Tweens, teenagers and mature adults are all searching for the perfect products to add to their daily skin care routine. When it comes to finding the best face moisturizer, you'll first want to consider three important factors: skin type, active ingredients in the moisturizer and the season.
We spoke to board-certified dermatologists for their expert insights as well as included our Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winners, along with a few editor-tested favorites. From CeraVe to Neutrogena, we found the best face moisturizers to help transform your skin into becoming smoother and softer in no time.
What to look for | Ingredients are key | Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winners | Expert-recommended face moisturizers | Editor-loved face moisturizers | How we chose | Meet the experts
Award-winning face moisturizer$20.00$20.00
What to look for in a face moisturizer
With a plethora of skin care products on the market, it’s often hard to narrow down which is best for you. Dr. Keira Barr, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who’s also the Psychodermatologist in Residence of the Scientific Research Board at selfmade, says that “a good moisturizer hydrates the skin, keeps that moisture in, supports skin barrier function and resilience, and feels soothing when applied.”
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rina Weimann also understands that finding the perfect facial moisturizer can be stressful. “If you are looking for a morning or daytime facial moisturizer it is important to incorporate SPF into your moisturizer — even for those who work from home, our electronic devices emit blue light which may contribute to signs of premature skin aging,” says Weimann.
“Hydration, repairing skin damage and maintaining the protective skin barrier are essential for a daily-use facial moisturizer,” she continues.
Ingredients are key
You’ll also want to consider the ingredients contained in the facial cleanser when deciding which products to add to your daily skin care routine. Weimann explains that certain ingredients are recommended when it comes to choosing an effective facial moisturizer:
- Hyaluronic acid: “Hyaluronic acid is a key molecule in skin aging as well as skin hydration, and it helps to retain moisture in the skin,” Weimann tells us.
- Glycerin: “Glycerin is specific type of moisturizing ingredient called a humectant meaning it helps draw water back into the skin and prevents further water loss,” she continues.
- Ceramides: “Ceramides are skin lipids that are found in the top layer of the skin, also referred to as the epidermis,” Weimann says. She also mentions that ceramides are “key ingredients for protecting the skin barrier and preventing skin water loss.”
- Niacinamide: “Niacinamide is an effective moisturizing ingredient that works by increasing the production of essential skin proteins (filaggrin) and lipids (ceramide),” Weimann tells us. “These proteins and lipids are key as they are frequently impaired in individuals with dry and/or dehydrated skin and eczema.”
- Shea butter: “Shea butter derived from the shea tree fruit...has soothing, anti-inflammatory, hydrating as well as antioxidant effects,” she advises.
On the other hand, it is also important to avoid certain ingredients depending on your skin type, as they can cause acne or irritation, suggests both Weimann and Barr.
“For those with acne-prone skin, it is important to avoid any heavy oil-based moisturizers and/or thick occlusive ointments as this may clog your pores and lead to acne breakouts. I recommend finding a moisturizer that has a lightweight formula, a buildable texture and indicates on the label that it is noncomedogenic (i.e. won’t clog pores),” suggests Weimann.
Barr also recommends avoiding moisturizers with too many active ingredients and easing up on topical retinoids that can contribute to irritation and redness. “Alternatives to retinoids that aid in skin cell turnover without the photosensitivity and increased irritation include bakuchiol, which is a naturally derived plant extract,” she says.
“Other ingredients to avoid include synthetic or highly concentrated fragrances which can trigger skin sensitivity, irritation or a more intense allergy, Barr suggests.
Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winners
Say goodbye to wrinkles: The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer
- Helps get rid of wrinkles
- Very hydrating
- Not sticky
- May be heavy on skin
Award: Best overall face moisturizer | Score: 5/5 | Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Shea butter, gransil blur, bioactive ceramides
This Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner for "best overall face moisturizer" is designed to prevent signs of aging and reduce wrinkles. This skin care product is enriched with gransil blur, which helps blurs fine lines. This formula also delivers up to 24 hours of hydration, according to the brand.
