The best face moisturizers for every skin type, tried and tested

Whether you’re a skin care novice or someone who touts an expansive daily routine, you likely reach for a face moisturizer to keep your skin looking and feeling good. No matter your skin’s condition, any face can benefit from a quality moisturizer. After all, hydration is the key behind the oh-so-desirable glow that many products claim to deliver.

With this in mind, we brought in a panel of reviewers with different skin types to test 19 top-rated moisturizers — including new contenders to our testing this year and previously reviewed products from our original testing in 2020 — to find the best ones for you. Keep reading to see which face moisturizers stood out against the rest.

Best face moisturizer: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

$27 at Amazon, $30 at Target or $35 at Ulta

The winner once again, we found that dermatologist-favorite Olay Regenerist remains the best face moisturizer. The brand describes the product as “an anti-aging moisturizer that hydrates skin and helps retain skin’s youthful surface contours.” Essentially, it’s meant to diminish the look of fine lines while improving skin’s elasticity and firmness. What sets it apart is the formula.

According to New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, Olay Regenerist “provides the ideal combination of humectants like hyaluronic acid, emollients like triglycerides and occlusives to hydrate, support the skin barrier and lock in moisture. It also includes niacinamide, which is helpful for tone and texture, and anti-aging peptides as well. It’s fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin too.”

This is an all-around reliable moisturizer if you’re looking for a product to have in your vanity year-round or want to try a low-risk option. One of our testers, who describes their skin type as “normal” with a bit of dryness in the winter, says that they “like the weight of this formula. It looks creamy but blends in immediately, and you don’t feel it on your face at all.” The lightweight but creamy texture allows it to sink right into the skin as opposed to simply sitting on top of it. None of our testers experienced any skin sensitivities or irritations while using it — obviously a plus.

There’s not much not to like about Olay Regenerist. The moisturizer is available in both scented and fragrance-free formulas. The scented version smells rather citrusy, which is a relevant caution for people with sensitive skin. And while Regenerist is available at your local drugstore, it’s not the most cost-effective moisturizer out there. If you’re on a really strict budget, this might be a bit of a splurge.

Best face moisturizer for dry skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

From $18 at Sephora or $38 at Ulta

If you have dry skin, look no further than the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream — another second-time winner. The brand itself is known for its efficacious skin care products to solve various skin concerns that are formulated to be suitable for sensitive skin. The ingredients and the texture make it an excellent moisturizer to quench dry skin.

“This facial cream combines ultra-hydrating shea butter with soothing colloidal oatmeal to provide moisture and relief to those with dry skin,” Dr. Elyse Love, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, says. According to King, colloidal oatmeal, partnered with allantoin, works to soothe and calm the skin, particularly dry, flaky or itchy patches. She says that the cream “provides the ideal combination of humectants like glycerin, emollients like ceramides and occlusives to hydrate, support the skin barrier and lock in moisture.”

One of our testers called this moisturizer basic, but we mean that in the most positive way. A reliable moisturizer that performs well doesn’t need bells and whistles to be appreciated. They say that “it is rich and creamy but has no scent. It goes on pretty thick and works well on dry spots. This is usually my go-to winter moisturizer.” Despite the thickness, it blends seamlessly into the skin without feeling like it’s weighing you down, and a little product goes a long way. Another tester says, “I literally needed the smallest dab to spread it across my face, so I barely made a dent in the tub. This jar is also massive. Considering how little you need to use, I can see this lasting six to eight months or even longer.” We found that the Ultra Repair Cream stood up to the brand’s “fast-absorbing” and “long-term hydration” claims. None of our testers experienced any skin sensitivities or irritations while using it.

Because it is so thick, it may not be the best option for a summer moisturizer, though, unless your skin is truly in need of intense moisture while the temperatures are high. Also, ringing in at just under $40 for the standard size tub, this isn’t necessarily the most affordable face moisturizer.

