After Rigorous Testing, Our Editors Found the 23 Best Moisturizers on the Market

Testing notes: "I have never used a moisturizer that I keep coming back to quite like Dieux Instant Angel. It's a barrier-repair cream that feels lush and moisturizing but doesn't leave behind the same residue as many other occlusive creams might. I truly think any skin type could use this moisturizer and be happy. It leaves your skin glowy but never too dewy, and after a month of consistent use, I genuinely felt like my skin's barrier was stronger and my face was less reactive." — Berohn

Pros: Moisturizing, no residue, fragrance-free, repairing

Cons: Slight scent that some may not like

Customer review: "Just finished up my tube and I loved this moisturizer! My dry skin drank up the hydration and looked glowy and plump in the morning! Will definitely repurchase, especially with winter around the corner!"

Testing notes: "Peptides are the buzzy ingredient right now, and after using this moisturizer for a few months, I see why. The price point is so incredible it's worth trying out, and it gave me an instant glow." — Mayhew

Pros: Budget-friendly, unscented, in-between texture of a cream and a lotion, sinks in easily, doesn't leave heavy residue

Cons: May not be moisturizing enough for drier skin

Customer review: "My only complaint is that they don’t make a bigger size! My skin is complicated; this simplifies it. I layer over my serums and my skin feels dewy, plush, and perfect. Sits beautifully under makeup or other moisturizer."

Testing notes: "There's no time quite like the summertime to pick up a refreshing, glossy moisturizer to keep your skin in check. In the warmer months, I usually skip a heavy cream altogether, opting instead for a lightweight sunscreen formula to add a bit of bounce to my skin. For days when my face is feeling more dehydrated than usual, I've been using the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, and I have to say it works like a charm. Not only is it incredibly cooling and refreshing on extra-warm days, but it also wears incredibly well under my other products. For best results, try not to cake it on. Too much of the gel-like consistency can feel just as heavy as a traditional cream. For a product sitting right in the affordable-price-point category, it works like a charm, beating some of my ultra-expensive jars when it comes to skin feel and formulation." — Escalante

Pros: Budget-friendly, sinks in instantly, super lightweight

Cons: Lightly scented, may not be moisturizing enough for drier skin

Customer review: "It's more moisturizing than a heavy cream, but it is so light!!!! I was sure it wouldn't work when I felt the watery texture, but I've tried them all and this is the best." 

Testing notes: "A little goes a long way with this product! It's thick and has a lotion-like consistency. Because of how thick it is, I find that it's super heavy to wear during the day, especially under sunscreen. I will be reserving this for the winters when my combination skin needs some extra moisture." — Morinia

Pros: Intensely moisturizing, refillable, buttery texture 

Cons: May be too thick for oily or combination skin

Customer review: "I put the anti-aging cream on at night before bed, and I can definitely feel and see a difference in my skin the next morning. Face feels soft and the bags under my eyes aren’t as dark as they usually are when I wake up and my skin feels noticeably supple and tighter. I personally like unscented moisturizers, so the scent of the cream isn’t my favorite aspect of the product but I think it works wonderfully."

Testing notes: "It blended in very nicely and felt lightweight under my sunscreen, even in this summer heat. My skin immediately felt suppler than before and extremely hydrated." — Morinia

Pros: Hydrating, lightweight, works well under makeup

Cons: Contains potentially irritating preservatives

Customer review: "I've been using night and the red one (forgot what it's called) and it's only been about a week.. my skin is improving SO much, my dark spots are almost gone, my skin is soft to the touch, I have no open pores, no blackheads on my checks, and my face is more plump."

Testing notes:  "I typically don't go for scented moisturizers, but this one feels too good on the skin to pass up." — LaPlaca

Pros: Gel texture that morphs into a water-like texture as you apply, sinks in easily, feels more moisturizing than some other gel formulas while still being lightweight

Cons: May not be moisturizing enough for drier skin

Customer review: "This is the only moisturizer that truly works on my skin. I have super sensitive skin and I have used the samples for this and it just worked wonders for my skin! I finally bought the big one and I am so happy!"

