The 14 Best Face Moisturizers of 2024 for Every Skin Type

Best Overall Face Moisturizer

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

$24 at Amazon $24 at Target $25 at Ulta

Our top overall pick is this creamy La Roche-Posay moisturizer because not only is it suitable for everyday use, but it also protects the skin’s barrier as soon as one hour after application. Protecting this barrier is important because it prevents pollutants and other toxins from wreaking havoc on your skin, leading to premature wrinkling and saggy skin. 

This moisturizer is hydrating, featuring loads of antioxidants such as selenium that moisturize skin for up to 48 hours. Plus, it contains ceramides and glycerin that retain moisture and keep skin smooth and supple.

For best results, apply this cream to the face and neck areas twice a day in the morning and evening. The formula is unscented and oil-free which won’t clog pores and is a good choice for anyone who’s allergic to fragrance. It’s also lightweight and can be used under makeup or over other serums or products. While we rate it highly for daytime wear, some might prefer to use a more nourishing cream at night. 

Formulation: Cream | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, glycerine, niacinamide | Size: 3.38 ounces

Best Budget Facial Moisturizer

Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer

$12 at Amazon View on Goodmolecules.com $12 at Ulta

There are tons of affordable moisturizers on the market, but we think this option from Good Molecules offers the best value. Not only is it much more budget-friendly than most moisturizers, but it contains a bevy of plant-based ingredients, like shea butter, avocado oil, and a natural silicone alternative. It’s lightweight and fast absorbing, making it an ideal daily moisturizer. 

What makes this budget moisturizer different from more expensive options is that it doesn’t contain active ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid. Still, the formula makes skin feel supple and smooth and is a great moisturizer to use in any skincare regimen. However, those who suffer from dry skin may want to pass on this moisturizer in favor of something richer and more moisturizing.

Formulation: Cream | Key Ingredients: Avocado seed oil, shea butter, hyaluronic acid | Size: 3.4 ounces

Best Splurge Facial Moisturizer

Fresh Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Cream

$95 at Nordstrom $95 at Sephora $95 at Ulta

Retinol is the gold standard for anti-aging skincare, but it can be irritating to those with sensitive skin. That’s why if you’re looking for something gentler yet still effective, a moisturizer with retinol-like ingredients, like the Fresh Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Cream, is worth the splurge.

Instead of retinol, it contains a blend of black tea and rambutan leaf, which deliver retinol-like results. Black tea is a popular antioxidant, and can help improve firmness and radiance in the skin. Plus, this product contains ceramides and squalane, which strengthen the skin’s barrier and prevent moisture from escaping the skin’s surface. It’s definitely more expensive than most moisturizers on the market, but its powerful yet gentle formula is worth adding to any anti-aging regimen.

Formulation: Cream | Key Ingredients: BT Matrix (blend of black tea and rambutan leaf), squalane, ceramide NP | Size: 1.6 ounces

Best Facial Moisturizer for Dry Skin

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

$36 at Amazon $18 at Nordstrom $18 at Target

The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream features a creamy, whipped texture that instantly improves skin hydration and keeps it that way all day long. The cream is thick yet feels lightweight, and doesn’t take long to absorb into the skin. The primary ingredient is colloidal oatmeal, which softens skin and relieves itching, as well as nourishing allantoin and shea butter.

The other reason why this product is so great for dry, sensitive skin is because it’s alcohol-free and fragrance-free, both of which can be irritating. In addition to moisturizing the face, you can use it as a lotion on other parts of your body. Most sizes come in a big tub, which is convenient for using all over, but may not be the cleanest packaging. This moisturizer also stands out for coming in several scents, including fresh pear, shea butter, and sugar plum. But, it has a scent-free version if you don’t want any fragrances.

Formulation: Cream | Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin | Size: 2, 4, 6, 8, or 14 ounces

Best Facial Moisturizer for Oily Skin

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

$17 at Amazon View on Nordstrom $17 at Target

The combination of sunflower seed, barley, and cucumber extract in this Clinique moisturizer strengthens the skin’s barrier and acts as an astringent for oily skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid as its active ingredient to moisturize skin more effectively. Because it’s a gel, it absorbs faster into your skin compared to a cream, making it a great option to be used under makeup. Plus, there is no greasy after-feel.