Best face moisturizer for sensitive skin: Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer

$45 at Dieux

Besides its pleasant and hydrating formula, Dieux is serious about delivering on its claims. According to the brand, Instant Angel went through third-party clinical trials that were conducted in Winnipeg, Canada, during winter, which found the face cream “to be hydrating and moisturizing along with helping reduce the overall appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over the course of 56 days.”

This is a medium-weight moisturizer with a silky texture that can suit different skin types that struggle with irritation. Fragrance-free and consisting of gentle ingredients like glycerin, urea and meadowfoam estolide, among others, the cream focuses on restoring hydration and supporting the skin barrier. Sensitive skin is often indicative of a compromised skin barrier, so using products that repair and strengthen this part of the epidermis is an essential step in recovering from irritation.

We felt the lasting hydration that this moisturizer delivers, and we liked that the rich formula didn’t feel heavy. One tester noted that it’s probably best for a nighttime skin care routine or for those in frigid climates since it’s made for dehydrated skin. Reviewed by one tester with sensitive dry skin and one with sensitive combination skin, neither experienced any irritation when using this product. Dieux’s price and sustainability transparency is also worth noting: The brand tells customers about the cost of production and the environmental impact of its products, so you can be confident and informed about your purchase.

While the aluminum tube is a sustainable option, it is vulnerable to splits that could cause the product to leak. Moreover, the tube format has a screw-on top, which our testers found less desirable than a squeeze tube with a connected lid.

Best face moisturizer for combination skin: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

From $25 at Sephora and Ulta

There’s a reason this moisturizer is a bestseller. Derm approved and a longtime editor favorite, the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is packed with squalane and glacial glycoproteins that help the skin balance its moisture levels.

Using botanically derived squalane — an emollient ingredient that’s noncomedogenic (won’t clog pores) and safe for eczema-prone skin — this moisturizer feels like a cushiony gel-cream. Because squalane mimics the skin’s natural oils, it’s a great option for those looking to simultaneously manage oil production and boost moisture. It also contains nourishing glacial glycoproteins, hydrating glycerin and barrier-supporting pro-ceramides to soften and plump the skin.

Creamier than other gel moisturizers we tried but lighter than other creams, this moisturizer is a nice mid-weight option. One tester with normal skin that leans dry calls it “a trusty classic,” saying, “This pretty much restores moisture to dry skin overnight, and I like that even those with sensitive skin can use it too.” Another tester says that the squalane-rich formula is a good fit for her combination skin, as it absorbs well and doesn’t feel greasy, leaving her with a dolphin skin-like finish.

But this formula might be too heavy for hotter, humid weather. It’s best suited for the dryer, cold months, when the skin needs a boost of oils and emollients.

Best face moisturizer for oily skin: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

From $22 at Amazon or $38 at Ulta

With a name like Aqua Bomb, you surely expect this moisturizer by Belif to quench your skin’s thirst — and luckily, it does not disappoint. According to the brand, it’s formulated to provide a 70% increase in your skin’s hydration level, leaving you with smooth and supple skin. This kind of lightweight nourishment makes it ideal for oily skin.

Belif’s True Cream Aqua Bomb is practically weightless, described as a water-based gel-cream. “This formula delivers hydrating glycerin and hyaluronic acid in a lightweight gel formula that will not weigh down skin,” Love says. New York-based licensed esthetician and skin care expert Sean Garrette agrees and says that he recommends this a lot to his oily-skin clients.

One of our testers says they “loved the texture of this one, and it also felt cool to the touch when you put it on.” Another tester wrote, “It was lightweight and hydrating yet not greasy or oily. I suggest using this in the a.m. and the p.m. since it is lightweight yet hydrating.” Better yet, while testing the Aqua Bomb, one tester saw a noticeable difference in skin texture after just a few uses.

The scent of this moisturizer might be a deterrent for some. One tester also wished the formula were cruelty-free.