Testing notes: "I can't remember the last time I used a moisturizer as luxurious as this. I could notice a difference in my complexion even after using it for less than a week. It's formulated with lipids and ceramides to help repair a weakened skin barrier. The texture is indulgently thick and what I would call heaven. It's a heavier formula (it feels like whipped mashed potatoes TBH) and perfect for someone with dry, rosy cheeks like me. A little goes a long way, but the richness doesn't weigh skin down or feel greasy at all." — Schlisserman

Pros: Light textured cream, feels silky, sinks in quickly but leaves skin plump

Cons: Expensive, may be too thick for oily or combination skin

Customer review: "I have been using this product for years! If I was stranded on an island, this is my one request to keep. So moisturizing. Keeps my skin even and healthy."

Testing notes: "This is a simple, classic, no-frills, perfect multitasking moisturizer that could be your go-to not just for daily life but also for decades. It's your mother's and your grandmother's and your auntie's secret ageless solution you didn't know you needed. Seven days into using it, my skin actually feels like its texture is nourished and recovering from dryness and damage. The most gratifying experience was using it as an overnight mask and waking up in the morning to see how supple and radiant my skin still looks even after rinsing my face." — Acevedo

Pros: Bouncy gel-to-water texture, feels cooling, light, sinks in easily 

Cons: Lightly scented, may not be moisturizing enough for drier skin

Customer review: "I love this product! It's a cross between a gel and a cream. It's light and goes on smoothly with a small amount. I used this under my eyes and for dry skin patches on my face, such as around my nose area. It did not irritate my skin or eyes as some products have done, and these areas stayed moist and supple all day long--no itching due to it drying out. I highly recommend this product. The texture is like no other skin cream! I love it!"

Testing notes: "For me, a hydrated, even-toned complexion is the priority. Honestly, it feels like this moisturizer was made specifically for me because it targets all my concerns, including dryness, redness, sensitivity, and texture. (Also, I just have to say I love the pink packaging.) The formula has two of my all-time favorite ingredients: aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. I love them because they give my skin a dewy glow and soothe the redness that I can get on my cheeks and around my nose. A couple of layers of this cream primes the perfect even canvas—whether I'm wearing makeup or having a no-makeup day." — Walsh

Pros: Sinks in immediately, feels a bit tacky like it would work as a primer

Cons: Best used before makeup

Customer review: "This product is a great base for makeup. I would not want to start my day without it. It goes on smoothly and you don't need much for full coverage. My skin is smoother after using this product. Down here in Las Vegas the air is so dry that this is a great addition to my skin care routine."

Testing notes: "I truly feel like this is the ultimate moisturizer for anyone who's prone to breakouts or worried about clogged pores and anyone who craves moisture but quite literally doesn't want to feel anything sitting on their face. It's incredibly fast absorbing but provides ample, high-quality hydration that lasts. I'm 30 years old with combo, acne-prone skin and love it, and my mom—who is 75 with dry, mature skin—also loves it. I think that speaks volumes!" — Jahns

Pros: Lightweight, absorbs quickly

Cons: May not be moisturizing enough for drier skin, the packaging isn't the easiest to use

Customer review: "It's moisturizing without feeling heavy & most importantly so far it hasn't broken me out. I highly recommend." 

Testing notes: "The thing with so many oil-free moisturizers is that they can sometimes be too lightweight and are unable to actually provide the skin with the surge of moisture it needs to stay balanced and healthy. I swear by this formula from Renée and have used it for years. It's one of the few face creams out there that doesn't make me break out, but it also really leaves your skin feeling hydrated and lightly glowy, never greasy! This formula doesn't receive near enough attention or praise." — Jahns

Pros: Light texture, feels soothing, sinks in quickly, leaves skin feeling hydrated

Cons: Lightly scented

Customer review: "I've always struggled to find a moisturizer that was sufficiently hydrating but also suitable for my blemish-prone skin. Most products for breakout-prone skin are either too light or have added acne-fighting ingredients that I don't need because I'm already addressing that issue with other treatments and retinol. So happy to find a product that seems to check all my boxes!"

