22 Best Face Moisturizers, Approved by Dermatologists & Tested by Editors

No matter what the cause of your dry skin (for Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco, it was a new prescription tretinoin), sometimes the only thing that can help is a rich face cream like this one by U Beauty. The night cream “instantly hydrates and calms,” says Yaptangco. “It’s not heavy or greasy and doesn’t sit on top of skin; instead it melts in, leaving me with a cushiony complexion. I really piled it on and was amazed at how quickly it absorbs.”

The ingredients list boasts powerful hydrators like urea, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter. It also includes soothing oat extract and vitamin B6 to nourish the skin barrier. Users say the icing on the cake is the clean-smelling scent. Even the packaging beckons you, says Yaptangco, noting the “minimalist packaging looks cute on my nightstand.”

Key ingredients: Urea, vitamin B6, sodium DNA, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, purified oat extract, fruit hydroxy acids / Skin type: Dry skin / Cruelty-free: Yes / SPF: No / Size: 1.7 oz.

• What we love: Very hydrating; rich and creamy but nongreasy; absorbs quickly
• What could improve: Expensive

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If you feel like most night creams are just a little bit too heavy, consider reaching for The Outset Niacinamide Night Cream. “I was married to the idea of using face oils overnight for the past few years, because creams always felt a bit too heavy on my skin,” says Glamour commerce writer Andrea Navarro, who says everything changed when she found this one. “While it's rich, it doesn't weigh heavy on the skin as I sleep at night,” perfect for her combination skin. “It really quenches the drier areas of my face, like my cheeks and nose,” she says. “I wake up with supple, smoother-looking skin every time.”

How exactly? The star ingredient—niacinamide—brightens skin tone and evens texture, while bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative, helps improve hyperpigmentation and smooth fine lines and wrinkles without the same drying effects. We love that it’s fragrance-free and safer for sensitive skin types too.

Key ingredients: Hyaluroset Complex, niacinamide, bakuchiol / Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, oily / Cruelty-free: Yes / SPF: No / Size: 1.7 oz.

• What we love: Safe for sensitive skin; fragrance-free; noncomedogenic
• What could improve: Some users say the formula pills a bit.

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_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

Consider yourself a skin-care minimalist? There are formulas out there that can pull double duty on your face and body, so you have to stock only one product. And yes, if you choose wisely, you can still reap all of the benefits you’d hope for. Take CeraVe’s cream-based moisturizer as one of the best examples of this, says Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Mona Dermatology. “It has a thick cream vehicle full of ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help improve the hydration of the skin and keep the skin barrier happy and healthy,” says Dr. Bowles, who recommends using this as a daily moisturizer to prevent dry skin in the first place. “By preventing dry skin, you’re also improving the integrity of the skin barrier and preventing micro-cracks and tears that can lead to chapped skin or flare-ups of other issues such as eczema.”

Multiple editors and contributors at Glamour count this formula as one of their favorites, including Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin. “It’s a simple, no-frills moisturizer (no fragrance, no fancy texture) that relies on ceramides and hyaluronic acid to target and banish dryness,” she says. “In fact, derms highly recommend it for people with skin conditions like eczema (hi, me) because it’s so effective.”

Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid / Skin type: Normal, dry, combination / Cruelty-free: No / SPF: No / Size: 16 oz.

• What we love: Budget-friendly; widely available; versatile; safe for sensitive skin; very hydrating; oil-free
• What could improve: Some users say it’s not ideal for oily-skin types.

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“I regularly refer to Skin Food—which has been around for almost a century—as the $20 La Mer,” says Glamour digital director Perrie Samotin. “It’s a thick miracle cream that deeply hydrates, restores, and protects skin with plant oils and extracts, and sinks right in.” It’s so restorative, in fact, that Glamour contributor Bella Cacciatore used Weleda Skin Food while on Accutane for hormonal cystic acne. “I had a small army of products to aid me in the fight against dehydrated, flaky skin, the MVP being Weleda Skin Food,” she says. “It has almost a waxy feel, but sinks into your skin and doesn’t leave a greasy residue, just a cushion of luxurious moisture.” Notable ingredients include sunflower and sweet almond oils, as well as extracts from medicinal plants like wild pansy, chamomile, and rosemary. And even though it’s intensely hydrating, the Swiss formula is suitable for all skin types.

Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, wild pansy, chamomile, rosemary / Skin type: All skin types / Cruelty-free: Yes / SPF: No / Size: 2.5 oz.

• What we love: Budget-friendly; suitable for all skin types; plant-based formula; can be used on face and body
• What could improve: Some users say it’s hard to spread.