Best face moisturizer for acne-prone skin: CosRX Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream

From $16 at Amazon

Snail mucin is a viral K-beauty skin care ingredient that actively works to hydrate and heal the skin. This lightweight gel moisturizer has a unique texture and harnesses the ingredient’s properties to soothe acne-prone skin.

Snail mucin, hyaluronic acid and betaine — an ingredient that helps balance the skin’s hydration levels — work together to deliver a light and comfortable moisturizer. Snail mucin admittedly has a slimy, stretchy quality to it, which gives this 92% snail mucin formula a bouncy gel texture that absorbs best when patted into the skin rather than massaged or rubbed. Because of snail mucin’s healing properties, it helps calm irritated, breakout-prone skin.

“The goo-like texture of the mucin is a bit strange at first but doesn’t feel sticky on the skin, which drinks it right up,” one tester with acne-prone skin shares. “I couldn’t even feel it on my skin afterward but noticed multiple improvements in hydration and plumpness.” It’s also under $20 and outperformed our $54 previous winner, which is a major plus.

We found the “cream” in the product’s name to be a bit misleading, as this is truly a gel-based moisturizer. In addition, we tried the 3.05-ounce jar, which was a bit messy. Larger sizes come in a tube, which we think would be a better user experience for the gooey formula.

Best face moisturizer with SPF: RoC Barrier Renew AM Moisturizer With SPF 30

$17 at Amazon or $25 at Ulta

Some moisturizers with SPF feel more like a traditional, thick sunscreen, but this one has a smooth, silky formula that feels hydrating. It contains ceramides for skin barrier protection and doesn’t leave the skin greasy like other sunscreen-moisturizer hybrids.

Developed with dermatologists, this moisturizer was created to tackle dehydrated skin and work for all skin types. It’s unscented, hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic and paraben-free; it doesn’t leave a white cast; and it was clinically tested on more than 200 patients with different skin types and tones. Along with SPF 30 protection, it delivers prebiotics and ceramides to support a healthy skin barrier.

This product is lightweight and comfortable, and it makes it easy to incorporate SPF into your skin care routine without an additional step. “No dry spots of flaking while using this baby!” one tester shares, adding, “I think it’s great for those who want to simplify their morning routine since it has SPF 30 built in.” Unlike typical SPF formulas you’ll find on drugstore shelves, this affordable moisturizer feels more akin to the elegant K-beauty sunscreen formulas that have gone viral. (While we love K-beauty sunscreens, they are not easily accessible in all parts of the US, so we did not include them in our testing for this story.)

The chemical SPF formula contains UV filters (avobenzone, homosalate and octisalate) that are currently permitted in US manufacturing but have been banned or regulated by the European Commission at certain concentrations. As with any chemical SPF formula, you should research the active ingredients to learn about the possible risks.

Best drugstore face moisturizer: Cetaphil Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion

$15 From $14 at Amazon or $21 at Ulta

You’ve likely given the Cetaphil Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion a try at some point in your life or have vague memories of spotting it on the shelves of your nearest drugstore. It’s a no-fuss, reliable drugstore moisturizer that won’t disappoint, and what our testers would reach for in a pinch or on a quick errand run.

According to King, “Noncomedogenic and packed with both hydrating humectants and emollients to lock in moisture, this is a great cream for both face and body.” She says that the key ingredients — glycerin, glyceryl stearate, sweet almond oil and vitamin E — work together to draw in moisture, soften the skin and help protect against UV damage. Garrette and Love, who says this is “lightweight, easy to apply, hydrating and oil-free,” are fans of this drugstore staple.

Despite being packed with an assortment of hydrating ingredients, it’s noticeably light. In fact, one tester says that it took the shortest amount of time to rub in, leaving the skin nourished for hours after application, even on dry patches. “The texture is lightweight and hydrating, [and] it doesn’t clog my pores,” one of our testers says. “It’s fragrance-free, it absorbed instantly, the bottle is the perfect size for traveling and storing in my cabinet and it’s only [$14]!”

