The best facial moisturizer for you will hydrate your skin without causing irritation, prompting unwanted breakouts, or turning your skin into an oil slick. Still, everyone has their own preferences, and when skin concerns and budget come into play, the search becomes more complex.
So we spent months testing the most popular facial moisturizers on the market—from tried-and-true drugstore picks to dermatologist-loved designer formulas. We tested more than 100 options on different skin types and ages for four weeks, taking into consideration each formula’s consistency, how well it absorbs into the skin, and whether or not it lives up to its promises of addressing specific skin concerns.
Best Overall
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Refillable Moisturizer
Fragrance-free
Suitable for most skin types
Plant-based ceramides support a healthy skin barrier
Refillable
Can get shiny in warmer climates
Highlighted Ingredients: Ceramides, African oils | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Out of all the moisturizers we've tested, we're crowning this popular pick our absolute favorite. Drunk Elephant’s best-selling whipped moisturizer is both nourishing and non-greasy, so you get a natural finish with a subtle glow. The blend of African oils and plant-based lipids (like ceramides) takes some time to absorb, so allow it to settle before you layer on other skincare products or start applying makeup. After long-term testing, we loved that our skin became more resilient since we started using it. It’s rare to find a moisturizer with all the nourishing power of a richer formulation that doesn’t overwhelm the skin and result in congestion.
Read Full Review: We'll Say It—This Popular Moisturizer Is the Best Moisturizer We've Ever Used
Best Budget
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid boosts moisture
Absorbs quickly
Non-greasy, lightweight texture
Added fragrance may irritate skin
Highlighted Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Packed with powerhouse hydrator hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer is a favorite among dermatologists, editors, and testers alike. Despite being super lightweight, this moisturizer is rich and nourishing. It’s cooling on contact with the skin and absorbs very quickly. Commerce writer Caitlyn Martyn swears by this moisturizer for her oily, acne-prone skin. “Ever since my dermatologist recommended this lightweight gel formula to me, I never looked back—and my skin has never looked better,” she explains. “Plus, it’s affordable, so I don’t have to skimp on product during application, and even if I apply too much, my skin is never greasy.”
Read Full Review: This Dermatologist-Approved Drugstore Staple Harnesses the Hydrating Power of Hyaluronic Acid
Best Splurge
La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream
Intensely hydrates, soothes, and heals
Contains the brand’s anti-inflammatory Miracle Broth
Packed with vitamins, oils, and minerals
Extra-thick formula not ideal for oily or acne-prone skin
Highlighted Ingredients: Miracle Broth (proprietary) | Size: 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
People often ask, “Does La Mer actually work?” and the answer is yes, it absolutely does. Creme de la Mer is the brand’s hero product, and it’s the product fans of the brand consistently restock time and time again. Formulated over 12 years by an aerospace physicist looking to cure burns he suffered in a lab accident, the final product—a unique concoction created with a special bio-fermentation process that relies on vitamins, oils, and minerals—heals dryness, softens fine lines, and strengthens the skin’s barrier. Despite the hefty price tag (we know, we know), this formula’s healing prowess simply can’t be beaten. To make it last longer, we recommend supplementing it with other moisturizers.
Read Full Review: Dermatologists Say This Iconic Moisturizer Yields Transformative Anti-Aging Results
Best for Oily Skin
Tatcha The Water Cream
Provides deep hydration
Lightweight and cooling
Clarifies and refines
May not be hydrating enough for drier skin types
Highlighted Ingredients: Japanese wild rose and leopard lily, proprietary Hasasei-3 | Size: 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This formula feels like a splash of water on your face, plain and simple. It’s lightweight yet hydrating, so the skin looks dewy but never greasy. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, this moisturizer contains several antioxidants—like the brand’s proprietary Hadasei-3 complex, which helps fight free radical damage, as well as Japanese wild rose extract, which is thought to improve the appearance of pores and skin texture. “The addition of these ingredients plus oil-controlling Japanese leopard lily make this moisturizer a good lightweight option for different skin types,” she explains. We were impressed by how well the gel cream soothed minor skin irritations from the first application to weeks of continued use, thanks to soothing ingredients like green tea and algae.
