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We all know that a daily face moisturizer is necessary for healthier, wrinkle-free, and all-over plumper skin. We also know that with the never-ending number of moisturizers available on the market, it may be difficult to choose just the right one.
Below we have listed a few top-notch facial moisturizer options that are a great mix of drugstore and lesser-known brands, are all easily accessible, and will have your skin looking and feeling firmer and more hydrated than ever before.
Our picks include a premium retinol-based option that will not only moisturize, but will target your fine lines and wrinkles, and a couple of hyaluronic-acid-based options including a brand-new gel technology formulation that will instantly boost skin’s hydration level. We have also thrown in the all-important, SPF-based cream that in addition to preventing future sun damage, will also give your skin a nice glow.
Comparing the Top Facial Moisturizers of 2024
Amara Beauty Moisturizer — Best Overall
With six powerful anti-aging ingredients in one, this age-defying moisturizer will improve the appearance of skin texture and tone while providing immense hydration. Made from the highest quality ingredients, this non-irritating moisturizer also contains vitamins and antioxidants for a smoother, more radiant complexion while fruit stem cells, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and resveratrol work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Pros
- This moisturizer contains no chemicals or parabens
- The non-greasy formula leaves skin silky smooth
Cons
- This moisturizer has no SPF
Aveeno Moisturizer — Runner Up
The radiant, daily moisturizer contains Aveeno’s proprietary Total Soy Complex that has been shown to help improve tone, texture, dullness, and brown spots with continued use. In addition, this moisturizer contains natural light diffusers that will not only visibly smooth imperfections but will leave you with that dewy, lit-from-within glow that is so popular nowadays. Finally, with SPF, this moisturizer will help fight future sun damage while giving you a two-in-one approach to your morning skincare routine.
Pros
- This moisturizer is oil-free and hypoallergenic
- It can be worn under your makeup
Cons
- It contains a chemical sunscreen
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream — Honorable Mention
This intense cream has a unique formula that provides 24-hour hydration and helps restore the protective skin barrier with essential ceramides. These ceramides not only help to rebuild the skin’s protective barrier but are also delivered slowly through a patented, controlled-release technology to ensure all-day hydration. Ideal for all skin types, this cream is especially great on sensitive skin types as it is known for its gentle, non-irritating formulas that are free of any fragrances and oils.
Pros
- This formula also includes hyaluronic acid to attract hydration to the skin’s surface
- Contains essential ceramides to restore the skin's natural barrier
Cons
- There is no SPF
Brandefy Water Cream Facial Moisturizer — Best Water-Based Option
This facial moisturizer from Brandefy will elevate tired, older-looking skin with its amazing ingredients and vegan formula. The facial moisturizer will make your face feel refreshed and hydrated as it combines the powers of niacinamide, apple extract, and purple tea to make you both look and smell great! The non-greasy, oil-free formula ensures the cream is lightweight and not sticky to the touch once you apply it.
Purple tea will give your skin such a radiant glow, as it’s rich in antioxidants to clarify the skin and refine its texture. The apple extract works to plump up aging skin to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles as well. Additionally, the niacinamide targets oil production to reduce oil on your face and give you a more fresh, clean look! Not to mention this product is vegan and cruelty-free.
Pros
- Targets oil production
- Vegan formula
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Doesn’t sink into skin quickly
Christina Moss Naturals Moisturizer — Best Anti-Aging
Another great option for an all-around gentle moisturizer is this one which is certified organic and uses a proprietary manufacturing method that allows this formula to be free of any harmful, toxic petrochemicals. Great for all skin types, even sensitive, this concentrated cream will help in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles while deeply moisturizing the face, eye, neck, and decollete areas.
Pros
- With every purchase, you will receive a how-to guide for basic skincare which contains two DIY recipes for natural face masks
- It softens, repairs and reverses damage with healing anti-aging ingredients
Cons
- This moisturizer contains a slight, chemical-free fragrance
Era Organics Cream — Best Organic Option
This face and body cream is filled with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids including aloe vera, manuka honey cream, and blue-green algae. This natural moisturizer will also help to repair damaged cells while stimulating new cell growth and restoring your skin’s natural pH balance. Other benefits include stimulation of collagen production, strengthened skin fibers, improved elasticity, and environmental protection.
Pros
- This non-greasy formula leaves no residue
- Does not contain any toxins, fragrances, fillers, alcohol or parabens
Cons
- If you have acne-prone skin, another option might be better
InstaNatural Moisturizer — Best Value for Money
This Vitamin C moisturizer is formulated to help try to provide antioxidant defense and visibly reduce the common signs of aging in the skin including the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Vitamin C’s powerful antioxidant protection might help to protect against environmental aggressors which are enhanced with niacinamide and hyaluronic plant extracts that support collagen production for continued firmness and elasticity.
Pros
- This moisturizer is made without any preservatives, parabens, or synthetic dyes
- Is best suited for all skin types including dry, oily, sensitive, and mature skin
Cons
- There is no SPF in this product
L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Moisturizer — Also Consider
This moisturizer is targeted towards more mature skin types and uses nourishing ingredients that help to restore and revive the skin. This moisturizer is an intensely moisturizing day cream that contains ingredients that help gently exfoliate dull, sallow skin and is enhanced with rosy pigments to instantly revive the skin’s natural pink tone. Although this is a rich moisturizer, it is non-greasy and should be used every morning as the last step in your skincare routine.