Testing notes: "I am slightly obsessed with how pretty this makes my skin look, and you know a product is good when random strangers walk up to you at the airport to tell you how beautiful your Dewy Skin Cream–lathered, makeup-free complexion looks. Unlike other rich moisturizers out there, it's noncomedogenic and delivers the brightest, plumpest, healthiest-looking skin right before your eyes. (I have this on standby for mornings when I wake up hungover and my skin needs extra help.) Oh, and it works generously under makeup, something I can't say for a lot of moisturizers I try! That said, if you run oily, this formula will probably be a little too much and could get a little slippery and greasy on the skin as the day wears on. " — Jahns

Pros: Makes skin glow, plumping

Cons: May be too thick for oily or combination skin

Customer review: "I’ve gone back to this product so many times. Nothing else seems to work for my skin and even though it’s pretty expensive I’d say it’s worth it. It’s very hydrating and gives a healthy glow."

Testing notes: "This moisturizer has a lightweight water-gel texture, so it's basically like a glass of water for my dehydrated skin. I love that it has plumping peptides and barrier-strengthening probiotics. And when I tell you it makes my skin feel soft, I mean like newborn-baby, lamb's-wool, rose-petal soft. I only have one small critique: It has a slight fragrance, and I usually like to stick to fragrance-free formulas for my redness-prone skin." — McLintock

Pros: Bouncy gel-like cream, dewy sheen

Cons: Lightly scented, expensive

Customer review: "I'm a redhead with rosacea. Dry flaky and acne-prone. Nightmare. This cream is a gift from God. Put it on at night and wake up with calm refreshed skin. And a little goes a very long way. Spreads so easily it's amazing. I'm very hard to please. Chantecaille is a cut above."

Testing notes: "I usually avoid sleeping masks if they're highly fragranced or too rich for my dehydrated, redness-prone skin. This one is lightweight, cooling, and calming, and there's no overwhelming fragrance. My skin loves it, and it literally calms, smooths, and plumps my skin overnight." — McLintock

Pros: Doesn't leave a heavy residue, calms and hydrates skin overnight

Cons: Best used at night

Customer review: "I use this as a daily night cream and I love how soft and hydrated my skin is. I use a prescription acne cream that dries my skin out so this really helps combat that. I have repurchased twice now!"

Testing notes:  "Glow Recipe's Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer has landed itself in my top five favorite moisturizers thanks to its ultra-hydrating and skin-balancing ingredients. After a few days of use, I couldn't believe how much more healthy, dewy, and refreshed my skin looked. With a week of use, it looked completely transformed." — Thomas

Pros: Refillable, somewhere between a gel and a cream texture, sinks in quickly, leaves skin plump

Cons: Lightly scented

Customer review: "This product really does plump and hydrate the skin! My face is oily combination, sensitive, and acne-prone. The cream is really lightweight, more of a gel consistency, and leaves my skin dewy and glowy! It’s light enough to wear in the day, and hydrating enough to wear at night. Love the way it makes my face look!"

Testing notes: "I have super-dry skin, especially in the winter. During the colder months, my face will start flaking, even with the heaviest moisturizers. I always used to wonder if La Mer is worth the hype, and the answer is yes. If you have dry skin, mature skin, or a compromised skin barrier, La Mer won't just help your skin but also make it look better than it ever has." — Berohn

Pros: Luxe and heavy packaging, ultra-rich formula, skin feels incredibly soft after using

Cons: May be too thick for oily or combination skin, expensive

Customer review: "This stuff is awesome. Putting it on lightly in the morning and night, I noticed a difference in a couple of weeks. My lines haven't completely disappeared but they've become less and aren't as noticeable due to the product leveling out my pH as well. My face also looks and feels firmer. I also have sensitive skin and this does not make me break out at all. It has a pleasant scent, is lightweight, and feels wonderfully refreshing. Also, a little goes a long way with this cream which is definitely a plus since it is on the high end...but so worth it!"

