The Very Best Face Moisturizers

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Texture:Gel| Active ingredients:Glycerin, hyaluronic acid |Price:1.7 ounces, approx. $9/ounce

Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost line was first launched in 2015; over the ten years it’s been on the market, it’s been recommended to us again and again, earning a spot in pretty much every moisturizer roundup we’ve published, whether foroily,dry,combination,mature,sunburned, oracne-proneskin. According to Dr.Corey L. Hartman, the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, its accessibility and price point make it especially hard to beat.

There are currently three different iterations of the Hydro Boost moisturizer. According to Julie Bianchini, a Principal Scientist for Neutrogena Research & Development, the legacy Water Gel has a light gel texture and is recommended for oily to normal skin; theGel Creamhas a slightly thicker texture for normal to dry skin; and theWater Creamhas an even thicker and more nourishing texture for dry to extra dry skin. All three formulas contain hyaluronic acid, but the Gel Cream and Water Cream contain additional ingredients such as lipids and ceramides for even deeper hydration. Additionally, the Water Gel is fragranced, while the Gel Cream and Water Cream are both fragrance-free.

While you can choose the formula that best suits your skin type, you can also try mixing and matching, says Bianchini: “You can use one of the lighter gel-like products in the morning and the cream at night. You can layer them or apply them with a serum. You have a range of options depending on your skin needs in that moment.” Personally, I have combination skin on the oilier side, so I opt for the lightest gel version, especially in the summer; in the winter, however, I tend to get dry and flaky, so I’ll use the gel-cream version to give my skin some extra nourishment. No matter what type of skin or skin concerns you have, it’s hard to go wrong with Hydro Boost, which makes it my best overall pick.

Texture:Gel-Cream| Active ingredients:B-L3 lipid complex, niacinamide |Price:1.7 ounces, approx. $32/ounce

Three dermatologists I spoke to recommended Skinfix’s gel-cream moisturizer for oily skin. “It’s a nice, lightweight moisturizer that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin,” says Dr. Sam Ellis, board-certified dermatologist and founder ofPrequel Skin. And Dr. Kim assures us that “it will keep your skin supple and moist without clogging your pores.” The formula includes a barrier lipid complex that absorbs excess oil while repairing the skin’s moisture barrier, along with niacinamide to reduce the appearance of pore size. Last summer, this was my go-to moisturizer; its lightweight gel-cream consistency sank right into my skin and added moisture without feeling heavy.I also noticed that I didn’t need to use as many blotting sheets during the day, as the formula contains zinc to help reduce oil and shine. And I appreciate the hygienic pump packaging — most jarred moisturizers require you to dip your hand in,which can breed bacteria— and that the tub is refillable.

Texture:Lightweight cream| Active ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, mineral water, vitamins B3 & E, squalane |Price:1.7 ounces, approx. $19/ounce

We named Vichy’s face serum one of thebest moisturizers for oily skin, but for even more intense hydration, board-certified dermatologistDr. Marisa Garshicklikes this relatively new product from the brand — a cream that combines “all the benefits of the serum with hyaluronic acid and the Vichy volcanic water to really help boost moisture,” she says. Even though it’s a little thicker than a serum, it’s still very lightweight and contains additional ingredients such as squalane and vitamins E and B3 to support theskin barrier.

Texture:Gel| Active ingredients:Ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin |Price:1.75 ounces, approx. $9/ounce

Rather than a thick, occlusive cream, this CeraVe gel has a light texture that absorbs quickly but still includes the brand’s signature blend of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin, says board-certified dermatologist Dr.Shari Marchbein. She adds that it can easily be used by those with facial hair, who often have oilier skin owing to higher testosterone levels.

Texture:Lotion| Active ingredients:Avocado extract, African yellowwood-bark extract |Price:1.7 ounces, approx. $29/ounce

Cosmetic dermatologistDr. Blair Murphy-Rosesays this Murad moisturizer is especially suited for oily skin thanks to its mattifying agents that help “balance and control the oil production” and reduce the look of pores. As an added benefit, the formula also includes SPF, though Dr. Murphy-Rose does recommend layering additionalsun protectionon top.

Texture:Lotion| Active ingredients:Zinc, micropearls |Price:4 ounces, approx. $4/ounce

Dr. Sapna Palep ofSpring Street Dermatologylikes this Cetaphil moisturizer for its “micropearl” technology, which absorbs surface oil and reduces shine while moisturizing the skin. It’s noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog the pores and potentially cause acne, and it has broad-spectrum SPF for extra UV protection.

