According to our scientists, these dream creams are proven to measurably hydrate all skin types, day or night.
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When it comes to healthy, glowing skin, applying face moisturizer is one of the most important steps (besides SPF!) in any daily skincare routine no matter what the season, your age or complexion type. “Moisturizing protects the skin barrier,” explains Dendy Engelman, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City, which leads to more than just soft skin: the healthier your barrier, the better your skin’s defense against inflammation and damage.
“Day-to-day life — including exposure to dirt, oil, air pollution and stress — can irritate skin and contribute to accelerated aging,” says Fatima Fahs, M.D., a dermatologist in Canton, Michigan, and the founder of Dermy Doc Box. “Moisturizing regularly gives skin a chance to repair, provides necessary hydration and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and signs of aging by improving elasticity.”
But not every moisturizer is effective at hydrating skin. That’s why our Institute Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab scientists are constantly testing face moisturizers using both Lab instruments and consumer tester feedback to determine which really work. In the GH Beauty Lab’s most recent face moisturizer test, scientists tallied 1,920 skin hydration measurements to find the top performers for all skin types from dry skin to oily skin.
Your most hydrated skin ever is just a click away: Here, read all about the best face moisturizers and creams you can buy, as tested by the GH Beauty Lab.
1
Best Overall Face Moisturizer
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
![Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1574444309-5dc1ccd2-0a3c-45f7-afab-2a36f6af674f-1-e73c43750a9a828f94092d2ee526bb99-1574444280.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
This iconic Olay cream outperformed almost a dozen competitors — even one priced at $440! — in GH Beauty Lab moisturization testing. Lab scientists were blown away by how well this GH Beauty Award winner kept skin moisturized over a 24-hour period, increasing hydration levels by 50% in calculations with the Corneometer device, which measures skin moisture levels.
The formula is boosted with anti-aging ingredients like peptides and niacinamide. “It felt like satin on my skin,” a tester enthused, and many praised that it “absorbed quickly.” While many testers liked the “pleasant” fragrance, one called it “too highly scented.”
Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, peptides |
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Best for | Dry or mature skin; anti-aging |
Size | 1.7 oz. |
2
Best Value Face Moisturizer
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
![](https://dermdoctor.pro/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-457.png)
Lightweight lotion, heavy-duty hydration: Fragrance-free CeraVe outperformed many formulas in the GH Beauty Lab’s face moisturizer test at hydrating skin — for a bargain price. Made with nourishing ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, it also ranked well for absorbing fast (some user didn’t like that the product was thin, however).
The formulation, which can also be used on the body, increased skin’s hydration by a near-record 48% in Lab measurements with the Corneometer machine. It earned points with users for easy absorption and for leaving skin feeling soft. “I didn’t have any dry or flaky skin,” a tester remarked. A second raved: “It was very moisturizing but not greasy and left my skin feeling hydrated for hours.”
Key ingredients | Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin |
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Best for | All skin types |
Size | 12 oz. |
3
Best Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
![](https://dermdoctor.pro/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-459.png)
The cult classic Kiehl’s cream — infused with hydrating squalane, glycerin and six botanical oils — lived up to its reputation, excelling in Beauty Lab face moisturizer testing for providing strong skin hydration with a rich texture testers loved. In measurements with the Corneometer device, it raised moisturization by an impressive 47%.
It also ranked highly for not causing redness or irritation and leaving skin feeling plump. Among testers, 90% agreed that the formula’s texture wasn’t too heavy, greasy or tacky, but some found it left residue on skin. Many said they would buy the product or continue using it. “It kept my skin hydrated all day!” one exclaimed. Another called it “the best I’ve used in a long time — I usually buy medical-grade moisturizers and this is much better.”
Key ingredients | Squalane, glycerin, plant oils |
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Best for | Dry or sensitive skin |
Size | 1.7 oz. |
4
Best Face Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Face Cream
![](https://dermdoctor.pro/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-461.png)
The affordable, fragrance-free Aveeno face cream — which contains glycerin, fatty acids and the brand’s signature calming oat flour — was a star in the Beauty Lab’s face moisturizer test at smoothing skin and soaking in speedily, thanks to its water-light formula. It scored highest in several respects, including for not irritating or causing redness. A full 100% of users agreed that the it absorbed quickly and left skin feeling hydrated and smooth.
The cream also tied for best texture, ranked high for soothing skin and upped moisturization by 23% in Lab testing. It “felt very sheer” and “didn’t leave a residue like others,” two testers said. One reported: “I have rosacea and it did not irritate my skin at all.” They did note that the bottle was tricky to open without having cream squirt out.
