Health and Safety We Tested the Best Face Moisturizers—These 22 Hydrate Without Clogging Pores After trying 64 face moisturizers, we found the best 22 for every skin type By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist LinkedIn Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 09, 2023 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Kristin McGee, CPT Reviewed by Kristin McGee, CPT Kristin McGee is a certified personal trainer and currently teaches yoga and meditation for Peloton. She is also certified in Pilates by the National Association of Sports Medicine. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr LinkedIn Twitter Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Fit / David Hattan Breakouts don’t have to be a side effect of exercise. If your pores get clogged every time you work out, your face moisturizer may be to blame, says dermatologist Hadley King, MD-FAAD. And you can find a new one that hydrates your skin without causing build-up or breakouts. The key, according to the dermatologists we spoke to, is to find a moisturizer that’s non-comedogenic—or designed not to clog your pores. If you really struggle with clogged pores, you may also want a moisturizer with pore-clearing ingredients, like salicylic acid, says dermatologist Noreen Galaria, MD-FAAD. To help you find the best moisturizer for your skin type and budget, we put 64 face moisturizers to the test in The Verywell Testing Lab and at home. Testers with skin on the oilier side tried 29 moisturizers for oily skin. Testers with self-proclaimed “dry skin” tried 35 moisturizers for dry skin, evaluating them for texture, absorption, dryness or oiliness, appearance, and overall value. Following our tests, we scored the products between 1 (would not recommend) and 5 (highly recommend) in each key category we tested for. And we also vetted each moisturizer’s effectiveness with a moisture reader, checking our skin’s moisture and oil levels before applying the moisturizer and 15 minutes after putting it on. We found the best face moisturizers for every skin type and budget using these scores and insights. And to round out our suggestions, we tapped three dermatologists and two personal trainers for expert recommendations and advice. We also asked a certified personal trainer from our Review Board to review this story for accuracy surrounding what to look for in face moisturizers, including their ingredients, and when they should be used. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Drugstore: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream at Walmart Jump to Review Best for Mature Skin: Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best Natural: Then I Met You Renewing Rich Beauty Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best Lightweight: La Roche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Oil-Based: Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Hyperpigmentation: Versed Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best with SPF: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Moisturizer at Fentybeauty.com Jump to Review Best Brightening: EltaMD AM Therapy Face Moisturizer at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks We Also Tested How We Tested What to Look for FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS Pros Lightweight Fast-absorbing and fast-acting Great for different skin types Cons Sticky Vanicream’s Daily Facial Moisturizer offers better value than any other product we tested. Made with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and five different ceramides, the lotion doesn’t just hydrate your skin—it also locks in moisture. It’s also free of pore-clogging ingredients and never left our skin feeling greasy or oily during testing. The lightweight moisturizer is easy to apply and absorbs quickly. And within 15 minutes, it left our skin looking and feeling more hydrated. We loved how sheer the moisturizer was: If we needed to layer it under a thicker lotion during the winter, we could. Our only qualm? The moisturizer felt a little sticky in the seasonal humidity. The moisturizer is also one of the most versatile on our list. In addition to being great for different skin types (including dry, oily, and combination skin), it’s fragrance-free and sensitive-skin-friendly. And at a budget-friendly price, we think it’s a steal. Price at time of publication: $15 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 II), squalane | Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 3 ounces | SPF: No Best Budget Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer 4.4 Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS Pros Exfoliates and hydrates Lightweight and fast-acting Great for oily and acne-prone skin Cons May excessively dry out skin Like our top pick, Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Facial Moisturizer moisturizes skin without feeling greasy or oily. But it relies on a different formula to get the job done. The moisturizer’s key ingredient is acne-fighting salicylic acid. So it actively exfoliates your skin while hydrating it. Since the moisturizer is oil-free, Galaria says it’s particularly great for oily skin. And, while