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As you know, we all want smooth, glowing skin. And the first step to achieve that is to hydrate and nourish our skin every day.
Moisturizers play a vital role in nourishing and protecting our skin since dryness leads to other skin concerns, such as uneven texture, discomfort, and, of course, wrinkles and fine lines.
But with so many products on the market, it can be hard to figure out which ones are worth it. That’s why we have prepared a list of the best face moisturizers for every skin type.
What are the best moisturizers for dry skin?
If you have dry skin, you probably know that choosing a good moisturizer is key. So, here are some products that will restore hydration, replenish moisture, and promote a healthy complexion.
Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe is a standout brand when it comes to moisturizing dry skin. Like most of their products, this lotion is formulated with 3 essential ceramides (ceramide 1, 3, and 6-II), which help restore and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
This protective barrier plays a crucial role in retaining moisture, making this lotion perfect for dry skin, although it is suitable for all skin types.
It also contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which further enhance its moisturizing properties, resulting in long-lasting hydration and comfort.
This dermatologist-approved formula is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, which means sensitive skin loves it.
Its effective formula, lightweight texture, and reasonable price make this one of the top choices for facial moisturizers for black skin.
Related content: The best Cerave skincare products.
Vichy Mineral 89 72h Moisture Boosting Rich Cream
We believe that you’re familiar with the famous Vichy Mineral 89 Serum since it’s one of the best Vichy products.
Like the serum, this cream is formulated with Vichy’s signature Mineralizing Water, rich in 15 essential minerals that help to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. It also contains hyaluronic acid, squalene, and vitamins B and E with antioxidant action.
Its rich, velvety texture envelops the skin in a layer of deep hydration that lasts for 72h, making it perfect for dry or dehydrated skin, including the most sensitive ones.
In addition, it has a non-comedogenic formula, free of silicones and dyes. If you are looking for a high-quality, reliable, this is one of the best moisturizers for your dry skin.
TIP: Read our post, if you want to know how long it takes for hyaluronic acid to work.
Clinique Moisture Surge 100h Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
This moisturizer is designed to provide immediate and long-lasting hydration to the skin for 100 hours.
Clinique’s Auto-Replenishing Technology helps the skin create its own internal water source in order to continually rehydrate itself. It supports the natural moisture barrier of the skin, promoting a plump and healthy complexion.
Containing caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera, this plumping action reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helps to improve overall texture and radiance.
This formula is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free, making it suitable for all skin types and perfect for dry skin.
The best part is that it is also very versatile since it can be used as a daily moisturizer, as an overnight mask for intense hydration, or even as a refreshing face mask for a quick boost of hydration.
If none of these solutions fits your needs, read our post and find out the best moisturizers for dry skin face.
The best moisturizers for oily skin
If you have oily skin, you know it can be tricky to hydrate it properly without making it greasy. But don’t worry, here is a list of the top facial moisturizers formulated especially for your skin.
Skinceuticals Daily Moisture Cream
The Skinceuticals Daily Moisture Cream is one of the greatest facial moisturizers for oily skin types.
This lightweight moisturizer contains natural extracts such as botanicals and vitamin E, which help to protect the skin from environmental damage and provide softness and suppleness.
With regular use, consumers appreciate its ability to reduce the appearance of pores and leave their skin looking smooth and matte.
Its formula is non-comedogenic, which means it will not clog your pores, making it an excellent choice for people with acne-prone skin.
Bioderma Hydrabio Gel-Crème Light Moisturizing Care
This lightweight cream is a great choice for those with oily or combination skin since it delivers long-lasting hydration without leaving a greasy residue behind.
The Bioderma‘s Gel-Crème is also perfect for those who prefer a lighter, more breathable moisturizer.
The Hydrabio Gel-Crème also contains salicylic acid, a powerful ingredient that helps to unclog pores and fight acne. And antioxidants, which work to protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays.
Due to its light texture, it is super easy to incorporate into your daily routine. And its formula is non-comedogenic and tested on sensitive skin.
Read our post, if you want to discover the best tinted moisturizers.
A-Derma Biology AC Hydra Compensating Cream
This moisturizer is specially formulated to provide hydration to oily and acne-prone skin without causing breakouts. With 99% naturally derived ingredients, it hydrates the skin for 48 hours!
The key ingredient in this facial moisturizer is aloe vera, which has long been known for its soothing and hydrating properties, helping to reduce inflammation and redness, while also providing deep hydration.
