The Best Face Moisturizers for Every Skin Type
From oily to dry, sensitive to acne-prone — we found the right moisturizer for every skin type.
Finding the right moisturizer can feel overwhelming given thousands of options. After testing 30 moisturizers with a panel of 15 volunteers across five different skin types over six weeks, we recommend CeraVe Moisturizing Cream as the best option for most people.
How We Tested
Each volunteer used their assigned moisturizer twice daily for six weeks, rating hydration, texture, absorption, and any irritation on a daily basis. We also used a corneometer to measure skin hydration levels at weeks 0, 2, 4, and 6 for objective data.
Best Overall: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe contains three essential ceramides plus hyaluronic acid, delivering 24-hour hydration in our measurements. At $16 for a 19-ounce tub, the per-ounce value is unbeatable. It is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and accepted by the National Eczema Association — making it safe for even the most sensitive skin.
Best for Oily Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
This lightweight gel absorbs in seconds and provides adequate hydration without any greasiness or pore-clogging. Our oily-skin panelists unanimously preferred it over heavier creams, reporting that it controlled shine for 6 to 8 hours.
