Consensus is rare — but when it comes to skin care, dermatologists agree: moisturizers, like sunscreen, are a critical component of any daily skin care routine. They not only prevent dryness and irritation, but they’re crucial for repairing and maintaining your skin barrier, according to experts we spoke with.
Finding the right formula for your skin type, texture and age may take a little trial and error, however. That’s why we set out to find the absolute best face moisturizers on the market right now. My colleagues and I tested more than 135 formulas over the course of almost five months and ranked our top 100. Below, I share more about our testing criteria and methodology for creating this list, followed by our official ranking of the 100 best face moisturizers of 2025.
SKIP AHEAD How we chose our contenders | What we considered | Methodology | Our ranking | Top 20 | Why trust NBC Select?
How we chose our contenders
Our final testing list of more than 135 formulas was based on our previous reporting (on the best moisturizers for dry skin, mature skin, night creams and skin barrier creams), as well as our Wellness Award winners. Our team also nominated brands they wanted to test including moisturizers they already use and love as well as new formulations they were curious to try. We spent weeks researching well-liked, top-selling contenders prior to testing. We did all the groundwork so you don’t have to.
When considering moisturizers to test, we focused on day and night creams, and excluded formulas with AHAs or BHAs, retinol and acids. We tested moisturizers with SPF and some without; we also tried some with vitamin C. We mostly focused on creams specifically designed for the face, though we did try some multiuse formulas you can use across your body, hands, and neck.
We made sure to include formulas at various price points and also tried to sample as many brands as possible. We considered drugstore options, like Cerave and Cetaphil, with equal thought and care as more expensive options from SkinCeuticals and Biossance, for example.
What we considered
While our team’s formula preferences differ as it pertains to their skin tone, texture and concerns, we asked them to consider the same criteria when evaluating each moisturizer. Every entry could earn a maximum of three points per category:
- Scent: Is it fragrance free? If not, was it overwhelming, bothersome or irritating? We awarded more points to unscented formulas.
Consistency: We gave higher scores to thicker, less-diluted moisturizers. For gels, we considered whether the formulas were cooling or too watery.
- Absorption: Did the moisturizer penetrate the skin, and if so, how quickly? Did it leave us oily or shiny? We prioritized fast-absorbing options.
- Wear over time: We gave more points to formulas that kept our skin hydrated throughout the day and overnight. We subtracted points if it resulted in oiliness and paid particular attention to how soft our skin was while testing certain formulas.
- Packaging: We evaluated how well the pump or tub dispensed the products. Were there leaks? For pumps, did too much or too little come out at a time? For aluminum-tubed products, we also noted whether the casing cracked or ripped, which often happens.
- Value: Is it worth the cost in terms of quality and size?
- Effectiveness: Did the product solve or exacerbate a skin care issue we were having?
- Rebuy factor: We received almost all of the moisturizers for free from brands as courtesy samples; we subsequently asked our editors to consider whether they would buy these formulas on their own. And if so, was that conditional on having a gift card or discount available?
Methodology
Our team tried more than 135 moisturizers over four months in the depths of winter in New York City. (As noted above, we received almost all of the moisturizers for free from brands as courtesy samples.) We considered every editor’s skin type when distributing products and assigned them formulas that would not knowingly irritate their skin.
At least two editors tried every product. In doing so, every editor used each moisturizer for at least three days — both day and night — and then provided feedback by assigning points based on the above criteria as well as provided qualitative commentary. The higher the score, the better the product performed in our ranking.
After using quantitative data to get an initial rank based on average scores, we adjusted the placement of certain moisturizers after assessing editor notes, availability and price point. We tried to include as many brands as possible — only 13 brands have multiple entries.