Texture:Gel-Cream| Active ingredients:Wild rose, Hadasei-3 |Price:1.7 ounces, approx. $42/ounce

“For oilier skin, the best moisturizers have a lot to do with consistency of the product itself,” board-certified dermatologistDr. Carmen Castillaexplains. “You don’t want it to be too thick, or it feels greasy on the skin.” She likes Tatcha’s super-lightweight yet luxurious-feeling Water Cream moisturizer that melts into the skin. It also contains pore-minimizing Japanese wild rose and skin-brightening algae.

Texture:Cream| Active ingredients:Shea butter, allantoin, colloidal oatmeal |Price:6 ounces, approx. $6/ounce

First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream has a very thick, rich texture that’s also noncomedogenic, “so it’s not going to block your pores,” explains Dr. Castilla. It’s also a favorite moisturizer of oureczema-pronebeauty writer Rio Viera-Newton because it contains colloidal oatmeal for calming inflammation and itchy skin, plus ceramides and shea butter to protect and replenish the skin’s natural barrier.

[Editor’s note: A specificcoconut vanilla-scented versionof this moisturizer wasrecalledin January 2025, but the unscented version recommended here is unaffected.]

Texture:Cream| Active ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, vitamins C & E, BioNymph peptide complex |Price:1.7 ounces, approx. $59/ounce

“The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream really does help to boost moisture magically,” says Dr. Garshick. It contains a combination of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, and glycerin to draw moisture into the skin and improve its radiance and plumpness. And board-certified dermatologistDr. Rebecca Marcussays the addition of peptides helps support collagen production. I used this cream during a period where my skin was flaking heavily due to tretinoin and found it to be extremely nourishing thanks to its thick, emollient texture — I wouldn’t apply it to my whole face, but it was perfect as a balm for soothing dry patches. Though this one is pricey, the brand does offer refills for $10 less once you finish your first jar.

Texture:Cream| Active ingredients:Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides |Price:19 ounces, approx. $1/ounce

A longtimefavorite of Strategist readers, this CeraVe cream was crowned the bestmoisturizer for dry skinthanks to its thick, creamy texture and affordable price point. “It’s just a great overall cream. You can use it everywhere, and it comes in a nice big jar so you get more bang for your buck,” says Dr. Nozile. Dr. Kim agrees, calling it “a must for winter” due to its simple formula that’s packed with ceramides, which help toboost moisture levels and repair skin. It also contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid, staples in moisturizers formulated for dry skin.

Texture:Cream| Active ingredients:Niacinamide, shea butter, ceramides |Price:13.5 ounces, approx. $1.50/ounce

For those with “ultra-dry alligator skin” likeStrategist writer Tembe Denton-Hurst, La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar Balm is so thick she often has to scrape it out of the bottle because it’s too thick for the pump. Those with dry skin often have a compromised skin barrier, but according to Dr. Mitchell, the Lipikar balm performs a “unique prebiotic action on the skin microbiome” that restores and repairs the barrier. It pulls double duty as both a face and body moisturizer, so it “streamlines your routine, and you only need one huge bottle,” says Dr. Castilla. She adds that it’s “gentle and works well for eczema-prone skin, too,” which is why it ended up on our list of thebest eczema treatments.

Texture:Cream| Active ingredients:TFC8, vitamins A, C, and B5, hydrolyzed rice protein |Price:1 ounce, approx. $190 per ounce

According to Dr. Kim, Augustinus Bader’s the Cream is packed with plant-based oils such as evening primrose, avocado, and argan to keep skin protected. “It also has vitamin E, which is a great antioxidant that helps remove free radicals,” he says. Aesthetician Joanna Czech calls it “super-repairing” and notes that it “stimulates skin’s natural process of rejuvenation.” We named it one of thebest night creamsas well for its “plush, pillowy texture,” which goes on smoothly and deeply conditions skin, and fashion designerPhillip Limtold us he uses it year-round because “it’s a perfect weight for both warmer and cooler climates.” When I tested it, the product definitely had a luxurious feel, with a rich, soothing consistency that my skin’s flaky patches drank up. I mainly applied it at night before bed, and would wake up with my skin feeling supple and renewed. While it’s a bit too pricey for me to use as a daily moisturizer, it was a lifesaver for my skin during this extremely cold, dry winter, so I would be most likely to pay up and use it in a “break glass in case of emergency” situation.

