A moisturizer is a vital part of any skincare routine. They help to lock in and attract moisture to the skin, which helps protect the skin barrier, plump up the skin, slow the signs of aging, improve tone, minimize blemishes, and soothe irritated skin.
Not every moisturizer contains ingredients that are suitable for every skin type. Plus, many formulations include creams, lotions, gels, and serums. So, where do you begin?
We’ve researched and rounded up picks for the best face moisturizers for all skin types, skincare concerns, and budgets so you can figure out what works best for you.
- Best Overall Face Moisturizer: CLEARSTEM HYDRAGLOW™ Stem Cell Moisturizer
- Best Moisturizer for Firmer Skin: AnnieMak Restore Vitamin C Serum
- Best Moisturizing Cleanser: Chella Hydrating Cleanser Lush Balm
- Best Anti-Aging Moisturizer: The Raw Botanics Co. REVIVE Balancing Moisturizer
- Best Moisturizer for Glowy Skin: FOREO SUPERCHARGED™ Serum 2.0
- Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Caldera + Lab The Base Layer
- Best Night Moisturizer: Sand & Sky Tasmanian Spring Water Renewing Night Cream
Best Face Moisturizers in 2024
Best Overall Face Moisturizer: CLEARSTEM HYDRAGLOW™ Stem Cell Moisturizer
Pros:
- Natural, science-backed ingredients
- Suitable for all skin types
- Free of hormone disruptors and pore-cloggers
- None that we could find
- Size: 60ml
- Active ingredients: Squalane, stem cells, bakuchiol, and additional plant extracts
Designed to ‘train’ the skin to look younger while you sleep, the lightweight moisturizer contains three primary active ingredients:
- Stem cells: Consisting of amino acids and peptides, stem cells work by stimulating cell turnover, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve skin texture and tone.
- Bakuchiol: Found in the leaves of the Psorealea corylifolia plant, bakuchiol is a natural alternative for retinol, offering the same anti-aging and anti-acne benefits. The plant extract is typically tolerated better than retinol, with minimal skin irritation, dryness, and sun sensitivity.
- Squalane: A derivative of squalene but much lighter, squalane helps support the skin’s lipid layer, nourishes and hydrates, and acts as an antioxidant for fresher, clearer skin.
Pros:
- High concentration of vitamin C
- Free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Free shipping only on orders over $99
- Size: 30ml
- Active ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, Matrixyl 3000, Skin Tightener ST”, Glycerin, dimethyl sulfone, witch hazel, and vitamin C
In addition to vitamin C, the nourishing serum contains other skin-loving ingredients that can help boost overall skin health, including:
- Skin Tightener ST2: The blend of marine and botanical ingredients may help boost collagen and fibronectin synthesis to reduce wrinkles for smoother, more youthful skin.
- Hyaluronic acid: Captures and retains moisture in the top layer of the skin to help plump and deeply hydrate.
- Organic vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E has been proven to help heal scar tissue and smooth our bumps and rough spots for even-looking skin.
- Matrixyl 3000: The patented ingredient utilizes the skin’s natural healing mechanisms to help reduce deep wrinkles and improve elasticity.
Pros:
- Almost 80% olive oil
- Dissolves waterproof makeup
- Cruelty-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free
- Not vegan-friendly
- Size: 100g
- Active ingredients: Olive oil, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E
Consisting of almost 80% olive oil, as well as vitamin E and sunflower seed oil, the Lush Balm maintains and supports the skin’s lipid barrier, which helps the skin retain moisture.
When the balm comes into contact with water, it transforms into a light, citrus-scented emulsion that removes makeup, oils, and impurities when rinsed away. It leaves the skin feeling clean, soft, and supple. The balm comes with a spatula applicator, which avoids contamination, keeping your cleanser bacteria-free.
Pros:
- Formulated with skin-loving vitamins and minerals
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Small batch, made in the USA
- Contains shea nut
- Size: 50ml
- Active ingredients: Sea kelp, sea buckthorn, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, rosehip oil, and more
Enriched with vitamins and minerals, the moisturizer also contains hyaluronic acid and sea kelp to help soothe redness and reduce fine lines. Also, cell-regenerating sea buckthorn and rosehip oil can help enhance skin tone for a healthy glow.
REVIVE is suitable for all skin types and can be used in the morning and evening. A small amount of the silky cream goes a long way and melts into the skin with a non-greasy finish.
