A trusted moisturizer is one of the most essential products in your skin-care routine. To find the best moisturizers for glowing skin, you’ll want to start by confirming your skin type—whether you need a moisturizer for dry skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin, or combination skin—then, determine what you’re hoping to see. “Often, moisturizers aren’t simply moisturizers but are packed with other active ingredients to help us reach our skin goals,” says Dylan Greeney, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatology. For instance, for someone looking for a moisturizer for mature skin or wanting to reduce signs of aging, Dr. Greeney recommends using a moisturizer that contains retinol. Meanwhile, he says, integrating ones with antioxidants like vitamin C can improve dullness and smooth texture for a complexion that’s lost its radiance.
To help make your search a lot easier, we asked dermatologists to share their top picks, the ones they often recommend to their patients, and polled skin-care enthusiasts for their tried-and-true favorites.
Best Overall: SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator + Dermstore
There’s a high chance dermatologists will mention SkinMedica when asking them for their most recommended face moisturizer. Multiple derms sang this serum’s praises, pointing to its hyaluronic acid base. The HA5 rejuvenating hydrator has five cross-linked hyaluronic acids that help your skin actually build its own hyaluronic acid rather than just adding it topically, says Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology. “Hyaluronic acid acts as a ‘water grabber’ and is important at building your skin’s hydration, or water content,” she says, explaining that without enough of it, your skin will be more dry. “As we get older, we lose our ability to make hyaluronic acid so adding it into your skin-care routine becomes even more important,” she says. Stephanie Rosen, MS, PA-C, founder and director of Arria Medspa, calls this moisturizer, “the hero product we all need in our lives.”
Key ingredients: Glycerin, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
Fragrance: No
Pros: Rebuilds skin’s hyaluronic acid, oil-free, noncomedogenic
Cons: Expensive
Best Drugstore: Vichy Mineral 89 Serum
Original photo courtesy of Glamour contributor Rebecca Shinners
You don’t have to splurge to meet your skin-care goals and banish dryness. Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology, recommends this hyaluronic acid-based serum as an affordable alternative to more expensive creams. She sings the lightweight formula’s praises “as a base for more dry patients, such as those taking Accutane (or isotretinoin).” The gel moisturizer sinks into the skin smoothly, giving a dewy finish, and layers seamlessly under makeup.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, volcanic water
Fragrance: No
Pros: Affordable, fights exposome factors, lightweight texture, accepted by National Eczema Association
Cons: Some users say it feels sticky under makeup
Best for Face & Body: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
A cream-based moisturizer can work wonders for dry skin and this multitasker is a great choice for both the face and body. “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. She recommends using this body lotion daily to prevent dry skin from even starting. “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,” she says. Deana Korsunsky, Glamour tester, started using this lotion three years ago after seeing others rave about it on social media and hasn’t looked back since. “I like the ease and simplicity of the product—no frills, no exorbitant costs, just vibes,” she says.
Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, petrolatum
Fragrance: No
Pros: Gentle on skin, affordable, can be used on face and body, American Diabetes Association Seal, National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, noncomedogenic
Cons: Some users say it doesn’t soak into skin fully, might not be suitable for oily skin
Best for Oily Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel
If you have oily skin, you may want to skip a thicker cream-based moisturizer and opt for a more lightweight gel instead. This formula won’t leave your skin feeling oily and is great for summer, says Dr. Margarita Lolis, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in NJ. Glamour contributor Renee Cherry likes that this gel cream is both gentle and inexpensive. “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: Water, dimethicone, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate
Fragrance: No
Pros: Feels light on the skin, leaves a dewy look, affordable
Cons: Might not be heavy enough for dry skin
Best for Combination Skin: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
This Kiehl’s moisturizer is a trusted skin-care staple for a reason—it has a lightweight formula that feels soothing when applied to the skin and leaves a lasting drying effect. Kiran Mian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery, calls this cream a “universal hydrator,” and says it’s particularly great for anyone with dry or combination skin. “It has squalane and glycerin along with pro-ceramides, which really help repair the moisture barrier.” Our tester agrees: “This past winter, I regularly experienced chapped skin whenever I went outside in the cold. I started applying this face cream before leaving my apartment, and the redness and irritation I’d been struggling with stopped completely.”