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You’ve probably heard of Lar Mer, the notably expensive face moisturizer that garners all kinds of accolades. Well, we’re here to tell you that the brand’s Crème de La Mer is—unequivocally—worth the hype. “It smells as extravagant as it feels (it’s lusciously thick), and it deeply hydrates like none other to keep my skin soft and supple all day long,” says Glamour senior West Coast editor Jessica Radloff. “With La Mer, I can also get by on less makeup because of how amazing it makes my skin look—hydrated, dewy, and fresh.”

What’s inside? Well, it’s sort of a magic elixir: the brand's proprietary “Miracle Broth,” which is a top-secret formula composed of naturally healing ingredients including sea kelp, plant extracts, vitamins, and minerals, and an antioxidant-rich lime tea concentrate. The two work in tandem to soothe dryness and brighten skin.

Key ingredients: Miracle Broth, lime tea / Skin type: All skin types / Cruelty-free: No / SPF: No / Size: 1 oz.

• What we love: Long-lasting hydration; great scent
• What could improve: Very expensive

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“This is the best moisturizer out there, period,” says Cacciatore, who tells Glamour it’s a perennial makeup-artist favorite. “It’s incredibly moisturizing yet never leaves my skin feeling greasy, just hydrated and plumped up. It almost has a smoothing quality to it, so it’s great under makeup and makes an excellent lip balm in a pinch.”

A combination of soy proteins and shea butter work to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier, while beeswax protects it from environmental aggressors. It also contains aloe vera for a soothing effect. A little bit goes a long way, and it’s suitable for all skin types.

Key ingredients: Soy proteins, shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera / Skin type: All skin types / Cruelty-free: Yes / SPF: No / Size: 1 oz.

• What we love: Nongreasy; a little bit goes a long way; doubles as a primer.
• What could improve: Some users say it’s not ideal for acne-prone skin.

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Celeb loved and Glamour approved, this product is a splurge worth making—says just about everyone who has ever tried it. “This moisturizer-serum hybrid has a liquid consistency that my skin, quite literally, drank up,” says Yaptangco. “I was shocked by how deeply moisturized my skin felt, eliminating dry patches and flakes but leaving no trace of greasiness or excess oil. My skin looked matte and glowing but still felt plump and hydrated.”

It’s the perfect pick for those with oily skin who find traditional creams too heavy, since it’s specifically made to target the root cause of excess sebum. It’s powered by TFC8, a patented blend of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins, and synthesized molecules, that helps skin cell renewal, as well as Australian lemon myrtle extract to protect skin against environmental oxidation and aggressors, and rice bran extract, a noncomedogenic moisturizer.

Key ingredients: TFC8, Australian lemon myrtle extract, rice bran extract / Skin type: All skin types / Cruelty-free: Yes / SPF: No / Size: 1 oz.

• What we love: Noncomedogenic; targets shine; vegan; cruelty-free
• What could improve: Expensive

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Lian Mack, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, recommends this moisturizer for mature skin because it’s packed with a proprietary blend of 24 peptides, including copper peptides, growth factors, and amino acids. Together these ingredients promote collagen production and enhance the skin’s ability to heal itself, she explains.

Users say the rich cream instantly leaves skin velvety smooth and glowing. Over time—a period of about six months—users say they’ve noticed more permanent changes in their skin, including diminished fine lines and wrinkles.

Key ingredients: Copper peptide, ceramides, phytosphingosine, ergothioneine / Skin type: All skin types / Cruelty-free: Yes / SPF: No / Size: 1.7 oz.

• What we love: Oil-free; fragrance-free; absorbs quickly
• What could improve: Expensive

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_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

Another one of Dr. Mack’s favorites—and at a much more manageable price point. “I love this moisturizer as an affordable option for mature skin,” she says. “It contains a number of ingredients to increase the skin’s hydration including glycerin, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and triglycerides to help reinforce the skin barrier.” We love that it also couples nicely with a nighttime retinoid or retinol.

In tests, users told us the moisturizer was rich and felt more like a cream. It also has this slightly minty characteristic—from the blue tansy—that gives it a very neat cooling and soothing effect. It’s a nice treat for skin at the end of a long day, our tester said.

Key ingredients: Shea butter, squalane, P5 peptide, hyaluronic acid, blue tansy / Skin type: All skin types / Cruelty-free: Yes / SPF: No / Size: 2 oz.

• What we love: Absorbs quickly; rich and hydrating; cooling and soothing effect
• What could improve: May be too rich for oily skin

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This moisturizer is so coveted that it sold out in just two hours when it first launched. Years later, it’s still a favorite among many, Glamour editors included. “It was the scent that got me in the door—light and cool, like a summer day with no plans—but the moisturizer itself that made me a true fan,” says deputy editor Anna Moeslein. “It’s so gentle on my dry and irritable skin, which is harder to find than you’d think. I especially love that it actually makes my skin feel hydrated all day without the need to slather on a thick or sticky cream.”

Key ingredients: Watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid, glycerin / Skin type: Normal, combination, oily / Cruelty-free: Yes / SPF: No / Size: 1.69 oz.

• What we love: Lightweight; great scent; refillable packaging
• What could improve: Some users say it’s not quick to absorb.

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This formula is unique because it’s a moisturizing gel rather than a lotion or a cream. And yes, there’s a definite difference in the consistencies and finish of the different products. Gel is nice and lightweight, making it ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin, says Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in New Jersey.

Glamour editors and contributors, including Renee Cherry, count this affordable and gentle option as a go-to. “The formula includes some of the moisturizing ingredients that I consider green flags (e.g., glycerin and ceramides) and leaves my skin looking dewy, not greasy,” she says. “It’s neither too watery nor too thick, so I’ve been using it both in the a.m. and p.m.”

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid / Skin type: Dry, normal, combination, oily / Cruelty-free: No / SPF: No / Size: 1.7 oz.

• What we love: Lightweight; suitable for oily and acne-prone skin; budget-friendly
• What could improve: May not be suitable for sensitive skin, since it contains fragrance

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On the hunt for a really good moisturizer? You need one with humectants to hydrate, emollients to support the skin barriers, and occlusives to seal in all that moisture, says Hadley King, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Go with the combo of glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, and shea butter found in this one by Charlotte Tilbury. It’s also rich in antioxidants and contains a special antiaging peptide complex, says Dr. King. Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle says it's one of her go-tos for her combination skin. She raves about the long-lasting hydration and loves to use it under makeup.

Key ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin C and E, plump effect peptide complex, hyaluronic acid, rose-hip oil, aloe vera, camellia oil, shea butter, frangipani flower extract / Skin type: Dry, normal, combination / Cruelty-free: Yes / SPF: No / Size: 0.5 oz.

• What we love: Very hydrating; long-lasting benefits; cruelty-free
• What could improve: May not be suitable for sensitive skin, since it contains fragrance

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For dry or even very dry skin, Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, recommends this oil-packed pick. It's naturally derived from seeds and vegetables and works hard to fill in fine lines and creases. But don’t fret, it doesn’t look oily on skin at all. The cream readily absorbs and dries to a natural finish—like you’re wearing absolutely nothing at all.

Users love the way it makes skin feel: hydrated and exceptionally soft. And even though the price tag might give you pause, it’s worth noting that the 1.9-ounce size is more generous than many other options at even higher price points. Testers tell us a little bit goes a long way too.

Key ingredients: Bio retinol, undaria seaweed, marine extract, biomimetic lipid complex, DPHP, turmeric / Skin type: Dry, sensitive, aging / Cruelty-free: Yes / SPF: No / Size: 1.9 oz.

• What we love: A little bit goes a long way; leaves skin exceptionally smooth.
• What could improve: Some users complain about the scent.

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_{Original photo courtesy of Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

“No matter how many moisturizers I try—and that’s a lot, since it’s my job!)—I always come back to this one by Kiehl’s,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. “It’s such a reliable pick in so many ways: It’s lightweight but very nourishing; plus, it’s fragrance-free to prevent irritation.” Testers, including Earley, consistently tell us how long-lasting the results are too. Do yourself a favor and grab the eight-ounce jar for the most bang for your buck. You can use the squalane- and glycerin-rich formula day or night. You can even use a dab on rough hands or elbows for immediate relief.

Key ingredients: Glycerin, squalane, glacial glycoprotein / Skin type: All skin types / Cruelty-free: No / SPF: No / Size: 1.7 oz.

• What we love: Very hydrating; lightweight; suitable for sensitive skin; noncomedogenic
• What could improve: Some users wish the tub came with a spoon.

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“Perfect for dry, sensitive, and rosacea-prone skin, this moisturizer contains humectants to hydrate, emollients to support the skin barrier, and occlusives to lock in moisture—the perfect combination,” Dr. King tells Glamour. It’s packed with skin-soothing ingredients too: a Japanese grass extract with anti-inflammatory properties and centella asiatica to minimize irritation. “This intensive moisturizer works wonders for my skin, especially in dry climates,” says Glamour’s Navarro. “I brought this with me to a weekend getaway in the desert and it's like my skin never even knew I was there.”

Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, squalane, glycerin, betaine, sodium hyaluronate / Skin type: Dry, sensitive, and rosacea-prone skin / Cruelty-free: Yes / SPF: No / Size: 2.5 oz.

• What we love: Vegan; cruelty-free; suitable for sensitive skin; antiaging properties
• What could improve: Pricing is dramatically different for Beauty Pie members.

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When you have a skin condition like eczema, narrowing in on a product that won’t cause angry flare-ups—especially one that’s not a basic drugstore pick—can feel like a full-time job. But Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut, says First Aid Beauty makes just the thing. “It's formulated in such a way that it absorbs easily, no matter your skin type,” she says. “The best part is that it's even great for those who suffer from eczema, since it has the seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association."

We love that it’s designed for head-to-toe use too, making it a very versatile pick to stock to give both your face and body the hydrating benefits of shea butter, ceramides, and colloidal oatmeal. “This moisturizer is nice and thick, but not at all greasy,” says Earley. “My skin skews very dry, but ‘intense hydration’ is right—this cream does the trick every time.”

Key ingredients: Shea butter, allantoin, colloidal oatmeal / Skin type: Normal, dry, combination / Cruelty-free: Yes / SPF: No / Size: 6 oz.

• What we love: Suitable for sensitive skin; can be used on face and body; comes in a variety of different sizes
• What could improve: May not be suitable for oily or acne-prone skin

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It shouldn't surprise you that Proactiv makes one of the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin—the brand’s been a leading player in the category for years. “I love that this moisturizer is lightweight, and oil-free, which is so good for my acne-prone patients,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. “It also includes green tea, an antioxidant that works to improve skin aging, and hyaluronic acid to help maintain skin hydration.” Users say it goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly, and offers the right level of moisture for more oily and acne-prone skin. It’s not at all greasy and, as a nice bonus, has a surprisingly attractive scent.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, macadamia nut oil extract / Skin type: Acne-prone, oily / Cruelty-free: No / SPF: No / Size: 3 oz.

• What we love: Lightweight; absorbs quickly; great scent
• What could improve: May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin

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Spend any time perusing Glamour, and you’ll notice this is a skin-care product we recommend over and over again. Yep, we love it that much. Dr. Garshick is a fan too. “This lightweight tinted moisturizer provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 coverage using zinc oxide, as well as a blend of hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide to help hydrate and soothe the skin,” she tells us. Plus, it’s gluten-, silicon-, fragrance-, and oil-free, and contains absolutely no chemical sunscreen filters, so it won’t clog pores, she adds.

Cacciatore tested the Ilia skin tint and was impressed by the product’s smooth blend and hydrating texture. “It makes my skin look even and blurs acne, and while it doesn’t cover it up completely, I look damn close to flawless on Zoom.”

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide / Skin type: All skin types / Cruelty-free: Yes / SPF: 40 / Size: 1 oz.

• What we love: Lightweight; fragrance-free; offers some coverage; contains SPF
• What could improve: May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin

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Is it basic? Yes, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need, especially when it comes to sensitive skin. “This is a product made with no extra ‘add-ins,’” says Daniel Butler, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Arizona. Essentially, it’s hydration without the fluff, he says. That means dry, flaky skin is really no match for the cream-based formula. It can even help with itchiness associated with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Dr. Lolis is another fan, noting it’s a great pick for kids with skin concerns too. If you get sunburn, you can use this after-sun lotion to help restore homeostasis.

Key ingredients: Purified water, petrolatum / Skin type: All skin types / Cruelty-free: No / SPF: No / Size: 4 oz.

• What we love: Hydrating and nourishing; suitable for sensitive skin; budget-friendly; widely available
• What could improve: Scent is a bit medicinal.

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Another product the dermatologists we spoke to couldn’t stop raving about, but this time by Skinceuticals. “It contains a unique ratio of lipids to help restore skin-barrier function and improve skin texture,” says Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at and founder of California's Ocean Skin and Vein Institute. Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York City's MDCS Dermatology, points to ingredients like ceramides, natural cholesterol, and fatty acids as the all-stars here. “They help maintain the skin barrier, hydrate skin, and improve the appearance of skin smoothness and laxity,” he says.

It’s suitable for most skin types but ideal for mature skin. In addition to hydration, it works hard to improve skin fullness. The brand claims it can even shorten the adjustment period to retinoids up to one week.

Key ingredients: Essential lipids, vitamin E, essential oils / Skin type: Aging, normal, dry skin / Cruelty-free: No / SPF: No / Size: 1.6 oz.

• What we love: Hydrating; antiaging properties
• What could improve: Expensive

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