Texture:Milk| Active ingredients:Ceramide complex, peptide complex, amino acids |Price:5.7 ounces, approx. $5/ounce

I have combination skin, and it can be a struggle to find moisturizers that provide deep hydration without feeling heavy and clogging up my pores. Prequel Skin’s Half and Half fluid moisturizer has become a fixture in my skin-care routine thanks to its ultra-lightweight, milky consistency — my skin soaks it right up. The formula contains a ceramide complex that mimics natural skin lipids, a peptide complex to soften fine lines and wrinkles, and amino acids for a plumping effect. It’s also fragrance-free and safe for all skin types. During the winter, I typically layer it under another moisturizer for extra hydration, but I plan to wear it on its own through the summer. I also used it as a first step in theretinol-sandwich method, and it was pivotal for helping my skin adjust to a higher-strength tretinoin. Plus, a little goes a long way, so the bottle has lasted me multiple months already and is still going strong.

Texture:Cream| Active ingredients:Provitamin B5, liquid-crystal lipids, centella asiatica |Price:1.6 ounces, approx. $43/ounce

Matter of Fact’s Minimalist moisturizer has a lighter consistency than the brand’sMaximalist moisturizer, which is more suited to dry or dehydrated skin, so “it’s not going to clog pores but it’ll moisturize without feeling heavy,” says board-certified dermatologistDr. Claire Wolinsky. She adds that the provitamin B5 and the lipids in the ingredients “deeply condition and support the skin’s barrier.”

Texture:Gel-cream| Active ingredients:Ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, betain |Price:1.7 ounces, approx. $7/ounce

Dr. Castilla says this oil-free Inkey List moisturizer has a lighter, almost watery texture, so it won’t weigh down oily areas while nourishing dry patches. Among its many hydrating ingredients is niacinamide, which “helps slow down sebum production so you won’t look so oily,” she explains.

Texture:Lotion| Active ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide |Price:3 ounces, approx. $5/ounce

In choosing an all-in-one product to moisturize combination skin,Dr. Oma Agbai, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, Davis, recommends starting with an oil-free, noncomedogenic moisturizer that can address dry skin “without causing additional oil production,” which describes this CeraVe lotion to a tee. It has an oil-free formula that won’t worsen skin’s oily patches and, as Agbai explains, is cream-based with nonocclusive ingredients that won’t clog pores. The formula includes broad-spectrum SPF to provide extra protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Texture:Gel| Active ingredients:Ceramides, niacinamide |Price:2.5 ounces, approx. $9/ounce

If you’re looking for a moisturizer to mattify your oily T-zone and hydrate the dry areas, Dr. Marcus recommends this oil-free option from La Roche-Posay. It’s specifically formulated for oily and combination skin, with a light gel texture that won’t leave skin feeling greasy. The formula includes anti-inflammatory niacinamide and ceramides to support the skin barrier as well as soothing thermal spring water. “It’s fragrance free and doesn’t contain anything irritating,” Dr. Marcus adds.

Texture:Cream| Active ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, urea complex |Price:1.7 ounces, approx. $88/ounce

Dr. Ope Ofodile, a co-owner ofDermatology and Surgery Specialists of North Atlanta, promises this SkinBetter treatment won’t exacerbate oily spots while it delivers “truly heavy hydration without the weight.” It’s definitely on the pricier side, but many experts swear by the brand; dermatologistDr. Elyse Lovetold our friends at the Cut that since her skin is traditionally oily but dry in the winter, she’ll use it when she needs something “highly moisturizing but still very lightweight.” Dr. Garshick adds that it’s easy to use on the neck and chest as well as the face, and according to those who have told us about it, a little goes a long way.

Texture:Lotion| Active ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, glycerin |Price:3 ounces, approx. $4/ounce

Since sensitive skin can easily be triggered by allergens or extraneous ingredients, it’s best to choose a moisturizer that’s as simple and straightforward as possible. ThisVanicreammoisturizer fits the bill because it’s free of potential irritants such as dyes, fragrance, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers. Dr. Garshick says it’s “very gentle but not too greasy. It won’t clog pores, but it does the job moisturizing and minimizing dryness.”

Texture:Lotion| Active ingredients:Ceramides, triple lipid complex |Price:2.7 ounces, approx. $11/ounce

Strategist writerErin Schwartzhas very dry, “finicky, sensitive, allergy-prone skin” that breaks out “at the faintest suggestion of fragrance.” After a very long search for a moisturizer that didn’t cause issues, they found Aestura’s Atobarrier365, and it has worked so well that they now subscribe to it via auto-ship. “It’s rich enough that my skin feels bouncy and resilient after using it, and it’s never triggered irritation or acne,” Schwartz says.

