With the vast array of moisturizers lining store shelves all promising hydrated, healthy skin, making the right choice for your needs feels overwhelming. Should you choose a lightweight lotion or an ultra-rich balm? A budget drugstore formula or a luxury nutrient-packed potion? Just how different can these moisturizers be?
I’ve tested my way through countless jars, tubes, bottles and tubs of moisturizers seeking the perfect solutions for skin needing moisture without grease or breakouts. Through all the trials, a few gems have emerged as my top recommendations across variables like skin types, sensitivities, and environmental factors. A handful of products stand out meeting expectations time after time.
Here I’ll walk through my top 15 face moisturizer picks based on performance, value and ability to address common skin issues. From acne-prone to sensitive skin types, combination to very dry skin, these moisturizers represent the best in class for keeping complexions optimally hydrated. Let’s explore some of the highest rated face creams to find your best match!
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer that provides skin-strengthening ceramides and hydration for very dry skin. With 19 ounces of product, this extra-strength formula helps restore the protective skin barrier with three essential ceramides (1,3,6-II). It is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.
With ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid for hydration, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream tackles two common causes of dry skin. This nourishing cream provides intense moisturization that lasts, making it an excellent choice for severely dry areas. We like the generously-sized 19 ounce jar, providing an economical option for very dry skin needing more intensive care.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 provides broad spectrum SPF protection along with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. This oil-free, lightweight morning face moisturizer features a non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog pores.
CeraVe AM Face Lotion makes it easy to moisturize and protect skin every morning. Including sun protection in your daily skincare routine is essential for healthy skin. This oil-free lotion provides hydrating and protecting ingredients without heaviness or clogged pores. It’s a great choice for normal to oily skin types needing lightweight moisture and SPF.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion features ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help restore the skin’s protective barrier and retain moisture. This enriched, fragrance-free body and face moisturizer provides daily hydration for dry skin with 19 ounces of lotion.
We like that this CeraVe lotion moisturizes both the face and body, allowing the purchase of just one enriched product for dry skin concerns. Both ceramides and hyaluronic acid address common dryness causes by strengthening the moisture barrier and attracting hydration to skin cells. This dermatologist-developed lotion is packed with restorative ingredients without added fragrance.
The e.l.f. Holy Hydration Face Cream deeply nourishes skin with hyaluronic acid, peptides, squalane, glycerin, and niacinamide. This rich cream formula provides intense hydration to refresh dry skin. The vegan, cruelty-free moisturizer is ideal for all skin types.
This nutrient-rich e.l.f. face cream provides multiple hydrating ingredients to drench skin with moisture. With both immediate hydrators like glycerin and long-term hydration provided by hyaluronic acid, this cream attacks dryness on multiple fronts. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients making it an affordable option for refreshing thirsty skin.
The SimplyVital Collagen Cream utilizes marine collagen to nourish skin and combat signs of aging. This face moisturizer firms and smooths fine lines while also providing hydration. It’s formulated for all skin types and safe for neck and décolleté.
We appreciate that this SimplyVital face cream moisturizes while also addressing anti-aging concerns – a two-in-one product that streamlines skincare steps. The combination of collagen, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants makes it a solid choice for nourishing mature skin and combating environmental damage leading to aging. The made in USA formula offers quality ingredients.
The Cetaphil Healthy Glow Daily Face Cream deeply hydrates for up to 48 hours while delivering a dewy glow. Provitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E work together to moisturize sensitive and dry skin. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly and blends seamlessly.
We appreciate the versatility of this Cetaphil cream, serving as both a protective base layer and glow-giver pre-makeup. Dry, sensitive skin gets intense moisture that lasts while the skin-nourishing vitamins counter environmental damage leading to accelerated aging. The formula plays well with other products without heavy residue or breakouts.
The CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion provides hydration paired with Niacinamide to help restore the skin barrier overnight. This oil-free, non-comedogenic night cream features ceramides and hyaluronic acid to strengthen the moisture barrier and retain hydration through the night.
We like that CeraVe packs multiple barrier-restoring ingredients into this PM face moisturizer, leveraging the nighttime hours for healing with skin-compatible ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. The ultra-light texture won’t overload oily complexions or clog pores, making this an ideal choice for acne-prone skin needing hydration without heaviness.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Face Moisturizer delivers enhanced hydration powered by hyaluronic acid, which can attract up to 1000x its weight in water. This unique water gel formula absorbs quickly for a refreshing burst of smoothness and glow. The oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer is ideal for dry skin.