Best for Dry Skin
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich
Rich oils offer deep nourishment
Contains antioxidants
Soothes and calms very dry skin
May be too heavy for oily skin types
Ingredients: Vitamin E, avocadin | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Dr. Barbara Sturm knows good skin—after all, the German aesthetics doctor is known for her vampire facials and the fact that she’s the skin therapist to the stars. When she launched her eponymous skincare line back in 2014, it quickly became an editor favorite, and this cream is no different. The formula features a nourishing blend of antioxidants (think: vitamin E and purslane), cell-renewing skullcap extract, and rich oils that ensure long-lasting hydration.
Best for Combination Skin
BYOMA Moisturizing Gel Cream
Lightweight, silky texture
Medium-level hydration
Helps smooth skin texture
Fragrance-free
Can feel a bit sticky until it fully absorbs
Highlighted Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, green tea | Size: 0.67, 1.6 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Those with combination skin know how tricky it can be to find a moisturizer that gives you enough hydration without feeling heavy or contributing to excess oil in your T-zone. This affordable formula strikes the perfect balance between a water cream and a rich moisturizer. It’s powered by a blend of ceramides, niacinamide, and green tea which work in tandem to soothe stressed skin, combat redness, and smooth uneven skin texture and tone. We enjoyed the silky gel texture—it felt soft and nourishing immediately upon application. Though we did find that it left a bit of a sticky residue on the skin, this disappeared once the formula fully sunk in, about 10 minutes after application. We also liked that it feels a bit cooling, making it a refreshing product to help wake you up in the morning.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Deeply moisturizing but not heavy
Non-greasy
Loaded with moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane
Free from fragrance, dyes, gluten, and botanical extracts
Might not be heavy enough for super dry skin
Highlighted Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Size: 3 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Formulated without potential irritants like fragrance, dyes, gluten, botanical extracts, and lanolin, this facial moisturizer was created specifically with sensitive skin in mind. Formulated with five different types of ceramides as well as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, it’s loaded with soothing and moisturizing ingredients to support a healthy skin barrier. Despite the wide array of moisturizing agents in the formula, we found the texture to be fairly lightweight. It applies smoothly and is absorbed quickly into the skin without creating a sticky or greasy residue, making it a nice option to wear day or night and even layer underneath makeup.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Dr. Jart+ Teatreement Moisturizer
Lightweight, gel texture
Creates a refreshing, cooling sensation on the skin
Non-greasy
Fast-absorbing
Helps tone down redness
Gives skin a radiant finish
Could be better for treating existing breakouts
Highlighted Ingredients: Niacinamide, tea tree leaf extract, green tea extract, aloe vera leaf extract | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Dr. Jart has a host of soothing products in its skincare line-up, and this is one of our favorites. Formulated with a blend of niacinamide and extracts from tea tree, green tea, aloe vera leaf, and chamomile flower it works to moisturize skin while also tempering redness. We were impressed by how nicely this moisturizer layered into a skincare routine for acne-prone skin. Not only was it non-irritating, but it offered a cooling sensation and even helped to minimize redness and soothe dry patches. We also loved that the texture felt extremely lightweight and non-greasy on the skin.
Best for Mature Skin
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore
Intensely hydrating
Silky, luscious texture
Absorbs well
Can be too heavy for oily or acne-prone skin
Highlighted Ingredients: Rosemary leaf oil, glycerin, ceramides | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Odds are, you’ve heard of SkinCeuticals’ iconic moisturizer. If not, allow us to introduce you. The Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 moisturizer features an optimal lipid ratio—2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids—which is responsible for making this anti-aging cream one of the best out there. This blend of lipids aims to restore those essential skin lipids lost from natural aging or environmental aggressors (or a combo of the two). After just one use, we were hooked on how silky smooth our skin felt, plus the fact that skin appears more radiant and full is the cherry on top.
“This moisturizer effectively restores the fatty molecules and encourages the skin to appear more hydrated and smooth,” says Dr. Garshick. “It’s also a nice choice for someone using a retinoid, as it does a great job of keeping the skin moisturized and helping the skin tolerate the ingredient.”