Perfect for dry skin: Environ Skincare Vita-Complex Super Moisturizer
- Great for dry skin
- Lightweight
- Bottle may be small
Award: Best splurge face moisturizer | Score: 5/5 | Size: 1.69 oz. | Key ingredients: Shea butter, sunflower seed oil
This award-winning face moisturizer for "best splurge" received a perfect score from one reviewer in quality, value and satisfaction. Designed for both dry and sensitive skin types, this lightweight moisturizer contains shea butter and is super hydrating.
Best new launch:Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream Gel Moisturizer with Niacinamide
- Very hydrating
- Lightweight
- Leaves skin soft
- May not absorb well
Award: Best new launch face moisturizer | Score: 4.83/5 | Size: .5 oz. | Key ingredients: Niacinamide
This Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner for "best new launch face moisturizer" is a favorite of many of our editors. “I’ve been using this since it launched in the fall of 2023,” shares production associate Audrey Ekman. “It’s way more lightweight than the OG Magic Cream that everyone has loved for years, which my oily skin appreciates,” she continues.
“I have used it twice daily for the last few months (both as a base for my makeup and overnight) and I have really seen my skin’s texture and hydration improve. For the first time in my life, I’ve actually gotten complimented on my skin!!” Ekman says.
Expert-recommended face moisturizers
Super versatile: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream
- Good for dry skin
- Long-lasting
- Absorbs quickly
- May be a bit greasy
Size: 8.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin, dimethicone
Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, leading board-certified cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatologist and founder of the clean beauty brand Skincare Junkie, recommends this long-lasting moisturizer with hyaluronic acid from Neutrogena. Murphy-Rose loves that this smooth formula absorbs quickly and feels airy like a gel, but also provides long-lasting hydration like a cream. She also mentions that this product is great for oily skin.
Morning vibes: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30
- Absorbs quickly
- Super moisturizing
- Easy to apply
- May pill
Size: 3 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
Marisa K. Garshick, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist currently working in New York and New Jersey, swears by this moisturizer that contains SPF 30. This lightweight lotion is also enriched with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide and helps to restore the protective skin barrier, according to the brand.
Super hydrating:La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
- Very moisturizing
- Absorbs quickly
- May pill
Size: 3.38 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, dimethicone
Murphy-Rose is also a big fan of this face moisturizer from La Roche-Posay. This lightweight and powerful moisturizer is designed to improve water balance in dehydrated skin, according to Murphy-Rose. "It contains thermal water, niacinamide and ceramides to support the skin barrier while hydrating," she explains.
Skin-soothing: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Moisturizer
- Matte finish
- Reduces shine on face
- Not greasy
- May pill
Size: 1.35 oz. | Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycerin
Garschick loves this moisturizing gel from La Roche-Posay. She explains that this lightweight gel contains niacinamide to help soothe the skin and (in addition to those with oily skin) is also suitable for sensitive skin.
Splurge choice: Colorescience Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer
- Lightweight
- Makes skin soft
- May be thick
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Squalane, tri-molecular hyaluronic acid
Garshick also recommends this oil-free moisturizer from Colorescience that contains tri-molecular hyaluronic acid and squalane. Want smoother, stronger skin? According to the brand, this lightweight formula replenishes hydration to help support better skin health and appearance.
Editor-loved face moisturizers
Night owl: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Lightweight
- Absorbs quickly
- Small bottle
Size: 3 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
The oil-free CeraVe PM facial lotion should be the final step in your nightly skin care routine. This fragrance-free moisturizer is designed to calm the skin and provide hydration throughout the night.
Shop TODAY deputy editorial director Alexandra Deabler tried out this product and instantly became a fan: "I loved it! I love how much it actually moisturizes, since it feels pretty light. And I like the pump, it’s easy to get out with one hand, rather than other most expensive moisturizers that you have to scoop..." Deabler says.
Senior social media editor Kate McCarthy is also a lover of this CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing lotion. “I’ve been using CeraVe products for years, and recently added this moisturizer to my routine in the past six months. It’s super lightweight and not too heavy, which is perfect for my skin that tends to get oily,” shares McCarthy.
Smooth like butter: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer Cream
- Smooth and not greasy
- Can take time to see results
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin B3, retinol, niacinamide
One Shop TODAY editor loves how smooth and non-greasy this product is when applying. They say, “There is no thickness and dries super-fast and smooth. It’s not super scented and leaves your skin feeling so soft.” Apply this moisturizer before bedtime and your skin will be fresher-looking before you know it. It’s formulated to help banish the appearance of fine lines, all while providing moisture.
Trending brand: Rhode Barrier Restore Cream
- Hydrating
- Long lasting
- Size is a bit small
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Shea butter, squalane, peptides,
Editorial assistant Madison San Miguel calls herself a "strict reviewer" when it comes to facial moisturizers. "As someone who has very dry skin (and sometimes eczema-prone), I prefer a thick moisturizer that continuously nourishes, even outside the first application," she says.
One moisturizer she has relied on throughout the winter is Rhode's Barrier Restore Cream. It's described as a lightweight yet rich cream that deeply moisturizes and plumps for a smoother and hydrated complexion. "The cream has all of the good stuff, too, such as peptides, squalane and shea butter that are a dream team for dry skin, especially during the winter season," San Miguel adds.
Good for all skin types: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane
- Good consistency
- Can cause burning
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, citric acid, squalene, pro-ceramides
One Shop TODAY editor who tried this facial cream said, “I liked the consistency of the moisturizer. It didn’t feel too heavy on my face, but I definitely felt hydrated.” This hydrating, non-scented, 72-hour formula is designed to help treat all skin types, and it helps strengthen the skin barrier quickly.
Mediterranean vibes: KORRES Santorini Grape Poreless Skin Cream
- Velvety application
- Minimal fragrance
- Would love more product
Size: 1.35 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, willowherb extract
Shop TODAY senior editor Jess Bender is an avid user of this lightweight gel moisturizer. “As somebody who has larger pores, this product’s name immediately caught my attention. While it delivers on its promise (kind of — I’m not entirely poreless, but it’s helped minimized their appearance over time), it’s also brought additional benefits like balancing out my skin tone and leaving my face with ample hydration during drier winter months so far,” she says
Absorbs quickly: IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Gel Cream Oil-Free Moisturizer
- Absorbs quickly
- All-day hydration
- A little goes a long way
- Scent can bother some
Size: 2 oz. | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, squalane
"Moisturizers are pretty hit or miss for my oily skin; either I end up with glazed donut skin (not in a cool, chic way) or completely dried out," says Bender. "This gel cream, though, is juuuuuust right. The all-day hydration it delivers and how quickly it absorbs into my skin are huge wins, but I’ve noticed a considerable reduction of excess oil in the three months I’ve used this moisturizer in my morning routine. It’s also easy to build up makeup on top of it without having to worry about pilling!" she explains.
"Life saver" during dry months: Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
- Hydrating ingredients
- Immediate results
- Might be too thick for some people
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Green tea
“I have dry skin and during the winter months, it’s even dryer and tends to flake," explains associate editor Shannon Garlin. "I recently received this moisturizer in a press kit from Sephora and it has been a life saver during these dry months. I mainly use it at night and I notice more hydration almost immediately, and since I’ve been using this cream, my skin as stopped flaking," says Garlin.
How we chose
To select the best facial moisturizers, we focused on specific skin types and key ingredients. We followed expert recommendations, chose award-winning products and included some Shop TODAY editor-tested favorites as well.
Meet the experts
- Keira Barr, MD is a psychodermatologist, mind-body medicine specialist and breathwork facilitator. She's also a board-certified dermatologist and the Psychodermatologist in Residence of the Scientific Research Board at selfmade.
- Rina Weimann, MD is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
- Marisa K. Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist currently working in New York and New Jersey. She also works at Cornell as an assistant clinical professor of dermatology.
- Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD is a leading board-certified cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatologist specializing in facial rejuvenation at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and the clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.