testing, we felt the same way: The moisturizer reduced oil while making our skin feel smoother and more hydrated. It also proved as lightweight and fast-absorbing as our overall favorite. According to Neutrogena, the moisturizer can aggressively dry out your skin when you start using it. And while we didn’t have this problem while testing, we think it’s worth noting—especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. After impressing us with its ability to hydrate and exfoliate, this moisturizer quickly became one of our favorites. And you can get a 4-ounce bottle at a budget-friendly price. Price at time of publication: $9 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 4 ounces | SPF: No Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Best Drugstore CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin with Ceramides 4.8 Ulta View On Walmart View On Target View On Ulta Pros Lightweight and fast-acting Great for dry and sensitive skin Comes in a budget-friendly 12-ounce tub Cons Not cruelty-free You can find a great moisturizer at your local drugstore, Galaria says. And after trying Cerave’s Moisturizing Cream, we agree. Made with hyaluronic acid and three different ceramides, the moisturizer hydrates your skin and locks in moisture. And it works in a snap. After applying this thick moisturizing cream, our skin felt softer and more hydrated. And when we did a 15-minute check-in, it felt just as great. The cream never left behind a film or made our skin feel greasy. And while it’s suitable for all skin types (including sensitive skin), it’s one of Galaria’s favorites for dry skin. The moisturizer is also one of the budget-friendliest options on our list. Our only issue with this product? It’s not cruelty-free. And we know that for many people, that’s not just a downside—it’s a dealbreaker. Price at time of publication: $18 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides (1, 3, 6 II) | Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive | Cruelty-Free: No | Size: 12 ounces | SPF: No Best for Mature Skin Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream 4.8 Sephora View On Amazon View On Glowrecipe.com View On Kohls.com Pros Fast-absorbing and fast-acting Great for many skin types Easy to refill Cons Sticky until absorbed Expensive Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer promises hydrating results in as little as three days. But we found that it worked even faster: Just 15 minutes after applying the moisturizer, our skin looked and felt more hydrated. Made of hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid, the moisturizer hydrates skin and locks in moisture. And though it initially felt sticky, we had no trouble applying it. The cream soaked in quickly, immediately moisturizing our skin and giving us a dewy glow. And since it proved so hydrating, we made it our top pick for mature skin. That said, the moisturizer is suitable for a range of skin types (like dry, combination, and oily skin)—and we'd recommend it to anyone. We know it’s pricier for a 1.8-ounce moisturizer, but we think this one’s worth the splurge. And we love that you can save money and packaging by refilling the product instead of replacing it. Price at time of publication: $39 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid | Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily, combination, mature | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: No Best Natural Then I Met You Renewing Rich Beauty Cream 4.5 Then I Met You View On Amazon View On Sokoglam.com View On Thenimetyou.com Pros Made with natural ingredients Fast-absorbing and fast-acting Vegan Cons Too rich for oily skin Expensive Then I Met You’s Renewing Rich Beauty Cream relies on all-natural hydrators, like ginseng, squalane, baobab, and hyaluronic acid. And it delivers results. Our skin was noticeably more hydrated just 15 minutes after applying the cream. And the driest parts of our face (our forehead and chin) saw the biggest difference: The cream boosted moisture by 36 to 47 percent. Despite being a rich cream, the moisturizer never felt greasy or heavy. And while it’s a little thick for oily skin, it’s great for other skin types, like dry, combination, and sensitive skin. The cream is also vegan and cruelty-free. And it contains no alcohol, parabens, artificial colors, or fragrances. For the price, we wish the 1.69-ounce tub contained more cream. (Even when we first opened it, it didn’t look very full.) But we still think the moisturizer is worth the investment, especially if you want something truly natural. Price at time of publication: $58 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Ginseng, squalane, baobab, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, sensitive | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.69 ounces | SPF: No Verywell / Tamara Staples Verywell / Tamara Staples Verywell / Tamara Staples Verywell / Tamara Staples Best Lightweight La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Laroche-posay.us Pros Lightweight, even on oily skin SPF 30 protection Doesn’t leave behind grease or oil Cons Had to apply extra Not cruelty-free La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer is one of Galaria’s favorites, and it also impressed us during our tests. Made of niacinamide and ceramide NP, the moisturizer hydrates your skin and seals in moisture. And since it contains sun-protective ingredients—like avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene—it doubles as an SPF 30 sunscreen. While many sun-protective moisturizers feel creamy or heavy, this one is truly lightweight. And it’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores. During our tests, the moisturizer soaked in quickly, never leaving grease, oil, or residue behind. Though we love this moisturizer's barely-there feel, we wish it were slightly thicker. To get the moisture we wanted, we had to apply extra—even when testing the moisturizer on oily skin. This moisturizer comes at an incredible price, especially since it doubles as a sunscreen. Unfortunately, unlike many of our other favorites, the product isn’t cruelty-free. Price at time of publication: $22 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Ceramide NP, niacinamide, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: Normal, oily, combination, sensitive | Cruelty-Free: No | Size: 3.38 ounces | SPF: Yes (30) Verywell / Jhett Thompson Verywell / Tamara Staples Verywell / Tamara Staples Best Oil-Based Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Lightweight Face Moisturizer 4.6 Sephora View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Nordstrom Pros Great for dry and dehydrated skin Easy to apply Fast-acting Cons Too rich for oily skin Can get in your hair DHC’s Olive Virgin Oil Essential Cream works wonders on dry and dehydrated skin. Made with olive oil, the rich moisturizer isn’t great for every skin type. (Oil-based moisturizers aren’t ideal for oily skin, King says.) But it’s great at combating dryness. Within 15 minutes, the moisturizer made our dry skin feel hydrated and dewy. It even seemed to fill in fine lines, giving our skin a plumper, almost-retouched look. Though the moisturizer is thick and creamy, we found it easy to apply and fast-absorbing. But because it’s so oily, we’d recommend wearing a headband to keep it out of your hair. At first, we were nervous about trying an oil-based product. But this one thoroughly impressed us—and we’d change nothing about it. Sure, it doesn’t suit as many skin types as some of our other favorites. But this one does the trick if you’re looking for a moisturizer that can combat serious dryness. Price at time of publication: $42 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Olive oil | Skin Type: Dry, combination, sensitive | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: No Verywell / Tamara Staples Verywell / Tamara Staples Verywell / Tamara Staples Best for Hyperpigmentation Versed Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream 4.8 Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Revolve Pros Hydrates and tones Rich but non-greasy Great for dry and mature skin Cons Too rich for oily skin Versed’s Skin Soak Cream is a triple threat. The moisturizer relies on squalane and hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin, vitamin E to lock in moisture, and algae extract to tone your skin and unclog your pores. And 15 minutes after using it, our skin looked smoother, our pores smaller, and our skin tone more even. Though the cream wasn’t as fast-absorbing as some of our other favorites, it didn’t take long to soak in. And it felt lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wear. Given its non-greasy texture, the moisturizer is great for various skin types, like dry, combination, and sensitive skin. And if you have oily skin, Versed recommends using the rich lotion as a night cream—not an everyday moisturizer. We also like that this top-notch moisturizer is budget-friendly. And since a little goes a long way, the 1.5-ounce tub of cream should last you a while. Price at time of publication: $18 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Squalane, hyaluronic acid, algae extract, vitamin E | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, sensitive, mature | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.5 ounces | SPF: No Best with SPF Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen 4.2 Sephora View On Fentybeauty.com View On Kohls.com View On Sephora Pros SPF 30 Lightweight and non-greasy Hydrates and tones Cons Fragrant Should be reapplied every 2 hours Fenty Skin’s Hydra Vizor Invisible Face Moisturizer is our favorite face moisturizer with SPF—and it’s one of Galaria’s favorites, too. Unlike many sun-protective moisturizers, this one’s lightweight and non-comedogenic. And it never left behind any grease or residue. Made of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, the moisturizer hydrates and tones your skin. And it contains common sunscreen ingredients—like avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate—which offer SPF 30 protection. Minutes after using the moisturizer, our skin looked and felt more hydrated. And its rosy tint blended right in with our skin. Though the moisturizer had a sweet fragrance, we didn’t mind the smell—and you can buy it fragrance-free, too. According to Fenty, you should reapply