Applying a face moisturizer daily is one of the most important elements of healthy, beautiful skin, regardless of the season, age, or skin type. Even if you don’t have dry skin, experts advise that moisturizing is essential for keeping skin youthful and healthy. “Moisturizing protects the skin barrier,” says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a New York City dermatologist. The better your skin’s fight against inflammation and damage, the better your skin’s defence against signs of dehydration, irritation, redness, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles over time.
However, just because a product is labelled as a moisturizer does not imply that it will be good at hydrating skin. As a result, Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists are continuously putting face moisturizer products to the test, utilizing both Lab tools and consumer tester feedback to identify which are effective. Scientists tallied 4,434 Lab data points in the HA Beauty Lab’s most recent day cream test to find the best face moisturizers you can buy for all skin types, including combination skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, and dry skin, and for all ages, whether you’re looking for an anti-ageing formula or one for glowing skin.
Read on for more information about the best face moisturizers and creams, as evaluated by the HA Beauty Lab, supported by the HomeAccessoris Seal, or suggested by dermatologists:
Our top picks:
4
BEST FACE MOISTURIZER TO SHRINK PORES
Perricone MD Photo Plasma Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30
5
BEST VALUE NIGHT FACE MOISTURIZER
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer
9
BEST FACE MOISTURIZER FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin
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BEST FACE MOISTURIZER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
14
BEST VALUE HAIR GROWTH OIL
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
15
BEST FACE MOISTURIZER FOR DRY SKIN
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
17
BEST FACE MOISTURIZER FOR GLOWING SKIN
Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30
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BEST VALUE FACE MOISTURIZER
L'Oréal Paris Skin Expert Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30
While the HA Beauty Lab has not formally evaluated hair growth oils, these recommendations are based on Beauty Lab scientists’ categorization expertise and testing, recommendations from hair experts and dermatologists, and validated consumer evaluations.
More information on which ingredients to consider when shopping can be found at the end of this guide. Looking for other techniques to promote hair growth? Check out our guides to the greatest foods for hair growth and the best DIY hair masks, which both contain elements that encourage hair growth.
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BEST FACE MOISTURIZER FOR FINE LINES
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer SPF 30
NOW 44% OFF
PROS
- Hydrates skin
- Good value
- Smooths lines
CONS
When you’re not going to the beach, it’s easy to forget about SPF, so reach for a moisturizer with built-in broad spectrum SPF 30 skin protection daily to prevent lines. In HA Beauty Lab tests, Neutrogena’s HA Beauty Award winner moisturized skin well and received outstanding evaluations for boosting skin tone and easing fine wrinkles. “My skin looks younger and has less visible wrinkles,” and “Hands down the best wrinkle cream I have tried,” said two testers.
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PROS
- Enhances radiance all day
- Minimizes dark spots
- Good value
CONS
This Olay HA Seal star and Beauty Award winner is a cloud-like moisturizer with 5% brightening niacinamide and green tea that swiftly absorbs into the skin and promotes radiance. According to HA Beauty Lab data analysis, the product boosts brightness during an eight-hour day and fades and diminishes dark spots and pores over time.
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BEST FACE MOISTURIZER FOR MATURE SKIN
SeeMe Beauty Beauty Hydrating Face Moisturizer
NOW 10% OFF
PROS
- Intensely nourishing formula
- Softens skin
CONS
- Pricey
This thick HA Seal star cream, made with plant-derived components, including artichoke, turmeric, and avocado, was formulated to moisturize aged skin intensely. According to HA Beauty Lab data analysis, 86% of women aged 55 and up agreed the solution left their skin feeling hydrated in a test.
4
BEST FACE MOISTURIZER TO SHRINK PORES
Perricone MD Photo Plasma Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30
NOW 40% OFF
PROS
- Powerful moisturization
- Minimizes pores
CONS
- May feel taky on skin
This Perricone MD moisturizer was one of the best hydration in HA Beauty Lab day cream testing, and it was the only winner that contained only mineral sunscreen. Over six hours, Beauty Lab scientists observed a 30% rise in skin moisture levels. According to calculations using the Visia Complexion Analyzer, it also surpassed the competition by reducing the appearance of pores by 8% in four weeks. “It made my skin feel dewy and fresh,” said one tester.
5
BEST VALUE NIGHT FACE MOISTURIZER
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer
NOW 14% OFF
PROS
- Strong hydration
- Increases firmness
- Affotable price
CONS
This gel-like L’Oréal Paris night cream scored top ratings in HA Beauty Lab testing for moisturizing and firming skin. It increased skin moisturization by 40%, according to lab calculations using the Corneometer, and firmness by 36% in four weeks.“I could tell a real difference in my skin after just a few uses,” one tester said.“It was smooth, plumped, and moisturized.”