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Our ranking
100: Pink Moon Capricorn Moisturizer
99: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50
98: Monika Blunder Beauty Undercover Face Creme
96: Indie Lee Retinol Alternative Cream
94: EltaMD Skin Recovery Light Moisturizer
93: Grown Alchemist Skin Renewal Day Cream
92: Bareminerals Ageless 10% Phyto ProCollagen Firming Anti-Age Cream
91: HH Science Balanced Skin Lightweight Oil-Free Moisturizer
90: HH Science Antioxidant Facial Cream
89: Alo Beauty Luminizing Face Moisturizer
88: Derma E Vitamin C Renewing Moisturizer
87: Rhode Barrier Restore Cream
86: Jackfir The Classic Daily Facial Moisturizer
85: Perricone MD High Potency Classics Retinol Recovery Overnight Moisturizer
84: Revision Skincare D.E.J. Face Cream
83: Inside Beauty Antioxidant Moisturizer
82: Deinde Moisture-Locking Face Stick
81: Bioré UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer
80: Bareminerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Face Cream
79: Peach Slices Snail Rescue Moisturizer
78: The A Method C Glow Moisturizer
76: Retrouvé Intensive Replenishing Facial Moisturizer
75: Versed Rich Moisture Cream
74: SkinMedica Dermal Repair Cream
73: Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream
72: Weleda Skin Food Face Care Nourishing Day Cream
71: Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Refillable Moisturizer
70: Violette_Fr Boum Boum Milk
69: The Outset Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer
68: Violets Are Blue Enzyme Jelly Hydra Mask
67: Kora Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Firming Moisturizer
66: Farmacy Daily Greens Oil Free Gel Face Moisturizer
65: Lanolips 101 Dry Skin Super Cream
64: Thayers Let’s Be Clear Water Cream
63: Olehenriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer
62: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
61: Dieux Air Angel Hydrating Gel Cream
60: SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture
59: Peach & Lily Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream
58: Topicals Like Butter Moisturizer
57: Glossier Priming Moisturizer
56: 760 Skin Dew or Dry Moisturizer
54: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
53: Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide
51: Erno Laszlo Firmarine Moisturizer SPF 30
50: Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream
49: Avené Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
48: Lancer Skincare The Method: Nourish Women’s Anti-Aging Moisturizer
47: Byoma Moisturizing Rich Cream
45: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Cream
44: Cosrx Snail Mucin 92% Repair Cream
43: Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Probiotic Gel-Cream
41: Epicuren Discovery Facial Emulsion Enzyme Moisturizer
40: Farmacy Honey Halo Ceramide Face Moisturizer Cream
39: Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Cream
38: Skin by Dr. Sethi Ultra Glow Moisturizer
37: Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream SPF 20
36: Roc Barrier Renew Night Moisturizer
35: Roc Barrier Renew Day Cream with SPF 30
34: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
33: PCA Skin Hydraluxe Moisturizer
32: Summer Fridays Rich Cushion Cream
31: Kat Burki Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream
30: Osea Collagen Dream Night Cream
29: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
28: Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Moisturizer
27: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Firming Moisturizer
26: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream
25: Filorga Global-Repair Advanced Daily Face Cream
24: Good.Clean.Goop Nutrient-Rich Daily Moisturizer
23: Joanna Vargas Eden Hydrating Pro Moisturizer
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Top 20
20: Mighty Patch Clear Collective Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer
I love Mighty Patch's vibrant yellow packaging, it always immediately catches my eye in my cabinet. I have dry, sensitive and rosacea-prone skin and this is a great fragrance-free option that I reliably use in the morning. It has a super lightweight, lotion-like texture that my skin quickly absorbs, making it easy to apply under my makeup. (It prevents dry skin flakiness from ruining my foundation, too). Admittedly, it’s not the most hydrating, so its not one I’d use on my driest days or during the winter, but it does the job when I want something light that won’t leave me shiny or greasy. The yellow tube is also transparent, so I can see exactly how much product I have left and know when I’ll need to repurchase. – Mili Godio, updates editor
Size: 0.5 oz., 2.36 oz. | Best for: normal, dry, combination and oily skin | Key ingredients: glycerin
19: Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream
Dermalogica’s lightweight cream was great for my combination skin. In the winter, my face becomes bone dry — like that scene in “SpongeBob SquarePants” where he shrivels up and acts like he doesn’t need water. This cream is easy to blend in and helps hydrate my skin during harsh winter days. It was a bit too lightweight for my skin, however. I would sometimes become dry after only a few hours, so it didn’t rank higher on our list. – Jordan Bowman, commerce editor
Size: 1.7 oz. | Best for: dry, combination skin | Key ingredients: glycerin, squalane
18: Curology Barrier Balm
When I first tried this balm, I was shocked by how quickly and easily it melted into my skin. I’m prone to getting flaky, dry patches all over my face, especially during the colder months, and this moisturizer healed them almost instantly. It’s occlusive, which means it sits on top of the skin and acts as a barrier to keep moisture locked in, so I only use it when dealing with really dry skin since it feels oily (almost like Vaseline) and can get a bit sticky, which I didn’t love. However, unlike other occlusive balms I’ve tried, it’s lightweight and easy to apply. I like using it on my hands nearly every day to keep them soft and hydrated, and the mini size is small enough to throw in a bag or pocket quickly. – Godio
Size: 0.9 oz., 1.6 oz. | Best for: dry, sensitive skin | Key ingredients: shea butter, hyaluronic acid
17: Bubble Cloud Surf Water Cream Moisturizer
The vibrant packaging was the first thing I noticed about this moisturizer — it made me excited to try what was inside. Before I could do so, I had to battle with the cream formula's push-pump applicator, which, in my experience, is usually messy and leaves excess product pouring out from the pump. This pump was more controlled than others I’ve tried, but still gave me a little too much product with each use, which is why this didn't rank higher on our list.