this moisturizer every two hours for optimal results and sun protection—just like regular sunscreen. We love how hydrating the moisturizer felt the first time we applied it, and we think it’s a great option for everyday use, especially if you like exercising outdoors. Price at time of publication: $39 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe, niacinamide, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate | Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily, combination | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: Yes (30) Verywell / Tamara Staples Verywell / Tamara Staples Verywell / Tamara Staples Best Brightening EltaMD AM Therapy Face Moisturizer 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Dermstore Pros Hydrates and tones Glowy, brightening finish Lightweight but effective Cons Slow to absorb Fitness instructor Jess Paris, NASM, CPT, swears by EltaMD’s AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer. And after testing it, we can see why. Made of hyaluronic acid and dimethicone, the moisturizer hydrates your skin and seals in moisture. And since it also contains niacinamide and vitamin C, it tones your skin while hydrating it. When testing, the lightweight moisturizer absorbed slowly, taking about five minutes to soak in. But once it did, it worked like a dream. Just 15 minutes after using the moisturizer, our skin was 25 to 44 more hydrated than at the start of the test, according to our moisture reader. And we loved the product’s glowy finish: Our skin looked brighter and felt more refreshed. The moisturizer is also oil-free, fragrance-free, and sensitive-skin-friendly. So it’s great for a range of skin types. Paris has combination skin and uses the tinted version of this moisturizer every day. But it wowed us when we tested it on dry skin, too. Price at time of publication: $41 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, niacinamide, vitamin C | Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: No Verywell / Tamara Staples Verywell / Tamara Staples Verywell / Tamara Staples Best for Redness Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré 4.8 Dermstore View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Dermstore Pros Hydrates, smooths, and tones Boosts moisture and reduces oil Calms redness Cons Thick texture Fragrant Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentré doesn’t just hydrate your skin—it also smooths and soothes it. And 15 minutes after using it, we saw a dramatic difference in skin tone and texture. The lotion relies on four key ingredients—shea butter, beeswax, soy proteins, and aloe vera—to hydrate your skin and seal in moisture. And it did a great job refreshing our skin. The lotion boosted moisture in our face by 24 to 40 percent, according to our moisture reader, while reducing oil by 2 to 16 percent. It also calmed the redness in our cheeks and made our skin feel smoother. Those results blew us away, especially given the product’s fairly budget-friendly price. We’d happily spend more to keep it on hand. Embryolisse recommends it for dry and sensitive skin, but we think it works well for oily and combination skin types, too. That said, the lotion did go on a little thick. And it has a rosy fragrance—though we didn’t mind the smell. Price at time of publication: $16 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Shea butter, beeswax, soy proteins, aloe vera | Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 2.54 ounces | SPF: No Verywell / Tamara Staples Verywell / Tamara Staples Best Multi-Use Alleyoop Dream Team 3-in-1 Moisturizer Eye Cream & Mask 4.8 Alleyoop View On Amazon View On Meetalleyoop.com Pros Hydrates and smooths Lightweight and non-greasy Fast-absorbing and fast-acting Cons Too rich for oily skin Alleyoop’s Dream Team 3-In-1 Moisturizer doubles as an eye cream—and triples as a mask. The multi-tasking moisturizer hydrates and smooths out your skin and is made with hyaluronic acid, squalane, macadamia nut, and coconut oil. And in just 15 minutes, it took our skin from thirsty to moist. The moisturizer was lightweight and fast-absorbing, never feeling sticky or oily. And immediately after applying it, our skin felt smoother and more flexible. Our moisture meter backed this up: The product increased the moisture of our forehead by 32 percent, and it boosted our cheek’s moisture by a whopping 87 percent. Because the moisturizer is so rich, we wouldn’t recommend it for oily skin. But it’s great for other skin types, like dry and combination skin. The 1.68-ounce moisturizer feels a little bit expensive. But since it does the work of three products, it’s easy to justify the buy. Price at time of publication: $35 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, macadamia nut oil, coconut oil | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.68 ounces | SPF: No Verywell / Tamara Staples Verywell / Tamara Staples Verywell / Tamara Staples Best Cruelty-Free Basebutter Balancing Gel Facial Moisturizer 4.8 Basebutter View On Basebutter.com View On Target Pros Natural, vegan, and cruelty-free Great for oily and acne-prone skin Lightweight Cons Strong smell Slow to absorb Base Butter’s Balancing Gel Facial