Best for Dull Skin
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
Packed with good-for-skin ingredients
Hydrates, softens, and improves signs of aging
Pump component is mess-free
Glowy finish
Could be too shiny for those with oily skin
Ingredients: TFC8®, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed rice protein | Size: 0.5, 1.0, 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Another household name when it comes to moisturizer, Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream, is one of our favorites. Professor Augustinus Bader created this unique cream that features Trigger Factor Complex, or TFC8 (aka a combo of natural amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules), which provides our stem cells with everything they need to regenerate. In simpler terms, it allows the skin to heal itself. At first, the moisturizer can come across as a bit thick and takes a few extra seconds to rub in, but it absorbs nicely into the skin after a few minutes. Once absorbed, it feels soft and nourishing, and it leaves the skin with a radiant glow.
Best for Textured Skin
EltaMD AM Therapy Face Moisturizer
Lightweight texture
Helps smooth skin texture and tone
Non-greasy
Suitable for sensitive skin
Gentle exfoliation
Could be more moisturizing
Highlighted Ingredients: Willow bark, niacinamide | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
If you’re looking for a more gentle approach to exfoliation, consider this moisturizer which features willow bark extract, a natural plant extract that gently exfoliates the skin in addition to calming redness. The formula also contains niacinamide to help refine pores and dark spots, as well as hyaluronic acid for a boost of hydration.
The texture is lightweight with a slightly watery texture, making it a nice option for daytime use and layering underneath makeup. We appreciated that it absorbed within 30 seconds and didn’t feel oily on the skin, though we didn’t find it quite as hydrating as other options we tested.
Best for Barrier Repair
Caudalie Premier Cru Moisturizer
Ultra-luxe feel
Supports the skin’s moisture barrier
Contains shea butter and bio-ceramides
Can trigger breakouts in some
Highlighted Ingredients: Bio-ceramides, shea butter, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
This impressive formulation is great if you have a compromised skin barrier. We love this shea butter- and ceramide-rich moisturizer because it deeply nourishes the skin and promotes a happier (and healthier) moisture barrier. Upon application, we were drawn to the formula’s luxuriously buttery feel—which explains why it’s a pricier formula—and how quickly it drenched our skin in moisture. We’d recommend using this cream at night for a few reasons: one, it’s on the heavier side, so it may be too much for daytime use. Two, there’s nothing quite like waking up in the morning to soft, baby-like skin. Given how soothing and butter-soft this formula is, it’s no wonder it’s the magic fix for dry patches and irritation.
Best for Eczema
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Rich but non-greasy
Comes in very large sizes at an affordable price
Fragrance-free
Works well for face and body
Accepted by the National Eczema Association
Some found the texture to be too thick
Highlighted Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Size: 8, 16 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Chances are you’re familiar with this ultra-popular and dermatologist-recommended moisturizer from CeraVe. Its popularity is justified—it’s a fantastic cream that has a relatively simple ingredient list with a rich texture that deeply moisturizes dry skin. The formula includes hyaluronic acid and ceramides to boost hydration and support and protect the skin barrier. It also contains petrolatum, an ingredient that helps to create a barrier on the skin that locks in moisture. According to the Nationa Eczema Association, those with eczema should use skin barrier creams that contain ceramides because they work to form a protective layer on the skin. This helps lock in moisture and helps prevent burning, itching, and flakiness due to eczema.
Read Full Review: CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream Transformed My Dry Skin
Best Gel Texture
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream
Lightweight but deeply hydrating gel consistency
Fast-absorbing
Gives skin a glowy finish
Refillable
Contains synthetic fragrance
Highlighted Ingredients: Polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid | Size: 0.68, 1.7 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Gel moisturizers often boast beautiful, weightless textures, but sometimes they’re lacking in the actual moisturizing department. This one offers the best of both worlds: a gel texture and excellent hydrating benefits. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid—which also attracts water to the skin—as well as antioxidant-rich plum and glacial willowherb to balance oils in the skin. The whipped gel texture is easy to spread and absorbs into the skin within a minute, quickly quenching dryness and creating a radiant glow. It leaves the skin feeling adequately hydrated while remaining lightweight, and we noticed a subtle improvement in the brightness of our complexions.
