A good face moisturizer is essential for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin. Whether you have dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin, the right moisturizer can help lock in hydration, protect your skin barrier, and even address concerns like fine lines or acne. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best moisturizer for your skin type and our top picks for 2025 that you can buy today!
What to Look for in a Face Moisturizer
When choosing a face moisturizer, consider these key factors:
✔ Skin Type: Dry skin needs rich creams with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, while oily skin benefits from lightweight, oil-free moisturizers.
✔ Ingredients: Look for hydrating agents (like glycerin, squalane, and peptides) and avoid harsh alcohols or fragrances if you have sensitive skin.
✔ Additional Benefits: Some moisturizers include anti-aging ingredients (retinol, peptides), brightening agents (vitamin C), or SPF for sun protection.
✔ Texture: Lightweight gel-based formulas work best for oily skin, while richer creams suit dry and mature skin.
✔ Fragrance-Free: Ideal for sensitive skin to prevent irritation.
When Should You Apply Moisturizer?
For best results, apply moisturizer twice a day:
1️⃣ Morning Routine: After cleansing and serum, apply moisturizer before sunscreen.
2️⃣ Night Routine: Use a heavier moisturizer before bed to help repair your skin overnight.
Pro Tip: Apply moisturizer on slightly damp skin to lock in more hydration!
How Often Should You Apply Moisturizer?
💧 For most skin types – Apply moisturizer twice daily (morning & night).
💧 For very dry skin – Reapply throughout the day as needed.
💧 For oily skin – Stick to lightweight formulas and avoid over-application.
Do You Need Sunscreen If Your Moisturizer Has SPF?
Yes! Even if your moisturizer has SPF, you should still apply a separate sunscreen with SPF 30+ for complete protection. A moisturizer with SPF is not enough to fully protect your skin, especially if you’re exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
✔ Best Practice: Apply moisturizer first, then layer a broad-spectrum sunscreen on top.
The Best Face Moisturizers of 2025
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
✔ Hydrating niacinamide & ceramides for a strong skin barrier.
✔ Oil-free and lightweight—perfect for all skin types.
👉 Buy it here: La Roche-Posay Toleriane on Amazon
Best Budget Pick: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
✔ Packed with hyaluronic acid for deep hydration.
✔ Lightweight, non-greasy formula.
👉 Buy it here: Neutrogena Hydro Boost on Amazon
Best for Dry Skin: Drunk Elephant Bora Barrier Rich Repair Cream
✔ Ultra-rich 6-butterlipid complex deeply nourishes dry skin.
✔ Restores moisture barrier with ceramides & fatty acids.
👉 Buy it here: Drunk Elephant Bora Barrier on Amazon
Best for Oily Skin: Tatcha The Water Cream
✔ Oil-free formula that hydrates without clogging pores.
✔ Contains Japanese wild rose & leopard lily to control shine.
👉 Buy it here: Tatcha Water Cream on Amazon
Best for Combination Skin: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
✔ Lightweight yet deeply hydrating squalane formula.
✔ Works for both dry & oily areas.
👉 Buy it here: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream on Amazon
Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore
✔ Contains ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids to restore youthful skin.
✔ Anti-aging benefits with deep hydration.
👉 Buy it here: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore on Amazon
Best for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
✔ Dermatologist-recommended hypoallergenic formula.
✔ Contains ceramides & hyaluronic acid to repair the skin barrier.
👉 Buy it here: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream on Amazon
Best Anti-Aging Moisturizer: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
✔ Peptides and niacinamide for firming and wrinkle reduction.
✔ Plumps skin and improves elasticity.
👉 Buy it here: Olay Regenerist on Amazon
Best Moisturizer with SPF: Oars + Alps Everyday Face Moisturizer SPF 37
✔ Lightweight formula with broad-spectrum SPF 37.
✔ Hydrating with vitamin E & B5.
👉 Buy it here: Oars + Alps SPF Moisturizer on Amazon
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right face moisturizer can make all the difference in your skincare routine. Whether you need deep hydration, anti-aging benefits, or an oil-free formula, there’s a perfect moisturizer for your skin type. Pick one from our list and start seeing results today!
Got a favorite moisturizer? Share your thoughts in the comments!