Key ingredients: Squalane, glacial glycoprotein, pro-ceramides
Fragrance: No
Pros: Lightweight, soothing, nongreasy, comes in 4 sizes, refillable bottle, National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, paraben-free, sulfate-free
Cons: Some users reported breakouts
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: PanOxyl PM Balancing Repair Moisturizer
Anyone with acne-prone skin knows how important it is to select a product that won’t trigger redness or irritation. This moisturizer was formulated with niacinamide, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is good for redness, as well as ceramides that help repair the skin, says Juliya Fisher, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist at JUVA Skin & Laser Center in NYC. “It is noncomedogenic and should not clog pores,” she adds. “[It’s] great for patients using prescription acne medicines that can cause dryness.” Use this night cream in combination with PanOxyl Oil Control Daily Moisturizer, which contains SPF 30, for a full day of hydrated skin.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramide, vitamin E, cica, hyaluronic acid
Fragrance: No
Pros: Affordable, paraben-free, noncomedogenic
Cons: Some users dislike the smell
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Looking for a lightweight moisturizer that you can wear daily year-round? Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, recommends this creamy La Roche-Posay formula for all skin types. “This moisturizer contains a combination of ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier and niacinamide, which has soothing properties, while also supporting the skin barrier and calming the skin,” she says. The oil-free cream won’t leave the skin feeling greasy, while still being suitable for sensitive skin.
Key ingredients: Probiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, niacinamide
Fragrance: No
Pros: Lightweight, feels soothing on the skin, oil-free, affordable
Cons: Might not work as well for dryer skin due to lightweight texture
Best With SPF: EltaMD UV Daily Face Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide (SPF 40)
A two-in-one product can save you time in your morning getting-ready routine. Maya Thosani, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and owner of Modern Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ, is a fan of using a combination formulation like this moisturizing sunscreen for glowing skin because it contains both hyaluronic acid to nourish the skin and sheer zinc oxide to protect against the sun. Glamour beauty editors tested it and call it the best sunscreen of all time. “This nongreasy daily face sunscreen rubs in easily, leaves no white cast, and can be worn alone or under makeup,” she says. Plus, the formula is gentle enough for anyone prone to acne or redness.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc oxide, sodium hyaluronate, tocopheryl acetate
Fragrance: No
Pros: No white cast, rubs in easily, travel-friendly size, oil-free, paraben-free, noncomedogenic
Cons: Might not replace a moisturizer for drier skin
Best for Dry Skin: Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer
“This moisturizer is super hydrating while being lightweight,” says Dr. Mian, adding that it doesn’t pill on top of other serums. Plus, its ingredients of fatty acids, glycerin, and ceramides make it the perfect blend for those with dry skin looking for more firmness, says Dr. Mian. In addition to being great for daily use, it repairs the skin barrier over time for lasting hydration. After testing the Dieux moisturizer for over nine months, Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin called it her holy grail for her extremely dry skin.
Key ingredients: Meadowestolide, hydro lipid blend, dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline peptide
Fragrance: No
Pros: Lightweight, layers smoothly under makeup
Cons: Can be hard to find in stock, some users report not liking the smell
Best Splurge for Dry Skin: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 242 Treatment
Not only is Dr. Fisher a fan of this SkinCeuticals product, she calls it “a gold standard moisturizer” due to its “ideal ratio of lipids for barrier repair.” Ryan Turner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Turner Dermatology in NYC and founder of TRNR Skin, agrees, noting these ingredients are especially important for those with dry skin looking for intense hydration. The triple lipid restore 242 treatment features three different lipids (cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides) to fortify the skin barrier, helping to prevent transepidermal water loss and irritation from external factors, making it an ideal night cream. “The formula has a beautiful semisolid texture that melts into skin to create a comfortable, moisturizing shield,” he says.