When it comes to the formula itself a little goes a long way: It has a light, almost airy texture that's easy to spread across my skin with no feelings of heaviness (my no. 1 issue with most moisturizers).
Despite its lightweight feel, my skin’s moisture levels lasted throughout the day. The natural finish also works well with balancing my skin’s oiliness — however during hotter weather, I’d probably reach for a less dewy option. – Ashley Morris, associate SEO reporter
Size: 1.7 oz. | Best for: normal, combo and sensitive skin | Key ingredients: glycerin
16: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
The first thing I noticed about this cream was how small the tub was. The second thing I noticed was how great my skin felt with even a small amount of this cream. It’s extremely hydrating, absorbs instantly and doesn’t feel heavy. As someone who is sensitive to the weight of moisturizers, that was a huge bonus for me. It’s also unscented, which is something I tend to look for in face cream. Overall, it made my skin feel healthier and look less dull. It didn’t resolve any of my acne pop ups or discoloration, but I also didn’t notice it contributing to any sort of irritation either. - Rosalie Sparaco, senior social media editor
Size: 1.7 oz. | Best for: normal, dry, combination and oily skin | Key ingredients: squalane, glycerin
15: Tower28 SOS Recovery Cream
This moisturizer is simple but still gets the job done. It has all the ingredients I want in a barrier repair cream, but unlike other options I tested during this process, it has a lightweight consistency. It instantly feels dewy on my skin, and I notice that my eczema flare-ups have less redness and irritation.
It doesn’t take up much space in my bags, either, but its small size might be a con for some. Since I have dry skin, I tend to go through moisturizers quickly, so I run out of this faster than other options. Given the price, I wish it were a little bigger. - Bianca Alvarez, associate reporter
Size: 1.86 oz | Best for: all skin types | Key ingredients: ceramides, hyaluronic acid
14: Thayer’s Barrier Bestie Ultra Whip Cream
I started testing this moisturizer in the transition from winter to spring when my skin was at its driest, and it kept my face well hydrated. The rich, thick texture prevented my skin from drying out during the day and left my face feeling smooth. It’s one of the few moisturizers I tried that I found to be actually fragrance-free, which is important since my skin is easily irritated. Overall, it’s a dependable moisturizer, but I wouldn’t wear it year round since it’s rather thick. - Rebecca Rodriguez, editorial project manager
Size: 1.86 oz | Best for: all skin types | Key ingredients: ceramides, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum
13: Itk Prebiotic Gel Moisturizer
Because this moisturizer smells similar to the one my facialist uses, I am instantly transported to a spa whenever I spread this over my skin. The scent is mild, which I appreciate as someone who doesn't want to use a face cream that smells like a fragrant hand lotion. I only needed a tiny amount to cover my face (the brand recommends a blueberry-sized dot), and it didn’t leak out of the lid’s opening when I flipped the bottle over despite its thinner texture. It hydrated my skin and didn’t irritate it at all. For about $15, I’d throw a tube of this cream in my cart if I ran out and saw it at the store, but it’s only available at Walmart, making quick refills challenging. - Zoe Malin, reporter
Size: 2 oz. | Best for: acne-prone and oily skin | Key ingredients: prebiotics, niacinamide, squalane, glycerin
12: Tata Harper Water Lock Moisturizer
The Water Lock Moisturizer from Tata Harper strikes a great balance between luxe packaging and efficacy. Its shiny gold lid, rounded container and the airless pump-style dispenser are reminiscent of high-end cosmetic brands. That said, the product isn’t all looks — it’s a good moisturizer for people with combination or oily skin, and it has a delightful yet subtle green tea scent that isn’t overpowering. When I used this at night, it gave me a decent amount of coverage and moisture through the morning, even around my nose and cheeks, where I get dry. From a practical standpoint, the short cylindrical shape fits nicely in my small cabinet, though it retails for $68, which is on the more expensive side. - Cory Fernandez, commerce editor
Size: 1.7 oz | Best for: oily and combination skin | Key ingredients: peptides, hyaluronic acid
11: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Is it the sexiest product? No. But I love it so much that I bought the biggest tub available and proudly display it on my bathroom sink. When everything else fails me (and my skin), the Vanicream Daily Moisturizer will bring it back to life. It’s on the thicker side but won’t clog pores and is absolutely fabulous for my dry, flaking, peeling skin.
