinoperfect range, coming from vine sap, with antioxidant action. This Viniferine combined with niacinamide forms a duo that reduces blemishes and improves the skin’s natural shine, reducing opacity.

To provide better results, it also combines hyaluronic acid and olive squalane to moisturize the skin, while white peony revitalizes and pearlescent particles even out the complexion and promote a more even complexion.

With a delicate fragrance, resulting from green bergamot, tangerine, lemon leaf, cucumber, and fresh mint, the cream replenishes necessary hydration and combats the most persistent stains.

This depigmenting action can be improved with the introduction of the iconic Vinoperfect serum, with Viniferine. It is a non-photosensitizing formula and is suitable for all skin types and also for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

3. Ducray Melascreen Anti-Dark Spot Concentrate

Are you looking for a top-rated face moisturizer for black skin that reduces hyperpigmentation? With a targeted approach, Ducray Melascreen Anti-Dark Spot Concentrate might be what you need.

A solution for blemishes with 15% depigmenting dermatological active ingredients, which reduces hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones.

Enriched with hesperidin methylchalchalcone, whose function is to reduce superficial blood vessels, azelaic acid that reduces melanin, and glycolic acid that removes dead cells from the skin’s surface, with the consequent reduction of blemishes.

A cream with a fluid finish does not leave the skin sticky, can be applied to all skin types, and is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

4. Sensilis Skin D-pigment AHA10 Overnight

Last year’s launch from Sensilis, Skin D-Pigment Night Cream, is the answer to blemishes on the most sensitive skin.

The brand’s clinical studies report a 43% reduction in blemishes in just two months and an improvement in luminosity by 41%.

This face moisturizer blends a powerful formula with critical ingredients:

• high concentration of polyhydroxy acids, ideal for exfoliating, without irritating the skin, namely 4% gluconolactone and 6% maltobionic acid that improves skin texture and tone;
• 1.5% ellagic acid inhibits melanogenesis, allowing a depigmenting effect;
• 0.1% Alpha-arbutin inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, responsible to produce melanin.

It is a vegan friendly cream that acts on the various phases of hyperpigmentation.

Read also: What skincare products should be refrigerated?

5. Cerave Moisturizing Cream

Another alternative for drier skin, approved by the National Eczema Association, and suitable for people with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, is the famous Cerave Moisturizing Cream.

As with all Cerave products, it combines ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) to help repair and maintain the skin barrier.

This is a top-rated Cerave product that also features hyaluronic acid to hydrate, maintaining the feeling of fullness. The MVE technology allows the controlled release of ingredients for longer, which contributes to long-lasting hydration (up to 24 hours).

In short, a cream with a rich and creamy texture, ideal for dry to very dry skin, and can be used by the whole family since it is paraben and fragrance-free.

6. SVR Sensifine Hydra-cream [10]

If we are dealing with sensitive and reactive skin, SVR’s suggestion is the Sensifine Hydra-Cream [10].

This is a great moisturizer for black skin with only 10 active ingredients in the formula, with more than 96% ingredients of natural origin, to guarantee high tolerability, particularly in allergic or intolerant skin.

The key active ingredient is avocado oil which hydrates and nourishes the skin, panthenol soothes, squalane as an emollient, and contributes to reducing water loss.

It has a cream texture, which melts into the skin quickly, without leaving the skin sticky, and is best suited for normal to dry skin.

TIP: This SVR product can be used as a makeup primer.

7. Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Cell Renewal Cream

If you need a moisturizer suitable for black skin that fights the signs of aging, Avène might have what you need.

Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Cell Renewal Cream is top rated facial moisturizers for dry skin with 6% niacinamide that helps retain hydration and stimulates collagen production, providing an anti-aging effect.

Furthermore, it has low, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin, providing greater firmness and elasticity.

With a vegan formula, it has a velvety texture, comfortable for all skin types with wrinkles and lack of firmness, guaranteeing a younger appearance.

TIP: Read our post “top-rated moisturizers for mature skin” and find out why Avène Hyaluron is listed there.

