Introduction
A decent face moisturizer is crucial for skincare, and its value cannot be emphasized. It is an essential component of every skincare routine, regardless of skin type, due to its ability to hydrate the skin, retain moisture, and improve the function of skin barrier.
However, not all moisturizers are made equal; the one you use should hydrate your skin without making it seem greasy, creating breakouts, or irritating your eyes. With countless options in the market, finding the perfect fit can be a daunting task.
Recognizing this challenge, our team of experts embarked on a meticulous process of testing a wide array of facial moisturizers. Drawing from a diverse group of testers and our trusted editors, each with varied skin tones, ages, textures, and concerns, we scrutinized numerous formulas in terms of consistency, absorption, and ability to deliver on their promises.
Our testing process also considered individual skin concerns and personal preferences and included consultations with board-certified dermatologists and facial plastic surgeons. In our quest to ensure super-soft skin, we have curated this comprehensive list of the best face moisturizers based on our rigorous testing and expert insights.
Our Top Picks
- Top-rated Moisturizer: Deep Regenerating Stem Cell
- Best Tinted Moisturizer: DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46
- Best Moisturizer for Glowing Skin: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
- Best for Acne-Prone skin: La Roche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer
- Best for oily skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
- Best drugstore Moisturizer: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- Best For all skin: Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Refillable Moisturizer
- Redness soother Moisturizer: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream-5 web
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
- Best Moisturizer for Combination Skin: Skinfix Barrier+ Restoring Gel Cream
- Best Moisturizer for Texture: EltaMD Therapy Facial Moisturizer Lotion
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Product Highlights
- Product Name: Deep Regenerating Stem Cell Moisturizer
- Price: $150.00
- Rating: 4.9/5
- Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii
Pros and Cons
- High-Quality Ingredients
- Cruelty-Free
- Positive and powerful customer testimonials
- Suitable for all skin types
- Dermatologist tested
- 60-day refund policy
- Price may be high for some consumers
- Not specifically catered to any particular skin condition
Description
The Deep Regenerating Stem Cell Moisturizer by Beverly Hills MD is a revolutionary solution designed to restore your skin’s youthful appearance, providing it with a nearly ageless glow.
Using the regenerative power of plant stem cells, this moisturizer aims to make your skin smoother, brighter, and nearly flawless every day. Its deep-acting formula reenergizes aging skin cells, resulting in a smooth texture and a radiant tone. This product is a truly spectacular breakthrough in plant stem cell science.
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Product Highlights
- Product Name: Drmtlgy Universal Tinted Moisturizer
- Price: $22.00
- Rating: 4.3/5
- Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (12%) and Octinoxate (7.5%). Other essential components in the formulation are Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Vitamin E
Pros and Cons
- Provides broad-spectrum SPF 46 protection
- Non-greasy, lightweight formula
- Suitable for all skin types
- Free of parabens, fragrances, and sulfates
- Some users have reported a too sheer coverage
- A few users have experienced an initial white-cast
Description
The Drmtlgy Universal Tinted Moisturizer is a high-performance skincare product, combines the latest in skincare technology with the best of nature’s ingredients. This lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer offers SPF 46 protection, which makes it ideal for everyday use. It is suitable for all skin types and free from parabens, fragrances, and sulfates.
According to tests and reviews, it blends effortlessly into the skin, providing a natural, healthy glow. However, a few users have also reported it being too sheer for their preference and a temporary white cast appearing upon application.
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Product Highlights
- Product Name: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
- Price: $90.00
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5, Phenoxyethanol, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Hyaluronate
Pros and Cons
- Paraben-free and dye-free.
- Suitable for various skin types
- Contains potent ingredients.
- Comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.
- Non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested.
- Can be applied to skin that’s been “compromised” by peels and other minor repair treatments.
- The high price might be prohibitive to some users.
- Use may result in rashes, a patchy appearance, or a hairy appearance.
Short Description
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel is a highly-rated moisturizing gel that targets dry skin. Its unique formula, packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, not only soothes and moisturizes the skin but could also assist with collagen production. The gel is suitable for a variety of skin types, promising a smooth and tender skin layer.
Despite a few potential side effects, the majority of reviews are positive, assuring its effectiveness for potential buyers. The product is dermatologist-tested paraben-free, and dye-free attributes committing to quality and safety.
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Product Highlights
- Product Name: La Roche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer
- Price: Amazon – $23, ULTA – $24,
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, ceramides, prebiotic thermal water
Pros and Cons
- Contains barrier-repairing ingredients
- Absorbs quickly
- Non-greasy
- The texture could feel rich
Description
The La Roche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer is a highly recommended product, specially formulated for sensitive skin. Its fast-absorbing formula includes dermatologist-recommended ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, and prebiotic thermal water, all aimed at repairing the skin’s protective barrier.
The product feels lightweight and non-greasy on application, making it an excellent choice to wear under makeup. It has been praised by our lab testers as a valuable daily moisturizer. Those with really dry skin, however, might need to look for additional moisture because of its thin and light texture.
