Choosing the best face moisturizer for you and your skin is incredibly personal. Skin type plays a major role, textural preference is a huge factor, and other products in your routine come into play. For example, you may want a do-it-all moisturizer with SPF and retinol to boot or a bare-bones cream whose sole job is to hydrate. There are oil-free moisturizers, vegan formulations, and even moisturizers for rosacea, eczema, and acne-prone skin. The options are plentiful, but keep your skincare standards high, and don’t settle for less.
To help guide you on your journey, the Marie Claire editors—along with board-certified dermatologists—are here to point you in the right direction. This year alone, we’ve tried hundreds of moisturizers (it's a fun part of the job) to find the creme de la creme for every skin type and concern. Ahead, team MC gets candid about the face moisturizers we love.
The Best Face Moisturizers
The products on this list have all been vetted by Marie Claire's Beauty Editor, Samantha Holender (aka yours truly) and Marie Claire's Beauty Director, Deena Campbell; have been hand-selected by a board-certified dermatologist; or tried and tested by one of our editors over the course of a few weeks. Each and every one includes hydrating ingredients, is highly rated by reviewers, and provides hydration. While the *best* moisturizer for you will vary based on personal preference, you truly can't go wrong with one of the items on this list. For a more personalized recommendation or if you have any concerns, check with your board-certified dermatologist.
- The Best Moisturizer Overall: Embryolisse Lait Créme Concentré
- The Best Moisturizer for Mature Skin: ReVivé Moisturizing Renewal Day Cream
- The Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer
- The Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Daily Moisturizer
- The Best Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Oil-Free Radiant Moisturizer
This French pharmacy staple has a long-standing cult-favorite status among makeup artists. It hydrates my sensitive skin like nothing I’ve ever experienced—I haven’t had dryness or irritation in weeks. My overall complexion looks brighter, healthier, and glowier without the added oily sheen that can pop up with rich creams. Pilling is non-existent and it doubles as a primer under makeup. In sum: I fully understand the world’s obsession.
Pros: Good for sensitive skin; Affordable
Cons: Contains fragrance
If there was only one skincare brand I could use for the rest of my life, it would be ReVivé—and this day cream is a huge reason why. The entire line is powered by epidermal growth factor, a protein that stimulates cell growth and works as an anti-aging, line-reducing warrior. Add SPF, antioxidants like vitamins C and E, minerals, and marine adaptogens into the mix, and this moisturizer is a multitasking wizard. It makes my skin look brighter, plumper, and healthier.
Pros: Anti-aging; Multi-benefit
Cons: Can be irritating for some
If nothing seems to ever quench your skin's thirst, take E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla's recommendation and try Ole Henriksen's Strength Trainor. "Not only does it smell amazing (like sweet lemons!) but the icing-like formula immediately melts into my skin and keeps it hydrated all night long," she says. The magic ingredients in this vegan formula are the eight different amino acids and peptides, which strengthen skin from the inside out and keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay.
Pros: Hydrating; Vegan
Cons: Fragrant
A high-quality product doesn't have to come with a high price point—and this drugstore cream is proof. "This daily moisturizer from the Ordinary does the trick for me day and night," says Associate E-Commerce Editor Brooke Knappenberger. "It feels extra lightweight, which is great for wearing underneath makeup, and it doesn't add any extra oil to my already oily skin. I love it so much, I'm already on my third bottle."
Pros: Affordable; Lightweight
Cons: Some say it’s drying
An oil-free moisturizer is a non-negotiable for acne-prone skin. “My acne-prone, ultra-oily skin tends to react poorly to protective ingredients like Vitamin C, but this oil-free formula is a non-comedogenic dream," explains Associate Social Media Director Lucia Tonelli. "This moisturizer protects your skin from the elements with the strength and consistency of The Queen's Guard." Sounds like a win-win.
Pros: Multi-benefit; Oil-free
Cons: Some report irritation
Also Recommended
I have rosacea and red undertones, but this cooling and calming cream helps me stay balanced. Its powers come in large part from ingredients like avocado oil and purslane, which provide antioxidant protection and calming, soothing benefits. I also have found that this particular product has a relatively lightweight and easy-to-rub-in texture for a rich cream, making it suitable for year-round use.