Key ingredients | Glycerin, fatty acids, oat flour |
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Best for | Sensitive or oily skin |
Size | 5 oz. |
5
Best Luxury Face Moisturizer
Philosophy Purity Made Simple Ultra-Light Moisturizer
![Purity Made Simple Ultra-Light Moisturizer Purity Made Simple Ultra-Light Moisturizer](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1713986497-2521755.png?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Enriched with a plethora of softening ingredients (shea butter, glycerin, plant oils, hyaluronic acid) as well as antioxidant vitamins C and E, Philosophy’s luxurious moisturizer got the highest rating in Beauty Lab testing for soothing both skin and senses. The lotion ranked tops for its herbal aroma and ability to soothe skin and leave it feeling plump. It also tied for the best texture, which a tester described as “very light.”
In Lab assessment, the formula boosted skin’s hydration by 28%. Testers also reported that it wore well under makeup, though some said it felt tacky when applied. “My skin feels more vibrant and better than ever,” a user raved. Another said, “I’ve tried dozens of face creams, and this is a keeper.”
Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, plant oils and butters |
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Best for | All skin types |
Size | 4.7 oz. |
6
Best Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Crème
![](https://dermdoctor.pro/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-463.png)
A GH Beauty Lab favorite, this luxe-feeling RoC cream is based on the research-verified ingredient retinol, which speeds up skin cell turnover to reduce dark spots and wrinkles starting in as little as seven days.
In clinical tests, volunteers’ skin looked 32% smoother and more radiant after one week of daily use. The formula improved the look of wrinkles and dark spots by 46% over eight weeks and kept skin moisturized for a full 24 hours, Lab data analysis revealed. Note that while the product is mild, retinol can still irritate sensitive skin types.
Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, retinol |
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Best for | Dry or mature skin; anti-aging |
Size | 1.7 oz. |
7
Best Face Moisturizer for Aging Skin
Mary Kay TimeWise Antioxidant Moisturizer
![](https://dermdoctor.pro/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-465.png)
With an extensive list of antioxidant, age-fighting actives tailored to mature skin, this Seal star and Beauty Award-winning Mary Kay formula is not your average moisturizer. In a study involving 50 women, there was significant improvement in skin firmness and forehead lines after two weeks, per GH Beauty Lab data evaluation.
The lightweight, oil- and fragrance-free cream also comes in versions for combination-to-oily and oily-to-dry skin types. Note, though, that it could be too light for those with extremely dry skin. “I love that this can be used as your one moisturizing and treatment product on busy days for both morning and night,” GH’s beauty director says.
Key ingredients | Glycerin, niacinamide, vitamin E, peptides |
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Best for | Mature skin; anti-aging |
Size | 3 oz. |
8
Best Face Moisturizer for Glowing Skin
L’Oréal Paris Skin Expert Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30
![Skin Expert Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30 Skin Expert Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1574444520-900-1574444496.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
The best of the GH Beauty Lab’s anti-aging day cream test, this L’Oréal Paris brightening lotion with SPF 30 delivers a big bang for your buck, effectively evening out skin tone, reducing dark spots and hydrating. Lab tests found it raised skin’s hydration 28% and decreased UV spots by 11% in four weeks.
Two caveats: It could irritate in contact with eyes and a few users reported breakouts. “In addition to the moisturizing effect, it decreased the appearance of my wrinkles, improved my skin tone, and my skin appeared brighter and more radiant,” a user said. Another commented: “My skin stayed hydrated througout the day.”
Key ingredients | SPF, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, glycolic acid, vitamin C |
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Best for | All skin types except acne-prone; brightening |
Size | 1 oz. |
9
Best Face Moisturizer for Combination Skin
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
![Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1574444809-a81532-1574444789.jpg?crop=0.8888888888888888xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
A gold standard and GH Beauty Award winner, the classic Clinique lotion stands the test of time, effectively hydrating even very dry skin for hours in GH Beauty Lab assessment despite a light feel. Measurements with the Lab’s Corneometer device showed that it increased skin’s moisture by an impressive 43% on average over 24 hours after application.
“This is one of the few moisturizers that deeply hydrates my dry skin over time so the visible flaking is gone,” GH’s beauty director says. Some reviewers reported breakouts and that it left their skin greasy, though.
Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea, plant oils and extracts |
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Best for | Dry, combination skin |
Size | 4.2 oz. |
10
Best Face Moisturizer for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
![](https://dermdoctor.pro/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-467.png)
With its featherlight refreshing gel texture, Neutrogena’s innovative hyaluronic acid moisturizer, a GH Beauty Award winner, quenches parched skin instantly and all day long without feeling heavy on oily skin or acne-prone complexions. GH Beauty Lab data evaluations showed the oil-free and noncomedogenic (not pore-clogging) formula kept skin hydrated for 12 hours.
“It quickly rebalanced my oily, acne-prone skin and brought back much-needed moisture, but didn’t cause any breakouts,” says GH Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn.
Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, glycerin |
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Best for | Oily, acne-prone or combination skin |
Size | 1.7 oz. |
11
Best Face Moisturizer with SPF
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream with SPF 30
![](https://dermdoctor.pro/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-469.png)
This GH Beauty Award-winning Olay lotion is the rare formula that provides both sun protection and the real hydrating effects of a regular moisturizer at the same time. GH Beauty Lab tests found it increased skin moisture levels by 31% — more than any facial SPF 30 previously evaluated. While a few reviewers noted reactions to the product, testers praised the lotion for being “fast-absorbing” and “non-greasy.”
12
Best Face Moisturizer for Redness
Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
![](https://dermdoctor.pro/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-471.png)
Rich in nourishing glycerin and triglycerides, Eau Thermale Avène’s cream was created with minimal ingredients and without common irritants like fragrance to help soothe the most sensitive skin. Both GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann and GH’s beauty director use it in their routines to relieve inflammation like redness and eczema.
While it may be overly thick for those with oily, acne-prone or combination skin, it provides much-needed relief for sensitivity and extreme dehydration.”This is my go-to when my skin is reacting and I need a moisturizer that will feel deeply coddling to help calm it,” GH’s beauty director says. “It’s so gentle, I can use it right on flare-ups.”
Key ingredients | Triglycerides, glycerin, plant oils, zinc |
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Best for | Sensitive or dry skin; redness or irritation |
Size | 1.3 oz. |
13
Best Face Moisturizer for Rosacea
Cetaphil Redness Night Relief Moisturizer
![](https://dermdoctor.pro/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-473.png)
Quell skin redness and reactivity with this Cetaphil night moisturizer that contains replenishing ceramides and shea butter, which Dr. Engelman recommends for rosacea relief. The formula is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, so it’s less likely to inflame skin. While many users noticed a visible reduction in redness, some commented it didn’t work as well for them.
Key ingredients | Triglycerides, ceramides, glycerin, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid |
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Best for | Sensitive skin |
Size | 1.7 oz. |
14
Best Face Moisturizer for Eczema
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
![](https://dermdoctor.pro/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-475.png)
Instantly quench and relieve a dehydrated face by smoothing on Aveeno’s formula, a GH Beauty Award winner that melds a next-generation water-based gel texture and nourishing, anti-inflammatory colloidal oat, often used to treat eczema.
While Wizemann found that the light moisturizer “melts in with no greasiness or tackiness,” some users noted it pilled when they applied it. “It cools and calms dry, irritated skin patches on contact,” she revealed. “My skin looked better the next day: less red and not rough.”
Key ingredients | Glycerin, panthenol, oat extract |
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Best for | Sensitive skin |
Size | 1.7 oz. |
15
Best Natural Face Moisturizer
Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Night Infusion Cream
![](https://dermdoctor.pro/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-477.png)
This Caudalie cream, packed with naturally-derived botanical oils, waters and extracts, came out on top in GH Beauty Lab night cream testing for seriously hydrating (boosting levels by 43%) and improving skin’s texture.
Testers also gave it perfect marks for not being greasy or irritating (one noted that it felt a bit sticky after it dried, though). “It moisturized my skin into the following morning,” a user marveled. A second agreed that “the product was very moisturizing and you wake up looking refreshed.”
Key ingredients | Squalane, triglycerides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, plant oils and extracts |
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Best for | Dry skin |
Size | 1.6 oz. |
16
Best Face Moisturizer for Wrinkles
RoC Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
![](https://dermdoctor.pro/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-479.png)
Lightweight and gentle, RoC was a star in GH Beauty Lab day cream testing for smoothing wrinkles, lines and skin texture. Lab digital imaging with the Visia Complexion Analyzer showed the SPF formula improved skin texture by 11% after four weeks of daily use, though it wasn’t as moisturizing as other formulas in Corneometer measurements.
“It left my skin feeling plump and looking smooth and glowing,” one tester raved. Others praised the texture, saying it “felt very light” and “absorbed very quickly.”
Key ingredients | SPF, vitamin C, glycerin |
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Best for | Mature skin; anti-aging |
Size | 1.7 oz. |
17
Best Night Face Moisturizer
Philosophy Anti-Wrinkle Miracle Worker+ Line-Correcting Overnight Cream
![](https://dermdoctor.pro/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-481.png)
Soften skin in your sleep with this mild Philosophy cream made with hyaluronic acid, a winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s night cream test for its powerful moisturizing properties. It raised skin moisturization by 34% and firmness by 29% in four weeks, per Lab measures, and 95% of testers said it didn’t irritate.
Many testers raved about the “luxurious” texture, although some said it took time to soak into skin. “My skin looked better after the first night I used this,” one marveled. Another commented that it left skin feeling “soft and moisturized.”