This lightweight gel provides an oil-free way to replenish moisture for thirsty skin while combating dryness with moisture-binding hyaluronic acid. The unique texture sets it apart from thicker creams, offering a refreshing burst of hydration and glow without clogged pores. We think it works best for normal to dry skin needing a hydration refresh.
L’Oreal Paris Collagen Face Moisturizer is enriched with revitalizing marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to hydrate skin and smooth the look of wrinkles. This face cream for daily use absorbs quickly without greasiness, working well under makeup. The formula is suitable for all skin types.
This L’Oreal Paris collagen cream combines some of the top anti-aging ingredients to reduce wrinkles and dryness in one daily-use moisturizer. With both short and long term hydrators plus collagen to strengthen the skin matrix, we think it works well for maturing skin showing fine lines and needing nourishment. The brand heritage lends credibility as well.
Cetaphil Daily Face Hydrating Lotion contains hyaluronic acid, sunflower oil, and pro vitamin B5 to provide lightweight hydration that lasts up to 24 hours. The fast-absorbing lotion moisturizes without over drying or leaving a greasy residue. It’s ideal for combination skin needing balance.
Finding the “just right” hydration can be tricky for combination skin, making Cetaphil’s Daily Face Lotion an appealing choice. This lotion walks the line – hydrating without oil overload or dryness. The versatile ingredient list tackles moisture on multiple levels, keeping skin comfortably hydrated. We think it works for combination and oily skin types searching for balance.
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel delivers water-based lightweight hydration perfect for combination and oily skin types prone to over-greasiness from thicker creams. It contains hyaluronic acid, oil-free moisturizers and skin-calming niacinamide to comfort and control shine. This unique gel texture won’t clog pores while providing refreshing hydration.
We appreciate the hybrid gel cream formula from CeraVe aimed at the troublesome t-zone where pores clog easily from heavy products. This lightweight gel moisturizer walks a fine line between matte and mask-like dryness, finding the sweet spot for oily yet moisture-starved complexions. Just enough hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides comfort without buildup. Those struggling for non-greasy hydration should give it a look.
Vanicream’s Daily Facial Moisturizer provides sensitive skin relief from irritation and dryness. Enriched with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and squalene, it strengthens the moisture barrier and retains hydration levels. The formula avoids common irritants like fragrance, dyes, and masking perfumes. It is non-comedogenic, allergy tested and free of unnecessary additives.
Finding non-irritating moisturizers proves difficult for those with sensitized skin. We appreciate that Vanicream formulates their Daily Facial Moisturizer without unnecessary additives, instead focusing on ceramides, hyaluronic acid and skin-soothing squalene to hydrate while calming inflammation. The simplicity sets this fragrance-free moisturizer apart.
Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ delivers hydration paired with antioxidants to reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier while combating free radicals. This dermatologist developed face moisturizer maintains optimal hydration for very dry combo skin. The twist-up pump dispenses just the right amount of nourishing lotion developed for dryness-prone skin.
Clinique’s clinically-backed expertise and clean formulas make their Dramatically Different Lotion a solid choice for temperamental complexions prone to tightness and flakiness. We like the pump packaging dispensing controlled portions without waste, making this an economical option. Antioxidants add protection against environmental aggressors dragging down the skin’s barrier health. Those perplexed by dryness swinging wildly to oiliness should look closer.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream works while you sleep to renew the skin barrier with peptides, niacinamide and ceramides. This restorative formula encourages surface cell turnover to reveal newer skin while sealing in moisture with hyaluronic acid. Over time skin looks brighter and feels more supple.
CeraVe packs multiple skin renewing ingredients into this night cream, taking advantage of the resting hours where skin renews itself faster than daytime. We like the blend of peptide newcomers along with tried-and-true ceramide strengthening properties and hydrating hyaluronic acid – all working together to improve skin health. Regular use helps counter the constant turnover and shedding accelerating visible aging.
BareMinerals Butter Drench Restorative Rich Face Cream comforts extra thirsty skin with intensely hydrating plant oils and butters. Sunflower, meadowfoam seed, jojoba seed, olive fruit, avocado and shea deeply nourish without feeling greasy or clogging pores thanks to lightweight texture technology. This clean, vegan face cream soothes dry skin.
Buttery, luxurious textures drench extra thirsty skin with this BareMinerals cream without problematic greasiness or breakouts. We appreciate the clean formula focusing on hydrating botanicals rather than harsh synthetics. Dry complexions find relief thanks to lightweight oils that sink in to nourish skin rather than sit heavily on the surface. The clean ingredients facilitate skin health for sensitive types as well.
Product | Key Features |
---|---|
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream | Restores protective barrier, hydrating |
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion | Oil-free, SPF 30 sunscreen |
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion | Hydrating, fragrance-free |
e.l.f. Holy Hydration Face Cream | Deeply nourishing, hyaluronic acid |
SimplyVital Collagen Cream | Smooths lines, hydrating |
Cetaphil Healthy Glow Cream | 48-hr hydration, sensitive skin |
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion | Night cream, niacinamide |
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel | Hyaluronic acid, unique gel |
L’Oreal Paris Collagen Cream | Collagen, smooths wrinkles |
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion | Hyaluronic acid, combination skin |
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel | Lightweight gel, oil-free |
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer | Sensitive skin, ceramides |
Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion | Antioxidants, very dry skin |
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream | Peptides renew skin overnight |
bareMinerals Butter Drench Cream | Botanical oils deeply nourish |
With countless moisturizers available with varying ingredients and formats, choosing the best face moisturizer for your individual needs requires some consideration. Here are a few tips:
Consider your skin type and concerns – Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane work for all skin types needing hydration, while sensitives skin requires gentle, fragrance-free formulas. Replenish moisture and nourish skin with oils and butters or control oiliness with oil-free, mattifying gels. Address skin issues like discoloration, acne or anti-aging in addition to hydration.
Look for multi-tasking products – Streamline your routine by selecting moisturizers pulling double duty, like combining hydrators with antioxidants, exfoliants, SPF or specific concerns like collagen supporting creams. One harmonized product can replace multiple steps.
Read the ingredient list – Nourishing ingredients like antioxidant vitamins, plant oils and extract or skin-savvy elements like peptides, fatty acids and niacinamide support healthy moisture barrier function to correct imbalances. Avoid alcohol, sulfates, parabens and fragrance if you have easily sensitized skin.
Consider optimal usage – Day creams tend to offer lightweight textures while extra-nourishing night creams leverage restorative overnight hours. Look for added sun protection in AM moisturizers. Season, climate and lifestyle may require adjustments.
Check reviews – Feedback from other consumers using the product day in and out offers helpful insight into how the it performs across different skin types and concerns to meet expectations…or fall short.
There are countless formulations and textures available when shopping for face moisturizer:
Lotions – Typically water-based and lightweight while still hydrating. Often used in tandem with treatment products.
Gels – Light, watery gels deliver an extra cooling burst of hydration and are suitable for oily skin types.
Creams – Richer creams drench skin with nourishing oils and butters. Better for dry skin.
Balms – Concentrated oils and butters offer extremely rich moisture for severely dry skin. Also work to seal in existing moisture.
Serums – Lightweight, fast-absorbing serums deliver targeted skin care ingredients. Not primary moisturizers but boost overall hydration.
Mists – Refreshing mists boosted with glycerin and hyaluronic acid deliver lightweight hydration while setting makeup
Oils – Plant-based and essential oils nourish skin while offering some occlusion to reduce moisture loss. Best for dry skin.
Gel-Creams – These hybrids combine the lightweight freshness of gel with nourishing richness of a cream.
Color Correcting – Green, blue or pink tints counteract surface redness while moisturizing.
Different skin types have different needs. Look for lightweight gels for oily skin instead of rich butters that may clog pores. Sensitive skin requires fragrance-free simple formulas while very dry skin benefits more from nourishing oils and butters. Combination skin falls between. Reading reviews can help match your needs.
It’s generally fine to layer hydrating products with different formulations, like following a serum with a creamy moisturizer. This boosts hydration. Be cautious layering multiple products with active ingredients like retinol or acid exfoliants to avoid sensitizing skin.
Delicate eye area skin deserves designated eye creams formulated without irritating ingredients. Separate eye creams provide safe hydration. Using face creams around the eyes risks sensitivity.
Oily and acne-prone skin still requires hydration to stay balanced. Look for oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas ideally with mattifying properties. Gel textures tend to work better than heavy creams for oily skin types.
Using small amounts spread evenly and allowing complete absorption between layers helps the product last longer. Store tubes and jars properly closed without pumping too much air into containers speeds longevity.
With so many factors affecting skin’s needs, pay attention to your unique situation by noting how skin feels throughout the day and after cleansing at night. Tightness, oil breakthroughs, dry patches or sensitivities provide clues to select hydrating products tackling your personal dehydration causes and concerns.
Armed with the right information, don’t settle for good enough when there are solutions delivering exceptional performance for common skincare woes. Treat skin to nutritious formulas restoring supple softness while addressing problems. Find your perfect match!
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