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When picking out a facial moisturizer, it is important to get one that works with your skin type, is hydrating, and, ideally, has some sort of anti-aging treatment and/or beneficial skin ingredients to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
Below are some ideal moisturizers for women that meet all the above requirements and then some. These moisturizers are also easily accessible and range from some drugstore mainstays to a few choice brands you may not be aware of but are ready to make an appearance in your skincare regimen.
Choose from a retinol-based moisturizer that uses retinol and hyaluronic acid to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or perhaps you’re looking for advanced anti-aging formulas depending on the needs of your skin. We have also thrown in a vitamin C-based moisturizer for protection, an anti-oxidant boost, and some clean and natural moisturizers that will keep your skin looking youthful and radiant.
Detailing Our Favorite Moisturizers for Women of 2024
Radha Beauty Retinol Miracle Moisturizer — Best Overall
This moisturizer is an anti-aging moisturizer that works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while brightening skin tone and treating hyperpigmentation. This is accomplished by a slew of beneficial ingredients including, most importantly, active retinol which supports natural cell turnover to improve skin texture and tone. In addition, this moisturizer includes hyaluronic acid to boost moisture and vitamin E, aloe vera, and green tea to deeply hydrate while strengthening the skin cells against premature aging and environmental aggressors. Ideal for day or night use, apply this moisturizer as the last step in your skincare regimen.
Pros
- This product is safe for all skin types and free of fragrance, dyes, or parabens
Cons
- There is no SPF in the moisturizer
Ancient Greek Remedy Moisturizer — Another Great Option
This selection contains non-GMO, gluten-free, paraben-free, and preservative-free almond oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, vitamin E, and lavender essential oil — making it an excellent moisturizer for your skin, hair, cuticles, and nails. The one-of-a-kind combination of four anti-aging oils makes it an excellent face moisturizer that is a safe substitute for face lotions and moisturizers. It aids in the reduction of pores, the treatment of acne and dark spots, the appearance of scars and reducing stretch marks. You can also use it on your hair to make them look softer, well nourished, and shinier.
Pros
- Comes in an environment-friendly and efficient packaging
- Heavenly fragrance and results
- Multipurpose and versatile usage
Cons
- The scent doesn't last long
RITUALS Moisturizer — Another Top Pick
Here we have another wonderful, effective and fast-acting moisturizer for women in the form of Ayurveda body cream from Rituals. Powered with key natural ingredients like sweet almond oil, sunflower oil and Himalaya honey, this moisturizer for women rejuvenates and restores your skin's equilibrium, providing the balance of moisture and nutrients your skin cells need to feel happy and healthy. This moisturizer is also a joy to use, thanks to its pleasant, natural floral scent, provided by the sweet almond extract and Indian rose ingredients.
Pros
- Made with natural ingredients
- Very pleasant smell
- Made in an eco-friendly way
Cons
- Best for the body, not face
Christina Moss Naturals Organic Facial Moisturizer — Runner Up
Made with certified organic ingredients, this moisturizer is formulated for deep moisturization and absorption to thoroughly hydrate and smooth the skin. This is a very concentrated formula and each ingredient has a beneficial effect on the skin to leave it nourished, healthy, and radiant. Great for all skin types, this formula includes almond, grapeseed, coconut oil and aloe vera to soothe and calm the skin. Most importantly, this formula is free of and that includes any harmful, toxic petrochemicals, fillers, binders, or fragrances.
Pros
- This is a very concentrated formula and a little goes a long way
Cons
- This product does not contain SPF
LilyAna Naturals Face Cream — Honorable Mention
This face cream is an organic, non-greasy, anti-aging facial moisturizer to hydrate and soften the delicate facial skin. With its premium, moisturizing and antioxidant-rich ingredients including rose distillate, aloe vera, vitamins C and E, your skin will be more toned, smoother, and more radiant. In addition to hydration, this moisturizer’s other focus is on healing and can help improve eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis to repair, calm, and brighten. This cream also works with all skin types and can be used twice per day, morning and night.
Pros
- This cream is formulated without parabens, artificial colors, or fragrances
Cons
- If you suffer from very dry skin, another option might be better
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Face Cream — Contender
Focused on anti-aging, this cream contains key ingredients like amino peptides that work to regenerate surface skin cells and deliver visible, transformative results. These results include improved elasticity and firmer skin for a lifted, more refined look. With visible results starting day one, this cream promises that after four weeks, up to ten years of wrinkles can be reduced, leaving you hydrated and plumped, ultimately giving you younger-looking skin. This is also a lightweight and moisture-binding formula with hyaluronic acid and should be the last step in your skincare regimen.
Pros
- This moisturizer is fragrance-free
Cons
- This is not an organic-based product
Olay Total Effects Face Moisturizer — Also Consider
This cream fights and prevents seven signs of aging including moisture replenishment, even skin tone, enhanced brightness, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, minimizing the look of pores, restoring firmness, and reducing dark spots, all in one simple step. This formula is oil-free, non-greasy, and fast-absorbing and in just four weeks, you will notice younger, healthier-looking skin.