There isn’t much we don’t like about the Cetaphil Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion, but, in comparison, we found that it didn’t leave our skin quite as moisturized as other options, nor did it deliver that glowy look.

Best splurge face moisturizer: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

From $96 at Sephora and Augustinus Bader

For a truly luxurious moisturizer experience, look no further than Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream, a product that blew us away with how pleasant it is. According to the brand, this cream is designed to “support cellular renewal to dramatically improve the complexion’s appearance” — specifically the signs of aging such as fine lines, skin elasticity and hyperpigmentation.

“This is a personal luxury splurge for me. I have pretty dry skin that can easily become dehydrated in the winter. This moisturizer has been a savior for my dry skin. Incredibly nourishing, plumping and makes my skin feel so supple,” Garrette says. Ideal for normal to dry skin, or for those in dry climates, this fragrance-free, vegan option utilizes the brand’s TFC8 cellular renewal complex, as well as nourishing ingredients like evening primrose oil, squalene, vitamin E and avocado oil.

We particularly loved the rich, creamy texture and the way it absorbed easily into the skin. Testers shared that it made them feel hydrated, glowy and even healing on their problem areas. In fact, one tester says it cleared some of her acne on her chin, leaving her with a more even complexion after just a few days. She says, “When I’d put this on at night, I’d wake up with skin that I didn’t even have to cover with makeup.” None of our testers experienced any skin sensitivities while testing it either.

Simply put, the biggest con of The Rich Cream is the price tag. But it surely might be worth the investment if you’re OK with the splurge or want a moisturizer so good you don’t even need foundation.

How to pick the right moisturizer

“Moisturizers hydrate, support the skin barrier and lock in moisture,” King says. “These qualities are important for keeping the skin healthy and plump. An impaired skin barrier will leave the skin more vulnerable to damage, dryness, irritation, inflammation and infection.”

But how do you choose a moisturizer that’s good for you? According to King, “all skin types should look for a moisturizer that contains humectants, emollients and occlusives.” If your moisturizer includes a combination of ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, squalane and thicker oils or waxes like beeswax, you’re on the right track.

“Those with normal skin will likely find a daily lightweight lotion to be moisturizing enough,” Love explains. “Those with drier skin may require a thicker cream, particularly in the fall and winter, to maintain moisture balance. For those with extremely dry skin and/or a defective skin barrier (for example, those with eczema), combining a moisturizing cream with an occlusive ointment may be necessary, especially in the fall and winter.”

At the end of the day, the right moisturizer for you should leave your skin feeling undoubtedly nourished — not dry, itchy or irritated. Because there are so many moisturizers on the market, we sought out to test them ourselves.

How we tested

We tasked 12 Underscored contributors and staff members with various skin types and skin care routines to find moisturizers that really work. We settled on a testing pool of 19 top-rated moisturizers based on expert recommendations, editorial reviews and customer ratings. Over the course of more than a month, each of our staffers tested a moisturizer for at least a week to determine the overall efficacy when put to the test with their everyday skin care routine.

At the end of the trial period, we asked each of our testers to complete a detailed survey. Testers were asked to rate the quality and effectiveness of each moisturizer across the following categories beyond pros and cons: scent, application, formula, price and how it left their skin feeling overall. Testers were also asked to provide further notes and commentary on each of the variables listed above, as well as decide if they’d be likely to purchase it again.

Other moisturizers we tested

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

From $17 at Amazon

This French pharmacy favorite provides ample hydration and has a nice texture that is, as one tester notes, “not quite thick or thin, but definitely leans lighter on the texture scale.” We like that it is multipurpose and suitable for other areas of the body too. The big drawback for us is its floral scent, which might deter those with sensitive skin from using it on their face. “Those with sensitive skin should approach scent with caution,” Love says. “Test the product on the lateral face right in front of the ear before using it on the entire face.”

