![27 Best Moisturizers [Tested and Reviewed]](https://img.us.my-best.com/contents/4eb075b0c816b741f876632b96aefef5.jpeg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&w=390&h=292&fit=clip&fm=webp&dpr=5&q=20&s=2a2f0eb76efc4381050b86fdb0379264)
27 Best Moisturizers [Tested and Reviewed]
This ranking is based on our in-depth testing of 27 popular moisturizers from major brands like La Roche-Posay, Clinique, La Mer, CeraVe, and Neutrogena. At mybest, we think the best moisturizers are ones rich in hydrating ingredients, comfortable to wear, and don’t have an overwhelming scent. To learn more, keep scrolling for our ranking of the best face moisturizers, as well as expert shopping tips to help you find just what you need.
Dr. Sanober Doctor is a dual-board certified dermatologist, & a leading expert in Integrative and holistic Dermatology. She is the face behind the popular YouTube channel- 'Healthy Aging with Dr. Doctor.' She is also the founder & creator of 'AGEnesis™- The Holistic Aging Blueprint' & 'Baby SkinWise™- the World's 1st Audiovisual Skincare Guide for Parents'. Dr. Sanober is a proactive, compassionate medical practitioner with a thorough understanding of overall mind-body-spiritual wellness.
Kaori is the representative director of Japan's Scientific Beauty Institute. She also runs the Beauty Science Blog, which sends out beauty science information in a way that's easy to understand. She operates with the mission of "wanting people to enjoy the process of finding skincare that works for them by offering a scientific perspective". Kaori broadcasts her expert knowledge from working with skincare and cosmetics societies and academic journals on her blog, social media, and more. She also works with PR, product development, and corporate support teams for cosmetics.
She joined a Japanese beauty company as a new graduate and worked there for three and a half years. She counseled over 6,000 people annually and created personalized beauty regimens for each customer. She then joined mybest, where she has written articles covering everything from makeup to skincare. She is a cosmetics concierge, a specialist in cosmetic ingredients, and a certified image consultant.
How We Tested the Products
- Moisturizing Ability1
Our benchmark for a good moisturizing product is one that increases skin’s hydration content by at least 80% four hours post-application.
- Beneficial Skin Ingredients2
We looked for ingredients that our skin expert deemed effective at preventing aging and promoting recovery.
- Fragrance3
We asked our female testers (aged 20 to 40) to give their opinions on the scent of each moisturizer. Keep in mind that this is subjective.
- Gentleness to Skin4
We looked for ingredients that our skin expert deemed safe to use, even for sensitive skin.
- Ease of Use5
We looked for products that are easy to dispense from their container.
- Non-greasiness6
Here, we evaluated moisturizers based on how well they absorbed into the skin.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
"Aging care" in this article refers to providing moisture to aging skin. "Penetration" refers to penetration into the stratum corneum.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
Why You Can Trust Us
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
How to Choose Moisturizers
Here are 4 points to check when choosing the best Moisturizers for you.
Seek A Moisturizer With More Water-Soluble Ingredients
When choosing a moisturizer, the first thing you should focus on is its hydrating power. You can find this out by looking at the ingredients list. Based on our research, the more water-soluble ingredients a moisturizer has, the better it’ll be at locking in moisture.
Our Tests Show a Significant Difference in Moisturizing Effectiveness Based on Ingredient Composition
For our tests, we used a corneometer to measure skin hydration twice: once before applying moisturizer and then once again four hours after application.
Our baseline for a moisturizer with excellent hydrating power is a +80% differential in 4 hours. The best product in this category had a +100.67% differential, while the lowest-ranked item only registered +8.56%.
Why such a huge gap? We noticed that the highest-ranked moisturizers consisted of more water-soluble ingredients like glycerin and propanediol. Lower-ranked moisturizers were primarily made with oil-based ingredients and contained fewer water-soluble ingredients.
When your skin is dry, it can look dull, and fine lines can become more noticeable. Preventing dryness is fundamental to maintaining healthy skin, so it's very important.
Anti-Aging Ingredients Help With Dark Spots, Wrinkles, and Sagging
Beyond hydration, your moisturizer can also help you combat common signs of aging.