8. Biorga Apaisac Intensive Moisturizing Cream

Biorga has a great moisturizing cream for darker skin tones. This oil-free and paraben-free hydration solution has a rich and soothing formula for dry and sensitive skin.

The Biorga Apaisac Cream combines several ingredients to nourish and hydrate the skin:

• shea butter that nourishes and hydrates the skin;
• avocado oil, rich in vitamin E, nourishes and stimulates collagen synthesis;
• hyaluronic acid and glycerin hydrate and replenish the skin’s water levels.

It is ideal for colder days when the skin is more vulnerable helping it to restructure the epidermis.

9. Jowaé Wrinkle Smoothing Light Cream

When black skin has some oiliness in the T-zone and we are dealing with combination skin, the Korean answer is Jowaé Wrinkle Smoothing Light Cream.

This smoothing light cream contains 80% of ingredients of natural origin, lumiphenols® powerful antioxidants, red ginseng, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E. When these ingredients work together they offer moisturizing, smoothing, firming, protective, detoxifying, regenerating, and illuminating action

This quickly absorbed anti-aging formula stimulates collagen synthesis, which plumps and firms skin.

Free from paraben, phenoxyethanol, mineral oil, animal-origin ingredients, silicone, or synthetic colorants, this silky cream-gel has a feminine and aromatic fragrance that leaves the skin smoother, firmer, radiant and luminous.

10. Vichy Normaderm Phytosolution Double-Correction Daily Care

One of the best Vichy skin care products, Vichy Normaderm Phytosolution Double-Correction Daily Care is ideal for skin with fewer imperfections and is always hydrated!

The formula is enriched with powerful and effective ingredients

• salicylic acid of natural origin, with keratolytic action that purifies and exfoliates the skin in depth;
• 2% Phyco saccharide that controls oil;
• 0.2% vitamin CG with anti-inflammatory and pigmentation-reducing properties;
• Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water that strengthens the skin’s natural defenses;
• 1% probiotics that reinforce the barrier function.

As it is quickly absorbed and has a light texture, this is a great moisturizer for black skin that can be used as an excellent makeup base.

11. SVR Hyalubiotic Regenerating Plumping Gel

Ideal for skin with signs of dehydration, wrinkles and fine lines, this SVR product is a top moisturizer for black and brown skin that responds to the needs of skin showing signs of fatigue and the first signs of aging.

The SVR Hyalubiotic Gel combines low and medium molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, whose function is to hydrate and contribute to the feeling of fullness, regenerating and smoothing expression lines. It also features pasteurized probiotics that reinforce the skin barrier and reduce irritation.

Furthermore, the vitamin C, known for its antioxidant action, protects against oxidative damage and prevents skin aging. A moisturizer gel with a water-gel texture, very fluid that immediately hydrates and soothes the skin.

Read also: Are PEGs bad for skin?

12. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Suitable for normal to combination skin, including sensitive skin, this face gel is one of the best Neutrogena products and it is widely used in black skin because it instantly provides intense and long-lasting hydration.

This Neutrogena product is one of the light moisturizers most loved by teenagers, compatible with any skin tone or type.

With trehalose that binds to water in the skin, allowing it to hydrate, glycerin that reinforces the skin barrier, and hyaluronic acid that attracts and retains water on the surface.

A water gel, with a light, non-greasy texture, that hydrates without weighing it down and provides healthy-looking, soft skin.

13. La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+m

Darker skin tones may present increased oiliness and clogged pores with the formation of pimples. To reduce acne imperfections, the reformulated solution is La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+M.

Enriched with the patented Filobioma, an active ingredient that targets the origin of acne, it offers results 8 hours after application, preventing its appearance. Acne blemishes are also reduced due to the presence of Procerad™ and niacinamide.

Teenagers can use this moisturizer from 10 years of age and provides 24 hours of hydration. While it reduces imperfections, it hydrates, unlike other similar products that dry out the skin when applied.

TIP: To enhance results, and reduce acne imperfections, add La Roche Posay Effaclar Serum from the same brand. It is care concentrated in exfoliating acids that accelerate cell renewal and reduce acne, thanks to 2% niacinamide, 3.5% glycolic acid, and 1.45% salicylic acid.