6
BEST FACE MOISTURIZER FOR WRINKLES
RoC Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
NOW 42% OFF
PROS
- Measurably smooths skin
- Minimizes wrinkles
CONS
Roc Awas stands out in H Beauty Lab day cream testing for smoothing wrinkles, creases, and skin texture. After four weeks of regular use, lab digital imaging with the Visia Complexion Analyzer revealed that the product improved skin texture by 11%.“It left my skin feeling plump and looking smooth and glowing,” gushed one tester.
7
BEST FACE MOISTURIZER FOR ECZEMA
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
NOW 32% OFF
PROS
- Soothes skin
- Light, relieveing gel texture
- Bargain price
CONS
Aveeno’s innovative product, a HA Beauty Award winner, melds a next-generation water-based gel texture and nourishing, anti-inflammatory colloidal oat, commonly used to treat eczema, instantly quenches and relieves a parched face. The lightweight moisturizer “melts in with no greasiness or tackiness and cools and calms dry, irritated skin patches on contact,” according to Wizemann. “My skin looked better the next day: less red and not as rough.”
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BEST FACE MOISTURIZER FOR ROSACEA
Cetaphil Redness Night Relief Moisturizer
NOW 30% OFF
PROS
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free
- Calms skin
CONS
Reduce skin redness and reactivity with this Cetaphil night moisturizer, which contains nourishing ceramides and shea butter and is recommended by Dr. Engelman for rosacea relief. Because the formula is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, it is less prone to irritate the skin.
9
BEST FACE MOISTURIZER FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin
NOW 10% OFF
PROS
- Not greasy or pore-clogging
- Balances shine
CONS
- May not be rich enough for dry skin
Neutrogena’s HA Beauty Award winner is a light solution that balances skin by moisturizing dry areas while eliminating shine in oilier places. Data from the HA Beauty Lab confirmed that it hydrates for up to four hours and absorbs fast, leaving a non-greasy finish that won’t clog pores.
10
BEST FACE MOISTURIZER FOR DRY, SENSITIVE SKIN
No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream
NOW 7% OFF
PROS
- Lasting hydration
- Gentle on skin
- Boosts radiance
CONS
HA Seal Star No7’s watertight gel-cream hybrid melts into nourishing, thirsty, reactive skin with lipids, glycerin, and plant-derived sugars, like a cool drink for your complexion. According to Lab data analysis, the solution enhanced skin moisturization for three days after application, and 84% of testers felt their skin (including sensitive skin) looked glowing after one week of use.
11
BEST FACE MOISTURIZER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
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
Eau Thermale Avène’s cream, rich in nourishing glycerin and triglycerides, was formulated with minimum ingredients and without common irritants like aroma to help calm the most sensitive skin. Sabina Wizemann, Senior Chemist at HA Beauty Lab, and HA’s beauty director use it in their routines to reduce inflammation such as redness and eczema. “This is my go-to moisturizer when my skin is reacting and I need a moisturizer that will feel deeply coddling to help calm it,” HA’s beauty director says. “It’s so gentle, I can use it right away on flare-ups.”
12
PROS
- Provides sun protection
- Measurably increases hydration
CONS
This HA Seal and Beauty Award-winning Olay lotion is a unique blend that offers sun protection and a regular moisturiser’s moisturising qualities. HA Beauty Lab studies revealed that it enhanced skin hydration levels by 31% — more than any previous facial SPF 30 tested.
13
PROS
- Lightweight texture
- Lasting hydration
- Bargain price
CONS
- May be too light for very dry skin
Neutrogena’s revolutionary hyaluronic acid moisturizer, a HA Beauty Award winner, quenches dehydrated skin quickly and all day with its featherlight refreshing gel texture without feeling heavy on oily skin. According to HA Beauty Lab research, the solution moistened skin for 12 hours.
14
BEST VALUE HAIR GROWTH OIL
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
NOW 5% OFF
PROS
- Made with hair growth-promoting ingredients
- Soothing formula
- Affordable
CONS
- Super strong scent
Dr. Graf recommends this low-cost Mielle Organics scalp oil for those who are prone to inflammation. “This is a great option for people with sensitive scalps,” she says. “It has over 30 different oils and nutrients that can promote hair growth.” These ingredients include soothing rosemary, castor, tea tree, and peppermint oil. It does have a strong aroma, so use caution when using it.