Key ingredients: Lipids, vitamin E, ceramides, natural cholesterol, fatty acids
Fragrance: No
Pros: Suitable for mature skin, restores the skin’s barrier, creamy texture, paraben-free
Cons: Expensive
Best for Brightening: Paula’s Choice C5 Super Boost Vitamin C Moisturizer
In addition to hydrating your skin, this moisturizer boasts skin-brightening results. “Vitamin C is a valuable ingredient in the fight against skin discoloration,” says Dr. Turner. “It combats free radical damage caused by UV and other environmental factors as well as functioning as a tyrosinase inhibitor (an enzyme that aids in melanin production), meaning it helps to prevent your skin from producing excess melanin, reducing dark spots.” This formula uses two forms of vitamin C that are more stable than other forms to deliver powerful skin-brightening benefits, he says. Plus, the packaging from Paula’s Choice features an airless pump to ensure the formula isn’t exposed to air or light, which can degrade vitamin C.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hexapeptide-5, polyglutamic acid
Fragrance: No
Pros: Pump packaging preserves ingredients and is easy to use, helps with discoloration
Cons: Some users report irritation and redness, might not be the best for sensitive skin
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Caudalíe Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturizer
Laurie Greenberg, Glamour tester, shares that this Caudalie moisturizer makes her feel more relaxed in addition to having hydrating benefits for her dry skin. “I usually don’t like scented products, but this one has a subtle, relaxing scent,” she says. Dr. Bowles recommends it for those who have both dry skin and pigment imperfections. “This product contains niacinamide, which is a great treatment for hyperpigmentation and overall brightening of the complexion,” she explains. “It also contains an uncommon ingredient called viniferine, which is derived from vine sap and said to be as or more effective than vitamin C, another potent antioxidant.” Glamour contributor Brionna Jimerson says she usually buys Caudalie moisturizers two at a time, “one for myself, and one for my glamorous 75-year-old aunt.”
Key Ingredients: Biotech hyaluronic acid, viniferine, pearl particles
Fragrance: Yes
Pros: Brightens pigment imperfections, reduces dark spots, oil-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, paraben-free
Cons: More expensive than others, might not be the best for acne-prone skin
Best for Sun Damaged-Skin: True Botanicals Renew Chebula Extreme Cream
This cream has ingredients that hydrate, plump, and brighten the skin—but what sets it apart is its ability to fight oxidative damage. For that reason, Dr. Mian says this product is her pick for mature skin with sun spots and redness. “It has soothing ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, and glycerin as well as powerful antioxidants derived from olives,” she explains.
Key ingredients: Chebula, hyaluronic acid, acerola cherries, potassium
Fragrance: Yes
Pros: Fights UV damage, antiaging benefits
Cons: Some users found the smell to be too strong
Best Moisturizing Overnight Treatment: NeoCutis Bio Cream Firm
Lather this moisturizer on your face at night and you can count on waking up with dewy skin. Plus, it will work to rebuild your skin barrier and lessen the appearance of fine lines over time. Dr. Fisher recommends this product to those who want a moisturizer with antiaging benefits. “It is formulated with growth factors and peptides to support collagen production and improve skin tone and texture,” she says.
Key ingredients: Growth factors, proprietary peptides, glycerin, argan oil, borage seed oil
Fragrance: No
Pros: Increases skin firmness, supports collagen and elastin production, noncomedogenic
Cons: Expensive
Best Moisturizing Serum: Skinfix Triple Lipid-Hyaluronate Serum
This creamy serum is targeted to visibly restore the skin barrier, making it a good choice for anyone with skin conditions or sensitivities. “The gel formula is great for acne-prone patients that are looking for a lighter product,” says Dr. Fisher. Meanwhile, Julia Schwartz, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, recommends this product for patients using potent retinoids or oral isotretinoin who need maximum skin barrier protection. You’ll be so happy with how your skin looks after using it.
Key Ingredients: Triple lipid complex, seaweed hyaluronate blend, peony root complex
Fragrance: No
Pros: Gentle for sensitive skin and acne-prone skin, can be used with retinoids or oral isotretinoin
Cons: Some users report the bottle not coming full enough
Best for Rosacea-prone Skin: Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Recovery Balm
This lightweight balm feels soothing to the skin and moisturizes any dryness and redness. “I like Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Recovery Balm as a more affordable option for sensitive skin,” says Dr. Foad. Plus, this formula is fragrance-free to minimize the risk of irritation and is approved by both the National Rosacea Society and the National Eczema Association.