This oil-free moisturizer has no phthalates or parabens and can hydrate skin for up to eight hours at a time. Pumping a little goes a long way—the standard 4.2-ounce size should last for a while if used sparingly. Our only issue with this moisturizer is that it dries quickly, which could leave combination skin feeling a little dry.

Formulation: Gel | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed, barley extract, cucumber extract | Size: 4.2 or 6.7 ounces

Best Facial Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin

Skinfix Barrier+ Gel Cream

$48 at Sephora View on Skinfix.com $48 at Kohls.com

If you have acne-prone skin, using a non-comedogenic moisturizer is essential—and a lightweight gel moisturizer like the Skinfix Gel Cream will keep the skin moisturized without clogging pores. It’s formulated with niacinamide, which evens skin tone, and antimicrobial peptides, which help keep the skin microbiome happy.

This moisturizer also has unique packaging. Instead of a traditional tube, it comes in a jar with a refillable pod, so you can use less plastic and keep the outer packaging for longer. To use, just push down on the pod to release the moisturizer. It’s a bit bulky, but the sustainability of the product makes it worth the extra effort.

Formulation: Gel cream | Key Ingredients: Saccharide isomerate, niacinamide, heptapeptide blend | Size: 1.7 ounces

Best Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin

Eau Thermale Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream

$36 at Amazon View on Aveneusa.com

If you suffer from itchy, sensitive skin, consider this pick from Eau Thermale Avène, a moisturizer that’s specially formulated for sensitive skin—it’s even gentle enough to use on newborn babies. Although it’s suitable for dry skin in general, this facial cream is specifically aimed at people who have rashes and red patchy skin caused by eczema (it’s approved by the National Eczema Association).

It’s available in 6.7- or 13.5-ounce sizes, so you get quite a lot of moisturizer that should last a long time, even with regular use. Just note that the product is quite heavy and thick, so you’ll have to work it into your skin for it to completely absorb. Besides that, this product has all the right ingredients to keep your skin calm and hydrated all day long.

Formulation: Balm | Key Ingredients: Avène thermal spring water, glycerin, cer-omega | Size: 6.7 or 13.5 ounces

Best Facial Moisturizer for Mature Skin

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

$21 at Amazon $25 at Walmart $37 at Ulta

If you’re looking for a formula that has skin-firming properties, the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is definitely worth a try. Although it’s an anti-aging cream, women of all ages can benefit from using it daily, as it plumps, lifts, and tightens at the same time. This moisturizer features crucial ingredients like niacinamide and various skin conditioners that improve skin elasticity and prevent saggy skin.

Although the cream is thick, it’s not greasy and can be used under makeup or sunscreen.  Also, the formula does not feel greasy or sticky, and won’t stain your bedding if you apply it at night. While it’s not the most budget-friendly option, it’s readily available at drugstores, so it’s easy enough to stock up on.

Formulation: Cream | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, amino peptide | Size: 1.7 ounces

Best Natural Facial Moisturizer

Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream

$60 at Amazon $13 at Walmart $20 at Sephora

Those looking for a more natural moisturizer will love the Squalane + Omega Repair Cream from Biossance. It offers plenty of hydration benefits to repair dry, flaky skin, with ingredients like squalane derived from sugar cane, hyaluronic acid to plump up skin, and ceramides and fatty acids to nourish the skin and seal moisture in. The formula is entirely vegan, with the omega fatty acids coming from plants, not fish.

The lipid-rich formula is luxuriously creamy, which works well for dry skin but may be too much for oily skin to handle. It also has a high price point, and the containers are pretty small. But, it’s verified by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), so you can be sure it meets strict standards for health. 

