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The search for the perfect facial moisturizer is often a lifelong pursuit. Why? Formulas change (even the most coveted) as brands constantly update recipes and star “actives” to make them cleaner, better, faster, stronger. “New products are continually released onto the skin-care market, some of which contain more potent combinations of ingredients, and sometimes even entirely novel actives,” says Dr. Jessica Weiser, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University. She adds that rotating tried-and-true favorites intermittently helps “to ensure that your skin continues to respond to its source of hydration.”
Our Top Picks
- Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 242, $150
- Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Tata Harper Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer, $130
- Best Drugstore Moisturizer: Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentre, $29
- Best Moisturizer for Wrinkles: N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Cream, $115
- Best Celebrity-Approved Moisturizers: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, $100
- Best Lightweight Moisturizer: Tatcha The Water Cream, $68
- Best Night Cream Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Omega-Rich Cloud Cream, $53
On the other hand, changing seasons often cue a swap. For example, in a heatwave, a lightweight gel (basically the halter top of summer hydration) might be preferred over an ultra-rich cream that could end up feeling sticky or clammy.
Plus, with customers becoming more conscious of product formulations and asking for exactly what they want, from nontoxic ingredients to do-it-all recipes, there’s a new wave of natural multitaskers on the shelves. “With endless innovative moisturizers, the hydration market is more abundant than ever, and there are products suitable to all skin types and needs,” says Weiser.
To help narrow the search and edit the noise, we tapped experts for their recommendations on the best face moisturizers.
Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Dry skin can often feel tight, uncomfortable, and appear flaky. Thankfully, this skin type can benefit from modern plant-based formulas and scientific breakthroughs that keep skin hydrated and feeling moisturized for hours on end.
Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Remember: even if you have oily skin, you still need to moisturize. Trying to leave skin parched in hopes of reducing sebum production will only have the opposite effect on skin—as your body will produce more oil to compensate for what it’s feeling deprived of. That said, for oily skin types, gel and matte-finish moisturizers deliver the hydration skin needs without that heavy, clammy feeling.
Best Drugstore Moisturizer
In 2023, the French pharmacy holds the drugstore secrets everyone wants to know. But if you can’t make it to Paris right this second, these picks—which you can grab as you’re running errands around town—are sure to get the job done.
Best Moisturizer for Wrinkles
There's never a poor time to turn to the market’s best wrinkle creams to address fine lines. Chanel’s refillable Revitalizing cream smooths skin with red camellia extract, while Augustinus Bader’s TFC8 science even comes in a mini version for those who want to test drive the industry favorite. MUTHA notes that their adaptogen-rich cream is pregnancy-safe (a rare find in this category), and Sulwhasoo’s ginseng concentrate is racking up five-star reviews. Martin also keeps iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion in his kit (also marked as Amazon’s Choice for the category), which “brightens up tone while protecting skin and diminishing wrinkles over time.”
Best Lightweight Moisturizer
Lightweight moisturizers are a first choice for many who fear breakouts or just aren’t a fan of greasy textures. Optimal for layering, these earn a spot in any beauty vanity year-round—not just during warmer months.
Best Night Cream
The skin notoriously does its best repair work after hours, which makes night creams with smart ingredients an important step for all skin types. You’ll wake up looking renewed and dewy—trust us on this one.
Best Moisturizer for Combination Skin
Combination skin types are always looking for the right balance—nothing too rich, but also nothing too drying. Thankfully, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer
Non-comedogenic basically means it nourishes skin without creating congestion. To restore protective barrier function, “look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides in a non-comedogenic formula,” says facial plastic surgeon Dr. Yael Halaas.
Best Moisturizer with SPF
Let’s be honest here: Any good skin-care routine has to feature SPF. Not only does it protect against sunburns, but it’s the best way to prevent premature aging. Perhaps your ideal sunscreen for face actually doubles as a moisturizer.
Best Moisturizer for Extremely Dry Skin
Extremely dry skin calls for a thick cream that can provide deep nourishment—sans irritation.
Best Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
For inflamed and acne-prone skin, balance is key—so is hydration. “Acne is often a reason patients avoid using proper moisturizers, but in fact, moisturizing acne-prone skin can help suppress oil production and speed healing of the skin,” says Weiser.
Meet The Experts
- Dr. Yael Halaas is a plastic surgeon specializing in facial cosmetic, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical procedures.
- Rachel Liverman is a third-generation esthetician, founder and CEO of Glowbar.
- Dr. Jessica Weiser is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University.