Key Ingredients: D-sensinose, Avène thermal spring water, Sterile cosmetics
Fragrance: No
Pros: Affordable, nongreasy, National Eczema Association seal of acceptance, National Rosacea Society seal of approval, preservative-free, paraben-free, oncology-safe
Cons: Thick texture might feel too heavy to some
Best for Antiaging: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer
Chances are you know someone who swears by this skin-tightening cream (or, it’s a staple of their mom’s). Laura Cohen, Glamour tester, started incorporating this dewy cream into her skin-care routine every night before bed at the recommendation of her mom. “Her suggestions never fail me,” says Cohen. “Every few nights, I’ll also use it for the ‘sandwich’ technique where I apply a layer, then a thin layer of my dermatologist-prescribed tretinoin for acne treatment, topped off with another layer of the moisturizer. It provides the perfect buffer between my skin and the retinoid so that my skin stays smooth even with the treatment.” Dermatologists agree that this is a great moisturizer. “[It’s] an affordable option for someone who wants the antiaging benefits of peptides, the hydrating boosts of hyaluronic acid, and all the advantages that come with niacinamide,” says Dr. Foad, noting that the formula might be best for someone with normal to dry skin.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, amino peptides, hyaluronic acid
Fragrance: No, but also comes in fragranced version
Pros: Feels soothing, lifts the skin and smoothes fine lines, phthalate-free, dye-free
Cons: Some users report pilling and difficulty layering makeup
Best for Flaky, Itchy Skin: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
Sometimes the best product is also the most simple. “This is a product made with no extra ‘add-ins,’ says Daniel Butler, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of the Inflammatory and Aging Skin research program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. “It’s the basics of hydration so you know you’re getting a really thorough hydration without the fluff.” The cream-based formula soothes dry, flaky skin and can even help with itchiness. It has the seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association and can also be used to soothe psoriasis and ichthyosis. Dr. Lolis is also a fan of this soothing moisturizer because it can be used for kids with skin concerns as well. “Free of parabens, propylene glycol, fragrances, formaldehyde, [it’s] great for young kids, patients with rosacea, acne, and eczema,” she says. If you get sunburn you can use this after-sun lotion to help restore skin.
Key ingredients: Purified water, petrolatum, sorbitol, cetearyl alcohol, propylene glycol, ceteareth-20, simethicone, glyceryl stearate, PEG-30 stearate, sorbic acid, BHT
Fragrance: No
Pros: Gentle on flaky skin, paraben-free, National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
Cons: Might be too heavy for oily skin
Best Antiaging Moisturizer for Face & Body: Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Face & Body Lotion
This thick night cream is a good drugstore option for both the face and body. “[It] touts seven moisturizers, three vitamins, and retinol to help support and renew your skin overnight,” says Dr. Foad. Plus, the formula is fragrance-, dye-, and paraben-free, so it’s suitable for sensitive skin and this body lotion uses retinol to support your antiaging goals. Lather it on dry spots at night and you’ll wake up feeling refreshed.
Key ingredients: Retinol and peptide complex
Fragrance: No
Pros: Thick and creamy texture, can be used as an overnight treatment, noncomedogenic, paraben-free, phthalate-free
Cons: Might be too heavy for sensitive skin
Best for Soothing Wrinkles: Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
Here’s an editor-approved Tatcha product. Glamour tester Cohen raves about this thick, creamy formula because it adds a little luxury to her skin-care routine. “It feels so silky smooth, and leaves my skin feeling super soft—plus it smells amazing,” she says. Dr. Thosani is also a fan of the Dewy Skin Cream, calling it a “powerhouse moisturizer.” In addition to its hydrating properties, it is also a potent antioxidant and wrinkle reducer, she says. “It combines hyaluronic acid with a blend of antioxidants derived from green tea, algae, and fermented rice.” In her Dewy Skin review, Glamour contributor Sara W. Yu calls it “miraculous.”
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, red algae, hadasei-3, biomimetic squalane lipid blend, Japanese purple rice
Fragrance: Yes
Pros: Leaves a dewy glow, oxidative protection, noncomedogenic, paraben-free, phthalate-free
Cons: More expensive than others, bulky packaging, might not be the best for oily skin
Best for Eczema-Prone Skin: Alpyn Beauty Super Peptide Barrier Repair Cream
There’s something so satisfying about a moisturizer that feels instantly soothing upon application. This is exactly why Dr. Mian raves about this Barrier Repair Cream from Alpyn Beauty. “I love the smoothing effects of ghostberry and ricebran, combined with powerful humectants like glycerin and ceramides to help restore the skin barrier.” She recommends the product for those with sensitive skin or skin conditions looking for a little plump, which it delivers with its blend of peptides.
Key ingredients: Snap eight Peptide, ghostberry, tasmanian pepper, five-ceramide complex
Fragrance: Yes
Pros: Soothes fine lines and wrinkles, National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, vegan formula
Cons: More expensive than others
Best for Redness: Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Moisturizing Cream
Not only is Glamour tester Sofie G. a fan of this moisturizer, she says it “saved” her skin after using it for the past two years. “Whenever I’m really dry and flaky, it gives moisture and life back into my skin,” she says, adding that it has improved her skin texture over time as well. Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, also recommends the noncomedogenic rich formula for its mix of hydrating and antiaging ingredients. “Squalane acts as an emollient, adding moisture to the skin, while shea butter acts as an occlusive,” he says. This creates a barrier between the skin to prevent transepidermal water loss, locking in the cream’s hydrating benefits. “Fermented reishi mushroom extract also hydrates and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and ashwagandha helps wake up the face,” he adds.
