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Maintaining a supple complexion can be a challenge despite our best efforts (humidifiers, masks, more water, less wine). But finding the right moisturizer for your skin type makes a big difference.
So we’ve looked at the ingredients lists and rounded up the best face moisturizers for all skin types, including some of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman’s personal picks (none of which he’s affiliated with, by the way — he just happens to think they’re great) and some of the Cut Shop editors’ favorites, too (since testing all of these products is our literal job).
So, you’re looking for the best face moisturizers?
➼ FAQs
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
➼ Our experts
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Our top picks:
The Most Popular Moisturizer
Pros: Affordable and effective.
Cons: Consistency might be too thick for some.
Size: 2.5 fl oz
Skin type: Dry skin
This moisturizer has achieved cult status. It’s been mentioned many times on the Cut as a favorite of Julia Roberts, Victoria Beckham, makeup artists, models, authors, and more. People laud its thickness and the dewy sheen it leaves behind (some people even use it instead of highlighter). It’s primarily meant for the face and body, but it can also be used on the hands, hair, and anyplace else.
The Most Soothing Moisturizer
Pros: Great for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
Cons: Formula might be too thick for some.
Size: 12 fl oz
Skin type: Sensitive and dry
If your skin is flaky and irritated, you will love this rich, soothing moisturizer. It’s a little on the heavier side, so it’s a good pick for those going through the “Retinoid Uglies” (Sephora reviewers also note that it’s great for anyone using Accutane). It’s formulated with shea butter and colloidal oatmeal, which is known to relieve itching.
The Moisturizer That Does It All
Pros: Formula jam-packed with ingredients that target so much more than moisture.
Cons: Tends to leave a white cast.
Size: 2 fl oz
Skin type: Dry skin
This moisturizer does everything. It has a very hydrating base of glycerin and shea butter. In addition, it contains SPF 50, a healthy dose of antioxidants from coffee seed and apples, and tone-boosting ingredients like niacinamide and licorice. Reviewers of all skin tones note that it blends in nicely, without any sort of gray cast. If you forget to apply sunscreen every day, this is a good pick.
The Best Seller
Pros: Non-greasy and extra moisturizing.
Cons: Price point.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Skin type: Oily and combination skin
Over the summer, this cream quickly became Sephora’s best-selling moisturizer and sold out twice. It has a gel texture that instantly becomes a rich, silky moisturizer on skin contact, and it moisturizes without getting greasy.
The Best Moisturizer for Almost Any Skin Type
Pros: High-quality formula that brings great results.
Cons: Expensive.
Size: 2 fl oz
Skin type: Combination and acne prone skin
If your skin type is normal, oily, or combination, this best-selling lightweight moisturizer is for you. It’s packed with glycerin, which was one of the must-have ingredients on Hartman’s list. Others include vitamin E and algae extracts to nourish, hydrate, and minimize pores. It has more than 500 five-star reviews, which claim it goes on smooth, doesn’t cause irritation, and isn’t greasy. Plus a little goes a long way with this one.
The Best-Value Moisturizer
Pros: Affordable and lightweight enough for those with oily skin.
Cons: You go through a jar fast.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Skin type: Dry and acne-prone skin
Ideal for those who want moisture yet worry about breaking out, this moisturizer absorbs almost instantly so that your skin feels softer, nourished, and not at all greasy. The gel-cream consistency spreads evenly, but feels more like a liquid once applied. It is also one of the least expensive moisturizers on this list and has over 34,000 five-star Amazon ratings.
The Best Mattifying Moisturizer
Pros: Lightweight
Cons: Reviewers wish they would get more ounces considering the price.
Size: 1.35 fl oz
Skin type: Acne-prone skin
Another rec from Hartman is this lightweight formula that restores the skin’s barrier without increasing oiliness, leaving a nice finish. It reduces visible pores and leaves a soft matte look if you struggle with excess oil and shine. The pore-minimizing effect also makes it an excellent base for makeup. As for the customer feedback, one reviewer with acne-prone combination skin called it “unparalleled perfection” after giving it a whirl.
The Best Moisturizer for Your Skin Barrier
Pros: Brings a squeeze key so you use the product until the last drop.
Cons: Formula is not as friendly for acne-prone skin.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Skin type: Dry skin
If you want a moisturizer that’s just as good as the Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore, but you don’t want to drop $100-plus, try Dieux’s Instant Angel instead. Not only our senior shopping editor, Bianca Nieves, swears by it but so does our deputy editor, Jen Ortiz, and our fashion writer, Danya Issawi.
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More tried-and-true options:
The Best Two-in-One Moisturizer
Pros: Affordable, has SPF, and is long-lasting.
Cons: Might be too greasy for some skin types.