15
BEST FACE MOISTURIZER FOR DRY SKIN
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
PROS
- Powerful hydration
- Light feel
CONS
The iconic Clinique lotion, a gold standard and HA Beauty Award winner has stood the test of time, efficiently moisturizing even very dry skin for hours in HA Beauty Lab testing despite its light feel. Measurements with the Lab’s Corneometer gadget revealed that it enhanced skin moisture by 41% after six hours of treatment.
16
BEST ANTI-AGING FACE MOISTURIZER
Roc Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Crème
NOW 29% OFF
PROS
- Effectively hydrates skin
- Reduces wrinkles and dark spots
- Great value
CONS
This luxurious-feeling Roc cream is based on the research-verified chemical retinol, which speeds up skin cell turnover to eliminate dark spots and wrinkles in as little as seven days. After one week of regular use, volunteers’ skin appeared 32% smoother and more luminous in clinical tests. According to lab data analysis, the mixture lowered the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots by 46% over eight weeks and kept skin hydrated for a full 24 hours.
17
BEST FACE MOISTURIZER FOR GLOWING SKIN
Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30
PROS
- Boost skin's glow
- Softens lines
- Absorbs fast
CONS
Mary Kay’s lightweight day cream with SPF is more than just a moisturizer; it contains antioxidants and peptides for high-level hydration, brightening, and line-fighting properties. According to users, the formula absorbs rapidly and is non-greasy. Clinical trials revealed that 80% of testers noticed an improved radiance, and 70% reported reduced face wrinkles.
18
BEST VALUE FACE MOISTURIZER
L'Oréal Paris Skin Expert Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30
NOW 25% OFF
PROS
- Powerful hydrator
- Reduces darks spots and evens skin tone
- Bargain price
CONS
- May cause irritation in contact with eyes
This L’Oréal Paris brightening lotion is the best of the HA Beauty Lab’s anti-ageing day cream test, efficiently levelling skin tone, eliminating UV spots, and moisturizing. In four weeks, lab tests revealed that it increased skin moisture by 28% and reduced UV spots by 11%.”In addition to moisturizing, it reduced the appearance of my wrinkles, improved my skin tone, and made my skin appear brighter and more radiant,” one tester said.d
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PROS
- Measurably and powerfully hydrates skin
- Lasting moisturization
- Rich texture
CONS
In HA Beauty Lab moisturization tests, this famous Olay product surpassed over a dozen competitors, including one costing $440. Lab experts were astounded by how successfully this HA Seal star hydrated skin over 24 hours, increasing moisture levels by 50% on average.
How we test face moisturizers
Institute of Home Accessories Beauty Lab experts have researched skincare products’ efficacy, especially face moisturizers, for over a century. When skincare products claim moisturization or hydration, HA Beauty Lab scientists utilize the Corneometer equipment to determine how well (or not!) a formula hydrates skin. The gadget (shown below) measures the hydration levels of testers’ clean skin before application and again six hours later to quantify how much the product boosted skin moisture levels.
HA Beauty Lab scientists also send label-masked moisturizers to consumer testers to use in their skincare regimes to avoid bias. They report their input on variables such as absorption, texture, smell, and the look and feel of skin after use after a set period. This information is then compiled to determine the top moisturizers on the market.
What to look for when shopping for the best face moisturizer
Moisturizers are oil-water emulsions (along with other components for nourishment, therapy, and preservation) that help replace hydration by keeping moisture in the skin and dryness out. For best efficacy in formulae for all skin types and demands, HA Beauty Lab scientists recommended looking for face moisturizers featuring five major categories of skincare ingredients:
- Emollients are moisturizing components such as plant oils, fatty acids, triglycerides, and squalane that moisturize and soften the skin.
- Humectants attract moisture from the environment or the skin’s deeper layers. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are two common examples.
- Occlusive substances establish a barrier over the skin, locking in moisture and preventing moisture loss. Examples include waxes (produced from plants or beeswax), plant butter (such as shea and cocoa), petrolatum, and silicones.
What's the best way to apply a face moisturizer?
Apply moisturizer to your clean face every day (morning and evening, depending on your skin type) after applying any other treatment items, such as serums. As you apply it, massage it in: “This will improve absorption and effectiveness, as well as circulation,” Dr. Engelman suggests.
Why trust Home Accessories?
HA has more than 15 years of experience researching, producing, and editing content on skincare. It draws on the knowledge of top industry experts like dermatologists and aestheticians as well as the scientists at the Home Accessories Institute Beauty Lab. She is an authority in moisturizers and all other types of facial skincare products. April collaborates closely with the HA Beauty Lab to organize the testing of skincare products and transform test results into top-notch, enticing content for Home Accessories that is factually correct and validated by science.
Former senior editor at the Home Accessories Institute, Nicole Saporita frequently worked with specialists from the Beauty Lab.
