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Everyone needs to moisturize, whether your skin is dry, oily, or a combination of both; along with cleanser, facial moisturizer is one of the basic building blocks of any good skin-care routine. No matter the ingredients in a specific formulation, the function of a moisturizer is to help your skin hold on to its moisture and prevent it from drying out, a key component to ensure a healthy, robust skin barrier. But some moisturizers go above and beyond, helping to mattify oily spots, soothe inflammation, or smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. They come with a wide range of price tags, from no-frills drugstore lotions to opulent creams. But effective options are available at every price point; ultimately, the best moisturizer for you will depend on your individual preferences, skin-care needs, and budget.
As a beauty writer who’s been skimming skin-care forums for over a decade and tracking buzzy ingredients and testing products for the Strategist for the last three years, I’ve experimented with moisturizers from all over the map, starting with the Cetaphil lotions I picked up at Target as a teen before graduating to the splurgier options I often treat myself to now. To compile this list of the best facial moisturizers, I combed through the Strategist’s archives to find the most tried-and-true moisturizers that have been recommended to us over and and over again by dermatologists and other skincare experts. Then I spoke to more than 15 dermatologists about their most current favorites for a variety of skin types. If you already know what type of moisturizer you’re looking for, use the table of contents to jump to a specific section; otherwise, read on for what factors you should keep in mind when choosing the right one for you. And if you’re looking for even more tips to optimize your skincare routine, we’ve got you covered with our guides to the best exfoliating washes, sunscreens, and eye creams, too.
Update on November 15, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
What we’re looking for
Texture
The consistency of a moisturizer can range from a watery gel to a midweight lotion to a heavy cream. While dry skin takes well to thicker, more occlusive moisturizers that deliver intense hydration, oily skin tends to benefit from thinner, more lightweight formulas that won’t feel heavy or cause excess greasiness.
Active ingredients
Moisturizer formulations have plenty of variety, but many will contain emollients such as ceramides, which trap and lock in moisture, and humectants, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which draw water to the skin’s surface. A moisturizer’s effectiveness “hinges on formulation, ingredient quality, and skin compatibility,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hope Mitchell of Mitchell Dermatology — so it’s important to choose one that plays nice with your skin type. People with oily or acne-prone skin should seek out formulations that are noncomedogenic and oil free so as not to exacerbate problem areas, while those with sensitive skin should look for an ingredient list that leaves out potential irritants such as dyes, fragrances, and parabens. Many brands will also add extra good-for-skin ingredients such as botanical extracts, mineral water, or shea butter to boost the moisturizer’s soothing, brightening, or hydrating properties.
Also keep in mind that it’s not always wise to go for the products that have the most actives or the highest level of actives. “It’s better to find products that have one or two active ingredients that are very simple and target one specific concern,” advises board-certified dermatologist Dr. David Kim.
Price
Moisturizers are available at just about every price point, whether you’re looking for an ultraluxe option or a wallet-friendly drugstore alternative. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Wallace Nozile admits dermatologists “argue from time to time about the difference” and says it really depends: “Some products do have really good, hard-to-find ingredients in them” or extensive, cutting-edge research and science backing them that makes such products worth the cost. Dr. Kim adds that the texture of a high-end cream is often richer and grants a more sensorial experience when applied. “But I think a lot of cost-effective moisturizers you can find in the drugstore are going to do just as well for you,” Dr. Nozile says.
Whether you’re looking to splash out or keep it economical, we have noted the size and the cost per ounce of each moisturizer listed below, so you can decide which product will work best based on your budget.
