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Regardless of season, a great face moisturizer is a necessary step in your skin-care routine. Not only do they operate within the function of their name, but they've been proven to reduce skin problems like acne, as well as conceal blemishes and strengthen the skin's moisture barrier through skin-enhancing ingredients like Vitamin E and Niacinamide. Moisturizers have even graduated to being a crucial method in the makeup regimen in the form of primers, acting as a protective fence between harsh products and your skin cells.
With an overwhelming amount of products to choose from, it can be a complex process to find the right one. All skin types aren't created equal, so it's important to hone in on moisturizers that best fit your skin's specific needs. Do you notice that your skin becomes sensitive when you apply certain products? Or maybe oil gathers at your nose's T-zone more than normal? No matter what category you fall in, your skin can always use a hydrating moisturizer. And if you don't know where to start, brands like Sephora and Ulta offer skincare quizzes to help you give your skin the TLC it needs.
Ahead: we gathered 15 of the best face moisturizers. We also tapped a few dermatologists and beauty experts for their favorites to pin your faith on.
CeraVe
CeraVe Moisturizer Cream at Amazon ($18)
In you're looking for a simple formula, especially if you have sensitive skin, CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream is a staple. Made with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this fragrance-free cream helps to improve your skin's hydration and keep the skin barrier healthy.
Topicals
Topicals Like Butter Moisturizer at Amazon ($34)
For those with extra sensitive skin, the perfect moisturizer does exist thanks to Topicals. It works wonders on the skin in just seconds, says Stixx Mathews, a beauty editor and expert. "This has become one of my holy grail moisturizers that I and my eczema-prone skin relies heavily on. If I'm having a breakout but still need to wear complexion products, this is my go-to choice that instantly soothes my inflamed skin."
The Outset
The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream at Amazon ($54)
You've probably heard of The Outset by now, the highly-coveted skincare brand by Scarlett Johansson that's even garnered an Allure Best of Beauty Award. And their restorative night cream actually lives up to the hype. It contains multiple powerhouse ingredients to rejuvenate your skin practically overnight—niacinamide to smooth and tone the skin, hyaluroset for barrier repair and 24-hour moisture, and bakuchiol, a botanical and gentler alternative to retinol.
Keys Soulcare
Firm Belief Smoothing Peptide Cream at Keys Soulcare ($40)
As someone who uses the Keys Soulcare Peptide Cream every day, I can truly attest to its working power. The lightweight cream has peptide galore, a short chain of amino acids which has multiple miracle-working properties, including smoothing wrinkles, preventing breakouts, and improving the skin's barrier and texture. It's extremely hydrating for the skin, lasts all day without oil build-up, and layers well with other products like toner and serum. Plus, you'll be closer to having skin like Alicia Keys.
Clinique
Clinique Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer at Sephora ($84)
The longstanding brand's Moisture Surge uses a blend called aloe bio ferment derived from aloe vera to help your skin retain water and create an everlasting glow. "To hydrate your skin, you must increase its water content, which is exactly what Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator does so well. Moisturization is the process of helping the skin trap, seal, and lock in water," says Clinique Guiding Dermatologist Dr. David Orentreich. And what makes it even better? Your skin actually stays hydrated for up to a shocking 100 hours.
Tatcha
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer at Sephora ($72)
"I live and breathe for the Tatcha dewy skin cream," says Ariel Baker, POPSUGAR's associate beauty editor who religiously uses the product and starts a new one every winter. "It's the perfect dose of moisture for the skin and doesn't break me out, and it's also fabulous for skin prep if you like to wear makeup. It serves so many purposes that I actually think it's worth getting multiples despite its hefty price tag and have recommended it to so many friends. It's THAT good."
Fenty Skin
Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen at Fenty Beauty ($40)
What's better than a great moisturizer? One that also works as sunscreen. With five-star reviews and Rihanna's gorgeous skin as proof, Fenty Skin's Hydra Vizor is the perfect pick for those with oily skin who find traditional creams too weighty on the skin. It's packed with skin-loving ingredients like Kalahari Melon which delivers vitamin and antioxidant-packed hydration and Baobab, a nutrient-rich superfruit that hydrates the skin. We also love that it's non-comedogenic, which helps keep the pores clear.
Skin Medica
HA⁵® Rejuvenating Hydrator at Skin Medica ($184)
Tasha Nicole Smith, the editorial beauty assistant at Elle recommends this moisturizer for sensitive skin because it literally lives up to its name. "I just started using it a few weeks ago, but it's like the best thing ever. My skin is really sensitive so that soothing feeling is perfect for me and I love to spritz my face with some rose water then put the hydrator on right after and it feels amazing."
Neutrogena
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Daily Face Moisturizer at Amazon ($13, originally $15)
A cult-favorite, Neutrogena's Hydro Boost stands on business. Not only does it hydrate the skin, but it ensures that the glow actually lasts through ingredients like purified Hyaluronic Acid that acts as a sponge for dry skin cells and Olive Extract that strengthens your moisture barrier and protects against excessive moisture cells.
Kiehl's
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream at Amazon ($39)
Kiehl's has been conquering the skincare space for decades and their Ultra Facial Cream is a major part of their success. Made with 4.5% Squalane and Glacial Glycoprotein, the lightweight formula works to reduce redness and catapult the skin into maximum hydration for 72 hours.
e.l.f.
e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration Face Cream at Amazon ($13)
One of our affordable favorites, e.l.f.'s face cream is the moisturizer where you'll get the most bang for your buck. It's suitable for all skin types and contains ingredients like Vitamin B5 to soothe and hydrate the skin.
Farmacy
Farmacy Honey Halo Moisturizer at Sephora ($48)
If your skin type is normal-dry, consider reaching for this moisturizer from Farmacy. "I've been obsessed with Farmacy's Honey Halo Moisturizer for years," says Byrdie beauty editor Olivia Hancock, who faithfully uses the cream to maintain her unmatched glow. "It contains antioxidant-rich honey, replenishing ceramides, moisturizing Shea butter, and Vitamin E. Whenever I slather this moisturizer on my face, my dry skin feels so hydrated and plump."
Glow Recipe
Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer at Sephora ($40)
Although Glow Recipe's moisturizer sold out in just two hours when it first launched, it's managed to still be a beauty favorite, especially for those with dry and irritable skin. Key components include watermelon extract that helps your skin stay smooth and supple.
Laneige
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer at Sephora ($40)
A Sydney Sweeney favorite, Laneige's moisturizer actually hydrates the skin for up to 100 hours through its rich formula of Blue Hyaluronic Acid that delivers effective moisture and Pepta-Panthenol Complex™ that visibly firms the skin.
Florence by Mills
Dreamy Dew Oil-Free Moisturizer at Florence by Mills ($18)
An oil-free moisturizer that Millie Bobby Brown uses herself? Yes please. This extremely light cream includes two types of lotus flower extracts and vitamin B12 to help control oil and calm the skin.