Key Ingredients: Squalane, ashwagandha, fermented reishi
Fragrance: No
Pros: Improves skin texture and redness, vegan
Cons: Might feel too heavy to some
Best for Calming Skin: Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Moisturizer
Anyone who deals with redness will appreciate this moisturizer, which uses green tea tri-biotics and five types of hyaluronic acid to support the skin’s moisture barrier. Dr. Mian recommends it for younger skin that is looking for calming hydration. “With green tea, lactobacillus, and glycerin, it is going to rebalance skin that is prone to redness while strengthening the skin barrier,” she says. Rachel Saunders, Glamour tester, found that the product reacted well with her skin and layered seamlessly with sunscreen and makeup. “It smells pretty neutral, which I like because I don’t like when products use perfume fragrances,” she says.
Key Ingredients: Green tea, hyaluronic acid, squalane
Fragrance: No
Pros: Thick but creamy texture, alcohol-free
Cons: Some users report using it up too quickly due to small jar size
Best for Over 40: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
This is a deeply hydrating moisturizing cream with a thick texture for those with dry and mature skin types, says Rebecca Marcus, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Dallas, TX. “Magic Cream contains hyaluronic acid to pull moisture into skin, as well as vitamins C and E, and peptides to support firmer, more youthful-looking skin,” she adds. This priming moisturizer hydrates the skin instantly, giving a pump, radiant glow that layers well under makeup. This is a favorite of Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle who has combination skin and appreciates the long-lasting hydration.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C and E, plump effect peptide complex, hyaluronic acid, rose-hip oil, aloe vera, camellia oil, shea butter, frangipani flower extract
Fragrance: Yes
Pros: Works instantly, firms skin texture, comes in four sizes, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, formaldehyde-free
Cons: Scent might not be the best for sensitive skin types, might be too heavy for oily skin
Best for Over 50: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Firming Refillable Moisturizer
For skin that’s starting to show signs of aging, Dr. Mian says this formula can improve elasticity and resilience. “This moisturizer helps strengthen the skin barrier, stimulating collagen and elastin to make skin more firm and resistant to fine lines,” she says. At 61 years old, Greenberg has sworn by this moisturizer for the past five years. “It immediately improves the appearance of my skin and the hydration lasts throughout the day,” she says, adding that it sinks into her skin quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky film.
Key Ingredients: Signal peptide complex, pygmy waterlily stem cell extract, soybean folic acid ferment extract, acetyl glutamine
Fragrance: No
Pros: Improves the appearance of fine lines, refillable, silicone-free
Cons: More expensive than others, some users say it leaves a white cast
Best for Layering Makeup: Rhode Barrier Restore Cream
Not only does the Rhode Barrier Restore Cream leave the skin feeling more hydrated, it also has a plumping effect due to peptides. The formula includes squalane and shea butter, which are great for hydration, while niacinamide decreases inflammation and brightens the skin, says Dr. Mian. “The active ingredients combined with nourishing emollients make it a favorite,” she says of why she even uses it herself. “I love the way it layers under my makeup, giving a beautifully glazed finish.” In Glamour’s Rhode Skin review we found the BRC to leave skin glowy without feeling greasy or heavy.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, squalane, peptides, acai, niacinamide
Fragrance: No
Pros: Sinks in smoothly, leaves a dewy look, cruelty-free, more affordable than others
Cons: Not sold in major retailers, some users reported acne from regular use
Best for Normal Skin: Versed Skin Soak
Dr. Turner is a fan of this Versed product for its versatility. “While I consider it richly moisturizing, it can still be used by oily skin types, especially in winter when oily skin types can also need extra hydration,” he says. “It features two forms of hyaluronic acid and red algae extract to pull water into the skin as well as the emollient squalane, which will help lock in the moisture but not clog pores—it functions similarly to your skin’s natural oils.” As an added bonus, this moisturizer is budget-friendly.
Key ingredients: Squalene, hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, red algae extract, vitamin E
Fragrance: Yes
Pros: Moisturizing and antiaging effects, affordable, paraben-free, vegan, pregnancy-safe
Cons: Might not be heavy enough for very dry skin