Best face moisturizer overall
Texture: Gel-Cream | Active ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid | Price: 1.7 ounces, approx. $9/ounce
Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost has been recommended to us over and over again and has earned a spot in pretty much every moisturizer roundup we’ve published, whether for oily, dry, combination, mature, sunburned, or acne-prone skin. It has been name-checked by over a dozen dermatologists we’ve talked to over the years, including Dr. Caroline Robinson, the CEO and founder of Tone Dermatology, who called out its “lightweight yet hydrating” formula, which contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin to attract water to the skin throughout its layers. Dr. Corey L. Hartman, the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, adds that this moisturizer is hard to beat for its accessibility and price point. No matter what type of skin or skin concerns you have, it’s almost impossible to go wrong with Hydro Boost, which makes it my best overall pick.
Best face moisturizers for oily skin
Best face moisturizers for oily skin overall
Texture: Gel-Cream | Active ingredients: B-L3 lipid complex, niacinamide | Price: 1.7 ounces, approx. $32/ounce
Three dermatologists I spoke to recommended Skinfix’s gel-cream moisturizer for oily skin. “It’s a nice, lightweight moisturizer that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin,” says Dr. Sam Ellis, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Prequel Skin. And Dr. Kim assures us that “it will keep your skin supple and moist without clogging your pores.” The formula includes a barrier lipid complex that absorbs excess oil while repairing the skin’s moisture barrier, along with niacinamide to reduce the appearance of pore size.
Texture: Lightweight cream | Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, mineral water, vitamins B3 & E, squalane | Price: 1.7 ounces, approx. $19/ounce
We named Vichy’s face serum one of the best moisturizers for oily skin, but for even more intense hydration, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick likes this relatively new product from the brand — a cream that combines “all the benefits of the serum with hyaluronic acid and the Vichy volcanic water to really help boost moisture,” she says. Even though it’s a little thicker than a serum, it’s still very lightweight and contains additional ingredients such as squalane and vitamins E and B3 to support the skin barrier.
Best drugstore moisturizer for oily skin
Texture: Gel | Active ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Price: 1.75 ounces, approx. $9/ounce
Rather than a thick, occlusive cream, this CeraVe gel has a light texture that absorbs quickly but still includes the brand’s signature blend of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein. She adds that it can easily be used by those with facial hair, who often have oilier skin owing to higher testosterone levels.
Best mattifying moisturizers for oily skin
Texture: Lotion | Active ingredients: Avocado extract, African yellowwood-bark extract | Price: 1.7 ounces, approx. $29/ounce
Cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose says this Murad moisturizer is especially suited for oily skin thanks to its mattifying agents that help “balance and control the oil production” and reduce the look of pores. As an added benefit, the formula also includes SPF, though Dr. Murphy-Rose does recommend layering additional sun protection on top.
Texture: Lotion | Active ingredients: Zinc, micropearls | Price: 4 ounces, approx. $4/ounce
Dr. Sapna Palep of Spring Street Dermatology likes this Cetaphil moisturizer for its “micropearl” technology, which absorbs surface oil and reduces shine while moisturizing the skin. It’s noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog the pores and potentially cause acne, and it has broad-spectrum SPF for extra UV protection.
Best splurge-worthy moisturizer for oily skin
Texture: Gel-Cream | Active ingredients: Wild rose, Hadasei-3 | Price: 1.7 ounces, approx. $42/ounce
“For oilier skin, the best moisturizers have a lot to do with consistency of the product itself,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Carmen Castilla explains. “You don’t want it to be too thick, or it feels greasy on the skin.” She likes Tatcha’s super-lightweight yet luxurious-feeling Water Cream moisturizer that melts into the skin. It also contains pore-minimizing Japanese wild rose and skin-brightening algae.
Best face moisturizers for dry skin
Best face moisturizers for dry skin overall
Texture: Cream | Active ingredients: Shea butter, allantoin, colloidal oatmeal | Price: 6 ounces, approx. $6/ounce
First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream has a very thick, rich texture that’s also
noncomedogenic, “so it’s not going to block your pores,” explains Dr. Castilla. It’s also a favorite moisturizer of our eczema-prone beauty writer Rio Viera-Newton because it contains colloidal oatmeal for calming inflammation and itchy skin, plus ceramides and shea butter to protect and replenish the skin’s natural barrier.