Formulation: Cream | Key Ingredients: Acai berry sterols, hyaluronic acid, omega fatty acids, ceramides, squalane | Size: 1.69 or 3.38 ounces

Best Gel Facial Moisturizer

belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

$22 at Sephora $22 at Kohls.com $38 at Ulta

Gel moisturizers tend to be best for those with oily or acne-prone skin, but the True Cream Aqua Bomb is moisturizing enough for all skin types. This moisturizer has a lightweight consistency, with standout hydrating ingredients like glycerin and squalane. Additionally, it makes use of Alchemilla vulgaris (aka Lady’s Mantle), a plant that is thought to have skin-soothing properties.

The formula is easy to spread on the skin, and absorbs quickly without leaving behind a greasy feeling. It also works very well under makeup since it’s so lightweight, so you can layer products without worrying about heaviness. While this cream is soothing, it does contain fragrance, which may irritate very sensitive skin.   

Formulation: Gel cream | Key Ingredients: Lady’s mantle, squalane, glycerin, ceramide-3 | Size: 1.68 ounces

Best Tinted Facial Moisturizer

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer

$39 at Amazon $39 at Target $28 at Walmart

With the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer, your skin stays hydrated plus has a beautiful glow without having to use heavy makeup. It’s a great option for casual outings or anytime you want light, sheer coverage. It consists of two main ingredients: natural squalane and hyaluronic acid, an active ingredient that smooths skin plus reduces the look of fine lines.

The oil-free formula is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores and trigger acne. In addition, it contains SPF 30, giving you sun protection all rolled into a single product. Keep in mind it comes in 20 different shades, so you might need to undergo some trial and error to figure out which tint matches your skin tone best. 

Formulation: Cream | Key Ingredients: Olive-derived squalane, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1.18 ounces

Best Facial Moisturizer With SPF

Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40

$49 at Amazon $48 at Nordstrom $44 at Sephora

It’s not often that you come across a facial moisturizer that has SPF, and Supergoop!’s Superscreen is one of the best options out there. It features SPF 40 protection and is even designed to shield your skin from UV rays and blue light for ultimate protection. Aside from SPF protection, the formula also contains good ingredients like algae extract and ceramides to repair skin. 

To use, apply liberally to face and neck areas before going outside. It should be re-applied to skin every two hours in order to be effective. This moisturizer is not water-resistant though, so don’t use it for sun protection if you plan to spend the day in the water. 

Formulation: Cream | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, ectoin, algae extract | Size: 1.7 ounces

Best Night Facial Moisturizer

EltaMD PM Restore Moisturizer

$44 at Amazon $39 at Dermstore View on Eltamd.com

At night, you want a thicker night cream to hydrate your skin while it repairs and renews. (Night time is peak production time.) The EltaMD PM Restore Moisturizer features a non-comedogenic, oil-free formula that glides on your skin without making it feel oily. It also features niacinamide and peptides to hydrate, in addition to hyaluronic acid, which combats signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines while you sleep. 

While it is thick and luxurious, it absorbs quickly without leaving excess residue, and won’t stain your bedding. Anyone with sensitive skin will appreciate that it’s fragrance-, dye-, and paraben-free, making it less likely to cause irritation. Final thought? It’s great for people who want to take the extra step to moisturize at night, but the higher cost is a factor to keep in mind. 

Formulation: Cream | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, hydrolyzed rice protein, thioctic & linoleic acid | Size: 1.7 ounces

Best Facial Moisturizer for Redness

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream

$52 at Sephora View on Drjart.com

Good for all skin types, this Dr.Jart+ cream uses tiger grass (Centella asiatica), a soothing herb that studies show can calm skin and reduce redness and irritation. It also contains allantoin, a soothing ingredient that helps to repair the skin barrier. This moisturizer is super concentrated and only requires you to rub a pea-sized amount every morning and evening for it to work. You can also use it on top of serum or toners to lock in hydration.  

Keep in mind that it is much richer than the average moisturizer and you may need to spend extra time rubbing it into your skin for it to fully absorb. If you’re someone who wants more of a cooling effect with their moisturizer, the brand also sells a gel version of this product.

Formulation: Cream | Key Ingredients: Cica complex, allantoin | Size: 1.69 ounces