This is one of very few products that I will always buy again when it runs out — my skin practically craves it when it’s gone. - Lauren Swanson, editorial director
Size: 3 oz. | Best for: sensitive skin | Key ingredients: squalane, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
10: Colleen Rothschild Sheer Renewal Cream
One of the things I love most about this cream is that it’s actually not much of a cream at all — it’s so lightweight that it feels a lot more like a lotion, especially given how easily it absorbs into my skin. As a lifelong oily-skin girl, I always struggle to find a non-mattifying moisturizer that can keep my skin balanced and hydrated. I like that this leaves a slightly dewy finish that makes my skin look (and feel) refreshed, without any excess oiliness. I usually wait about two minutes between steps in my skin care routine, but this cream absorbed so quickly into my skin that I could apply my sunscreen almost immediately afterward. On hotter days it does tend to get slightly greasy when combined with some SPFs, however. – Morris
Size: 2.5 fl oz | Best for: normal, oily and combination skin | Key ingredients: lactic acid
9: Olay Micro-Sculpting Cream
There’s a reason Olay remains a household name: During the testing process, I went back to this moisturizer repeatedly because it kept my skin hydrated, making it look vibrant and smooth. After using it once, I immediately noticed a brighter, more even skin tone, and with repeated use I could see my skin becoming firmer and lifted. As someone with rosacea and eczema-prone skin, I am wary of what I put on my face, but Olay’s Microsculpting Cream was gentle. I found the texture thin and lightweight without feeling watery, which made a little go a long way on my face and neck. The tub packaging lets me take just what I need and easily put back any excess. — Rodriguez
Size: 1.7 oz. | Best for: normal, oily and dry skin | Key ingredients: glycerin, niacinamide
8: Cerave Moisturizing Cream
Without a doubt, this moisturizer from Cerave is one of the only moisturizers my sensitive, dry and eczema-prone skin can tolerate. It has a fast-absorbing, thick consistency (not ointment-like, though), which made my eczema patches look and feel less like a desert landscape.
It’s also free of common irritants (like added fragrances) and has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, which gives me peace of mind because I know it won’t worsen my flare-ups.