It also contains Organic Rhealba® to balance and hydrate sensitive skin and hyaluronic acid. Finally, it is infused with rice powder, which helps to absorb excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores.
With a natural plant fragrance and a vegan formula, this is a top moisturizer for the face to compensate for the dryness caused by acne treatments, while also calming pimples and redness and even reducing the appearance of red and brown spots.
Have a look at our post and get to know the best facial moisturizers for oily skin.
The best moisturizers for normal and combination skin
Hydrating normal to combination skin requires a balance between providing enough moisture to dry areas while preventing excessive oiliness in the T-zone. Here are our choices for this skin type.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
The Hydro Boost Water Gel is one of the top Neutrogena products and it is widely recommended by dermatologists because it is perfect for all skin types.
The gel formula is not only lightweight but also refreshing and hydrating. A perfect option for those who want to keep their skin moisturized without feeling greasy or heavy.
It contains hyaluronic acid that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, providing intense hydration to the skin. Its regular use also helps to reduce and prevent fine lines and improve overall skin texture.
The Neutrogena product has a formula oil-free and non-comedogenic, with a light fragrance.
Sesderma C-Vit Radiance Glowing Fluid
If you want to hydrate your skin, but also brighten and revitalize it, this is the option for you.
It contains vitamin C and sweet orange extract, which help to brighten the skin, even the skin tone, and protects from free radicals.
It also contains other active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate and plump the skin, vitamin E, which provides additional antioxidant benefits. It also has Glycols, and glycerin, which ensure a moisturizing action, and luminous pigments, which reinforce the radiant skin effect.
This super formula is also non-comedogenic and free from parabens or other irritating ingredients. With a lightweight texture, this fluid is suitable for all skin types, but especially for normal to combination skin.
Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Moisturizing Cream-In-Gel
This product has a unique Cream-in-Gel texture that combines the lightweight feel of a gel with the nourishing properties of a cream.
Its formula is enriched with Avène Thermal Spring Water, known for its soothing and calming properties. And it also contains hyaluronic acid and a patented Cohederm complex, which helps to reinforce the skin’s barrier and prevent moisture loss.
This way, it keeps your skin hydrated and comfortable during the whole day.
The cream-in-gel formula absorbs quickly and leaves behind a fresh, dewy finish. With a hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic formula, free from parabens and fragrance, this cream is suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive ones.
Looking for K-beauty moisturizing creams? Read our post and find out the best korean skincare moisturizers.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Cream
This French pharmacy favorite is internet famous and for good reasons. Many makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts swear by its efficacy and versatility.
This multipurpose moisturizer can be used as a primer, makeup remover, and face, hand, and body lotion.
Its creamy texture is enriched with shea butter, beeswax, and aloe vera to provide deep hydration and soothe irritated skin. It also helps to improve the skin’s elasticity and firmness.
The cream has a lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbs easily into the skin. Its hypoallergenic, paraben-free formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive ones.
Its rich formula and versatility make this product one of the best facial moisturizers.
The best moisturizers for sensitive skin
Sensitive skin requires extra care when it comes to choosing the right moisturizer. It’s important to look for skincare products that are free from potential irritants like fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals.
Here are some skincare products specifically designed for sensitive skin.
Bioderma Sensibio Defensive Active Soothing Rich Cream
Besides hydrating the skin continuously, this cream can provide relief for sensitive skin, strengthening the skin barrier for better resistance to external agents.
The patented complex contained in the cream sets it apart from most similar products. This complex is designed to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier function, protecting it from external aggressors such as pollution and UV rays.
The glycerin and shea butter also work together to provide intense moisture to the skin.
It has a rich creamy texture and a non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formula that can be used in every skin type, including sensitive skin and the skin of children from the age of three.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer
Cetaphil is known for its gentle and mild formulations, and this moisturizer is no exception. It is often recommended by dermatologists as a reliable and effective option for daily moisturization.
It contains a blend of 6 moisturizing agents and vitamins E and B5, which work together to provide intense hydration and nourishment to the skin throughout the whole day.
Its formula is also non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, therefore ideal and a perfect facial moisturizer for sensitive or sensitized skin.
La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Cream
This facial moisturizer is an excellent choice for sensitive skin prone to allergies.
Its hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic formula is free from parabens, fragrances, preservatives, and alcohol, which makes it safe and gentle for use on all skin types.
Besides, it comes in an ultra-hermetic, anti-contamination, anti-oxidation, anti-dry residue, and anti-waste packaging, allowing for a highly minimalist formula and optimum tolerance.
