The Top 8 Face Moisturizers for Every Skin Type

While numerous products claim to hydrate your face, not all moisturizers are equal. The right formula depends on your skin type, so a little research is essential before choosing a new product. Whether you're after a non-comedogenic option for acne-prone skin or a richer formula for night use, there's a perfect moisturizer for every need and skin type.

To pinpoint the best options, we analyzed and tested several popular choices, factoring in elements like ingredients, formulation, size, and value. For expert advice on selecting the best moisturizer for long-lasting hydration, we consulted three dermatologists to find the top recommendations for smooth, hydrated skin all day.

Meet the Experts Behind This Story

Top Pick

When Mytour writer Jamie Fischer tested 10 drugstore moisturizers, the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer emerged as the top choice: "As someone with dry skin who dislikes thick creams, it’s tough to find a moisturizer that offers the right balance. This is the first one that’s managed to do so—rich enough to nourish, yet feels almost weightless."

The formula includes skin-loving ingredients like ceramide-3, a lipid that helps lock in moisture and safeguard the skin barrier; glycerin, a humectant that draws moisture to the skin; and niacinamide, a vitamin that helps even skin tone and repairs the moisture barrier. After using it on sensitive areas, Jamie found it surprisingly calming. It has since become a staple in her routine—perfect for sealing in moisture overnight or as a makeup base in the morning. The affordable price and easy availability are added perks.

Formula: Cream | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide | Size: 4 ounces

Best for Dry Skin

This award-winning moisturizer is clinically shown to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier within a week, offering immediate relief after just one application. It also contains a blend of skin-loving ingredients like colloidal oatmeal (OTC), which aids in treating eczema and accelerating skin renewal; shea butter, a powerful moisturizer that nourishes and protects the skin barrier; and allantoin, known for soothing dry, irritated skin.

The vegan, allergen-free, and non-comedogenic formula makes this deeply hydrating moisturizer perfect for both acne-prone and sensitive skin. Additionally, it’s suitable for use on both the face and body, and because it’s highly concentrated, a little goes a long way—providing great value for your investment.

Formula: Cream | Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin | Size: 6 ounces

Best for Oily Skin

This ultra-lightweight cream is perfect for oily skin—it hydrates without clogging pores, feeling heavy, or leaving a greasy finish. Inspired by Kate Somerville’s microchanneling treatment, it provides fast and lasting hydration after just one week of use. Dr. Chacon notes that it can even help boost skin elasticity, giving your face a fuller, plumper look.

The formula also combats skin fatigue and accelerates natural skin recovery with a rosemary peptide complex. In addition, it helps fade dark spots and fine lines caused by digital aging, thanks to its blue light-activated algae extract. For those with mature or oily skin, it’s truly a must-have.

Formula: Gel Cream | Key Ingredients: Rosemary peptide complex, algae extract | Size: 2 ounces

Best for Acne

Dr. Chacon recommends Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream for those with oily and acne-prone skin. “It’s a lightweight formula that delivers a lot of moisture, and it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores—a crucial factor for those with acne,” she explains.

This gel moisturizer not only controls excess oil and shine with zinc PCA but also improves the appearance of pores and evens out skin tone thanks to niacinamide. Additionally, it restores the skin’s natural moisture barrier with a biomimetic compound called the B-L3 complex. If you have oily or combination skin and want hydration without the greasiness, this fragrance-free formula is the perfect choice.

Formula: Gel cream | Key Ingredients: Zinc PCA, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Size: 2 ounces

Best for Sensitive Skin

Dr. Taylor recommends EltaMD AM Restore Moisturizer for individuals with oily and sensitive skin. This oil-free, lightweight formula helps strengthen the skin's barrier and locks in moisture for lasting hydration.

Packed with healthy-skin ingredients like niacinamide (an anti-inflammatory agent that reduces redness and the appearance of dark spots from UV damage), willow bark extract (which helps stimulate cell turnover), and hyaluronic acid (which reduces flakiness while boosting hydration) this formula is ideal for those with damaged, irritated skin. 

What’s more, this moisturizer is clinically proven to improve the thickness of the skin’s surface. After a few weeks of daily use, you can expect a smoother, more even skin tone and texture. 

Formulation: Cream | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, willow bark extract | Size: 2 ounces

Best for Mature Skin

For those in need of a moisturizer that shields the skin's barrier while enhancing its texture, Dr. Chacon highly recommends SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2. She suggests it is perfect for dry or mature skin, offering deep nourishment and visibly reducing fine lines and aging signs.

This luxurious cream moisturizer is packed with anti-aging benefits, addressing cellular lipid loss through a blend of ceramides, natural cholesterol, and fatty acids. Clinical studies have shown that after just eight weeks of use, this moisturizer significantly diminished visible aging signs, improved skin fullness, and minimized pore appearance.

Formula: Cream | Primary Ingredients: Ceramides, natural cholesterol, fatty acids | Net Weight: 2 ounces

Best Tinted

We selected PÜR Beauty 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer as the top choice tinted moisturizer due to its ability to blend seamlessly, provide long-lasting wear, and offer solid coverage. It not only conceals imperfections like dark spots and redness, but also delivers impressive skincare benefits for those seeking a multifunctional product.

Notable ingredients include skin-soothing aloe vera and shea butter, sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) for moisture retention, and retinol, lactic acid, and a ceramide complex to improve skin texture and appearance. Plus, with SPF 20, it offers protection against the sun’s harmful rays.