My skin isn’t quite as sensitive as Schwartz’s, but Aestura’s moisturizer is the one I turn to whenever my skin is having any sort of adverse reaction, such as sunburn or irritation from a retinoid. I always keep a bottle on hand, because I trust it will calm my skin without making things worse.

Texture:Gel| Active ingredients:Prebiotic oat, feverfew |Price:1.7 ounces approx. $10/ounce

When sensitive skin has a flare-up, the ingredients in this Aveeno moisturizer will work to calm it. They include prebiotic oat and feverfew, both of which will “help to calm, soothe, and hydrate dry, sensitive, or irritated skin,” says Dr. Mitchell. (Oat extracts are often recommended to treat persistent patches of eczema.) It also contains glycerin and panthenol, a B5 vitamin, to restore the skin’s moisture barrier.

Texture:Cream| Active ingredients:Glycerin, thermal spring water |Price:1.3 ounces, approx. $17/ounce

If you’re prone to acne and are incorporating actives such as AHAs or BHAs into your skin-care routine, you’ll need a moisturizer that offsets their drying effects. Dr. Wolinsky recommends this calming cream from Avène, which contains nourishing plant triglycerides and thermal spring water, as a great option for anyone simultaneously using acne treatments. “This would be part of your regimen to complement the acne treatments by restoring the skin barrier and helping soothe the irritation so you can maximize the use of ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid,” Dr. Wolinsky explains.

Texture:Lotion| Active ingredients:SPF 30, micropearls |Price:4 ounces, approx. $2.75/ounce

Differin is a popular longtime acne brand. Its most notable ingredient is adapalene, which functions similarly to retinol, so it stands to reason that Differin’s oil-control moisturizer would pair nicely with any acids orretinoidsyou may have in your routine. This moisturizer contains SPF 30 using oleosome technology, which lowers the concentration of chemical-sunscreen filters that can cause irritation. On the mattifying front, it uses micropearl technology, which absorbs oil and gives skin a matte finish.

Texture:Lotion| Active ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, willow-bark extract |Price:1.7 ounces, approx. $26/ounce

If you want to streamline your routine and use a moisturizer that contains active ingredients, Dr. Wolinsky suggests EltaMD’s AM Restore Therapy moisturizer. It contains willow bark to exfoliate the skin very gently — “It’s like the natural salicylic acid,” she explains — as well as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help draw in moisture and support suppleness.

Texture:Rich cream| Active ingredients:Ceramides, fatty acids, natural cholesterol |Price:1.6 ounces, approx. $94/ounce

Our skin tends to get dryer and thinner as we age and we produce less of our natural lipids, such as cholesterol, pure ceramides, and fatty acids. The SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore moisturizer, which we have written aboutmanytimes, helps restore some these lost elements. We dubbed it the best option fordry mature skinafter it was recommended by dermatologist Dr. Julie Russak, founder ofRussak Dermatology Group. Dr. Russak says it restores the natural physiological composition of our cell walls so that “younger, healthier cells can take over.” It contains both ceramides and antioxidants, along with fatty acids and cholesterol, and deeply hydrates without clogging pores.

Texture:Cream| Active ingredients:Chebula, aloe, glycerin, hyaluronic acid |Price:1.7 ounces, approx. $65/ounce

This True Botanicals cream contains key ingredients such as chebula and acerola cherry, which help maintain hydration, correct the signs of skin aging, and support skin that has been exposed to pollution and blue light. Board-certified dermatologistDr. Daniel Butlersays chebula is a potent antioxidant that “works phenomenally well at reversing the stressors that show externally on the skin as we age.” Combined with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, it makes for “a really light and super-hydrating moisturizer” with tons of anti-aging benefits, Dr. Butler says. “Some ultramoisturizing creams feel very heavy on your face, but this one goes on really easily.”

Texture:Cream| Active ingredients:Retinol, niacinamide |price:1.7 ounces, approx. $18/ounce

For those entering their 40s, Dr. Hartman highly suggests adding a retinol product to your skin-care routine, since it can enhance cellular turnover and increase collagen and elasticity in the skin. “It’s the closest thing we have to a holy grail,” he says. “It helps with acne breakouts, it helps with more effective exfoliation, it gets rid of dullness, it helps with fine lines and wrinkles — it really does it all.” Board-certified dermatologistDr. Zenovia Gabrielrecommends Olay’s Regenerist Retinol Moisturizer, saying it’s a great beginner product containing niacinamide, an antioxidant that prevents the irritation sometimes brought on by retinoids.