Texture: Cream | Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamins C & E, BioNymph peptide complex | Price: 1.7 ounces, approx. $59/ounce
“The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream really does help to boost moisture magically,” says Dr. Garshick. It contains a combination of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, and glycerin to draw moisture into the skin and improve its radiance and plumpness. And board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus says the addition of peptides helps support collagen production. Though this one is pricey, the brand does offer refills for $10 less once you finish your first jar.
Best drugstore moisturizers for dry skin
Texture: Cream | Active ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Price: 19 ounces, approx. $1/ounce
A longtime favorite of Strategist readers, this CeraVe cream was crowned the best moisturizer for dry skin thanks to its thick, creamy texture and affordable price point. “It’s just a great overall cream. You can use it everywhere, and it comes in a nice big jar so you get more bang for your buck,” says Dr. Nozile. Dr. Kim agrees, calling it “a must for winter” due to its simple formula that’s packed with ceramides, which help to boost moisture levels and repair skin. It also contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid, staples in moisturizers formulated for dry skin.
Texture: Cream | Active ingredients: Niacinamide, shea butter, ceramides | Price: 13.5 ounces, approx. $1.50/ounce
For those with “ultra-dry alligator skin” like Strategist writer Tembe Denton-Hurst, La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar Balm is so thick she often has to scrape it out of the bottle because it’s too thick for the pump. Those with dry skin often have a compromised skin barrier, but according to Dr. Mitchell, the Lipikar balm performs a “unique prebiotic action on the skin microbiome” that restores and repairs the barrier. It pulls double duty as both a face and body moisturizer, so it “streamlines your routine, and you only need one huge bottle,” says Dr. Castilla. She adds that it’s “gentle and works well for eczema-prone skin, too,” which is why it ended up on our list of the best eczema treatments.
Best splurge-worthy moisturizer for dry skin
Texture: Cream | Active ingredients: TFC8, vitamins A, C, and B5, hydrolyzed rice protein | Price: 1 ounce, approx. $185 per ounce
According to Dr. Kim, Augustinus Bader’s the Cream is packed with plant-based oils such as evening primrose, avocado, and argan to keep skin protected. “It also has vitamin E, which is a great antioxidant that helps remove free radicals,” he says. Aesthetician Joanna Czech calls it “super-repairing” and notes that it “stimulates skin’s natural process of rejuvenation.” We named it one of the best night creams as well for its “plush, pillowy texture,” which goes on smoothly and deeply conditions skin, and fashion designer Phillip Lim told us he uses it year-round because “it’s a perfect weight for both warmer and cooler climates.”
Best face moisturizers for combination skin
Best face moisturizers for combination skin overall
Texture: Cream | Active ingredients: Provitamin B5, liquid-crystal lipids, centella asiatica | Price: 1.6 ounces, approx. $43/ounce
Matter of Fact’s Minimalist moisturizer has a lighter consistency than the brand’s Maximalist moisturizer, which is more suited to dry or dehydrated skin, so “it’s not going to clog pores but it’ll moisturize without feeling heavy,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Claire Wolinsky. She adds that the provitamin B5 and the lipids in the ingredients “deeply condition and support the skin’s barrier.”
Texture: Gel-cream | Active ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, betain | Price: 1.7 ounces, approx. $7/ounce
Dr. Castilla says this oil-free Inkey List moisturizer has a lighter, almost watery texture, so it won’t weigh down oily areas while nourishing dry patches. Among its many hydrating ingredients is niacinamide, which “helps slow down sebum production so you won’t look so oily,” she explains.