Look For a Balanced Blend of Skin Recovery and Skin Protection
Anti-aging ingredients fall into two categories:
Skin Recovery refers to ingredients that activate skin cells and promote the production of hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin retain water. (Examples: niacinamide, peptides, retinol, adenosine)
Skin Protection refers to ingredients that protect the skin from external irritants. (Examples: allantoin, tocopherol, colloidal oatmeal)
Although both types of ingredients are essential for anti-aging, your skin will benefit most from a moisturizer that features a balance of each. That’s evident in the Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer, the best face moisturizer in our tests overall.
Avoid Fragrances, Dyes, or Penetration Enhancers if You Have Sensitive Skin
Fragrance can react sensitively to chemicals, causing allergic symptoms, and dyes or penetration enhancers can potentially irritate sensitive skin when they penetrate the stratum corneum. So, it's better to avoid them when your skin is sensitive.
If you have sensitive skin, choose a product that does not contain fragrances, dyes, or penetration-enhancing ingredients. These ingredients can cause itching and redness. It's a good idea to check for reactions with a patch test in an inconspicuous area.
Look for moisturizers that score at least a 4.5 (out of 5) in the “Gentleness to Skin” category. Those are the products we recommend most for people with sensitive skin.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer With Niacinamide for Those Who Prefer Non-scented Products
Fragrance is another point to check when choosing skincare products. We tested for strong fragrance, so if you are sensitive to smells, please refer to the part below to help you choose the right product.
Even if It’s Labeled as Unscented, Some Moisturizers May Still Have an Unpleasant Smell
Scented skincare products can be unpleasant to use if they don’t smell good or if you have a sensitive nose. Fortunately, you’ll be able to find fragrance-free moisturizers – but these often refer to artificial scents. Some formulas may have a natural smell, and not always for the better.
We asked our testers to give their feedback on each moisturizer’s scent. There was a notable difference even among unscented options. The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Niacinamide earned high marks for its barely-there scent. However, several moisturizers gave off the potent scent of raw materials, which our testers weren’t too fond of.
In our ranking, you’ll be able to sort products by their “Fragrance” score. You’ll also be able to filter by fragrance-free products.
"Aging care" in this article refers to providing moisture to aging skin. "Penetration" refers to penetration into the stratum corneum.
27 Best Moisturizers Ranking
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Main Score | Details | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Moisturizing Ability | Beneficial Skin Ingredients | Fragrance | Gentleness to Skin | Container Usability | Non-greasiness | Vegan | Net Weight | Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Fragrance-free | With Spatula | ||||||
1 | Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer | | 4.56 | mybest's Top Choice: Best in Hydration and Anti-Aging | 5.00 | 4.50 | 4.25 | 3.50 | 4.13 | 3.56 | 50 mL | Hyaluronic Acid, Red Algae, Hadasei-3, Squalane, Japanese Purple Rice | ||||
1 | L'Oreal La Roche Posay｜Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Niacinamide | | 4.56 | A Nourishing Moisturizer That Goes On Easily | 5.00 | 4.00 | 4.50 | 4.00 | 4.19 | 4.11 | 75 mL | Niacinamide | ||||
3 | The Procter & Gamble Olay｜Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer | | 4.45 | The Best Moisturizer for Extremely Dry Skin | 5.00 | 4.00 | 4.13 | 4.00 | 4.13 | 3.28 | 50 mL | Niacinamide, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4、 Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7 | ||||
4 | First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration | | 4.41 | A Powerful Formula That’s Not Quite Perfect | 5.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 3.65 | 3.39 | 170 g | Colloidal Oatmeal、Allantoin、Sinensis Leaf Extract、Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract | ||||
5 | L'Oreal VICHY｜Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream | | 4.24 | An Affordable Formula That Locks in Moisture | 4.83 | 3.50 | 4.34 | 4.00 | 4.09 | 3.22 | 50 mL | |||||
6 | Clinique Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer | | 4.17 | Excellent for Anti-Aging, but Not for Sensitive Skin | 4.38 | 4.50 | 4.32 | 3.00 | 4.13 | 3.11 | 30 mL | Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract、Betula Alba (Birch) Bark、Extract、 Saccharomyces Lysate Extract、Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extrac、Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 | ||||