Pros
- This moisturizer can also double as a tinted moisturizer for those who prefer to go without makeup
- It has been dermatologist tested and is safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- This product contains mineral oil
Buying Guide: Facial Moisturizer
Dermatologists recommend using a moisturizer every day, and for some, twice a day. The top facial moisturizers in 2024 can make skin look refreshed and glowing. It can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and prevent premature aging.
For those with breakouts, moisturizing daily can help balance the skin's sebum production and prevent further breakouts. The best moisturizer should perfectly complement your skin type and make you feel fabulous. Choosing the best moisturizer might seem like a difficult task.
However, you can look for a few key ingredients to ensure you are putting a healthy nourishing product on your skin. Continue reading to see what ingredients we recommend purchasing, ingredients we recommend avoiding, and what type of moisturizer is best for your skin type.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Facial Moisturizer
Skin type
Every person has different skin and different needs for their skin. A product that helps your best friend achieve glowing skin may give you greasy-looking skin, or enlarged pores. To find the best product for your needs, you must purchase a moisturizer based on your skin type. Skin types include dry, normal, oily, and combination skin.
Dry skin
Dry skin can be caused by sun damage, dehydration, allergies, and a poor diet. It is a good idea to address these issues in conjunction with using a nourishing moisturizer. Those with dry skin should choose a moisturizer that is quite thick. It should have both moisturizing and skin repairing qualities. We will discuss ingredients with these qualities later in the article.
Normal skin
Those with normal skin will have few dry areas or oily areas of skin. They have a great natural balance of sebum. You should not disrupt this balance and only use lightweight water-based moisturizers that absorb into the skin quickly.
Oily skin
Those with oily skin produce too much sebum. This can block the pores and cause spots. The temptation may be to use no moisturizer at all. However, moisturizers can encourage your skin to produce less sebum and help your sebum production become more balanced in the long run.
Those with oily skin should thoroughly cleanse their face before using moisturizer. The moisturizer should be water-based and not oil-based. It should be lightweight and absorb into the skin quickly. Those with oily skin should not moisturize more than once a day.
Combination skin
If you have combination skin you may have patches of dry skin, patches of oily skin, and a perfect patch of skin. We recommend purchasing a moisturizer for each type of skin you have. Water-based for oily patches, and oil-based for dry patches.
Sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, choose a fragrance-free product. Added fragrance is known to cause irritation and allergic reactions. Choose moisturizers especially made for those with sensitive skin and read customer reviews to see if any adverse reactions are common.
Ingredients
When looking for good ingredients in a moisturizer, natural ingredients are always best. The following ingredients are great for combating the signs of aging:
- Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B which is found in many natural ingredients. It strengthens the skin's natural barrier and creates better defenses from free radicals that cause premature aging.
- Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in our bodies and helps to bind water to the skin. As we age, our body produces less hyaluronic acid and becomes dryer. Skin dryness causes more wrinkles. Replenishing hyaluronic acid creates more moisturized and plumper skin.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C encourages the production of collagen, which strengthens the skin's outer layers. It also forms the walls of your pores so makes your pores look smaller. Vitamin C may be listed as an antioxidant.
If you have dry and damaged skin you should look for ingredients that help repair the skin such as:
- Aloe vera
- Chamomile
- Sea buckthorn oil
- Ceramides
Moisturizing natural ingredients that are full of skin-boosting vitamins include:
- Shea butter
- Avocado
- Mango butter
- Coconut oil (coconut oil also has some natural UV protection)
- Cocoa butter
- Honey
- Cucumber
- Aloe vera
Avoid these ingredients
Some ingredients are commonly found in moisturizers that are not great for your skin or your health. We recommend looking up any ingredients you are not certain of to fully understand what you are putting on your skin. We also recommend avoiding the following ingredients:
- Parabens
Parabens are known carcinogens. They are only damaging in large doses but why take the risk? They are used as preservatives, but many more natural and less harmful preservatives can be used instead.
- Minerals
Mineral oils do lock in moisture but they also block pores. Using them could cause you to get spots.
- Silicones
Silicones also block your pores and can cause spots and enlarged blackheads.
- Dyes and perfumes
As mentioned previously, perfumes can cause people with sensitive skin to have an adverse reaction. Dyes can also trigger people with sensitive skin.
- Antibacterial agents
Antibacterial agents like alcohol are counter-productive in a moisturizer and will dry out your skin.
Scent
The scent of your moisturizer should be appealing and match your other products. It should have a similar or complementary scent to your body sprays or perfume. Alternatively, you could opt for a moisturizer with little to no scent.
How We Choose the Top Facial Moisturizers
We consider several factors when choosing the best moisturizer. These include:
- Natural ingredients
- Moisturizing properties
- Easily absorbed into the skin
- Repairing properties
- Beautiful scent
- Affordable
- Customer reviews