The cream features the latest cutting-edge technology ‘Neurosensine’, which helps to soothe and comfort the skin while it hydrates. And it has a high concentration of La Roche-Posay’s Thermal Spring Water, known for its soothing and anti-irritating properties.
With a rich creamy texture, it’s a great choice for the most sensitive skin types.
Uriage Roséliane Anti-Redness Cream
If you suffer from redness or rosacea, this is the perfect solution.
This moisturizer is indicated for skin with fragile microcirculation, redness, couperose, flushing, or rosacea
It contains a blend of natural ingredients, including Uriage Thermal Water, which helps calm and soothe irritated skin while reducing redness.
It also contains green pigments to neutralize the redness and even out the skin tone. And Cerasterol-2F©, a complex that soothes and restructures the skin.
This cream provides a sensation of freshness and softness, which gives immediate comfort to the skin. Its hypoallergenic, paraben-free formula is suitable for all skin types with redness. Actually, it’s one of the best moisturizers for rosacea.
Curiosity: Did you know that this Uriage product is considered a top foundation for rosacea?
The best anti-aging moisturizers
Whether you have mature skin or you simply want to prevent wrinkles and fine lines, an anti-aging moisturizer is ideal for maintaining the skin’s elasticity, plumpness, and overall health.
Filorga Hydra-Hyal Hydrating Plumping Cream
With 5 types of hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer boosts hydration, plumps, smoothes, and protects the skin.
It also contains aloe vera, glycerin, and vitamin E for an antioxidant, anti-aging, and nourishing action, which reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
The cream absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and firm. Users have reported that their skin looked plumper and more youthful after using this moisturizer consistently.
With a light fragrance and a dermatologically tested formula, it’s a perfect face moisturizer for normal to dry skin with signs of aging.
TIP: Are you looking for a neck cream? Then, you need to take a look at the best anti-aging neck-lifting creams.
ISDIN Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Moisture Cream
Available in three different versions, this is a top-rated moisturizer for mature skin. it is specifically designed for those who want to combat signs of aging.
It contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and, at the same time, helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It also contains collagen-boosting peptides, which improve the skin’s elasticity and firmness, and vitamin B5, which soothes the skin.
According to the tests conducted by the brand on 30 women with all skin types, after 4 weeks of use, 100% of users felt immediate hydration, 97% soft and revitalized skin, and 93% more luminous and fresh skin.
This is one of the best facial moisturizers for normal to dry skin with signs of aging, but you can also find a version for oily skin and sensitive skin.
If you want to fight aging signs, we suggest you read the best anti-aging body moisturizers.
Uriage Age Lift Revitalizing Night Smoothing Cream
If you’d like to wake up with revitalized, youthful skin every day, this moisturizer is for you.
This night cream contains retinol, one of the most powerful anti-aging ingredients, which works together with hyaluronic acid to rejuvenate and plump the skin.
This powerful formula also contains vitamins C and E, with antioxidant action, shea butter, to hydrate deeply, and Uriage Thermal Water, to soothe and calm the skin.
This complete but gentle formula works on all skin types, including sensitive ones. Its packaging ensures that the cream retains its freshness and efficacy over time.
Reviewers rave about the cream’s ability to tighten their skin and diminish fine lines and wrinkles and they also appreciate the luxurious texture and light floral fragrance.
Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2: 4: 2 Anti-Aging Treatment
This luxurious face moisturizer can help turn back the clock on your skin, packed with powerful ingredients that work together to deliver visible results that you can see and feel.
It contains a unique blend of lipids, including ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. These lipids help to restore the skin’s natural barrier, helping to lock in moisture and keep the skin looking plump and hydrated.
The niacinamide can help to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and the peptides improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It also contains a range of antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from environmental damage, which means that it prevents/slows down the aging process.
All of these ingredients work together to make this a truly powerful anti-aging moisturizer perfect for dry and aged skin.
The best moisturizers for men
Although most moisturizers can be used by men and women, men’s skin has unique characteristics, such as increased oil production and thicker texture. So, if you’re looking for a product specifically designed for men, try these.
Vichy Homme Hydra Mag C + Anti-Fatigue Moisturizer
One of the key ingredients in this moisturizer is Vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant is known for its ability to brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots and stimulate collagen production.
Another important ingredient in this formula is magnesium, essential for healthy skin, as it helps to regulate cell turnover and improve skin elasticity. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and irritation.
Overall, this is a top facial moisturizer for men who want to revitalize their skin and reduce the signs of fatigue, such as dullness, dehydration, and dark circles. Yes, you can also use it on the eye contour area.
The lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly into the skin, providing a refreshing, energizing sensation. This hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula is suitable for every skin type, including sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Shiseido Men Skin Empowering Anti-Aging Cream
If you’re looking for a high-quality moisturizer that can help you achieve a youthful and radiant complexion, this is an excellent choice. Specially formulated for men with signs of aging, this cream addresses fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
This moisturizer contains retinol, a powerful form of vitamin A that stimulates collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also has an antioxidant action that protects the skin from environmental damage, such as pollution and UV radiation.
In addition to retinol, it also contains hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and plumps the skin, and SPF 20, which helps to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, one of the leading causes of premature aging.
This moisturizer has a lightweight texture that won’t leave the skin greasy or oily and won’t clog pores. Instead, it will leave the skin feeling soft, smooth, and revitalized.
Its non-comedogenic formula is ideal for all skin types with signs of aging or fatigue.
Avène Men Anti-Aging Hydrating Care
This moisturizer has a non-greasy and lightweight texture so it won’t leave your skin feeling heavy or oily. This is especially important for men who are prone to breakouts or who have oily skin.
Its complete formula contains hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, keeping the skin hydrated all day long.
Jojoba oil, on the other hand, is a natural emollient that can help to soften and smooth the skin. Vitamin E has an antioxidant action that can help neutralize free radicals and protect your skin from oxidative stress.
This is perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin and skin with roughness, razor burn, or effects of daily shaving.
The top vegan facial moisturizers
If you are vegan or simply prefer a cruelty-free, plant-based, environmentally friendly option, these next products are for you.
Lierac Hydragenist The Rehydrating Radiance Cream
This is one of the best vegan moisturizers for the face and also one of the best beauty gifts you can choose. It’s a great choice for environmentally-conscious beauty lovers. It comes in a refillable container, which reduces plastic waste.
The cream is excellent for providing long-lasting hydration and improving skin radiance and it also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Formulated with a blend of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, which provides intense hydration and nourishment to the skin. It also contains a complex of minerals and amino acids, which improve the skin’s radiance.
With a vegan formula, it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Drunk Elephant’s Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream
Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream is a luxurious moisturizer that delivers intense hydration thanks to its blend of six African oils, plantain extract, and fermented green tea.
The marula, mongongo, baobab, Kalahari melon, Ximena, and passion fruit oils each have their own benefits for the skin, including:
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Protecting the skin from environmental damage
- Brightening the skin and evening out skin tone
- Balance sebum production in the skin
- Improving skin elasticity
- And reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation
The plantain extract helps to soothe and heal dry, irritated skin and the fermented green tea also helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors.
The whipped texture of the cream absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and nourished.
With a vegan, cruelty-free, silicone, and fragrance-free formula is suitable for all skin types, but especially beneficial for those with dry or dehydrated skin.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
Another internet favorite is this FAB moisturizer, famous for its ability to deliver deep hydration to even the driest of skin types.
One of its key ingredients is colloidal oatmeal, which forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and locking in hydration.
It also contains shea butter, a nourishing ingredient packed with vitamins and fatty acids, that softens the skin and provides a boost of hydration. And ceramides, which replenish the skin’s barrier function and overall hydration levels.
But what really sets it apart is its rich, thick texture, which sinks deeply into the skin to provide long-lasting hydration, without leaving behind any greasy or heavy residue.
Its formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from drying alcohols, mineral oils, parabens, and artificial fragrances, making it suitable for sensitive skin and even skin with eczema.
How to choose the best facial moisturizer
Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or aging skin, there is a moisturizer out there that will suit your needs.
When selecting a moisturizer, consider:
- Your skin type: As you can see, there are moisturizers specifically formulated for every skin type, so choose one that will work well with your skin;
- The ingredients: Opt for hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, pantenol, or others. And if you have sensitive skin, avoid fragrances or other irritating ingredients;
- Skin concerns: some moisturizers target specific needs, like oiliness, wrinkles, or dullness. This way, you can hydrate your skin and attend to your other concerns at the same time;
- Texture: Some people prefer a gel-like texture, others a rich texture or even a fluid, choose something that will work well with your skincare routine.
Conclusion
We hope you found the perfect facial moisturizer for you, for your skin type and concern.
If none of these moisturizers suits your needs, please, consider the characteristics that we showed you before. By considering them, you can’t go wrong.
Whatever your skin type, we hope we helped you pick your next favorite daily moisturizer.