Moisturizer is both vegan and cruelty-free. And it’s packed with natural ingredients—like shea butter, aloe vera, evening primrose, and witch hazel—that moisturize, soothe, and exfoliate your skin. Made for oily and acne-prone skin, the moisturizer is lightweight and fast-absorbing. And it never left behind any grease, oil, or residue. The moisturizer took a while to soak in. But once it did, our skin felt more hydrated and looked less oily. After 25 minutes of wearing the moisturizer, our face still looked shine-free—though we noticed some oiliness on the sides of our nose. Because the moisturizer contains essential oils, like lavender and tea tree oil, it has a strong smell—and we didn’t love the fragrance. Since we appreciate the emphasis on natural ingredients, we’re happy to tolerate the smell. And we suspect we might get used to it the more we wear this moisturizer. Price at time of publication: $29 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Shea butter, aloe vera, evening primrose, witch hazel | Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 2 ounces | SPF: No Verywell / Leticia Almeida Verywell / Jhett Thompson Best for Sensitive Skin innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Moisturizer 5 Sephora View On Amazon View On Sephora Pros Made without parabens or synthetic colors Great for different skin types Lightweight and non-greasy Cons Strong smell Great for sensitive skin, innisfree’s Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Acid Cream is made without parabens, sulfates, or synthetic colors. And it contains less than 1 percent of synthetic fragrance. It’s also an effective moisturizer, leaving our skin looking dewy and feeling hydrated shortly after we put it on. Made with hyaluronic acid, squalane, ceramide NP, and green tea extract, the moisturizer hydrates your skin and seals in moisture. And though it’s lightweight, a little goes a long way. A small dab of the moisturizer was enough to rejuvenate our oily skin, and it never left us looking greasy or shiny. The moisturizer is great for different skin types, including dry, combination, and oily. But it has a strong green tea fragrance, which we found overwhelming. We were able to get past the smell and fall in love with the cream. But people who are sensitive to smells may not like it. Price at time of publication: $29 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, ceramide NP, green tea extract | Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: No Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Best Gel Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Paulaschoice.com Pros Hydrates, tones, and soothes Lightweight but effective Fragrance-free and sensitive-skin-friendly Cons Too lightweight for dry skin Paula's Choice’s Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel does more than the average moisturizer. Made with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and oat extract, the moisturizer hydrates, tones, and soothes your skin. And because it’s a gel, it doesn't just feel lightweight—it feels almost weightless. The moisturizer was lightweight, fast-absorbing, and easy to apply. And it left our oily skin looking glowy rather than greasy. According to our moisture meter, the gel boosted moisture in our skin by 1 to 15 percent, making us feel hydrated without any heaviness. And while we wouldn’t recommend it for dry skin, it’s great for oily and combination skin. It’s also fragrance-free and sensitive-skin-friendly. When testing products, we can usually come up with something to critique. But this gel moisturizer impressed us in every way. We’d happily pay full price for a 2-ounce tube of it. And if you want a lightweight moisturizer that hydrates skin without shine, there’s nothing we’d recommend more highly. Price at time of publication: $33 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, oat extract | Skin Type: Oily, combination, sensitive | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 2 ounces | SPF: No Verywell / Jhett Thompson Verywell / Leticia Almeida Best Splurge SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture 4.6 Dermstore View On Dermstore View On Howl.me Pros Hydrates, tones, and exfoliates Lightweight but effective Great for different skin types Cons Comes in a small tub SkinCeuticals’ Daily Moisture is one of the priciest moisturizers we tested. But we think it’s worth every penny. The moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid, algae extract, panthenol, vitamin E, and witch hazel. So it does a lot at once, simultaneously hydrating, toning, and exfoliating your skin. Though the moisturizer feels thick, it’s easy to apply. And it took less than 10 minutes to soak in. When it did, it left our skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. And it nearly doubled the moisture in our face, according to our moisture meter. It also boosted the oil in our already-oily skin, but we didn’t mind: Our skin felt dewy and clean rather than greasy. One thing that makes this moisturizer truly special? It’s suitable for every skin type, from dry to oily skin. For the price, we wish the 2-ounce tub was a little bigger. But we’ll take what we can get with