Best drugstore moisturizer for combination skin
Texture: Lotion | Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide | Price: 3 ounces, approx. $5/ounce
In choosing an all-in-one product to moisturize combination skin, Dr. Oma Agbai, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, Davis, recommends starting with an oil-free, noncomedogenic moisturizer that can address dry skin “without causing additional oil production,” which describes this CeraVe lotion to a tee. It has an oil-free formula that won’t worsen skin’s oily patches and, as Agbai explains, is cream-based with nonocclusive ingredients that won’t clog pores. The formula includes broad-spectrum SPF to provide extra protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Best mattifying moisturizer for combination skin
Texture: Gel | Active ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide | Price: 2.5 ounces, approx. $9/ounce
If you’re looking for a moisturizer to mattify your oily T-zone and hydrate the dry areas, Dr. Marcus recommends this oil-free option from La Roche-Posay. It’s specifically formulated for oily and combination skin, with a light gel texture that won’t leave skin feeling greasy. The formula includes anti-inflammatory niacinamide and ceramides to support the skin barrier as well as soothing thermal spring water. “It’s fragrance free and doesn’t contain anything irritating,” Dr. Marcus adds.
Best splurge-worthy moisturizer for combination skin
Texture: Cream | Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, urea complex | Price: 1.7 ounces, approx. $88/ounce
Dr. Ope Ofodile, a co-owner of Dermatology and Surgery Specialists of North Atlanta, promises this SkinBetter treatment won’t exacerbate oily spots while it delivers “truly heavy hydration without the weight.” It’s definitely on the pricier side, but many experts swear by the brand; dermatologist Dr. Elyse Love told our friends at the Cut that since her skin is traditionally oily but dry in the winter, she’ll use it when she needs something “highly moisturizing but still very lightweight.” Dr. Garshick adds that it’s easy to use on the neck and chest as well as the face, and according to those who have told us about it, a little goes a long way.
Best face moisturizers for sensitive skin
Best face moisturizer for sensitive skin overall
Texture: Lotion | Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, glycerin | Price: 3 ounces, approx. $4/ounce
Since sensitive skin can easily be triggered by allergens or extraneous ingredients, it’s best to choose a moisturizer that’s as simple and straightforward as possible. This Vanicream moisturizer fits the bill because it’s free of potential irritants such as dyes, fragrance, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers. Dr. Garshick says it’s “very gentle but not too greasy. It won’t clog pores, but it does the job moisturizing and minimizing dryness.”
Best moisturizer for inflammation
Texture: Gel | Active ingredients: Prebiotic oat, feverfew | Price: 1.7 ounces approx. $10/ounce
When sensitive skin has a flare-up, the ingredients in this Aveeno moisturizer will work to calm it. They include prebiotic oat and feverfew, both of which will “help to calm, soothe, and hydrate dry, sensitive, or irritated skin,” says Dr. Mitchell. (Oat extracts are often recommended to treat persistent patches of eczema.) It also contains glycerin and panthenol, a B5 vitamin, to restore the skin’s moisture barrier.
Best face moisturizers for acne-prone skin
Best face moisturizer for acne-prone skin overall
Texture: Cream | Active ingredients: Glycerin, thermal spring water | Price: 1.3 ounces, approx. $17/ounce
If you’re prone to acne and are incorporating actives such as AHAs or BHAs into your skin-care routine, you’ll need a moisturizer that offsets their drying effects. Dr. Wolinsky recommends this calming cream from Avène, which contains nourishing plant triglycerides and thermal spring water, as a great option for anyone simultaneously using acne treatments. “This would be part of your regimen to complement the acne treatments by restoring the skin barrier and helping soothe the irritation so you can maximize the use of ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid,” Dr. Wolinsky explains.
Best mattifying moisturizer for acne-prone skin
Texture: Lotion | Active ingredients: SPF 30, micropearls | Price: 4 ounces, approx. $2.75/ounce
Differin is a popular longtime acne brand. Its most notable ingredient is adapalene, which functions similarly to retinol, so it stands to reason that Differin’s oil-control moisturizer would pair nicely with any acids or retinoids you may have in your routine. This moisturizer contains SPF 30 using oleosome technology, which lowers the concentration of chemical-sunscreen filters that can cause irritation. On the mattifying front, it uses micropearl technology, which absorbs oil and gives skin a matte finish.