Key ingredients | Squalane, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, peptides |
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Best for | Dry or mature skin; anti-aging |
Size | 2 oz. |
18
Best Face Moisturizer for Pores
Perricone MD Photo Plasma Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30
![Photo Plasma Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 Photo Plasma Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1618857286-perricone-md-vitamin-c-moisturizer-spf-30-1618857250.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
This Perricone MD SPF moisturizer was one of the top hydrators in GH Beauty Lab day cream testing and the only winner made with mineral-only sunscreen. Beauty Lab scientists measured a 30% increase in skin’s moisturization levels. It also outperformed the rest at reducing the look of pores, by 8%, and improved skin texture by 10% in four weeks according to calculations with the Visia Complexion Analyzer.
A few drawbacks include that some testers thought it felt sticky on skin and could interfere with makeup. But it still earned praise from many: “It made my skin feel dewy and fresh,” a tester remarked.
Key ingredients | SPF, vitamin C, glycerin, triglycerides |
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Best for | All skin types; pore reduction |
Size | 2 oz. |
19
Best Face Moisturizer for Fine Lines
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer SPF 30
![](https://dermdoctor.pro/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-483.png)
It can be easy to forget SPF when you’re not heading to the beach, so reach for a moisturizer with built-in broad spectrum SPF 30 skin protection daily to prevent lines. Neutrogena’s GH Beauty Award winner hydrated skin well in GH Beauty Lab tests and earned rave reviews for improving skin tone and softening fine lines. “My skin looks younger and has less visible wrinkles,” and “hands down the best wrinkle cream I have tried,” two testers raved. Note that some reviewers reported having a reaction to the formula.
Key ingredients | SPF, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, retinol |
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Best for | Mature skin; anti-aging |
Size | 1 oz. |
How we test face moisturizers
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GH Beauty Lab scientists have a century-long history of testing skincare products for efficacy, including face moisturizers.
When skincare products make moisturization or hydration claims, Beauty Lab experts use the Corneometer device to gauge how well (or not!) a formula moisturizes skin. The machine (shown here) is used to measure the hydration levels of testers’ clean skin before application of a precise dose of moisturizer and again six hours after (unless otherwise specified) to determine whether and how much the product has increased skin’s moisture levels.
Beauty Lab scientists also distribute face moisturizers to consumer testers to use in their skincare routines. After a set time period, they report their feedback on factors such as absorption, texture, scent and the look and feel of skin after use. This data is then collated to find the best moisturizers on the market.
In the Beauty Lab’s most recent face moisturizer test, formulas were evaluated on 240 testers and Lab experts tallied 4,089 data points (2,160 consumer survey questions plus 1,920 skin moisturization measurements) to identify the winning products.
What to look for when shopping for the best face moisturizer
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Moisturizing lotions and creams are emulsions of oil and water (along with other ingredients for nourishing, treatment and preserving) that help replenish hydration, keeping moisture in skin and preventing dryness.
GH Beauty Lab scientists recommended seeking out face moisturizers with these key categories of skincare ingredients for optimal efficacy in formulas for all skin types and needs:
✔️ Emollients, which are hydrating ingredients like plant oils, squalane, fatty acids and trigyclerides that moisturize and soften skin. “They lightly coat skin, smoothing dry texture,” explains GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek.
✔️ Humectants draw moisture into skin from the environment or skin’s deeper layers. Common examples include glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
✔️ Occlusive ingredients form a barrier over skin to lock in hydration and prevent moisture loss. They can include waxes (derived from plants or beeswax), plant butters (like shea and cocoa), petrolatum and silicones
How do I find the best face moisturizer for my skin type?
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Behind the basics above, here’s what to consider for specific skin types when choosing a face moisturizer formula:
- Dry skin: Instead of lotions, seek out richer creams, Wnek recommends — they are usually made with more occlusive ingredients.
- Oily or acne-prone skin: Formulas labeled “noncomedogenic” or “oil-free” are less likely to clog pores, Wnek says. Lean toward lotions or gels, which generally are thinner and lighter than creams. For acne-treatment products, be sure the drug facts label lists an active ingredient like salicylic acid.
- Combination skin: Opt for more lightweight formulations like lotions and use creams on dry areas such as the cheeks as needed, Dr. Fahs suggests.
- Sensitive skin: Choose products labeled “hypoallergenic,” which claim to be made without ingredients that are potential irritants (these can include fragrance and alcohol). Look for words like “calming,” “soothing,” “redness-reducing” and “anti-redness” on packaging.
What’s the best way to apply a face moisturizer?
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For maximum benefits, apply moisturizer to your clean face daily (morning and/or evening as needed for your skin type) following any other treatment products like serums. Be sure to cover your entire face, including the areas around your eyes, nose and mouth, and “don’t forget to smooth it down to your neck,” Dr. Fahs says. Try massaging it in as you apply: “This will increase its absorption and effectiveness, plus improve circulation,” Dr. Engelman advises.