a moisturizer this great. Price at time of publication: $76 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, algae extract, panthenol, vitamin E, witch hazel | Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily, combination, mature | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 2 ounces | SPF: No Best for Darker Skin Mele Plump It Up Nourishing Facial Cream 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS Pros Hydrates and tones Lightweight but effective Budget-friendly Cons Fragrant Not cruelty-free Melé’s Plump It Up Nourishing Facial Cream is specifically designed for melanin-rich skin. Made with niacinamide, vitamin B5, amino acids, and squalane, the moisturizing cream hydrates your skin and seals in moisture. And it also tones your skin to even out your complexion. Though Melé recommends this moisturizer for dry skin, we tested it on oily skin—and it still impressed. The moisturizer proved lightweight, fast-absorbing, and easy to apply. And it quickly made our skin feel hydrated and refreshed. And while the moisturizer boosted the amount of oil in our skin, according to our moisture meter, it didn’t leave us looking shiny or oily. It was so lightweight we’d happily wear it under makeup. We didn’t love the moisturizer’s floral fragrance and wished it were cruelty-free. But we’re still blown away by its budget-friendly price point. The moisturizer is one of the best buys on our list—even though it comes in a small 1.35-ounce tube. Price at time of publication: $19 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin B5, amino acids, squalane | Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily, combination | Cruelty-Free: No | Size: 1.35 ounces | SPF: No Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Best for Oily Skin Tatcha The Water Cream 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Ecosmetics.com View On Kohls.com Pros Hydrates, tones, and reduces oil Lightweight and effective Fast-absorbing and fast-acting Cons Expensive As Galaria noted, oil-free moisturizers are great for oily skin—and Tatcha’s The Water Cream is no exception. But the lightweight moisturizer takes things a step further: One of its key ingredients, leopard lily, actually reduces the amount of oil in your skin. Made with unique ingredients—like wild rose, leopard lily, green tea, rice, and algae extract—the moisturizer hydrates and tones your skin. And we loved wearing it. The lightweight cream soaked in quickly, and it nearly doubled the amount of moisture in our skin. The cream did make our oily skin slightly oilier. But we just felt dewy and hydrated and never had to deal with shine or grease. The only problem with this moisturizer? It’s very expensive. In fact, when you consider size, it’s pricier than our favorite splurge pick. Still, it looks and feels like a luxurious product. And if you don’t mind splurging on skincare, it’s a great pick. Price at time of publication: $70 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Wild rose, leopard lily, green tea, rice, algae extract | Skin Type: Normal, oily, combination, sensitive | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: No Verywell / Jhett Thompson Verywell / Leticia Almeida Best Vegan Kopari Moisture Whipped Ceramide Cream 4.8 Ulta View On Anthropologie View On Beautybay.com View On Macy's Pros Cruelty-free, vegan, and natural Great for different skin types Lightweight and effective Cons Expensive Kopari’s Moisture Whipped Ceramide Cream isn’t just cruelty-free—it’s completely vegan. And it relies on clean ingredients—like plant-derived ceramides, hyaluronic acid, baobab, Kalahari melon, and coconut milk—to hydrate your skin and lock in moisture. Kopari recommends this moisturizer for dry and normal skin types. But when we tested it on oily skin, it worked like a dream, too. According to our moisture meter, the cream boosted moisture by 36 percent while reducing oil by 41 percent. And it smoothed out our skin without any shine or grease. We especially love that the lotion went on smoothly and left behind no residue, even when tested on darker skin tones. At its current price, the 2.1-ounce moisturizer feels a little expensive. But it’s certainly not the priciest product on our list. For a natural product, we also appreciate that it’s fragrance-free and great for a range of skin types. And we’d happily use the lightweight cream every day. Price at time of publication: $42 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, baobab, Kalahari melon, coconut milk | Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 2.1 ounces | SPF: No Verywell / Jhett Thompson Verywell / Leticia Almeida Best for Acne-Prone Skin e.l.f. Blemish Breakthrough Calming Water Cream 4.6 Ulta View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Elfcosmetics.com Pros Hydrates, tones, and exfoliates Fast-absorbing and fast-acting Budget-friendly Cons Not ideal for dry skin e.l.f.’s Blemish Breakthrough Calming Water Cream packs a lot of power into a small package. Made with N-acetyl glucosamine, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid, the moisturizer hydrates and tones your skin to give you a more even complexion. It also contains salicylic acid, an