Best Multi-Purpose
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Silky, whipped consistency
Softening, hydrating
Great for most skin types
Can be used as moisturizer, a mask, or even a cleansing lotion
Can be too waxy and heavy for very oily skin types
Ingredients: Shea butter, soy proteins | Size: 2.54 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The formula—which has been a best-seller since the ‘50s—contains several natural-origin active ingredients, like shea butter, beeswax, soy proteins, and aloe vera, each of which works in tandem to combat skin concerns like dryness, irritation, and redness. “These types of formulas create a protective film that traps moisture into the skin, softening and hydrating it in the process,” she adds. One squeeze of the tube deposits a lovely whipped cream that melts on contact with the skin, which we experienced firsthand. The brand recommends applying a small amount of the product onto clean, damp skin post-cleanse to lock in moisture and get the full effects of the creamy elixir.
Best with SPF
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Moisturizer
Comes in a fragrance-free option
Refillable
Feels cooling on the skin
Deeply moisturizing
No white cast
Can make the skin look a bit greasy
Highlighted Ingredients: Kalahari melon, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, aloe | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Formulated with Kalahari melon for a dose of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and glycerin for hydration, and niacinamide and aloe for dark spot reduction and soothing benefits, this moisturizer with SPF pretty much does it all. It relies on a variety of chemical sunscreen ingredients (like avobenzone and homosalate) to protect the skin and ensure there’s no white cast. We found it to be extremely moisturizing—it smoothed over dry patches quite nicely. We also give it bonus points for being refillable and coming in a fragrance-free option, which is typically easier on sensitive skin types.
Best Firming
Tula 24/7 Moisture Intense Ultra Hydrating Day & Night Cream
Highlighted Ingredients: Camellia seed and argan oils, peptides | Size: 1.5, 3.3 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Formulated with peptides, which board-certified dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer says are ideal for firming and plumping aging skin, this rich moisturizer helps quench dryness and smooth the appearance of fine lines. In addition to the peptide-rich formula, we loved how nourishing this cream felt on our skin. It goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly, and feels lightweight, but we immediately noticed a significant improvement in the moisture of our skin. We were able to detect a fruity-floral fragrance, and it wasn’t overpowering.
Best Calming
Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
Intensely moisturizes
Contains five types of hyaluronic acid and green tea
Has a fragrance
Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, green tea, squalane | Size: 1.7 oz.
Skin stressed and irritated? Check out this option, which is formulated with five forms of hyaluronic acid to amp up the hydration, plus the brand’s Green Tea Tri-biotics to help fortify the skin’s moisture barrier. What’s more, squalane and ceramides lock in moisture by creating an impenetrable protective barrier. As far as consistency is concerned, the moisturizer feels lightweight on the skin but is actually on the thicker side, which makes sense given the gel-cream combination. It doesn’t feel like it weighs the skin down, but it doesn’t go completely unnoticed—it’s the perfect in-between.
What to Look for in a Facial Moisturizer
- Skin type and concerns: When shopping for a facial moisturizer, the most important things to consider are your skin type and concerns. According to Dr. Lancer, if you want to target fine lines and wrinkles, look for firming peptides and ingredients like elastin and collagen. If you have acne-prone skin, look for something oil-free and on the lighter side. If your skin is dry, he says, opt for a thick cream. Board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Levine explains that the time of year is essential, too. “You’ll need a heavier moisturizer in the winter to supplement for cold weather,” she suggests.
- Category: Moisturizers fall into three categories. Humectants (like formulas containing hyaluronic acid) draw moisture in and help hydrate the skin. Emollients on the other hand, are formulas that often soften the skin and support barrier health and repair as they often contain ceramides and rich oils. Occlusives, like petrolatum, essentially act as a protective barrier that locks moisture into the skin, she says.
- Additional benefits: Many moisturizers promise to smooth fine lines, fade dark spots, and restore a youthful appearance. Others will incorporate sunscreen to provide added UV protection or contain ingredients like antioxidants to protect against free radical damage. Formulas such as these can also illuminate the skin while nourishing and moisturizing it.
Why Trust Byrdie
For this story, Caitlyn Martyn and Alyssa Kaplan relied on their experience as beauty writers, product reviewers, and skincare lovers. They utilized tester and editor insights to get a holistic view of each product.
They also spoke to experts to discuss what to look for when selecting facial moisturizers. Experts they spoke to included:
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist
- Dr. Jennifer Levine, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon
- Dr. Harold Lancer, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Lancer Skincare
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough facial moisturizers from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.