Size: 3 fl oz
Skin type: All skin types
For those of you who like to do the bare minimum but still want to protect your skin, this is the option for you. Apply this before heading out the door and Hartman says you’ll get moisture from the ceramides along with essential sunscreen protection thanks to the SPF 30. It has a 4.5-star rating out of five, and thousands of reviewers say it’s long lasting and absorbs quickly.
The Simplest Fragrance-Free Moisturizer
Pros: Fragrance-free.
Cons: The formula has been updated, much to the disdain of loyal customers.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Skin type: Dry and aging skin
It’s not the flashiest of moisturizers, but this one has a long-standing reputation in the beauty world — it works really well and has zero scent. (It also has almost 9,000 four-star reviews on Amazon). One swipe of the hyaluronic acid and niacinamide-rich formula deeply moisturizes for supersoft complexion. Hartman stresses the importance of avoiding fragrances if you have sensitive skin.
The Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
Pros: Can be used on adults and infants thanks to its soothing properties.
Cons: On the pricier side for a drugstore option.
Size: 1.3 fl oz
Skin type: Dry and sensitive skin
Those with chronic eczema praise this cream for its ability to heal and soothe particularly stubborn patches. It is a French drugstore find that contains thermal spring water (known for its healing properties), but also has clinical results that back up its effectiveness at repairing the skin barrier. It’s so soothing that it’s even suitable to use on infants.
The Best Moisturizer for Really Dry Skin
Pros: Dry skin is no match for this cream.
Cons: The thick formula and fragrance can be a bit much for some.
Size: 1.69 fl oz
Skin type: Dry skin
This moisturizer is chock-full of ceramides, the good “fat” for your skin that helps strengthen the moisture barrier and keeps hydration from leaking out of your pores. It contains five different kinds and has nearly 900 five-star reviews, calling it “intense” and a “must-try for dry skin types.”
The Luxury Moisturizer
Pros: Incredibly moisturizing. A little goes a long way.
Cons: Pricey, and fragrance might be strong for some.
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Skin type: Dry skin
The price tag is steep, but celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Nicole Kidman swear by this moisturizer (J.Lo was rumored to use it as a body moisturizer). Its origin story is legendary and involves psychics, a mystery NASA scientist, fake-death conspiracy theories, and more. La Mer’s proprietary “Miracle Broth” is made with seaweed and allegedly works to smooth fine lines, shrink pores, and restore radiance. Most effective on very, very dry skin, the dense cream melts when applied. Celebrity makeup artists like Hung Vanngo use this on their clients like Chrissy Teigen and Selena Gomez.
The Fashion-Favorite Moisturizer
Pros: Editor-approved thanks to its super-hydrating properties.
Cons: Price point.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Skin type: Dry skin
This velvety cream feels great and absorbs quickly to replenish very dry skin. It contains hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants that purportedly boost collagen and smooth fine lines when your skin is looking less than great. Celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury says she’s used this cream for years at fashion shows and on photo shoots with her loyal clients like Amal Clooney and Kate Moss.
The Shea-Butter-Infused Moisturizer
Pros: Subtle scent; moisturizes and heals acne scars.
Cons: Might be too thick for some.
Size: 2 fl oz
Skin type: Dry skin
Buttah was created to treat melanin-rich skin and everyday skin issues like dryness and discoloration. This moisturizer is especially great for colder months because of its 100 percent-shea-butter base and ingredients like hyaluronic acid. It feels thick but deeply soothes and hydrates the skin. Shea butter is made of several types of fatty acids and is known to be anti-inflammatory, with studies showing it can also be beneficial in healing acne scars. This cream has a subtle yet pleasing natural shea-butter scent.
The Fancy Moisturizer
Pros: Works wonders on all skin types.
Cons: Pricey.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Dubbed the “new La Mer” by some, this very fancy moisturizer is beloved by celebrities (like Melanie Griffith and Diane Kruger), fashion people, and beauty editors alike. It comes with its own mythical-sounding origin story, and no one is quite sure how it works — but lots of people swear by it for giving them better-looking, smoother, and what they describe as younger-looking skin.
The Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Pros: Nonirritating.
Cons: Might be too light for those with drier skin.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Skin type: Oily and acne-prone skin
If the phrase “oil free” is soothing to your heart, this moisturizer is for you. Despite not containing oil, it’s still extremely moisturizing, thanks to mix of four types of hyaluronic acid. It’s very positively reviewed on Sephora, with hundreds of people praising it as being the absolute best for oily skin. If you struggle with breakouts, Hartman also recommends gel moisturizers since they glide on easily and won’t irritate the acne on your face.
The Fancy Moisturizer for Darker Skin Tones
Pros: Great for darker skin tones.
Cons: Pricey.