Pros: Good for redness; Soothing
Cons: Expensive
With Hailey Bieber and Nicola Peltz Beckham as big fans, you can count on this cream to make your skin glow. "A little goes a long way, and it leaves my skin hydrated and soothed for hours without feeling greasy or shiny or clogging my (easily cloggable!) pores," adds Digital Director Jenny Hollander. It's a go-to for cracked or super dry skin needing a hydrating boost.
Pros: Lightweight; Matte finish
Cons: Expensive
Scarlett Johansson uses this day in and day out (it's her brand after all), but board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield also gives this product her stamp of approval. "They use only fragrance free and gentle ingredients," she says. "This product gives a huge moisture boost while still gentle enough for sensitive skin and all skin types." The finish is super silky and gives a subtle dewiness to skin.
Pros: Good for dry and sensitive skin; Fragrance-free
Cons: Some say it pills
I can’t imagine my winter beauty routine without this moisturizer. The texture is dreamy and leaves my skin looking and feeling baby-soft. Any dry patches are instantly resolved and makeup goes on—and stays on—better than ever. The formula contains the brand’s proprietary miracle broth, which focuses on strengthening the skin barrier, and includes a handful of antioxidants to protect against environmental aggressors.
Pros: Hydrating; Anti-aging
Cons: Too greasy for some
Want a derm-recommended pick? Try this cult-classic from Cetaphil. "It instantly soothes, hydrates and protects skin from dryness. It helps restore the skin barrier in one week," emphasizes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sapna Palep. "It has a mix of niacinamide and panthenol that soothes sensitive skin, while glycerin hydrates the outer layer to maintain the skin barrier." Plus, one jar will last you forever.
Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; Nice texture; Affordable
Cons: None
Sydney Sweeney isn't the only one who can't get enough of this lightweight, gel moisturizer. It's Hollander's favorite, too. "It's lightweight but nourishing, and perfect for mixing and matching with your other products during the day," she shares. "I like to combine it with sunscreen for low-key days, or with CC cream or foundation when I'm heading out into a cold night. It doesn't clog my pores, it gives me a gentle glow, and it comes in the cutest baby-blue bottle."
Pros: Lightweight; Glowy
Cons: Not great for dry skin
Combination skin can be tricky to shop for. You need a hydrating product that's lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic. Take Beauty Writer Gabrielle Ulubay's recommendation and try this FaceTheory option. "I often find it difficult to balance my need for moisture with my fear of excess oil breaking me out, but this suits my skin during any season, with its lightweight, scent-free formula and matte finish," she says. "Plus, it's made with Vitamin C, giving me a glow that's garnered tons of compliments and questions about my skincare routine."
Pros: Balances oil production; Multi-benefit
Cons: Little bit of a tacky texture
Salicylic acid is one of the best acne-fighting ingredients, so it's no shocker that this salicylic acid-infused lotion is Ulubay's go-to when dealing with breakouts. "When it's hot out, when I'm PMSing, or when I'm feeling stressed, the skin on my face and back tends to explode into acne, and this moisturizer calms it down within a few short days without drying me out or inducing uncomfortable stinging," she says. An added bonus: It has a nice grapefruit scent.
Pros: Affordable; Great for blackheads
Cons: Not hydrating enough for some
Retinol on its own can be drying, but using it in tandem with a hydrating formula can help combat the side effects. This is made for first-time retinol users, and is coupled with hydrating ingredients like microalgae, silica, and minerals that can only be found in Iceland's famed Blue Lagoon. "It helped smooth out wrinkles and blemishes," adds Ulubay. Just be sure to wear extra sunscreen during the day while you're using it—retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Pros: Contains retinol; Gentle
Cons: Not ideal if you have another exfoliant in your routine
Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and Marie Claire's own Digital Director keep this sensitive skin-safe cream on standby. "I get on-off eczema around my eyes and forehead when it's chilly out, and this is the only cream that soothes my skin when it's at its itchiest and grouchiest," says Hollander. "You can use it all over your body—I apply it to mosquito bites to stop the itching—and it soaks into your skin in a way that feels nourishing, rather than superficial or irritating."
Pros: Good for eczema
Cons: Too thick for some
Do I Need a Moisturizer?