Testing notes: "I like this cream because it seems rich when you first pump it (and it is rich), but once you start rubbing it in, it transforms into an almost water-like texture. It leaves your skin dewy and plump—maybe even on the glossy side." — Berohn

Pros: Sinks in easily, leaves skin dewy

Cons: May be too thick for oily or combination skin, expensive

Customer review: "I was very pleased with the Augustinus Bader The Cream. It was just the right amount of moisture for my skin and I plan on adding my products to my regimen."

Testing notes: "One thing I really love about this cream is its unique packaging—each pump gives you the perfect amount of product for your whole face. With six different African oils and ceramides, it's a powerhouse for dry skin, and its rich, whipped texture is easy to spread and leaves skin plump and dewy." — Berohn

Pros: Pump pre-measures how much moisturizer you need, highly moisturizing, no thick residue

Cons: May be too thick for oily or combination skin

Customer review: "I love my Lala Moisturizer it’s literally my go-to! I'm definitely gonna get the refill when I can. it is expensive but ITS WORTH IT."

Testing notes: "I typically keep my moisturizers and my sunscreens separate, favoring putting on sunscreen after I moisturize. This is one of my only exceptions to that rule. It's moisturizing enough for my dry skin, and it doesn't leave a sunscreen-y film." — Berohn

Pros: SPF 30, no thick residue

Cons: Requires a bit of rubbing in

Customer review: "La Roche is a no-brainer for me. I have the whole collection. It takes good care of your skin, moisturizes, and protects from the sun. I'm about to run out so I'll be repurchasing this face cream."

Testing notes: "If you're in the market for an ultra-occlusive overnight moisturizer, this is the one. I deal with dry, dehydrated, and occasionally dull skin, but when I use this product, my skin feels plump the next morning. I also had a few breakouts this week, and I noticed the redness was reduced when I woke up.  It says you can use this morning and night, but I would recommend applying it just at nighttime, as it does have a sticky feeling to it. " — Gray Herder

Pros: Highly moisturizing, calming

Cons: Best used at night

Customer review: "My skin is so hydrated and my makeup goes on very well after using it!" 

Testing notes: "Ever since I saw my favorite beauty YouTuber (hi, Allana Davison) use this as her makeup base, I have been dying to test it out. She and I have similar skin types (dry, dehydrated), and her makeup always looks flawless when she uses this product. At first, I was a bit nervous about using such a thick moisturizer in the midst of summer, but it sank right into the skin, and I noticed a huge difference in my makeup longevity. I think this has potential to be my new holy grail, but just note it does have fragrance." — Gray Herder

Pros: Sinks in easily, works well under makeup, highly moisturizing

Cons: Lightly scented

Customer review: "Great for my sensitive dry skin in the summer. Light weight, slight fragrance, and wonderful feel under makeup and sunscreen. I really like it, but don't think it will be enough in the winter for my dry skin."

Testing notes: "I just tried this moisturizer for the first time, and it instantly reminded me of one of my favorite luxury buys for a fraction of the price. It feels extremely hydrating without making my skin too greasy, and even though it's fragrance-free, it smells great." — Mayhew

Pros: Gentle, hydrating, sinks in easily

Cons: May be too thick for oily or combination skin

Customer review: "I've only used it for a week, and I can already feel and see the difference in the texture of my skin!!! My pores are already smaller!!! How is this even possible???!!! Can't wait to see what it does in the long run!!!"

Testing notes: "I've tried First Aid Beauty's regular Ultra Repair Cream and had okay results, but clearly, my skin type was in need of the Intense Hydration version. It's lighter and fluffier, which I prefer in a moisturizer because thick creams often cling to my dry patches and cause me to break out. This moisturizer, however, was easily absorbed, and it left my skin feeling soft and supple. Like other First Aid Beauty products, it includes colloidal oatmeal, which soothes my red and splotchy eczema spots—which is no easy feat. I even found myself using the cream to target other parts of my body that I have eczema like my ears and arms." — Siddiqui

Pros: Rubs in fairly quickly for how rich it is, feels soothing, highly moisturizing

Cons: May be too thick for oily or combination skin

Customer review: "Does not aggravate my perioral dermatitis and is great for my sensitive skin. My skin feels fresh and hydrated."