Pros:
- 91% natural ingredients
- Five hyaluronic acids
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- You need to purchase their microcurrent device to use
- Size: 30ml
- Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and squalane
While developed specifically for use with FOREO’s microcurrent devices for deep penetration and maximum absorption of ingredients, the serum can also be used alone to nourish the skin. The SUPERCHARGED™ Serum has been clinically proven to significantly boost collagen production and increase skin hydration by 46% in just 2 hours.
Most of the formulation is completely natural and free of pore-cloggers. Furthermore, the serum is dermatologist-tested to ensure it’s safe for all skin types.
Pros:
- Packed with natural skin-loving botanicals
- No toxic chemicals, and silicone and paraben-free
- 60-day guarantee
- Does not contain SPF
- Size: 50ml
- Active ingredients: Plant stem cell extracts, adaptogens, snow mushroom, sea silt extract, squalane, and elkhorn sea moss
- Adaptogens: The antioxidant-rich cardamon and licorice root help fight the signs of fatigue for a brighter complexion.
- Snow mushroom: This mushroom species can hold several hundred times its weight in water to help provide deep hydration and support skin barrier function.
- Sea silt extract: Provides deep mineral hydration, containing 60 nourishing deep sea glacial minerals.
- Elkhorn sea moss: Helps moisturize and protect the skin by creating a natural barrier effect.
Pros:
- Proven to increase hydration and skin renewal
- No sulfates, parabens, and silicones
- Suitable for all skin types
- Only for nighttime use (which isn’t a bad thing, but you should be aware)
- Size: 60g
- Active ingredients: Tasmanian spring water, glacial glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, and vegan squalane
Packed full of ingredients proven to boost skin health, the brand claims that the night cream retains moisture by up to 30%, decreases skin redness by up to 2%, increases skin elasticity by 67%, and boosts skin collagen production by 165%.
Glacial glycoproteins support and strengthen skin barriers and promote tissue regeneration and collagen production. Tasmanian spring water is highly infused with natural minerals that boost hydration and help balance the skin’s pH.
Buy now!
How We Picked the Best Face Moisturizer
Production Process
How a moisturizer is produced can have an impact on its overall quality and purity. We only recommend moisturizers from reliable brands that disclose how and where their skincare products are manufactured.We prioritized brands that manufacture their products in facilities compliant with the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices to help ensure quality skincare products that are safe and contaminant-free.
Reviews
Customer reviews are a great source of information on the moisturizers that made our shortlist. We read through dozens of customer reviews to determine how the moisturizer makes the skin feel, whether it leaves a residue on the skin, and if there are any issues with skin irritation.Testing
We favor brands that give extra peace of mind to the consumer by sending their products for potency and purity testing. This ensures you’re getting exactly what you pay for and that the moisturizer is free of contaminants that may result in irritation and blemishes.Quality Ingredients
When applying a moisturizer to your face once or twice a day, you want to know that it’s made with quality ingredients. Therefore, we sifted through the ingredient list, checking that the formulation consists primarily of natural and evidence-backed ingredients that benefit the skin.What to Look For When Buying Face Moisturizers
Some of the critical factors to keep in mind when looking for the best moisturizer for your skin are as follows:What it helps
Not every moisturizer will suit your skin type and skincare concerns. For example, if you have dry skin, the best moisturizer for you will contain hydrating ingredients such as ceramides and vitamin C. By contrast, the best moisturizers for blemish-prone and uneven skin will contain ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid to smooth and clear complexion.Scent
We generally don’t recommend face moisturizers with a scent as they can contain artificial fragrances and alcohol, which can irritate the skin. If you want a scented face moisturizer, double-check that the fragrance comes from a natural source, e.g., essential oils.Price
The highest-priced moisturizers are only sometimes the highest in quality. Sometimes, you’re not necessarily paying for the skincare ingredients but rather the brand name and the packaging. No matter your budget, you should be able to find a suitable moisturizer for your skincare needs.You can make your money go further by choosing a multitasking moisturizer, i.e., a moisturizer that also acts as a sunscreen or can be used as a moisture mask.
Benefits of Face Moisturizers
Moisturizing daily is vital for maintaining healthy skin and should be part of your skincare regime. If you’re consistent with your facial moisturizer, you may start to notice several potential benefits, including:- Prevent dryness: Facial moisturizers help fortify the skin’s barrier to retain moisture better, preventing the development of dry skin, even in harsh environmental changes.
- Slow the signs of aging: Hydrated skin is younger-looking skin. Maintaining skin hydration helps to keep the skin plump and firm, helping to slow down the signs of aging, like fine lines and slight sagging.
- Help fight blemishes: When skin—even oily skin—doesn’t receive adequate hydration, it produces more oil to keep hydrated. This excess oil can clog pores, which may lead to breakouts and blemishes.
- Soothe inflammation: By forming a protective film, moisturizers maintain the hydrolipid barrier, which shields skin from external irritants and allergens that can cause inflammation. Anti-inflammatory ingredients such as chamomile, green tea, and aloe vera calm redness and swelling, and reduce itching and irritation.
- Improving skin tone and texture.
- Easing the symptoms of skin disorders.
- Brighter skin.
- Providing a smooth base for makeup application.
How to Find the Best Moisturizer for Your Skin Type
When it comes to moisturizers, one size does not fit all. Different skin types respond better to other skincare ingredients. If you choose the wrong ingredients, you could further exacerbate your skin issues.Normal skin
You probably have normal skin if your skin has an even texture with minimal dry or oily patches. You’re also probably lucky enough to experience few breakouts and have skin that doesn’t react to environmental changes or new products.Normal skin can tolerate most skincare ingredients. A good mix of oil-soluble ingredients (such as jojoba oil and ceramides) and water-soluble ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid and Glycerin) will help keep your skin hydrated and glowing all year round.
Oily skin
If your skin has a slight sheen to it—particularly around the T-zone—and makeup slides off your skin throughout the day, you probably have oily skin. The best moisturizer for you will help control shine, regulate oil production, and clear pores.Water-based or gel-based moisturizers free of petroleum, mineral oil, and alcohol will feel light on oily skin, hydrating without a greasy residue. Look for moisturizers labeled “non-comedogenic,” which means they are free of pore-clogging ingredients, reducing your risk of blemishes.
Dry skin
Dry skin lacks natural oil, which can cause skin patches to flake, crack, and feel tight and itchy. Rehydrate and soothe dry skin with a creamy moisturizer containing ingredients that help seal moisture. For example, hyaluronic acid locks moisture in the skin, while Glycerin helps attract water to the skin.Boost hydration in dry skin by avoiding harsh ingredients such as alcohol or too many acids at once. You can further help dry skin by drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier to keep the air in your home warm and moist, which helps protect the skin barrier.
Combination skin
If your skin is dry in some areas and on the oily side in others, you probably have oily skin. Finding a moisturizer that balances water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients is critical for combination skin. Adding facial oil as a last step in your skincare regime can help with stubborn areas of dry skin.FAQs:
How long does it take for face moisturizer to work?
Your skin will feel smoother and creamier as soon as it hits your skin. However, it can take up to two weeks of regular use before you see an improvement in dry or irritated skin patches.Can I use face moisturizer if I have oily skin?
You should use a moisturizer if you have oily skin, which will help regulate oil production. Moisturizers help the skin retain moisture to keep it hydrated. Not moisturizing regularly can stimulate the skin to produce more oil to hydrate itself, clogging pores and causing blemishes.Should I use face moisturizer every day?
Consistency is vital when it comes to moisturizing. This will help maintain skin hydration, reducing the risk of developing very dry or oily skin, which can lead to acne and other common skin issues.Plus, when the skin is dehydrated, it’s in a state of low-level inflammation, which, if it persists, can result in a collagen breakdown, potentially accelerating the signs of aging.
Is it ever too late to use face moisturizer?
While the earlier, the better; it’s never too late to start a skincare routine. You’ll see a moisturizer’s brightening and hydrating results whether you start using one at 15 or 50.Final Thoughts
Add a moisturizer to your skincare regime, and you can enjoy healthy and hydrated skin all year round. With consistent use, you’ll likely notice an improvement in texture and tone, more supple-feeling skin, and a brighter, more luminous complexion.THE CONTENT IN EPOCH HEALTH IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT, BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ IN THIS PUBLICATION. NEVER RELY ON INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION IN PLACE OF SEEKING PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. EPOCH HEALTH DOES NOT RECOMMEND OR ENDORSE ANY SPECIFIC TESTS, PRODUCTS, PROCEDURES, OPINIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT MAY BE PROVIDED IN THIS PUBLICATION.SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