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Product Highlights
- Product Name: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
- Price: Amazon $19, ULTA $28
- Rating: 4.0/5
- Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid
Pros and Cons
- Hyaluronic acid boosts moisture
- Absorbs quickly
- Non-greasy, lightweight texture
- Suitable for daily use
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
- Gel-cream formula provides long-lasting hydration
- Added fragrance may irritate the skin
Description
Neutrogena’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gel-Cream is a dermatologist-approved moisturizer that offers a powerhouse of hydration. Despite its lightweight texture, it provides rich and nourishing moisture, absorbing quickly into the skin. Its gel-cream formula allows it to maintain hydration for an extended period. Ideal for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin, it won’t contribute to excess shine or clog your pores.
However, the added fragrance may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin. The brand offers a fragrance-free option for those who might be easily irritated. This product is a reliable and affordable option, with a long-standing reputation for effectiveness.
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Product Highlights
- Product Name: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- Price: Amazon ($17), Ulta ($15)
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Pros and Cons
- Non-comedogenic
- Offers intense hydration
- Generous product quantity in the container
- Tub packaging that can potentially be unhygienic and messy
Description
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is an affordable, high-quality skin care product that offers intense hydration without hurting your pocket. It is known for its moisture-locking hyaluronic acid and three types of ceramides that collectively fight dryness on both, the face and body.
Moreover, the product comes in a generous tub, allowing you to use as much as you need without reservation. While the tub packaging is not the most hygienic and can get messy, the benefits of this cream far outweigh this slight inconvenience. According to our testers, this moisturizer leaves the skin feeling fully hydrated and is suitable for use all over the body.
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Product Highlights
- Product Name: Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Refillable Moisturizer
- Price: $62 on Amazon, $62 on Ulta
- Rating: 3.9/5
- Ingredients: Ceramides, African oils
Pros and Cons
- Fragrance- and silicone-free
- Suitable for most skin types
- The presence of plant-based ceramides supports a healthy skin barrier
- Nourishing and non-greasy, providing a matte finish
- Long-term use results in more resilient skin
- Can get shiny in warmer climates
- Takes some time to absorb
Description
Drunk Elephant’s best-selling whipped moisturizer, Lala Retro, is both, nourishing and non-greasy, providing a matte finish with a little glow. It has a unique blend of African oils and plant-based lipids, such as ceramides, that support a healthy skin barrier. The product takes some time to absorb, but regular use makes the skin more resilient.
The product is fragrance- and silicone-free, making it suitable for most skin types. However, those with oily skin may find it a bit shiny. Regardless, we highly recommend this moisturizer to anyone for a facial moisturizer.
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Product Highlights
- Product Name: First Aid Beauty Firming Cream
- Price: $42 on Amazon
- Rating: Not provided
- Ingredients: Peptides, Collagen, Niacinamide, Colloidal Oatmeal
Pros and Cons
- Helps plump fine lines and improve skin tone and texture
- Can be used both as a day cream and night cream
- May cause Milia as per a few users
Description
Dermatologist Michele Green, MD, endorses this gentle face moisturizer from First Aid Beauty for its anti-aging benefits. This cream is designed to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, which makes it suitable for most skin types.
The formula includes colloidal oatmeal, known for its soothing properties, which makes it an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin. The users appreciate its lightweight formula as well as its effectiveness in managing wrinkles. We would also like to highlight its longevity, as a small amount goes a long way.
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Product Highlights
- Product Name: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
- Price: $13 (Amazon and Walmart)
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides
Pros and Cons
- Can be used all over your face and body
- Budget-friendly
- Non-greasy formula
- Lightweight yet effectively moisturizes
- Absorbs quickly, making it suitable to wear under makeup
- Has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Approval
- Might not be thick enough for some
- Not cruelty-free
Description
The Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer is an exceptional, cost-effective solution for dry skin. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and can be used not only on your face but also across your body. Its formula, enriched with hyaluronic acid and five ceramides, quickly absorbs into the skin, offering ample moisture.
It is even endorsed by the National Eczema Association, which ensures, that dry, itchy patches are handled gently and efficiently. This moisturizer may not be thick enough for individuals with very dry skin, who may have to layer a richer cream on top. Despite this, its effective formula offers excellent value for its price.
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Product Highlights
- Product Name: Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Niacinamide Restoring Gel Cream
- Price: $48
- Rating: Not provided
- Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, allantoin
Pros and Cons
- Soaks into the skin quickly with no greasy residue
- Packaging is leak-free, mess-free, and sanitary
- Some reviewers say it has a weird scent
Short Description
Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Niacinamide Restoring Gel Cream is a must-have in your skincare regimen. This product has a lightweight gel-cream texture that hydrates the skin without leaving a greasy residue. It has ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and allantoin, known for their hydrating, brightening, and soothing properties. This makes it highly effective for reactive skin types, be it combination, oily, dull, acne-prone, or sensitive. Also, the packaging is leak-free, mess-free and sanitary.