Best exfoliating moisturizer for acne-prone skin
Texture: Lotion | Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, willow-bark extract | Price: 1.7 ounces, approx. $26/ounce
If you want to streamline your routine and use a moisturizer that contains active ingredients, Dr. Wolinsky suggests EltaMD’s AM Restore Therapy moisturizer. It contains willow bark to exfoliate the skin very gently — “It’s like the natural salicylic acid,” she explains — as well as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help draw in moisture and support suppleness.
Best face moisturizers for aging skin
Best face moisturizers for aging skin overall
Texture: Rich cream | Active ingredients: Ceramides, fatty acids, natural cholesterol | Price: 1.6 ounces, approx. $94/ounce
Our skin tends to get dryer and thinner as we age and we produce less of our natural lipids, such as cholesterol, pure ceramides, and fatty acids. The SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore moisturizer, which we have written about many times, helps restore some these lost elements. We dubbed it the best option for dry mature skin after it was recommended by dermatologist Dr. Julie Russak, founder of Russak Dermatology Group. Dr. Russak says it restores the natural physiological composition of our cell walls so that “younger, healthier cells can take over.” It contains both ceramides and antioxidants, along with fatty acids and cholesterol, and deeply hydrates without clogging pores.
Texture: Cream | Active ingredients: Chebula, aloe, glycerin, hyaluronic acid | Price: 1.7 ounces, approx. $65/ounce
This True Botanicals cream contains key ingredients such as chebula and acerola cherry, which help maintain hydration, correct the signs of skin aging, and support skin that has been exposed to pollution and blue light. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Daniel Butler says chebula is a potent antioxidant that “works phenomenally well at reversing the stressors that show externally on the skin as we age.” Combined with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, it makes for “a really light and super-hydrating moisturizer” with tons of anti-aging benefits, Dr. Butler says. “Some ultramoisturizing creams feel very heavy on your face, but this one goes on really easily.”
Best drugstore moisturizer for aging skin
Texture: Cream | Active ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide | price: 1.7 ounces, approx. $18/ounce
For those entering their 40s, Dr. Hartman highly suggests adding a retinol product to your skin-care routine, since it can enhance cellular turnover and increase collagen and elasticity in the skin. “It’s the closest thing we have to a holy grail,” he says. “It helps with acne breakouts, it helps with more effective exfoliation, it gets rid of dullness, it helps with fine lines and wrinkles — it really does it all.” Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Zenovia Gabriel recommends Olay’s Regenerist Retinol Moisturizer, saying it’s a great beginner product containing niacinamide, an antioxidant that prevents the irritation sometimes brought on by retinoids.
Our experts
• Dr. Oma Agbai, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, Davis
• Dr. Daniel Butler, dermatologist at the University of Arizona College of Medicine
• Dr. Carmen Castilla, dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group
• Dr. Sam Ellis, dermatologist and founder of Prequel Skin
• Dr. Zenovia Gabriel, dermatologist and founder of Zena Medical
• Dr. Marisa Garshick, dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology
• Dr. Corey L. Hartman, dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology
• Dr. David Kim, dermatologist and founder of Lightsaver Skin
• Dr. Shari Marchbein, dermatologist at Downtown Dermatology
• Dr. Rebecca Marcus, dermatologist and founder of Maei MD
• Dr. Hope Mitchell, dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology
• Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery NY
• Dr. Wallace Nozile, dermatologist at Epiphany Dermatology
• Dr. Ope Ofodile, dermatologist and co-owner of Dermatology and Surgery Specialists of North Atlanta
• Dr. Sapna Palep, dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology
• Dr. Caroline Robinson, dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology
• Dr. Julie Russak, dermatologist and founder of Russak Dermatology Group
• Dr. Claire Wolinsky, cosmetic dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology
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