14. Bioderma Hydrabio Gel-Crème Light Moisturizing Care

Also a top-rated face moisturizer for dark combination skin, comes a Gel-Crème from Bioderma.

Bioderma Hydrabio Gel-Crème with the Aquagenium Complex that includes Apple Seed Extract and niacinamide. The first is responsible for cellular irrigation and Niacinamide for promoting the synthesis of ceramides and increasing skin hydration.

The formula of this product also features DAF technology that increases skin resistance, strengthening the skin barrier. The glycerin attracts water to the surface, maintaining hydration and the salicylic acid with keratolytic action, exfoliates the skin and promotes cell renewal.

Its gel-cream texture is ideal for combination skin, as it hydrates just the right amount, without weighing it down or causing discomfort throughout the day.

15. A-Derma Biology AC Perfect Anti-blemish Anti-Spots Fluid

If we want to reduce imperfections, while preventing signs of aging, you may be interested in this A-Derma product.

The A-Derma Biology AC Perfect Anti-Blemish Fluid has a effective formula with calming and anti-inflammatory action. To provide these actions it features:

• Rhealba oat sap provides calming action;
• Lactic acid exfoliates the skin and improves texture;
• Garcinia has anti-inflammatory properties;
• Calming the skin and reducing redness;
• Hyaluronic acid hydrates and gives a feeling of plumpness to the skin, providing elasticity and firmness to it.

Compatible with leading oral and topical acne treatments, this vegan cream is suitable for adult acne-prone skin.

16. Cerave Blemish Control Gel

Developed with dermatologists, Cerave also presents us with a one of the best moisturizers for oily-prone skin, the Blemish Control Gel launch.

In addition to the ceramides present throughout the brand with moisturizing action, it has salicylic acid that exfoliates, penetrates the pores, and dissolves the contents. The glycolic acid and lactic acid promote a gentle peeling effect and Niacinamide controls oil production and disguises the appearance of enlarged pores.

Formulated without fragrances, parabens, or alcohol, this lightweight gel texture swiftly absorbs, enhancing skin texture, refining pores, and fortifying the skin barrier for repair and strength.

TIP: Read our post, if you are searching for top-notch exfoliators for black skin.

17. Sesderma Salises Moisturizing Gel

A great face moisturizer for black skin, Sesderma Salises Moisturizing Gel hydrates and reduces imperfections, thanks to the presence of salicylic acid and keratolytic. These ingredients offer exfoliating action, penetrate the pores and prevent sebum retention.

Additionally, it includes niacinamide that hydrates and reinforces the skin barrier and the aloe vera reduces irritation and redness.

The formula also has Seboregulatory Complex, formed by Zinc Salts, that reduces sebum production. It is a non-greasy, fast-absorbing gel, ideal for oily, acne-prone skin.

18. SVR Sebiaclear Mattifying Anti-Blemish Cream SPF50+

When we are looking for routine care that controls oiliness while protecting the skin, SVR has the solution, with Sebiaclear Mattifying Anti-Blemish Cream SPF50+.

This Anti-Blemish Cream contains 4% Niacinamide that reinforces the skin barrier and increases the synthesis of ceramides, improving skin hydration. It also has 2% Mat SR controls excess oil and gluconolactone stimulates cell renewal, evens out skin texture, and prevents imperfections.

The SVR product prevents and reduces acne imperfections, while protecting the skin from the sun’s rays and red marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). This care has an oil-free texture without leaving a white cast and leaving a dry touch to the skin.

19. Cetaphil Pro Oil Control Moisturizing SPF30

One of the brands recommended by dermatologists for over 70 years, Cetaphil also has a moisturizer with sun protection for a more practical routine.

The Cetaphil Pro Oil Control SPF30 Cream is one of the best face moisturizers for black and brown skin, and also for other skin tones. This care is ideal for oily acne-prone skin because it contains Oleosome Technology, zinc and UV filters, for a moisturizing, protective, sebum-regulating and soothing anti-acne action.