There’s no world in which you don’t need a moisturizer. Oily or dry—it’s a must. “Everyone has skin, so everyone should use a moisturizer daily,” says board-certified dermatologist and founder of Spring Street Dermatology Dr. Sapna Palep. The whole point of a moisturizer is to keep the skin barrier, aka the outermost layer of our skin, healthy, hydrated, and intact, so it can do its job protecting the body from external factors (read: pollution, free radicals, UV rays). “If the skin barrier is compromised, skin may look and feel uncomfortable and irritated,” she adds.
What Moisturizer Is Best for My Skin Type?
While you should look for a moisturizer that works with your skin type, understand that you might need to switch up your products a few times throughout the year. "Skin types are not static," explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield. "They change as the seasons change, as our hormonal balances shift, and as our skin ages and has environmental and ultraviolet triggers. Understanding the complexities of our skin is the first step to figuring out which moisturizer to apply for best results."
If your skin is severely dry, consider a cream-based moisturizer, says Dr. Palep. “For deeper hydration, look for a moisturizing cream, versus a gel. A cream tends to be thicker and will add more hydration.” If your skin errs on the oily or acne-prone side though, you’re best off looking for a light water cream or gel.
Apply a dime-sized amount of moisturizer for adequate hydration.
What Ingredients Should Be in Moisturizer?
Every moisturizer is going to be different and therefore, feature a unique ingredient list. Moisturizers for acne-prone skin may have acids, like salicylic, glycolic, or lactic, that are designed to speed up cell turnover, while moisturizers for people with eczema might have colloidal oatmeal. But at baseline, there should be a handful of hydrators. “You want to look for a moisturizer that has a mix of humectant, emollient, and occlusive ingredients, all of which work together to add maximum hydration,” advises Dr. Palep. “Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin attract water from the air or from within deeper layers of the skin to add moisture. Emollients, like shea butter and cocoa butter, are ingredients that add moisture to the skin when applied. Occlusives like jojoba oil and argan oil also add moisture while also adding a physical barrier to help prevent water loss.”
Johansson previously told Marie Claire she's "addicted" to The Outset Day Cream.
When Should I Apply Moisturizer?
Moisturizer will be one of the last steps in your skincare routine, going on after cleanser, toner, and serums. You should apply moisturizer in the day and at night.
Do I Need Different Day and Night Moisturizers?
It's not necessary to have multiple moisturizers in your routine—but you may want to alternate. "Because day time routines typically involve the application of several products, the moisturizer may need to be a little lighter so as not occlude sweat glands and allow for oil movement out of the skin avoiding breakouts," explains Dr. Greenfield. "Night time is an opportunity for heavier products if needed."
How Much Moisturizer Should I Use?
"A dime-sized amount of most moisturizers should be enough to apply one generous layer to the entire face," explains Dr. Greenfield. Don't feel the need to overdo it—a little goes a long way.
Meet the Dermatologists
Dr. Sapna Palep has been recognized as one of New York’s leading board-certified dermatologists for over a decade. Since founding Spring Street Dermatology in 2010, Dr. Palep has helped countless patients achieve clear, healthy skin with her safe, effective, and highly individualized treatment plans. Dr. Palep conducts annual skin cancer screenings and treats all dermatologic conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. She is also highly sought after for her skill in cosmetic treatments, including Botox, chemical peels, dermal fillers, microneedling, and resurfacing lasers.
A native of Florida, Dr. Palep completed her undergraduate studies in biology and chemistry at the University of Miami in 1999. She attended the University of Miami School of Medicine for two years before relocating to New York in 2000. She completed her medical degree at New York Medical College in 2004. The same year, Dr. Palep graduated with a Master’s of Business Administration from the Lubin School of Business at Pace University, where she majored in Health Systems Management.
Dr. Nava Greenfield is a dermatologist practicing at Schweiger Dermatology Group. Dr. Greenfield earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Queens College, City University of New York, where she graduated Cum Laude with honors in mathematics, natural sciences, chemistry and biochemistry.
Dr. Greenfield attended medical school at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University. She completed her internship at Yale-New Haven Hospital and her residency in dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Dr. Greenfield has been published in many medical journals, including The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, the Journal of Women’s Dermatology and Pediatrics. Dr. Greenfield is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, Women’s Dermatologic Society and the American Medical Association.
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