Size: 1.69 fl oz
Skin type: Oily and combination skin
Dr. Barbara Sturm has a cult following, and you should believe the hype of the reviews flooding your Instagram feed from people such as Chrissy Rutherford and Danielle Prescod. Formulated specifically for darker skin tones and containing ingredients like African whitewood bark and magnolia to reduce excess oils, this face cream really hydrates the skin.
The Best Brightening Moisturizer
Pros: Moisturizes and brightens skin.
Cons: Despite its hydrating nature, we find it ideal for your a.m. routine rather than your p.m. routine.
Size: 1.69 fl oz
Skin type: Dry and aging skin
We love a moisturizer that can do it all. This one from Eadem gives you the opportunity to cut a few extra serums out of your routine if you want brighter skin. The airy whipped formula promises to brighten skin over time with niacinamide. Plus it features ceramides and glycerin to help nourish the skin and lock in moisture.
The Dermatologist-Approved One (Literally)
Pros: Helps correct dark spots.
Cons: It goes out of stock frequently.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Skin type: Dry skin
Leave it to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss to create a moisturizer that hydrates your skin while also prevents future discoloration. Our senior shopping editor loves to pair hers with the brand’s Major Fade Hyper Serum.
The Best for Flare-ups
Pros: Light but moisturizing and works great under makeup.
Cons: You will want a bigger tube.
Size: 1.86 fl oz
Skin type: Dry and sensitive skin
Another holy grail for people with sensitive skin. If you loved the brand’s SOS spray, then you’ll love the moisturizer. Made with the same ingredients, this product is great when you have flare-ups or your skin needs to recover. Our shopping writer, Chinea Rodriguez, vouches for it.
The One That’s Like Whipped Cream
Pros: Fun to apply and lightweight
Cons: Users note it has been reformulated and has a stronger scent.
Size: 2 fl oz
Skin type: Oily and combination skin
Managing editor Rachel Bashein recommends this nice but light moisturizer from Youth to the People.
The Makeup-Artist Favorite
Pros: Highly moisturizing.
Cons: Packaging can become tricky once you use most of the product.
Size: 2.54 fl oz
Skin type: Dry skin
Peep into any makeup artist’s bag, and you’ll see a shriveled-up tube of this French moisturizing staple. It works great as primer and will leave your skin plump and ready to get glammed up without having to worry about creases and dry patches.
The Peptide-Infused One
Pros: The peptide-infused formula promotes firm, supple skin.
Cons: It’s oil-free and a few reviewers have said it’s not super-hydrating.
Size: 2.5 fl oz
Skin type: Acne-prone skin
Celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden is the force behind many of the world’s most famous faces. Launched this year, the oil-free moisturizer is a blend of peptides, shea butter, squalane, and glycerin for a rich yet non-greasy feel. Former beauty director-at-large Maya Allen swears by its hydrating powers and says she wakes up to bouncy, refreshed skin. Ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin, this product is the key to a luminous, I-woke-up-like-this glow.
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FAQs
Is using a moisturizer essential in a skin-care routine?
Yes. A moisturizer balances your production of sebum, the natural oily substance produced by the skin, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman. “Sebum is essential because it helps lubricate the skin and protect its moisture barrier,” he says. “When skin is dry, the body ramps up the production of sebum, which can lead to an increase in acne.”
Which ingredients should you look for in a moisturizer?
Hartman lists hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides as important. Hyaluronic acid increases the skin’s moisture level and traps water in the skin, and it can help boost the skin’s elasticity. Glycerin is also a hydration booster, while ceramides protect your skin barrier from external pollutants and irritants.
Which step is moisturizing in a skin-care routine?
Hartman also insists that you apply a moisturizer every day — once in the morning and once in the evening, especially during the colder, dryer months. And if you like to incorporate a plethora of other products into your routine, you should apply your serum first, then your moisturizer, then an oil and your sunscreen in the morning. At night, moisturizer should go after a serum or a retinol.
Do you need to use a sunscreen if your moisturizer has SPF?
A two-in-one moisturizer shouldn’t stop you from applying more sunscreen. You need to apply more to help prevent skin damage. As usual, the sunscreen should be the last step in your skin-care routine.
Should you change moisturizers each season?
It depends. During fall and winter, our skin tends to be drier and needs extra emollients to compensate, so you may want to go with a thicker formula. While in spring and summer, the weather tends to be more humid and you can use a lighter one or a gel so your skin doesn’t feel too clogged.
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Our experts:
- Lauren Adhav, Cut Shop contributor and former associate fashion editor at Cosmopolitan
- Dr. Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist
- Bianca Nieves, senior shopping editor at the Cut
- Chinea Rodriguez, Cut Shop beauty and fashion writer
- Asia Milia Ware, junior beauty and fashion writer at the Cut