Formula: Cream | Primary Ingredients: Aloe vera, shea butter, sodium hyaluronate | Volume: 2 ounces

Top Night Cream

Dr. Taylor highly recommends CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion as an affordable yet effective nighttime moisturizer for all skin types. It’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it a top pick for sensitive or oily skin. Unlike other heavier, oil-based creams, it provides essential hydration without causing greasiness or clogging pores.

This moisturizer is packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which draws in and locks in moisture, niacinamide to soothe redness and irritation, and ceramides that help repair the skin's protective barrier while shielding against harmful free radicals. It ensures lasting hydration throughout the night without compromising comfort.

Formulation: Cream | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Size: 3 ounces

Final Thoughts

The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer stands out as our top choice for its affordable price, powerful skincare ingredients, and lightweight texture, making it ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin. For those dealing with breakouts, the Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream is an excellent option. It minimizes pores, reduces shine, and helps control excess oil.

Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Moisturizer

Formulation

When choosing a face moisturizer, you typically have two main options: cream or gel. Both formulations have their own merits, so the best choice depends on your skin type and specific needs.

Gel moisturizers are typically lighter, with a higher water content, allowing them to be quickly absorbed by the skin, making them great for people with oily skin. Creams, on the other hand, are thicker and oil-based, making them better suited for dry skin.

Your choice of moisturizer might also depend on the weather. During colder months, heavier moisturizers can help combat dryness, while in warmer weather, lighter formulas are preferable as they complement your skin's natural oil production.

Skin Type & Concerns

As previously noted, gels are an excellent option for those with oily skin since they help avoid heavy formulas that might clog pores. However, Dr. Chacon advises that creams are more suitable for dry skin, as they provide essential hydration and help reinforce the skin’s natural barrier.

For individuals with acne-prone skin, which is often oily, it's recommended to choose lightweight moisturizers. Dr. Boayke suggests looking for formulas with ingredients like ceramides, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, tea tree oil, niacinamide, and retinoids. She also advises steering clear of harsh alcohols, thick oils, and comedogenic agents (more details below).

Dr. Boakye recommends individuals with sensitive skin to opt for 'clean' products, which include ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, honey, shea butter, jojoba oil, and ceramides. These can be soothing and help reduce inflammation and redness.

Ingredients

In general, moisturizing agents are categorized into three main types: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Each category functions differently to hydrate the skin, and certain agents are more effective for specific skin types and concerns.

• Humectants: Experts mention that humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea, and propylene glycol are excellent for all skin types. Dr. Chacon also highlights the benefits of humectants for every skin type.
• Emollients: These ingredients not only smooth but also soften the skin. Ceramides and shea butter are prime examples of common emollients.
• Occlusives: These help to form a protective layer on the skin, safeguarding the natural barrier. Common occlusives include petrolatum or vaseline, beeswax, mineral oil, lanolin, and cocoa butter. Dr. Chacon notes that occlusives are especially ideal for those with dry skin.

Regardless of your skin type, it's generally a good idea to avoid products containing fragrances, dyes, essential oils, and certain preservatives, especially if your skin is sensitive, according to Dr. Taylor.

Questions You Might Ask

Does everyone have to use a moisturizer?

Experts agree that everyone can benefit from incorporating a moisturizer into their skincare regimen, no matter their skin type. Both Dr. Boakye and Dr. Chacon recommend moisturizing twice daily—using a lighter formula in the morning and a richer one in the evening.

A balanced skincare regimen is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. After applying sunscreen and using a mild cleanser, a quality moisturizer is one of the best steps you can take. Dr. Taylor points out that as we age, the skin's ability to retain moisture diminishes, making moisturizers particularly beneficial for mature skin. They are also essential for individuals using drying products like retinoids or topical serums that can lead to flakiness.

What is the difference between facial moisturizers, eye creams, and regular lotions?

While a body lotion is safe for use on your body, it’s not always suitable—or safe—to apply to your face. Dr. Chacon explains that while body lotions are designed to maintain the skin barrier across your entire body, they are not tailored for facial skin.

Facial moisturizers, on the other hand, are specifically formulated to keep the skin on your face hydrated and nourished, catering to its unique needs, as Dr. Chacon emphasizes.

Eye creams, the experts say, are typically crafted with gentler ingredients to prevent irritation to the delicate skin around the eyes, making them ideal for this sensitive area.

Are expensive moisturizers worth it?

Just because a moisturizer carries a hefty price tag doesn't automatically mean it will outperform a more affordable drugstore brand.

Dr. Taylor explains that there are high-quality and low-quality products at every price point, with the only real indicator being the ingredient list. The effectiveness of a facial moisturizer depends on its ingredients, their concentration, and the amount of water in the product—regardless of the cost.

A $15 drugstore moisturizer might have the same formula as a $90 moisturizer from a boutique brand, with the difference in price often stemming from marketing and packaging. For example, the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face is a highly rated product you can find at most drugstores.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Naydeline Mejia, a writer at Mytour with over four years of experience in crafting product reviews and lifestyle content, particularly in the beauty sector.

For this piece, we evaluated, tested, and researched a wide range of face moisturizers, focusing on aspects such as formulation, ingredients, size, and overall value. We also consulted with Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, Naana Boakye, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Dr. Naana Beauty, and Sarah Taylor, MD, MPH, an associate professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, for their expert recommendations and insights on selecting the right facial moisturizer.