7 | Shiseido Drunk Elephant｜Protini Polypeptide Cream | | 4.15 | A Peptide-Based Formula With an Awkward Application | 4.40 | 4.00 | 3.88 | 4.00 | 3.88 | 3.50 | 50 mL | sh-Oligopeptide-1、sh-Oligopeptide-2、sh-Polypeptide-1、sh-Polypeptide-9、sh-Polypeptide-11、Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14、Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate、 Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7、Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 | ||||
8 | Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream | | 4.11 | Good for Anti-Aging, if You Don’t Mind a Scent | 4.25 | 4.50 | 3.84 | 3.50 | 4.00 | 3.17 | 50 mL | Niacinamide | ||||
9 | Pharmaceutical Specialties Vanicream｜Daily Facial Moisturizer | | 4.06 | A Budget-Friendly Moisturizer for Normal Skin | 4.43 | 3.50 | 4.45 | 4.00 | 4.39 | 3.06 | 89 mL | 5 key ceramides, Hyaluronic acid, Squalane and Glycerin | ||||
10 | L'Oreal IT Cosmetics｜Confidence in a Cream Anti-Aging Hydrating Moisturizer | | 4.04 | An Anti-Aging Moisturizer With a Citrusy Smell | 4.04 | 4.50 | 4.43 | 3.50 | 4.15 | 3.00 | 60 mL | Niacinamide、Adenosine、Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1、Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 | ||||
TatchaThe Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Red Algae, Hadasei-3, Squalane, Japanese Purple Rice |
|---|
mybest's Top Choice: Best in Hydration and Anti-Aging
What we loved
- Well-balanced formula for hydration and anti-aging
- Exceptional hydration properties
- Includes a spatula for hygiene
What we didn't love
- Does have an obvious (natural) smell
- Somewhat pricey
Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrated Moisturizer ranks first in our best face moisturizer list for its ideal balance of hydrating and anti-aging properties. It works well for mature skin and younger complexions.
This moisturizer contains Tatcha’s proprietary HADASEI-3 complex of Uji green tea, Akita rice, and Okinawa algae – along with Japanese purple rice, hyaluronic acid, and carefully selected botanical extracts. There is a nice balance of skin recovery and skin protection properties to promote healthy aging.
It has a rich texture, but is otherwise easy to spread. We measured a 92.5% increase in skin hydration levels after four hours of application so it’ll certainly quench your skin’s thirst. The only real drawback is the scent. It’s not a synthetic fragrance, but it could possibly overwhelm those with sensitive noses.
Price-wise, it sits in the higher mid-range bracket so it may be a bit of a splurge for some. It comes in a jar and includes a spatula for hygienic application.
For balanced moisturizing and anti-aging capabilities, the Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrated Moisturizer is sure to satisfy a broad range of skin types and needs.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
L'OrealLa Roche Posay ｜ Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Niacinamide
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Niacinamide |
|---|
A Nourishing Moisturizer That Goes On Easily
What we loved
- Excellent moisturizing properties
- Doesn’t have a noticeable scent
- Sinks into skin without stickiness
What we didn't love
- Limited anti-aging properties
La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Niacinamide purports to repair the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Niacinamide is a water-soluble ingredient, and here it’s paired with glycerin and ceramidin-3. While it increased skin hydration by 94.7% in our 4-hour test, judging by the ingredients the focus is more on moisturizing than anti-aging.
Our testers appreciated how easy it was to apply, and said it blended well into their skin without leaving a sticky residue. There’s no added fragrance, nor does it really emit a scent. If you have sensitivities, this face moisturizer shouldn’t be bothersome.
It’s a much cheaper alternative to Tatcha. If you’re solely looking for an easy-to-apply moisturizer that’ll plump up your skin, we think the La Roche-Posay is a great choice.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 75 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
The Procter & GambleOlay ｜ Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Niacinamide, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4、 Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7 |
|---|
The Best Moisturizer for Extremely Dry Skin
What we loved
- Potent moisturizing properties
- Not too cost-prohibitive
- Absorbs into skin well
What we didn't love
- No spatula included
- Smell could be bothersome
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer is a product that claims to tighten the skin around the eyes, jawline, and neck. While we can’t readily test those claims, we can proclaim that it’s very hydrating, increasing skin moisture by 100.67% after four hours of wear per our tests.
It’s formulated with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and other hydrating ingredients. Although it claims to tighten skin, we noticed a lack of known anti-aging ingredients in the ingredients list.
While the natural scent isn't strong, some of our testers thought it smelled like medicine. Meanwhile, the texture may feel heavy at first but it becomes more airy up as you spread it, and blends nicely into the skin. Although it tends to feel sticky, it may not bother those who have extremely dry skin and crave heavy moisturization.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
First Aid BeautyUltra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Colloidal Oatmeal、Allantoin、Sinensis Leaf Extract、Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract |
|---|
A Powerful Formula That’s Not Quite Perfect
What we loved
- Superb moisturization for dry skin
- Some find it lays on the skin well
What we didn't love
- Not much emphasis on anti-aging
- May be too thick to apply evenly
The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration is largely focused on protecting the skin’s moisture barrier. Four hours post-application, it increased skin moisture by 100.41% in our tests. However, opinions were mixed on the consistency of the formula, which some of our testers found sticky and too thick to spread. On the flip side, fans of this First Aid Beauty cream said it lays on their skin nicely.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 170 g |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
L'OrealVICHY ｜ Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients |
|---|
An Affordable Formula That Locks in Moisture
What we loved
- Locks in moisture well
- Affordable price point
- Has a fresh, clean scent
What we didn't love
- Contains synthetic fragrance
- Lacks direct anti-aging properties
The VICHY Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream includes hyaluronic acid and other known hydrating ingredients. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 86.58%. It locks in moisture well, but doesn’t offer much in terms of anti-aging. Our testers liked its compact container and clean scent, but it does contain synthetic fragrance so those with sensitive skin may want to look elsewhere.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
Clinique Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract、Betula Alba (Birch) Bark、Extract、 Saccharomyces Lysate Extract、Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extrac、Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 |
|---|
Excellent for Anti-Aging, but Not for Sensitive Skin
What we loved
- Light and airy gel cream
- Good for normal skin types
- May help slow signs of aging
What we didn't love
- Has added fragrance and caffeine
- Not hydrating enough for dry skin
The Clinique's Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer is an oil-free gel cream with a light, airy texture. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 75.2%. It’s suitable for normal skin types but may not be enough for severely dry skin. Although it’s not billed as an anti-aging product, it does contain ingredients that promote skin recovery to help slow aging. It also has added fragrance and caffeine, ingredients that could irritate sensitive skin.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 30 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
ShiseidoDrunk Elephant ｜ Protini Polypeptide Cream
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | sh-Oligopeptide-1、sh-Oligopeptide-2、sh-Polypeptide-1、sh-Polypeptide-9、sh-Polypeptide-11、Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14、Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate、 Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7、Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 |
|---|
A Peptide-Based Formula With an Awkward Application
What we loved
- Good hydration for normal skin
- Rich in peptides
What we didn't love
- Not for sensitive or very dry skin
- Jar dispenser is awkward
The Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream aims to improve skin tone, texture, and firmness. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 75.95%. Looking at the ingredient list, it contains a rich variety of peptides, which play a role in skin recovery. (However, peptides can irritate sensitive skin.) Meanwhile, our testers found the jar dispenser difficult to use.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
Glow RecipePlum Plump Hyaluronic Cream
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Niacinamide |
|---|
Good for Anti-Aging, if You Don’t Mind a Scent
What we loved
- Good for normal skin
- Recovery-promoting ingredients
- Has a sweet, fruity smell
What we didn't love
- Could irritate those with allergies
- Won’t be enough for dry skin
The Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream has a fruity fragrance that most of our testers approved of, but it could be irritating to those with sensitivities. There’s a mix of ingredients that promote skin recovery and protection, so it’ll suit those seeking a moisturizer with anti-aging properties. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 69.87%.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
Pharmaceutical SpecialtiesVanicream ｜ Daily Facial Moisturizer
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | 5 key ceramides, Hyaluronic acid, Squalane and Glycerin |
|---|
A Budget-Friendly Moisturizer for Normal Skin
What we loved
- Affordable formula for normal skin
- Blends well into the skin
What we didn't love
- Has a faint smell that some may not like
- Might be sticky at first
The Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer is one of the least expensive products in our list. It’ll be sufficient for anyone with normal skin. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 76.91%. While it’s billed as fragrance-free, our testers did detect a slight scent of vanilla. Some may find it a bit sticky, but its light texture otherwise blends well into the skin.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 89 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
L'OrealIT Cosmetics ｜ Confidence in a Cream Anti-Aging Hydrating Moisturizer
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Niacinamide、Adenosine、Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1、Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 |
|---|
An Anti-Aging Moisturizer With a Citrusy Smell
What we loved
- Has a light, herb/citrus scent
- Balanced ingredients for skin recovery and protection
What we didn't love
- Heavy container
- Not for sensitive skin
The IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Anti-Aging Hydrating Moisturizer features a nice blend of ingredients that target recovery and protection. We think it’ll be a nice complement to other anti-aging and hydrating measures you may include in your overall routine. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 61.55%. Our testers liked the herb-like citrus scent, but this fragrance could be irritating to others.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 60 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
COSRXThe Retinol 0.1 Cream
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Retinol(0.1%)、Allantoin、Adenosine、3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid、Glutathione |
|---|
The Best Moisturizer for People New to Retinol
What we loved
- Good intro to retinol
- Comes in a squeeze tube
What we didn't love
- Not the best value for money (only 20mL)
- Could feel greasy
The COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream is geared toward new users of retinol, a well-known anti-aging ingredient that’s used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s not incredibly hydrating, and the heavy texture may be a turn-off to those who prefer lighter formulas. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 59.9%.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 20 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
SkinCeuticalsDaily Moisture
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients |
|---|
A Moisturizer Rich in Anti-Aging Ingredients
What we loved
- Light enough for oily skin
- Good choice for anti-aging
What we didn't love
- Testers found the fragrance unpleasant
- Not for sensitive or extremely dry skin
The SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture formula is geared toward people with normal to oily skin and claims to help shrink pores while protecting the skin from environmental damage. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 53.04%. It’s not incredibly hydrating, nor is it that cheap, but it is rich in anti-aging components that promote recovery.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 60 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
The INKEY ListOmega Water Cream
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Niacinamide |
|---|
An Affordable Formula for Sensitive Skin
What we loved
- No dyes or added fragrances
- Lightweight and easy to spread
- Very affordable price point
What we didn't love
- Product is too runny for the tube it comes in
- Not enough for dry skin
The INKEY List Omega Water Cream is an oil-free face moisturizer with niacinamide. It has no fragrance or dyes, and should be safe for those with sensitive skin. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 52.98%. The moisturizer is light and easy to spread, but our testers found it difficult to control the amount of product when squeezing it out of the tube. If you’re on a strict budget, this is one of the cheapest moisturizers on our list.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
SkinCeuticalsTriple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Adenosine、Rosmarinus Officinalis leaf oil/Rosemary leaf oil |
|---|
A Hydrating Anti-Aging Cream That Doesn’t Come Cheap
What we loved
- Strong anti-aging formula
- Light texture that doesn’t leave residue
- Good for normal skin
What we didn't love
- Very expensive
- Scent could be overwhelming
The SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 claims to restore your barrier function while fighting the signs of aging. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 51.2%. It’s not terribly hydrating but it does have notable anti-aging ingredients like fatty acids and pure ceramides. It has a light texture and doesn’t leave a sticky residue, but there is a floral scent that some people might find too strong.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 48 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
Charlotte Tilbury BeautyMagic Cream
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Tocopheryl Acetate、 Palmitoly Tetrapeptide-7、Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1、Ascorbyl Palmitate |
|---|
An Anti-Aging Moisturizer That’s Good for Normal Skin
What we loved
- Loaded with anti-aging ingredients
- Comes in a glass container
What we didn't love
- Not hydrating enough for severe dry skin
- Floral scent could be irritating to some
Charlotte's Magic Cream from Charlotte Tilbury Beauty features a peptide complex and skin-cushioning emollients to diminish the signs of aging, along with hyaluronic acid and shea butter for hydration. The cream has a thick texture but it’s not nourishing enough for severe dry skin. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 43.68%. It comes in a glass container that looks nice, but may not be practical to travel with since it’s heavy. Our testers had mixed opinions regarding the floral scent.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 30 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
Johnson & JohnsonNeutrogena ｜ Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients |
|---|
A Watery Cream for Normal to Oily Skin
What we loved
- Sufficient for normal or oily skin
- Light, watery cream
What we didn't love
- Has an obvious scent
- Not for sensitive skin
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid is a watery cream that will be good for normal or oily skin. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 71.28%. However, it has an obvious fragrance and contains penetration enhancers that may irritate sensitive skin.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 48 g |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
L'OrealCeraVe ｜ Moisturizing Cream
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients |
|---|
A Reliable Drugstore Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
What we loved
- Affordable price point
- Good for sensitive skin
What we didn't love
- Heavy, sticky formula
- Some complaints about an unpleasant chemical smell
The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help repair the skin barrier and lock in moisture. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 73.18%. There aren’t any profoundly irritating ingredients, but some people may find the texture too heavy or sticky.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 539 g |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
CaudaliePremier Cru Skin Barrier Rich Moisturizer with Bio-Ceramides
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extrac、Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil、 Adenosine |
|---|
Good for Anti-Aging, but Not Very Moisturizing
What we loved
- Targets primary signs of aging
- Good for normal skin
What we didn't love
- Expensive
- Poor absorption
- Has a strong fragrance
The Caudalie Premier Cru Skin Barrier Rich Moisturizer with Bio-Ceramides includes a patented formula that targets the eight signs of aging. It’s not incredibly hydrating, and it’s also slow to absorb into the skin. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 47.35%.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
L'OrealLancome ｜ Rénergie HPN 300-Peptide Cream
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Niacinamid、Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein、Adenosine、 Tocopheryl Acetate |
|---|
An Anti-Aging Formula That’s Smooth but Leaves Residue
What we loved
- Contains 300 plant-derived peptides
- Smooth texture that’s easy to apply
What we didn't love
- Not hydrating enough on its own
- Leaves an oily residue
- Some users noticed a strong scent
Lancome's Rénergie HPN 300-Peptide Cream is named as such for its proprietary blend of 300 plant-derived peptides to help reduce the signs of aging. We recommend using it in conjunction with a serum for hydration. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 52.34%. It has a smooth texture but leaves an oily residue.
| Vegan | unknown |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
skinfixbarrier+ Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Niacinamide、Acetyl Heptapeptide-4 |
|---|
Loads of Anti-Aging Benefits but Doesn’t Smell Nice
What we loved
- Good for normal to oily skin
- Also suitable for sensitive skin
- Features lipids, which aid in anti-aging
What we didn't love
- May have a sour smell
- Doesn’t absorb into skin easily
Skinfix's Barrier+ Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream is infused with a B-L3 Complex to target pores, control oil, and add moisture. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 53.34%. It’s a good choice for normal to oily skin, as well as sensitive skin. However, some of our testers detected a sour smell from the raw ingredients.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
FreshRose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Moisturizer
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Tocopheryl Acetate |
|---|
A Rose-Scented Moisturizer That Feels Sticky
What we loved
- Sufficient for normal skin
- Spreads wasily
What we didn't love
- Not for severely dry skin
- Feels sticky once applied
- Rose scent could be irritating
The Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Moisturizer features Damask Rose extract plus hyaluronic acid. It’s a smooth formula that spreads easily but it feels sticky once it’s on the skin. It also might not be hydrating enough for those with dry skin. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 49.94%.
| Vegan | unknown |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 100 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
EmbryolisseLait Crème Concentré - Daily Face and Body Cream
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract |
|---|
A 6-in-1 Product That Smells Like Fresh Flowers
What we loved
- Six products in one
- Comes in a compact tube
What we didn't love
- Not recommended for sensitive skin
- May be too heavy for some
The Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré Daily Face and Body Cream acts as six products in one, including a makeup base and a hydrating face mask. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 44.7%. The tube is compact enough to fit in one hand, but it's difficult to control the flow of the product. The faint scent is reminiscent of fresh flowers.
| Vegan | unknown |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 75 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
L'OrealCollagen Moisture Filler
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients |
|---|
Another Budget Buy For Normal Skin
What we loved
- Good for normal skin
- A true budget buy
- Non-sticky formula
What we didn't love
- Not for sensitive skin
- Comes in a heavy jar
The L'Oreal Collagen Moisture Filler retails for less than $10. We recommend it for normal skin without sensitivities. The formula is slick but not sticky, though our testers didn’t like the heavy container. Four hours after application, it increased skin moisture by 55.11%.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
LilyAna NaturalsRetinol Cream
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Tocopherol (Vitamin E)、Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Organic Green Tea)、Centella Asiatica Extract (Organic Gotu Kola) |
|---|
Suitable for Sensitive Skin but Doesn’t Lock in Moisture Well
What we loved
- Easy to apply
- Lacks a discernible scent
What we didn't love
- Pump is tricky to use
- Not very hydrating
The LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream fell short in our hydration tests but it’s otherwise a good choice for sensitive skin. Four hours after application, it only increased skin moisture by 38.68%. The pump is tricky to use but the formula is otherwise easy to spread and lacks any discernible scent.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 48 g |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
The Procter & GambleOlay ｜ Retinol24 + Peptide Night Face Moisturizer
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Retinol, Niacinamide、Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4、peptide water |
|---|
A Scentless Night Cream That’s Not All That Hydrating
What we loved
- Easy to apply
- Lacks a noticeable scent
What we didn't love
- Not for sensitive skin
- Heavy and not all that hydrating
The Olay Retinol24 + Peptide Night Face Moisturizer stands out for its ease of application and lack of an obvious scent. However, we wouldn’t recommend it for sensitive skin or those who don’t like sticky creams. Four hours after application, it only increased skin moisture by 40.95%.
| Vegan | unknown |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
DECIEMThe Ordinary ｜ Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Allantoin |
|---|
The Cheapest Moisturizer on Our List
What we loved
- Costs less than $10
- Easy to dispense
- Our testers liked the smell
What we didn't love
- Thick and not very hydrating
- Not for sensitive skin
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is the least expensive moisturizer we tested. Our testers found it easy to dispense and liked that it didn’t have an unpleasant smell. However, it’s a thick cream that leaves a sticky residue, and the presence of Sodium Lactate and Urea can signal trouble for sensitive skin. Four hours after application, it only increased skin moisture by 33.72%.
| Vegan | |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 30 mL |
| Fragrance-free | unknown |
| With Spatula |
La MerCrème de la Mer
| Main Skin Beneficial Ingredients | Algae Extract |
|---|
The Most Expensive Moisturizer on Our List
What we loved
- Floral smell is nice
- Comes with a spatula
What we didn't love
- Very expensive but doesn’t moisturize well
- Might feel too heavy on the skin
- Not for sensitive skin
La Mer's Crème de la Mer retails for around $200, making it the most expensive moisturizer we tested. It also happens to be our worst performer, as we only detected an 8.56% increase in skin moisture after four hours of wear. The container is small and easy to handle, and the floral scent is a nice touch, but its heavy texture might not appeal to everyone.
| Vegan | unknown |
|---|---|
| Net Weight | 30 mL |
| Fragrance-free | |
| With Spatula |
How We Tested the Moisturizers
To find the best moisturizers, we assembled 27 of the top-selling products from major retailers and evaluated them on the following:
Moisturizing Ability
Beneficial Skin Ingredients
Fragrance
Gentleness to Skin
Container Usability
Non-greasiness
Products we tested
- COSRX｜The Retinol 0.1 Cream
- Caudalie｜Premier Cru Skin Barrier Rich Moisturizer with Bio-Ceramides
- Charlotte Tilbury Beauty｜Magic Cream
- Clinique ｜Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer
- DECIEM｜The Ordinary｜Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Embryolisse｜Lait Crème Concentré - Daily Face and Body Cream
- First Aid Beauty｜Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
- Fresh｜Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Moisturizer
- Glow Recipe｜Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream
- Johnson & Johnson｜Neutrogena｜Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid
- L'Oreal｜IT Cosmetics｜Confidence in a Cream Anti-Aging Hydrating Moisturizer
- L'Oreal｜CeraVe｜Moisturizing Cream
- L'Oreal｜Collagen Moisture Filler
- L'Oreal｜Lancome｜Rénergie HPN 300-Peptide Cream
- L'Oreal｜La Roche Posay｜Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Niacinamide
- L'Oreal｜VICHY｜Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream
- La Mer｜Crème de la Mer
- LilyAna Naturals｜Retinol Cream
- Pharmaceutical Specialties｜Vanicream｜Daily Facial Moisturizer
- Shiseido｜Drunk Elephant｜Protini Polypeptide Cream
- SkinCeuticals｜Daily Moisture
- SkinCeuticals｜Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
- Tatcha｜The Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer
- The INKEY List｜Omega Water Cream
- The Procter & Gamble｜Olay｜Retinol24 + Peptide Night Face Moisturizer
- The Procter & Gamble｜Olay｜Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer
- skinfix｜barrier+ Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream
Moisturizing Ability
Our benchmark for a good moisturizing product is one that increases skin’s hydration content by at least 80% four hours post-application.
Scoring Method
We applied moisturizer to the arm then used a corneometer to measure the moisture level before application and four hours after.
Test Conditions
Test Equipment: Corneometer CM825 (Courage+Khazaka)
Testers: 10 females aged 20s to 40s
Beneficial Skin Ingredients
We looked for ingredients that our skin expert deemed effective at preventing aging and promoting recovery.
Scoring Method
Kaori, a beauty expert with a scientific background, reviewed the ingredient lists and rated each product's recommendation level based on the following points.
What We Checked
Does it contain ingredients that improve wrinkles and support cell activity?
Does it contain components that prevent skin irritation?
Fragrance
We asked our female testers (aged 20 to 40) to give their opinions on the scent of each moisturizer. Keep in mind that this is subjective.
Scoring Method
Our testers offered feedback on any scents they detected and scored them accordingly.
Test Conditions
- Testers: 10 women aged between 20 and 40 who have lived in America
What We Checked
Whether the fragrance is too strong
Whether the fragrance is to the tester’s liking
Gentleness to Skin
We looked for ingredients that our skin expert deemed safe to use, even for sensitive skin.
Scoring Method
Kaori, a beauty expert with a scientific background, reviewed the ingredient lists and rated each product's recommendation level based on the following points.
What We Checked
Does it contain fragrances, dyes, or ingredients that promote penetration?
Are there preservatives?
Ease of Use
We looked for products that are easy to dispense from their container.
Scoring Method
Our female testers (aged 20 to 40) gave their feedback on how easy or difficult they thought it was to dispense the product.
Test Conditions
- Testers: 10 women aged 20 to 40 who have lived in America
Non-greasiness
Scoring Method
1. Apply moisturizer to the artificial skin
2. Rub it in with vinyl gloves for 30 seconds
3. Leave it for 1 minute, then lightly press it onto 20 beads
4. Lift the artificial skin
For Anti-Aging, Pair a Serum With Your Moisturizer
If you want to target signs of aging while also hydrating your skin, we recommend pairing your moisturizer with serums that are rich in regenerative ingredients. Serums are also more concentrated and it’s easy to find one that’s tailored to a specific skin need.
A serum is considered to be more concentrated and contains a greater concentration of active ingredients that penetrate the skin even better. Using a serum followed by a moisturizer will definitely help target one's skin concerns better.
Top 5 Moisturizers
No. 1: Tatcha｜The Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer
No. 1: L'Oreal｜La Roche Posay｜Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Niacinamide
No. 3: The Procter & Gamble｜Olay｜Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer
No. 4: First Aid Beauty｜Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
No. 5: L'Oreal｜VICHY｜Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.