A little bit goes such a long way, so one tub lasts me a couple of months. Since it’s in tub form, you have to scoop it out, which can be messy — it’s one of the reasons it wasn’t higher on our list. — Alvarez
Size: 12 oz., 16 oz. and 19 oz. | Best for: normal to dry skin | Key ingredients: ceramides, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum
7: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
We love this barrier repair cream so much that we gave it an NBC Select Wellness Award. And for good reason: It has a thick, creamy texture so a little goes a long way, and it doesn't feel greasy or heavy on the skin. Since I have moderate rosacea, I pay very close attention to what I put on my face — this cream fits the bill if you need a sensitive skin-friendly product. Not only is it fragrance-free, but it also managed to calm any redness, small bumps and dryness from my rosacea overnight. I loved lathering this on in the winter since it could get rid of dry patches that formed throughout my day by the next morning. – Godio
Size: 1.7 oz. | Best for: normal, dry, combination and oily skin | Key ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, niacinamide
6: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
The Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb is a recent NBC Select Wellness Award winner and one of the better face moisturizers I tried during this process. My skin felt like it was hydrated for hours, with no dry patches or flakiness on my face. It’s lightweight, so I was surprised by how effective it was. I expected to blend it into my face without much noticeable change, but it worked almost immediately. My skin felt replenished and I kept turning back to this, even after testing other moisturizers. — Bowman
Size: 0.84 oz., 1.69 oz., 3.38 oz. | Best for: oily and combination skin | Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
5: Cetaphil Healthy Renew Night Cream
As anyone who uses a prescription topical acne medication knows, dryness is often a side effect. It’s something I’ve struggled with throughout the years I’ve used Tretinoin, so on nights when I don’t apply the medication, I slather my face in this night cream. It’s thicker and creamier than my day cream, but not as rich as a standard barrier balm, and leaves my skin feeling extra hydrated. It’s never irritated my sensitive skin when it’s super raw (which it tends to be in the winter), or caused clogged pores or breakouts. It’s definitely a repeat buy for me. — Malin
Size: 1.7 oz. | Best for: all skin types | Key ingredients: peptides, vitamins B3 and B5, botanical extracts
4: Biossance Squalane & Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
As a skin care fanatic, having the opportunity to test out dozens of moisturizers was really exciting — until my skin started freaking out. This Biossance gel moisturizer was one of the few that didn’t give me any breakouts or irritation, and in fact, was a formula I kept coming back to in between testing other options as a way to calm my skin down. It’s genuinely fragrance-free and has an instant cooling effect that feels quite calming on the skin. It has that perfect Goldilocks consistency, too — it’s not too thick or watery. I only wish it was a bit cheaper. — Lindsay Schneider, commerce editor
Size: 1.35 oz., 3.38 oz. | Best for: sensitive, dry, normal and combination skin | Key ingredients: ceramides, niacinamide
3: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
I’m very picky about what moisturizer I put on my face daily. I have dry, sensitive skin prone to breakouts, and since I use prescription acne medication (Tretinoin), I need moisturizers that are simple, hydrating and free from artificial scents and fragrances. La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer meets all my requirements, which is a tall order. It doesn’t have a scent and my skin absorbs it quickly so I can put makeup over it after about a minute. The moisturizer also spreads well — I only have to use a small amount at a time, so I foresee my tube lasting me a while. Plus, I threw it in my toiletry bag while traveling and its cap stayed closed the whole time without any issues. — Malin
Size: 1.35 oz., 3.38 oz. | Best for: sensitive, dry, normal and combination skin | Key ingredients: ceramides, niacinamide
2: Glossier After Baume
I’ve tried many moisturizers during my journey on isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane. My sensitive, dry skin frequently flakes and peels, so I flock to super-thick creams. The Glossier After Baume is just that and then some — it helps my skin’s moisture level last all day, which is rare for me.
As a pro tip, scoop the product out of the tin and warm it in your hands. It blends better into my skin when it has a little added warmth. — Swanson
Size: 1.7 oz., 4.2 oz. | Best for: dry and/or sensitive skin | Key ingredients: glycerin
1: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for Dry to Very Dry Skin
Under this bright green lid is a moisturizer that can handle any and everything: cracked knuckles, dry elbows, sensitive temples, you name it. Every time, it leaves my skin feeling refreshed, without a trace of fragrance or sheen.
It feels thick and rich as it comes out of the jar, with an aroma barely registering on my nose. Everyone on our staff who tried this found it simple, reliable and nourishing, regardless of their skin type.
It may not exactly scream “spa day,” but that’s not the Cetaphil brand. It is a drugstore staple and a household essential for a reason: It’s a cream for everybody and every budget. — Harry Rabinowitz, reporter
Size: 1 oz., 3 oz., 8.8 oz., 16 oz., 20 oz. | Best for: dry and/or sensitive skin | Key ingredients: niacinamide, glycerin, petroleum jelly
Meet our experts
At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York City.
- Dr. William W. Huang, MPH, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and an adjunct professor in the Department of Dermatology at Duke University School of Medicine.
- Dr. Nkem Ugonabo, MPH, is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City and an assistant professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s dermatology division.
Why trust NBC Select?
Lindsay Schneider is an editor for NBC Select with more than 8 years of experience in the lifestyle media space. For this package, our staff tested 135+ face moisturizers for almost five months to find their favorites. We considered popular drugstore brands as well as bestselling options from higher-end brands and ranked our top contenders.
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