The Best Face Moisturizers For Your Skin Type and Budget, According to Experts
Our most affordable pick is only $16 and a bestseller.
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Whether you have mastered an impressive 12-step routine or prefer to keep it simple with just the basics, face moisturizer is one of the most essential parts of a skincare regimen. Face moisturizer helps keep the skin happy, healthy, and looking youthful. It also helps protect the skin from inflammation, treats and prevents fine lines and wrinkles, and can help rebalance overly oily or dry complexions. Some face moisturizers even protect the skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays which cause signs of aging, burns, and skin cancer.
Since we all have different beauty concerns, I asked the pros about shopping for face moisturizers, including their no-fail product recommendations. With entry-level prices starting at just $16, everyone has options, regardless of budget or skin type, ranging from bone-dry to oily.
Best Face Moisturizers
- Best Overall: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
- Best Under $20: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, Face Cream & Makeup Primer
- For Normal Skin: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Face Moisturizer with SPF 30
- For Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer Lotion
- For Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
- For Combination Skin: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
What to Consider
Skin Type
Our experts agree that your skin type determines the best face moisturizer. "Oily or combination skin needs gel or water-based formulations, while dry skin requires cream or lotion-based formulations," says dual board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alpana Mohta, M.D., IFAAD of The Conscious Insider.
She continues that anyone with sensitive skin should use fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products. "As a rule, avoid buying products with strong fragrances or colors since the chemicals utilized to impart these properties to any moisturizer can cause irritation or allergic reactions," she says.
Best Ingredients
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Sperling, DO, advises paying attention to the formulation and ingredients that work best with your skin type. "If you tend to be oilier, you need to avoid ingredients known to clog pores, whereas, if you have dry skin, you’ll likely be looking for face moisturizers formulated with hydrating, rich ingredients," she says. Given the importance of ingredients, I asked the Jersey-based doctor and Mohta to share their all-time favorites for every skin type:
➥ Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
Oily and acne-prone skin should opt for oil-free or non-comedogenic moisturizers and avoid products made with pore-clogging agents, like dimethicone, silicone, petroleum jelly, or paraffin. "These products are specifically formulated to avoid clogging the pores and exacerbating acne. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in your nighttime moisturizer, which can help control excess oil production and prevent breakouts. For daytime, it’s best to stick to a ceramide or niacinamide-based moisturizer," explains Mohta.
Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient suitable for all skin types. "It helps regulate oil production, improves skin texture, and minimizes the appearance of pores. Additionally, niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit sensitive or acne-prone skin," she says.
Sperling is a huge fan of retinol, noting it's great for acne-prone skin because it promotes cell turnover, stimulates collagen, reduces discoloration, and restores your skin’s natural texture and tone. She adds that benzoyl peroxide is also great for acne-prone skin as it decreases acne-causing bacteria.
➥ Combination
Combination skin requires a balanced approach. Opt for lightweight moisturizers that provide hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin C, or peptides can help moisturize the skin without causing excessive oiliness in the T-Zone," notes Mohta.
➥ Dry
Dry skin requires rich and nourishing moisturizers that provide deep hydration. In addition to hyaluronic acid, look for thicker formulations containing ingredients such as glycerine, lipids, linoleic acid, shea butter, or natural oils such as argan oil or jojoba oil. Someone with dry skin should focus on hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, and peptides.
➥ Sensitive
Sensitive skin needs extra care, so choosing fragrance-free and hypoallergenic moisturizers is advisable. Look for barrier-repair ingredients such as ceramides, aloe vera, chamomile, oat extract, or caffeine, which can help calm and protect sensitive skin.
➥ Normal
Lastly, those with a normal skin type have more flexibility in their face creams and can tolerate a broader range of formulations. "However, it is still important to consider the specific needs of your skin, such as added anti-aging ingredients or sun protection. For aging skin, opt for retinol or AHA-based formula. Start with a low concentration and gradually increase usage to minimize any potential side effects," explains Mohta.
She's a fan of AHAs, such as glycolic or lactic acid, for normal to dry aging skin types. They help exfoliate the skin, promoting cell turnover and improving skin tone and texture. AHAs may be too intense for sensitive or acne-prone skin, so it's essential to start with lower concentrations and monitor your skin's reaction," explains Mohta.
How We Chose
As our beauty editor, I have access to a wide range of industry experts, so naturally, I included some dermatologist picks for each skin type. Based on their guidance, I also carefully researched a plethora of face moisturizers targeting various skin concerns, such as sagging, dark spots, and redness, to ensure everyone's beauty goals are met with these products. Some of my picks are my favorites, such as the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream and Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, while others are from brands I know and trust, including ByRoe, Payot, and Le Domaine. Regardless of which face moisturizer you purchase, you can expect more well-balanced and hydrated skin.
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. She takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Beauty Awards package.
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