The 15 Best Face Moisturizers of 2024, Tested by Us

Our top pick for the best face moisturizer by far is the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. This deeply nourishing French formula combines all of the benefits of a face cream in a more lightweight formula, so it’s an excellent option for both day and nighttime use. It’s enhanced with ingredients such as shea butter for nourishment, lipid repair, and improved elasticity, as well as soy proteins to provide a firming and toning effect with regular use. 

During the testing period, we were most impressed by how nourishing the formula feels upon application — especially on very dry skin. Despite having such a rich formula, it remains fast-absorbing and feels lightweight on the complexion. Additionally, we found that the moisturizer worked well with other skincare products and even layered nicely under makeup as it preps and primes the skin without leaving behind a film of leftover formula. 

After several weeks, we found that it not only worked well at conditioning and softening the skin, but it also didn’t cause any irritation on our sensitive skin. We found that our skin felt less parched with regular use, so it not only keeps skin hydrated after application but continues to moisturize with long-lasting results. Since it’s made for very dry skin, it may be too rich for those with more oily or blemish-prone skin.

Size: 30 milliliters, 75 milliliters | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, soy proteins | Skin Type: Dry skin

If you’re shopping for something a bit more budget-friendly, we highly recommend the Byoma Moisturizing Gel Cream, which is available at Target. This gel moisturizer has an airy texture that glides onto the complexion with ease and has a lightweight finish with plenty of hydration, so it’s ideal for hot and sticky days. Additionally, its gel formula features a cooling effect that not only feels nice but also calms the complexion, so it’s a good choice for those with signs of skin irritation. 

During testing, we were at first unsure about the gel consistency and how well it would actually hydrate the complexion. While it took around 10 minutes for the formula to fully absorb, we were immediately impressed by the dewy glow it left behind. Additionally, we love that it includes antioxidant-rich green tea and niacinamide, which contribute to the product’s ability to keep breakouts and blemishes at bay while also evening the skin’s tone and texture.

Size: 1.69 ounces | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, niacinamide, green tea | Skin Type: All

The best face moisturizer for all-day wear is definitely the Tula 24/7 Moisture Intense Ultra Hydrating Day & Night Cream. This formula is enriched with tons of amazing skincare ingredients that provide deep hydration, protection, and anti-aging perks. It’s formulated with prebiotics, probiotics, hyaluronic acid, squalane, collagen, peptides, and several antioxidant-rich ingredients. The formula is designed to give the complexion an intense dose of hydration while also smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, balancing the moisture barrier, firming the complexion, and protecting the skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution. 

While we wish the face moisturizer also featured SPF, we were still highly impressed with this formula as an all-day cream. We love how well it absorbed into the complexion (which is no easy feat considering its deep nourishing properties) and how it left our skin with a subtle, natural-looking glow after each use.

Size: 1.48 ounces | Key Ingredients: Prebiotics, probiotics, hyaluronic acid, squalane, collagen, peptides, apple, watermelon, camellia seed oil, argan oil, blueberry | Skin Type: Dry skin

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid is budget-friendly and features a formula that is just as nourishing as its luxe counterparts. Because it has a gel consistency, the first thing we noticed while testing this out is its cooling effect. Additionally, we found that the formula was quick-absorbing and sank into the skin for lightweight hydration.

Although the face moisturizer is technically formulated with dry skin types in mind, it is made without oil and has a light texture that’s also great for oilier skin. Plus, the hyaluronic acid helps keep hydration balanced and improves overall water retention without adding heavy moisture to the complexion. With regular use, we found that we ran out of this fast-absorbing formula quickly.

Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry skin

Hydration of any kind can help calm down irritated skin. However, sometimes you need something with a little extra soothing factor, like the Ren Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream. This face moisturizer is formulated with dry and sensitive skin types in mind, though we found that it’s actually lightweight enough for combination and oily skin types, too. We love that it’s safe for eczema-prone skin and were highly impressed by the gentle formula, which moisturized the complexion while soothing the skin. 

The calming face cream is formulated with lots of nourishing ingredients, including blackcurrant seed oil to support the skin’s moisture barrier, sea buckthorn oil for improving texture, and a Global Protection Complex to protect the complexion from further damage. While testing, we noticed a significant improvement in our skin’s overall glow, and while we wish it were a little heavier for our ultra-dry skin, we found that it did a great job of providing lasting nourishment and even helped our skin retain moisture after use.

Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Blackcurrant seed oil, sea buckthorn oil, Global Protection Complex | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive skin

Face moisturizers are a must-have for dry skin types, but not all face creams can provide enough hydration for ultra-dry skin. We found that the Caudalie Premier Cru Skin Barrier Rich Moisturizer with bio-ceramides deeply nourishes the complexion and supports a healthier moisture barrier. When using the formula, we were immediately drawn to the formula’s luxe feel and how well it replenished our dry complexion.

We mostly used this cream at night and were highly impressed by how hydrated our skin looked and felt upon waking up in the morning — as though we had just applied it. Additionally, we loved how soothing the formula feels on the skin, which can come in handy when dealing with an irritated complexion. All of these luxe ingredients and benefits come at a price — the cream is relatively expensive compared with others we tested. But, as far as great moisturizers for dry skin go, this one tops the charts.

Size: 1.6 ounces | Key Ingredients: Bio-ceramides, shea butter, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, oily skin types

If you are looking for a face moisturizer that can get the job done at a reasonable price, we love The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides. This budget-friendly moisturizer is designed for morning and nighttime use and provides the complexion with thirst-quenching hydration. According to the brand’s independent clinical study, this product can boost hydration by up to 68 percent thanks to deeply nourishing ingredients such as fatty acids, amino acids, glycolipids, and more

The face cream glides onto damp skin well, helping to lock in moisture and replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. Throughout the testing period, we were not only impressed by how well it deeply conditioned and hydrated our skin but also by how high-quality the formula felt for the price. It’s also fragrance-free, so it’s safe for sensitive skin. Although we did notice a little bit of excess oil build up on our T-zone at the end of the day (especially on a hot and humid day), we found that the skin cream absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave the skin with a heavy film.

Size: 3.38 ounces | Key Ingredients: Glycosphingolipids, glycolipids, fatty acids, PCA, sodium lactate, urea, sodium hyaluronate, amino acids | Skin Type: Dry skin, sensitive skin

According to our tests, one of the best face moisturizers for oily skin is The Water Cream from Tatcha. This lightweight yet deeply hydrating skin cream features some of the most luxe skincare ingredients that work wonders to not only hydrate the complexion but also provide anti-aging and anti-acne benefits. When testing this formula, we immediately noticed how soothing and hydrating it feels upon contact, as well as the fast-absorbing formula, which also layered beautifully with other skincare products. 

Formulated with Japanese wild rose, leopard lily, green tea, rice, and algae, this skin cream is designed to improve skin radiance, control excess oil, and support natural cellular turnover. With regular use, we reaped some of these benefits and even saw a reduction of breakouts and blemishes for clearer, more glowy-looking skin. It’s a bit pricey compared to some other options we tested, but we think the benefits are worth the cost.

Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Japanese wild rose, Japanese leopard lily, green tea, rice, algae | Skin Type: Balanced, oily, sensitive, combination skin

SkinCeuticals is known for its impressive line of anti-aging formulas, and the Triple Lipid Restore 242 is no exception. This face moisturizer is designed for aging and dry skin types and is formulated with essential lipids, vitamin E, and essential oils rich in antioxidants to restore the skin’s natural lipids, replenish the moisture barrier, and protect against environmental aggressors.

While testing this formula, we found that the creamy moisturizer provides deep nourishment but is lightweight enough not to leave behind any greasy residues. We also loved how well it worked at providing the complexion with a youthful-looking glow. It is pricey compared with other formulas we tested, but it layers well with other skincare products, and we think the results it provides are worth it.

Size: 1.6 ounces | Key Ingredients: Essential lipids, vitamin E, antioxidants | Skin Type: Aging, balanced, dry skin

If you’re shopping for the best face moisturizer for sensitive skin, we love the Estée Lauder Nutritious Melting Soft Creme/Mask Moisturizer. Its formulated with sensitive skin types in mind and is designed for combination and oily complexions. With impressive skincare ingredients such as sweet kelp, red algae, and coconut water, the face moisturizer combats excess oil, soothes irritated skin, and provides lasting nourishment. 

While testing this formula, we were not only impressed by its gentle ingredients but also loved how lightweight it felt upon application. Once absorbed — which took around 30 seconds — the moisturizer didn’t budge, even in humidity. It also worked really well under makeup. That being said, if you have super dry, sensitive skin, this might not be the formula for you since it’s a little too lightweight to replenish a parched complexion. 

Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Sweet kelp, red algae, coconut water | Skin Type: Balanced, combination, oily skin

Dry skin needs a little extra love in the hydration department, so choosing a deeply nourishing night cream, such as Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer, can make a difference in the skin’s overall hydration levels, comfort, and texture. The face moisture is designed for day and nighttime use, so we tested it for both. Although we didn’t love how it layered with SPF in the morning — it was just a little too heavy with all that cream — we were impressed with how well it nourished the complexion at night. 

Formulated with omega 3, 6, and 9 to strengthen the moisture barrier, plus ceramides and antioxidants, this moisturizer leaves skin feeling hydrated and supple. It also ensures our complexion is able to better retain moisture with regular use, so it’s a fantastic pick for dehydrated skin types, too. Throughout the testing period, we noticed a big difference in our skin’s glow and smoother texture.

Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Omegas 3, 6, and 9, passion fruit, guava extract, ceramides | Skin Type: Dry, dehydrated skin 

After testing out the Indie Lee Brightening Cream, we were most impressed by its lightweight formula, which locks in moisture on top of the complexion and is lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all day long. The moisturizer is formulated with a variety of skin-enhancing ingredients, too, including strawberry leaf extract to brighten the skin, hyaluronic acid for lightweight moisture, centella asiatica for antioxidant protection, and squalane oil for moisture retention. 

While we wished it was a little heavier for our ultra-dry skin, we actually loved this formula not only as a lightweight option but as an additional hydrating layer, which we used in addition to a thicker cream for extra hydration oomph. We also love the sleek glass bottle that makes it feel extra luxurious.

Size: 1.69 ounces | Key Ingredients: Strawberry leaf extract, centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, squalane oil | Skin Type: All skin types

Some skincare products are worth the investment, and after testing the SK-II Skinpower Cream, we can honestly say that this is worth the price. To start, this formula comes in a 2.7-ounce jar, which is larger than most on our list, so you get a little more formula with the higher price tag. Additionally, it features ultra-luxe and nourishing ingredients, including Pitera, which is derived from yeast fermentation and includes 50 micronutrients that deeply condition the skin. Additionally, this cream features a complex called Multi-Firm Technology to aid in smoothing out signs of aging. Since the creamy formula is more geared toward dry and mature skin, it may be too heavy for oily complexions.

Despite its ultra-rich, nourishing ingredients, the cream goes on smoothly and doesn’t ever feel like it’s weighing down the complexion (especially if you have ultra-dry skin). We also loved how well it works on some of our dry patches (it even got rid of a dry spot on our nose after just one use).  

Size: 2.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Pitera, niacinamide, calla lily extract, dokudami extract, peony extract | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, mature skin

EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 is a dermatologist-favorite and, after extensive testing, our team can see why. If you’re looking for a moisturizer with SPF — or just a sunscreen that feels like skincare — this is a great choice. We loved the smooth, non-greasy consistency that layered well under makeup (a tough feat for most sunscreens). It absorbed quickly, although it did leave behind a slight white cast, so we recommend those with darker skin tones opt for the tinted version instead.

Right away, we noticed that the formula felt very moisturizing thanks to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. The ingredients list is also non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores and can be used on acne-prone skin. We tested it on combination skin and found that it delivered the ideal amount of deep hydration without causing breakouts or excess oil. It also left skin feeling smooth, soft, and prepped for foundation, all while keeping us protected from harmful UV rays with an SPF 40 rating.

Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, hyaluronic acid, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) | Skin Type: Dry, dehydrated, combination, mature skin

Dry skin will drink up every drop of RoC Barrier Renew AM Moisturizer SPF 30, which pairs refreshing hydration with a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture. The texture felt runnier than other moisturizers we tested but quickly absorbed without leaving any white cast or oily residue. While we categorized this moisturizer as a non-greasy, lightweight pick, it packed a surprising amount of lasting hydration thanks to moisturizing and soothing ingredients like squalane, ceramides, green tea, and vitamin E.

Since this moisturizer featured the dermatologist-recommended SPF 30 rating, we skipped our sunscreen step while using it, effectively shortening our morning routine. It layered well under makeup and didn’t cause any breakouts on our combination skin thanks to its non-comedogenic formula. One thing we did notice was the product’s strong sunscreen smell, which sometimes made the experience of applying it less enjoyable. Luckily, it faded quickly. Our only other complaint was the packaging; the screw-top tube didn’t feel like the most seamless choice with such a runny formula. Still, we were highly impressed by the formula itself and loved how well it worked as a two-in-one moisturizer and sunscreen.

Size: 2.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, glycerin, squalane, ceramides, green tea extract, tocopherol (vitamin E) | Skin Type: All skin types, especially dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin