19 Best Face Moisturizers, Tested and Reviewed (original) (raw)

1

Best Overall Face Moisturizer

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

Pros

• Measurably and powerfully hydrates skin
• Lasting moisturization
• Absorbs quickly

This iconic Olay cream outperformed almost a dozen competitors — even one priced at $440! — in GH Beauty Lab moisturization testing. Lab scientists were blown away by how well this GH Beauty Award winner kept skin moisturized over a 24-hour period, increasing hydration levels by 50% in calculations with the Corneometer device, which measures skin moisture levels.

The formula is boosted with anti-aging ingredients like peptides and niacinamide. "It felt like satin on my skin," a tester enthused, and many praised that it "absorbed quickly." While many testers liked the "pleasant" fragrance, one called it "too highly scented."

2

Best Value Face Moisturizer

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Pros

• Highly hydrating
• Soaks in quickly
• Can be used on the body

Cons

• Some testers didn't like thin consistency

Lightweight lotion, heavy-duty hydration: Fragrance-free CeraVe outperformed many formulas in the GH Beauty Lab's face moisturizer test at hydrating skin — for a bargain price. Made with nourishing ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, it also ranked well for absorbing fast (some user didn’t like that the product was thin, however).

The formulation, which can also be used on the body, increased skin’s hydration by a near-record 48% in Lab measurements with the Corneometer machine. It earned points with users for easy absorption and for leaving skin feeling soft. “I didn’t have any dry or flaky skin,” a tester remarked. A second raved: "It was very moisturizing but not greasy and left my skin feeling hydrated for hours."

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3

Best Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

Pros

• Intensive moisturizing effects
• Gentle formula
• Not greasy or sticky

Cons

• A few testers said it left residue on their skin

The cult classic Kiehl’s cream — infused with hydrating squalane, glycerin and six botanical oils — lived up to its reputation, excelling in Beauty Lab face moisturizer testing for providing strong skin hydration with a rich texture testers loved**. In measurements with the Corneometer device, it raised moisturization by an impressive 47%**.

It also ranked highly for not causing redness or irritation and leaving skin feeling plump. Among testers, 90% agreed that the formula’s texture wasn’t too heavy, greasy or tacky, but some found it left residue on skin. Many said they would buy the product or continue using it. “It kept my skin hydrated all day!” one exclaimed. Another called it "the best I've used in a long time — I usually buy medical-grade moisturizers and this is much better."

RELATED: Best Face Moisturizers for Dry Skin

What Everyone's Shopping

4

Best Face Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Face Cream

Pros

• Light formula absorbs fast
• Leaves skin soft and smooth
• Soothing and non-irritating
• Great value

Cons

• The bottle is difficult to open without product spilling out

The affordable, fragrance-free Aveeno face cream — which contains glycerin, fatty acids and the brand’s signature calming oat flour — was a star in the Beauty Lab's face moisturizer test at smoothing skin and soaking in speedily, thanks to its water-light formula. It scored highest in several respects, including for not irritating or causing redness. A full 100% of users agreed that the it absorbed quickly and left skin feeling hydrated and smooth.

The cream also tied for best texture, ranked high for soothing skin and upped moisturization by 23% in Lab testing. It “felt very sheer” and “didn’t leave a residue like others,” two testers said. One reported: "I have rosacea and it did not irritate my skin at all." They did note that the bottle was tricky to open without having cream squirt out.

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5

Best Luxury Face Moisturizer

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Ultra-Light Moisturizer

Pros

• Appealing scent and texture
• Soothes and plumps skin
• Works well under makeup

Cons

• Some testers said it felt tacky upon application

Enriched with a plethora of softening ingredients (shea butter, glycerin, plant oils, hyaluronic acid) as well as antioxidant vitamins C and E, Philosophy’s luxurious moisturizer got the highest rating in Beauty Lab testing for soothing both skin and senses. The lotion ranked tops for its herbal aroma and ability to soothe skin and leave it feeling plump. It also tied for the best texture, which a tester described as “very light.”

In Lab assessment, the formula boosted skin’s hydration by 28%. Testers also reported that it wore well under makeup, though some said it felt tacky when applied. “My skin feels more vibrant and better than ever,” a user raved. Another said, “I’ve tried dozens of face creams, and this is a keeper.”

6

Best Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer

RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Crème

Pros

• Effectively hydrates skin
• Reduces wrinkles and dark spots
• Smooths texture

Cons

• The ingredient retinol could be irritating to some

A GH Beauty Lab favorite, this luxe-feeling RoC cream is based on the research-verified ingredient retinol, which speeds up skin cell turnover to reduce dark spots and wrinkles starting in as little as seven days.

In clinical tests, volunteers’ skin looked 32% smoother and more radiant after one week of daily use. The formulaimproved the look of wrinkles and dark spots by 46% over eight weeks and kept skin moisturized for a full 24 hours, Lab data analysis revealed. Note that while the product is mild, retinol can still irritate sensitive skin types.

RELATED: Best Retinols for Sensitive Skin

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7

Best Face Moisturizer for Aging Skin

Mary Kay TimeWise Antioxidant Moisturizer

Pros

• Contains anti-aging, antioxidant ingredients
• Firms and smooths skin
• Lightweight formula

Cons

• Could be too light for very dry skin

With an extensive list of antioxidant, age-fighting actives tailored to mature skin, this Good Housekeeping Seal star and Beauty Award-winning Mary Kay formula is not your average moisturizer. In a study involving 50 women, there was significant improvement in skin firmness and forehead lines after two weeks, per GH Beauty Lab data evaluation.

The lightweight, oil- and fragrance-free cream also comes in versions for combination-to-oily and oily-to-dry skin types. Note, though, that it could be too light for those with extremely dry skin. "I love that this can be used as your one moisturizing and treatment product on busy days for both morning and night," GH's beauty director says.

8

Best Face Moisturizer for Glowing Skin

L'Oréal Paris Skin Expert Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30

Pros

• Powerful hydrator
• Reduces darks spots and evens skin tone
• Brightens skin

Cons

• May cause irritation in contact with eyes

The best of the GH Beauty Lab's anti-aging day cream test, this L'Oréal Paris brightening lotion with SPF 30 delivers a big bang for your buck, effectively evening out skin tone, reducing dark spots and hydrating. Lab tests found it raised skin's hydration 28% and decreased UV spots by 11% in four weeks.

Two caveats: It could irritate in contact with eyes and a few users reported breakouts. "In addition to the moisturizing effect, it decreased the appearance of my wrinkles, improved my skin tone, and my skin appeared brighter and more radiant," a user said. Another commented: "My skin stayed hydrated througout the day."

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9

Best Face Moisturizer for Combination Skin

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+

Pros

• Powerful hydration
• Light feel
• Fragrance-free

Cons

• Some reviewers reported breakouts

A gold standard and GH Beauty Award winner, the classic Clinique lotion stands the test of time, effectively hydrating even very dry skin for hours in GH Beauty Lab assessment despite a light feel. Measurements with the Lab’s Corneometer device showed that it increased skin's moisture by an impressive 43% on average over 24 hours after application.

"This is one of the few moisturizers that deeply hydrates my dry skin over time so the visible flaking is gone," GH's beauty director says. Some reviewers reported breakouts and that it left their skin greasy, though.

10

Best Face Moisturizer for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Pros

• Lightweight texture
• Lasting hydration
• Oil-free and won't clog pores

Cons

• May be too light for very dry skin

With its featherlight refreshing gel texture, Neutrogena's innovative hyaluronic acid moisturizer, a GH Beauty Award winner, quenches parched skin instantly and all day long without feeling heavy on oily skin or acne-prone complexions. GH Beauty Lab data evaluations showed the oil-free and noncomedogenic (not pore-clogging) formula kept skin hydrated for 12 hours.

"It quickly rebalanced my oily, acne-prone skin and brought back much-needed moisture, but didn't cause any breakouts," says GH Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn.

RELATED: Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin

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11

Best Face Moisturizer with SPF

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream with SPF 30

Pros

• Provides sun protection
• Measurably increases hydration
• Fast-absorbing, non-oily formula

Cons

• A few users saw skin reactions after use

This GH Beauty Award-winning Olay lotion is the rare formula that provides both sun protection and the real hydrating effects of a regular moisturizer at the same time. GH Beauty Lab tests found it increased skin moisture levels by 31% — more than any facial SPF 30 previously evaluated. While a few reviewers noted reactions to the product, testers praised the lotion for being "fast-absorbing" and "non-greasy."

RELATED: Best Face Moisturizers with SPF

12

Best Face Moisturizer for Redness

Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

Pros

• Minimal, mild ingredients
• Fragrance-free
• Calming and non-irritating

Cons

• May be too heavy for oily or combination skin

Rich in nourishing glycerin and triglycerides, Eau Thermale Avène's cream was created with minimal ingredients and without common irritants like fragrance to help soothe the most sensitive skin. Both GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann and GH's beauty director use it in their routines to relieve inflammation like redness and eczema.

While it may be overly thick for those with oily, acne-prone or combination skin, it provides much-needed relief for sensitivity and extreme dehydration."This is my go-to when my skin is reacting and I need a moisturizer that will feel deeply coddling to help calm it," GH's beauty director says. "It's so gentle, I can use it right on flare-ups."

RELATED: How to Get Rid of Redness

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13

Best Face Moisturizer for Rosacea

Cetaphil Redness Night Relief Moisturizer

Now 30% Off

Credit: Cetaphil

Pros

• Dermatologist-recommended
• Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free
• Calms skin

Cons

• Some users found it didn't reduce skin redness as well

Quell skin redness and reactivity with this Cetaphil night moisturizer that contains replenishing ceramides and shea butter, which Dr. Engelman recommends for rosacea relief. The formula is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, so it's less likely to inflame skin. While many users noticed a visible reduction in redness, some commented it didn't work as well for them.

14

Best Face Moisturizer for Eczema

Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer

Pros

• Soothes skin
• Light gel formula
• Smooths texture and reduces redness

Instantly quench and relieve a dehydrated face by smoothing on Aveeno’s formula, a GH Beauty Award winner that melds a next-generation water-based gel texture and nourishing, anti-inflammatory colloidal oat, often used to treat eczema.

While Wizemann found that the light moisturizer “melts in with no greasiness or tackiness," some users noted it pilled when they applied it. "It cools and calms dry, irritated skin patches on contact,” she revealed. “My skin looked better the next day: less red and not rough.”

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15

Best Natural Face Moisturizer

Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Night Infusion Cream

Pros

• Contains naturally-derived ingredients
• Measurably hydrates skin
• Not oily or irritating

This Caudalie cream, packed with naturally-derived botanical oils, waters and extracts, came out on top in GH Beauty Lab night cream testing for seriously hydrating (boosting levels by 43%) and improving skin's texture.

Testers also gave it perfect marks for not being greasy or irritating (one noted that it felt a bit sticky after it dried, though). "It moisturized my skin into the following morning," a user marveled. A second agreed that "the product was very moisturizing and you wake up looking refreshed."

16

Best Face Moisturizer for Wrinkles

RoC Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

Pros

• Measurably smooths skin
• Minimizes wrinkles
• Light, fast-absorbing formula

Cons

• Not as hydrating as other moisturizers tested

Lightweight and gentle, RoC was a star in GH Beauty Lab day cream testing for smoothing wrinkles, lines and skin texture. Lab digital imaging with the Visia Complexion Analyzer showed the SPF formula improved skin texture by 11% after four weeks of daily use, though it wasn't as moisturizing as other formulas in Corneometer measurements.

"It left my skin feeling plump and looking smooth and glowing," one tester raved. Others praised the texture, saying it "felt very light" and "absorbed very quickly."

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17

Best Night Face Moisturizer

Philosophy Anti-Wrinkle Miracle Worker+ Line-Correcting Overnight Cream

Pros

• Measurably hydrates skin
• Increases firmness
• Not irritating

Cons

• May take time to absorb

Soften skin in your sleep with this mild Philosophy cream made with hyaluronic acid, a winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s night cream test for its powerful moisturizing properties. It raised skin moisturization by 34% and firmness by 29% in four weeks, per Lab measures, and 95% of testers said it didn’t irritate.

Many testers raved about the "luxurious" texture, although some said it took time to soak into skin. "My skin looked better after the first night I used this," one marveled. Another commented that it left skin feeling "soft and moisturized."

18

Best Face Moisturizer for Pores

Perricone MD Photo Plasma Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30

Pros

• Powerful moisturization
• Minimizes pores
• Smooths skin texture

Cons

• May feel tacky on skin

This Perricone MD SPF moisturizer was one of the top hydrators in GH Beauty Lab day cream testing and the only winner made with mineral-only sunscreen. Beauty Lab scientists measured a 30% increase in skin's moisturization levels. It also outperformed the rest at reducing the look of pores, by 8%, and improved skin texture by 10% in four weeks according to calculations with the Visia Complexion Analyzer.

A few drawbacks include that some testers thought it felt sticky on skin and could interfere with makeup. But it still earned praise from many: "It made my skin feel dewy and fresh," a tester remarked.

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19

Best Face Moisturizer for Fine Lines

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer SPF 30

Now 41% Off

Credit: Neutrogena

Pros

• Smooths lines
• Hydrates skin
• Evens skin tone

Cons

• Some users reported skin reactions

It can be easy to forget SPF when you're not heading to the beach, so reach for a moisturizer with built-in broad spectrum SPF 30 skin protection daily to prevent lines. Neutrogena's GH Beauty Award winner hydrated skin well in GH Beauty Lab tests and earned rave reviews for improving skin tone and softening fine lines. _"_My skin looks younger and has less visible wrinkles," and "hands down the best wrinkle cream I have tried," two testers raved. Note that some reviewers reported having a reaction to the formula.

How we test face moisturizers

GH Beauty Lab scientists have a century-long history of testing skincare products for efficacy, including face moisturizers.

When skincare products make moisturization or hydration claims, Beauty Lab experts use the Corneometer device to gauge how well (or not!) a formula moisturizes skin. The machine (shown here) is used to measure the hydration levels of testers' clean skin before application of a precise dose of moisturizer and again six hours after (unless otherwise specified) to determine whether and how much the product has increased skin's moisture levels.

Beauty Lab scientists also distribute face moisturizers to consumer testers to use in their skincare routines. After a set time period, they report their feedback on factors such as absorption, texture, scent and the look and feel of skin after use. This data is then collated to find the best moisturizers on the market.

In the Beauty Lab's most recent face moisturizer test, formulas were evaluated on 240 testers and Lab experts tallied 4,089 data points (2,160 consumer survey questions plus 1,920 skin moisturization measurements) to identify the winning products.

April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day, where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.

Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing.

Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.