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer

$25 at Target

Although it did not make our top picks, we are still huge fans of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer, particularly the gel-like texture. It’s recommended by King too. She says, “My patients with oilier skin tend to particularly love Neutrogena’s Water Boost Gel Moisturizer. It’s noncomedogenic and has a gel base with light occlusives — well suited for oily skin.” However, it lost points for us because of its light scent.

Mara SeaDream Firming Algae Crème Moisturizer

$64 at Sephora

This new product has a thick, creamy texture that melts into the skin like a dream. It was a favorite of one of our testers, who says that it “leaves a glowy, plump complexion, and if it’s too thick for some people it can definitely be used as a moisture-boosting overnight mask.” Although it is a rich cream and a little goes a long way, it comes in a small 1.7-ounce jar that makes the luxury price tag feel even heftier.

Shani Darden Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer

$50 at Sephora

Our testers with oily and combination skin liked this option’s light texture and pump format. In comparison, the tester with combination skin found it very hydrating and they were surprised it was an oil-free formula (it has a silky quality that makes it feel like it could have oils in it); however, the oily tester found it made a good daytime moisturizer but wasn’t hydrating enough for nighttime.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer With SPF

From $23 at Amazon

Our previous pick for best moisturizer with SPF, this is still a reliable formula. During this year’s tests, we found it feels (and smells) more like a sunscreen than a moisturizer, which docked some points. It’s a derm favorite, and according to King, it “provides the ideal combination of humectants like glycerin, emollients like ceramides and occlusives. It also contains niacinamide, which helps with tone and texture, as well as SPF 30, and it’s suitable for sensitive skin.” Better yet, the moisturizer is noncomedogenic and oil- and paraben-free while sporting a rich, creamy texture.

La Mer Crème de la Mer

From $100 at Sephora

Although this is a luxury pick for celebrities, influencers and the beauty set alike, we didn’t fall in love with La Mer’s Crème de la Mer — especially not enough to justify the hefty price tag. While the formula is impeccably rich, we felt it was too heavy to wear realistically because it takes a long time to completely sink into the skin. Perhaps better for someone with truly dry skin, this moisturizer features the brand’s Miracle Broth and lime tea to visibly improve signs of aging and leave you with a rejuvenated complexion over time.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

$61 $59 at Amazon

A previous winner for best moisturizer for sensitive skin, this cream is for someone who wants lightweight, gel-cream consistency that will leave your skin feeling hydrated throughout the day. According to one tester with combination skin, “it’s scentless, the texture is lightweight, doubles as a primer for makeup, absorbs quickly and leaves my skin looking supple and glowy and feeling super hydrated.”

Rhode Barrier Restore Cream

$30 at Rhode

From Hailey Bieber’s skin care line, this is a celebrity product that lives up to the hype. The formula features squalane, shea butter, peptides and niacinamide for a comfortable, hydrating layer that sinks into the skin. It’s a basic formula that our testers think would be best suited for normal skin. Because it was made to be paired with Rhode’s other hydrating products, it might not be enough for dry skin on its own.

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

From $23 at Sephora

Japanese purple rice, Okinawa algae blend, hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts are the stars of this formula that previously won our pick for best moisturizer for combination skin. These ingredients come together to protect the skin barrier against pollution and stress, soften and nourish the skin, and help the skin retain moisture. While it’s lovely to apply, compared to this year’s winner for combination skin, Kiehl’s, this formula is a bit thicker and notably more expensive for the same size jar.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer

From $23 at Sephora

Another unseated winner, this Peter Thomas Roth moisturizer is still one we recommend for acne-prone skin. According to our tester who has hormonal acne, “This could be good for either an a.m. or p.m. routine. It didn’t cause a breakout but was still super hydrating, thanks to the 30% hyaluronic acid complex.” It’s good at nourishing the skin with the hydration it needs without weighing it down and leading to more breakouts.