The formula includes zinc gluconate with antibacterial action, allantoin, and glycyrrhetinic acid with a calming function, which minimizes signs of sensitivity such as redness or irritation.

This lightweight, oil-free, and fragrance-free emulsion boasts quick absorption, leaving a mattified complexion and providing a high sun protection.

In just one application, the skin is protected, hydrated, and mattified.

20. Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF50

One of the most famous creams that combine hydration and sun protection in a single product is Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF50, a good face moisturizer for dry skin.

Ceramides hydrate and keep the skin healthy, niacinamide reinforces the skin barrier, while hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates the skin.

The MVE technology guarantees hydration for up to 24 hours, thanks to the controlled release of active ingredients into the skin. Provides a luminous but non-sticky finish, leaving skin more hydrated and softer to the touch.

21. Sensilis Skin Glow [Juicy Cream] Revitalizing Cream

This is an incredible moisturizer for black skin if it shows signs of fatigue, with a dull complexion.

Sensilis Skin Glow contains a powerful and effective formula that blends:

• Revitalizing complex, with Candida saitoana, rich in alpha-glucans, which reduces oxidation and increases vitality;
• Vitamin F reinforces the skin barrier, reduces sensitivity, and provides comfort and hydration to the touch;
• Niacinamide with antioxidant and preventive action on the formation of blemishes;
• Panthenol soothes and hyaluronic acid hydrates, retaining water.

In addition to the hydration provided with each application, the combination of niacinamide with two soft-focus pearlescent pigments illuminates the skin and hides a tired appearance.

22. Erborian Yuza Cure

The Korean brand Erborian has developed a moisturizer, Erborian Yuza Cure, which reinforces the skin barrier, while reducing dark spots, with three Yuzu extracts, the key active ingredient in this formula.

Fermented Yuzu extract, rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, with high antioxidant action; Yuzu water rich in minerals and Yuzu oil rich in fatty acids, responsible for nourishing the skin.

Furthermore, the formula is reinforced with depigmenting active ingredients, such as hexylresorcinol and narcissus extract, which reduce blemishes, while niacinamide reinforces the skin barrier.

In short, it provides a shot of vitality, with the promise of improvements in blemishes and hydration in just 14 days.

Read also: The best Korean moisturizers.

23. Weleda Skin Food Light Nourishing Cream

In situations where the skin is very dry and irritated, the answer is Weleda Skin Food Light Nourishing Cream.

An affordable moisturizing care that blends organic sunflower oil with soothing extracts for skin barrier regeneration and immediate comfort.

The formula is rich in sunflower seed oil, which in turn is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and fatty acids, such as phospholipids and ceramides; Wild Pansy Extract, calendula flower provide a calming effect, as with chamomile, in addition to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action!

This vegan example can be applied to the face and the body, quickly absorbed and fragrance-free.

How to choose a good face moisturizer for black skin

When considering care for black skin, similar to other skin tones, it’s crucial to select the most suitable regimen. This involves following specific steps and taking certain factors into account:

1. Skin type – check if you have dry, oily, or combination skin and choose a product according to your skin type;

2. Main concerns – What are your primary skin concerns? Hyperpigmentation, blemishes, oiliness, hydration or wrinkles? Identify them and choose a good product to address them.

3. Textures – adapt depending on skin type, for example, oily skin will benefit from a lighter texture while dry skin requires a more nourishing cream

4. Formula / Ingredients – identify which active ingredients will improve the main skin concerns. Look for products with shea butter, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or natural oils like jojoba or argan oil. Ingredients like these deeply hydrate without clogging pores and cater to the needs of black skin

5. Hydration level – Opt for a moisturizer that offers ample hydration to combat potential dryness common in black skin. It should maintain moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.

6. Allergens and Irritants – Avoid products with potential irritants like artificial fragrances, parabens, or harsh chemicals that might trigger allergic reactions or sensitivity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the unique needs of darker skin tones is essential for choosing the right moisturizer.

By addressing concerns like hyperpigmentation, managing oiliness or dryness, and prioritizing hydration and sun protection, you can find a moisturizer tailored to nurture and enhance the natural beauty of black skin.