However, some users have also noted an atypical scent. Despite this, it has a glowing customer review that underscores its effectiveness. This can be a great option if your skin is oily or combination. It goes on smooth and is hydrating enough to use as a day or nighttime moisturizer.
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Product Highlights
- Product Name: EltaMD AM Therapy Face Moisturizer
- Price: Walmart $33, Amazon $41
- Rating: 4/5
- Ingredients: Niacinamide, Willow bark extract, Glycerin, Caffeine
Pros and Cons
- Calming and refreshing
- Dermatologist-approved
- Lightweight, non-greasy feel
- Goes on smoothly
- Helps improve skin texture
- Stimulates cell turnover without irritation
- Promotes moisture absorption and retention
- Pump operation can be finicky
Short Description
EltaMD AM Therapy Face Moisturizer is an excellent solution for those dealing with skin texture issues from acne, dry skin, or eczema. This moisturizer not only hydrates the skin effectively and feels lightweight, but also calms the skin with its cooling effect and is dermatologist-approved. Its sheer, non-comedogenic formula stimulates cells to increase moisture absorption and retention.
Furthermore, it contains willow bark which promotes skin cell turnover without irritation. Niacinamide helps even out skin tone and texture for a more radiant appearance. Despite delivering ample hydration, it doesn’t leave your skin feeling heavy or greasy. However, some users may find the pump mechanism a bit troublesome.
How We Tested?
In our quest to determine the best face moisturizers, our meticulous approach was twofold: a thorough research phase followed by practical application and testing. Initially, our dedicated editorial team spent countless hours researching a wide array of facial moisturizers, creams, and lotions available in the market. They delved into ingredient lists, dissected packaging details, and scrutinized every aspect, from texture and consistency to size.
Post that they did the hands-on testing approach. Over a dozen top-rated formulas were selected, and our team tested each one. They paid close attention to the formula’s longevity, its ability to plump fine lines, as well as the overall look and feel of the skin at the end of each day. Additionally, the team carefully noted how quickly the skin absorbed each formula, whether it addressed designated skin concerns, and whether the formula’s performance was in sync with other skincare products during routine use.
This rigorous process ensured that only top-performing formulas made the cut, and the findings were based not merely on claims but on real-time, tangible results. This is the thorough, research-based approach we take in our quest to recommend only the best face moisturizers to our consumers.
How to choose the Best Face Moisturizer
- Skin type and concerns: Start by understanding your skin type—oily, dry, combination, or normal. For individuals with oily skin, a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer is a good choice. However, if you have dry skin, opt for a thick cream. It’s equally essential to consider skin conditions such as acne or sensitivity to certain ingredients.
- Ingredients: Look out for key ingredients that align with your skin’s needs. For anti-aging, consider products with firming peptides, elastin, and collagen. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin, humectants, are great for attracting and retaining water in the skin. Emollients like oils, fatty acids, and ceramides help attract moisture, while occlusives like beeswax and mineral oil create a layer on the skin to prevent water loss.
- Season: The time of the year plays a critical role in the type of moisturizer you should use. In the colder months, a heavier moisturizer is required to combat dry, cold air. Conversely, in warmer seasons, a light, non-greasy moisturizer is adequate.
- Additional benefits: Some moisturizers offer added benefits such as sun protection or antioxidants for free radical damage protection. Products such as Tatcha’s The Water Cream can brighten, nourish, and moisturize the skin all at once.
- Price and value: A good moisturizer doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. It’s key to balance cost-effectiveness with the right ingredients and benefits for your skin.
- Consistency: The texture of the moisturizer also matters. Oily skin types do better with lighter, gel-based formulas, while dry and sensitive skin types may benefit more from heavier, balm-like formulas.
- Adjustment to climate changes: Always consider the climate and adjust your moisturizer accordingly. For instance, in hot and humid climates, even non-oily and dry skin types may prefer lightweight gel creams.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the search for the best face moisturizers is a complex journey that varies greatly depending on individual skin type, personal preferences, and specific skin concerns. Nevertheless, our rigorous testing and expert consultation have identified some top contenders.
The Deep Regenerating Stem Cell Moisturizer by Beverly Hills MD is our top-rated pick, appreciated for its high-quality ingredients and suitability for all skin types. Notably, the DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46 takes the cake as the best-tinted moisturizer, and the SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel is the best for achieving glowing skin. For those with acne-prone skin, the La Roche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer comes highly recommended, and the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream earns its place as the best for oily skin.
Our testing also illuminated the best drugstore option as CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, while the Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Refillable Moisturizer stood out as the best for all skin types. For soothing redness, the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream-5 web is a top choice, with the Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer selected as the best for sensitive skin. Lastly, if combination skin is a concern, consider the Skinfix Barrier+ Restoring Gel Cream, and for texture, the EltaMD Therapy Facial Moisturizer Lotion is our recommendation.
These carefully curated options derived from stringent testing and expert insights may serve as a comprehensive guide for anyone in search of the best face moisturizer.