Pros
- This vitamin-enriched formula has been redesigned with 50% more vitamin E and double the amount of green tea extract to help fight surface free radicals
Cons
- This moisturizer may have a slight fragrance
TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Moisturizer — Editor's Pick
This vitamin C moisturizer is a daily formula supercharged with a blend of 15% vitamin C along with Vitamin B5, jojoba oil, and green tea for a lightweight yet effective daily facial lotion. Ideal for all skin types, the benefits of antioxidant-rich vitamin C give you a more brightened skin tone, diminished sun spots, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation, all while helping to fade the look of fine lines and wrinkles. For optimal results and smoother skin, it is recommended to use twice per day, as the last step in your skincare routine.
Pros
- This cream is vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free
Cons
- The high content of vitamin C may contribute to drier skin
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15 — Another Option
This moisturizer contains a Total Soy Complex to help improve tone, texture, dullness, and blotchiness. Along with unique natural light diffusers that reflect light, your skin will appear more even while smoothing any skin imperfections. The best part is that this daily facial moisturizer contains broad-spectrum SPF 15 ensuring you are protecting your skin from further sun damage, keeping your face fine line and wrinkle-free.
Pros
- This moisturizer is oil-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and wearable under makeup
Cons
- This contains a chemical sunscreen
Buying Guide: Moisturizers For Women
What Are the Different Types of Moisturizers?
Moisturizers come in four kinds of textures. Let’s have a look at how these differ:
Gels
Gel moisturizers are very liquidy, These absorb into the skin very quickly and do not feel heavy on the skin. Gel moisturizers usually consist of liquid lipid, water, and alcohol, which makes them lightweight. Since these don’t feel greasy on the skin, they work great for oily skin types. Other than that, these are also suitable for acne-prone skin.
Lotions
Lotions are thicker than gel moisturizers. However, these are also very lightweight since they have a high oil and water content. When applied to the skin, lotions absorb quickly and usually leave a glowy finish on the skin. Lotion moisturizers are commonly made for use on the body, but you can also find some facial moisturizers with this texture.
Creams
Cream moisturizers have a thick consistency and leave the skin feeling moisturized after each use. These are heavier than lotions and gels, hence these are usually not suitable for people with oily skin. Instead, cream moisturizers work best on dry and dull skin. Other than that, these can take a little longer to absorb in the skin as compared to gels and lotions. However, these also tend to leave skin softer and moisturized for longer.
Ointments
Ointments are usually used for healing spots and unwanted texture on the skin and these are usually the thickest form of moisturizer since they have a high lipid concentration. Since these contain healing properties, they are very beneficial for people with psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema.
How to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Yourself?
To choose the ideal moisturizer for yourself, you must consider the following factors:
Skin type
Your skin type is one of the most crucial factors that you must consider to buy the ideal moisturizer for yourself. Do you have oily skin or dry skin? Is your skin sensitive? Does it break out easily? These are some of the things you might want to address before you head out to buy a moisturizer. Different moisturizers are made for different skin types and using the wrong moisturizer on your skin can actually cause more harm than benefit. For instance, using a heavy cream moisturizer on oily skin can result in painful breakouts.
If you have oily skin, then consider purchasing a lightweight and oil-free gel moisturizer. On the other hand, heavy cream moisturizers work best for dry skin. As for combination skin, all-around moisturizers that are not too much on the heavy side nor on the light side, work well. The key is to keep your skin moisturized, but not too oily. Moving on, if you feel that your skin is dehydrated, then look for a moisturizer that consists of ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
Ingredients
Before you purchase a moisturizer for yourself, make sure to check the ingredients. Check whether the product consists of any ingredients that show instant results but can damage the skin in the long run. Other than that, also ensure whether there are ingredients that might cause skin irritation. Scanning through the ingredient list can also help you determine whether the product would suit your skin or not. For example, you can avoid a product that has any harsh ingredients in it if you have sensitive skin. Other than that, check whether the product offers additional benefits such as UV-resistant and non-comedogenic properties.
Fragrance
Though a scented moisturizer smells good, it is not suited to all skin types. Some people can have an allergic reaction to scented moisturizers, causing their eyes to water, skin to break out, and more. These reactions are more prone to be experienced by people with sensitive skin. Hence, it is always better to opt for a fragrance-free moisturizer that won’t irritate your skin.
SPF
It is always wise to look for a moisturizer that contains SPF in it. Since the whole point of using a moisturizer is to keep your skin healthy, it would only benefit to choose a moisturizer that comes with SPF. Typically, it is advised to use a 50+ SPF, especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun. An SPF moisturizer can help keep your skin younger-looking and healthy in the long run, hence this is a property that you must look for in a good moisturizer.
Animal friendly
Unfortunately, there are still many brands in the market that don’t avoid animal testing Luckily, there are some brands that are not only environment friendly but also avoid animal testing. Their products also don’t consist of ingredients derived from animals. If you are someone who is against animal testing or lives a vegan lifestyle, then you can look for a vegan-friendly moisturizer.