acne-fighting ingredient that both Galaria and King recommend for clearing your pores. During our test, the moisturizer proved lightweight, easy to apply, and fast-absorbing. And it balanced out our skin, boosting moisture by 22 percent while reducing oil by 7 percent. After using the moisturizer, our skin felt hydrated and refreshed. But we didn’t notice an immediate difference in our complexion. And we’re curious to test this moisturizer long-term to see how well it works on blemishes and discoloration over time. Though the moisturizer is made for acne-prone skin, it’s also great for oily and combination skin. We also love that it’s fragrance-free and appreciate the budget-friendly price. Price at time of publication: $12 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, N-acetyl glucosamine, tranexamic acid | Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.68 ounces | SPF: No Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Best for Combination Skin SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 4.6 Dermstore View On Walmart View On Dermstore View On Howl.me Pros Hydrates and smooths Balances out oil and dryness Lightweight but effective Cons Slow to absorb Expensive SkinCeuticals’ Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 may be the priciest product on our list. But when we tested it on combination skin, it worked wonders. The moisturizer balanced out the oiliest parts of our face, making them look matte rather than shiny. And it hydrated all our dry spots, boosting moisture by 5 percent, according to our moisture meter. The moisturizer is packed with ingredients that smooth and hydrate skin—like ceramides 1 and 3, natural cholesterol, fatty acids, and essential oils. And it felt like a lightweight gel, blending into our skin without leaving behind grease or residue. The moisturizer was slow to soak in. But once it did, our skin quickly felt soft and hydrated—and looked balanced and refreshed. We can’t deny that its current price is a lot to spend on a 1.6-ounce moisturizer. But if you’ve struggled to find something that balances out your combination skin, this moisturizer may be worth the splurge. Price at time of publication: $150 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Ceramides (1, 3), natural cholesterol, fatty acids, essential oils | Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.6 ounces | SPF: No Verywell / Jhett Thompson Verywell / Leticia Almeida Best Sustainable Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer 4.8 Sephora View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bergdorfgoodman.com Pros Hydrates and smooths Lightweight but effective Refillable Cons Increased oil in oily skin Tata Harper’s Water-Lock Refillable Moisturizer is lightweight, effective, and easy to wear daily. Made with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and pomegranate spheres, the moisturizer hydrates and smooths out your skin. And we found it delivered on that promise. The lightweight moisturizer soaked in quickly, giving us a dewy glow in minutes. And though it boosted the amount of oil and moisture in our already-oily skin, it didn’t leave us greasy or oily. After 15 minutes of wearing the moisturizer, our skin looked brighter, fuller, and more hydrated. It also felt a lot softer. One of the best things about this moisturizer? It’s refillable. So when you run out, you can replenish the 1.7-ounce tub instead of throwing it away. We love that this sustainable approach makes it easy to save packaging and money. Price at time of publication: $68 Key Specs: Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, pomegranate spheres | Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily, combination | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: No Verywell / Leticia Almeida Verywell / Jhett Thompson The 17 Best Sunscreens of 2023 How We Rated the Best Face Moisturizers 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best face moisturizers we tested. We recommend them without reservation.4.5 to 4.7 stars: These face moisturizers are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great face moisturizers, but others are better.3.5 to 3.9 stars: These face moisturizers are just average.3.4 and below: We don't recommend face moisturizers with this rating; you won't find any on our list. We Also Tested We tested 64 face moisturizers for dry and oily skin. But some lost points in one or more key categories, so they didn’t earn a spot among our favorites. These five didn’t make the final cut, but there were things we liked about them: We like that you can use Weleda’s Skin Food on your body and your face, and we think it’d be great for extremely dry skin. But we found the cream thick and tough to apply, and we were worried about layering it under makeup or sunscreen. First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream did a great job hydrating our skin, boosting our moisture levels by 11 to 31 percent. But it felt heavy and greasy—more like a night cream than an everyday moisturizer. Drunk Elephant’s Lala Retro Whipped Cream left our skin 9 to 23 percent more hydrated than at the start of our test. But because the cream was so heavy and greasy, we had to wait a while to see results—and for the price, we’d rather buy something else. While Glossier’s After Baume made our skin feel hydrated, it also made it feel oily and greasy—and took a while to soak in. We’d happily use the moisturizer to spot-treat dry patches, but it felt too heavy for everyday wear. When we tested Shiseido’s Waso Mega Hydrating Moisturizer on oily skin, it proved hydrating—but it made our skin feel oilier. The moisturizer was also slow-absorbing and prone to pilling, but we think it’d be effective for combating dryness. How We Tested the Face Moisturizers To simplify your search for a great face moisturizer, we put 64 face moisturizers to the test in The Verywell Testing Lab and at home. We tested 29 moisturizers for oily skin and 35 moisturizers for dry skin. And we divided our testers into two teams based on skin type: 18 tested the moisturizers for oily skin, while 21 tested the moisturizers for dry skin. At the start of our test, we cleaned and dried our faces before using a moisture meter to check the amount of moisture and oil in our skin. Then, we gently applied a quarter-sized amount of moisturizer to our faces. We then waited 15 minutes to remeasure our moisture and oil levels using the moisture meter. In the meantime, we noted how each face moisturizer felt, how long it took to absorb, how it impacted our skin, and what we’d change about it. We gave each product a score between 1 (would not recommend) and 5 (highly recommend) in five key categories: texture, absorption, dryness or oiliness (depending on skin type), appearance, and overall value. We also continue to test each face moisturizer at home and keep note of the results after long-term use. We will update this article as we gather more long-term testing insights for each product. We consulted five experts for further advice and recommendations: dermatologist Hadley King, MD-FAAD; dermatologist Noreen Galaria, MD-FAAD; dermatologist Gloria Lin, MD-FAAD; fitness instructor Jess Paris, NASM, CPT; and Rumble Boxing trainer Taylor Sanders, CPT. What to Look for in Face Moisturizers Ingredients To find a face moisturizer that won’t clog your pores, look for something with non-comedogenic ingredients. Our experts specifically recommend ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, and squalane, because they moisturize skin without clogging pores. They also recommend avoiding comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients, like coconut oil, cocoa butter, and lanolin. If you’re especially prone to clogged pores, you may also want a moisturizer made with comedolytic (pore-clearing) ingredients, like salicylic acid. Skin Type The four most common skin types are normal, dry, oily, and combination. Normal skin feels balanced, dry skin can get tight and flaky, oily skin can get greasy and shiny, and combination skin often gets oily in the T-zone (along the forehead and nose). Finding the right moisturizer for your skin type and lifestyle may take some trial and error, says dermatologist Gloria Lin, MD-FAAD. But the dermatologists we spoke to generally recommend heavier creams for dry skin, oil-free moisturizers for oily skin, and combination products for combination skin. Moisturizer Type Moisturizers typically contain three kinds of ingredients: humectants, occlusives, and emollients. Humectants (like hyaluronic acid) attract water and hydrate your skin. Occlusives (like beeswax) form a protective layer that seals in moisture. And emollients (like vitamin E) smooth out and support your skin. Great moisturizers contain a combination of these ingredients, King says. And you can find non-comedogenic versions of each. Size and Price You don’t have to splurge to score a great moisturizer, Galaria says. And we agree. During our test, we found great moisturizers at every price point—from Cerave’s budget-friendly Moisturizing Cream to SkinCeuticals’ pricey Triple Lipid Restore. When considering price, be sure to note the size of a moisturizer. Some are much bigger than others, and a 12-ounce tub for $18 is a better buy than a 1.35-ounce tube for $9. Additional Features Humectants are ingredients that help hydrate the skin by attracting water molecules from the dermis like a magnet, drawing them closer to the epidermis to create that moisture barrier. They make your skin look less flaky and less prone to cracking and chafing. Humectants also encourage the healthy shedding of dead cells. Popular natural humectants include hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, alpha hydroxy acid, and honey. Popular synthetic humectants include butylene glycol, urea, and glycerin. Emollients are ingredients that help smooth and soften the skin by helping to repair cracks in the skin barrier, thus preventing water loss. Healthy skin is hydrated skin! In face moisturizers, emollients work best when paired with humectants. Common emollients include cocoa butter, shea butter, oils like olive oil, and colloidal oatmeal. Some face moisturizers are lighter oils, while others are heavier creams. People with different skin types and lifestyles prefer different weights—usually lighter products for morning use and heavier products for evening and overnight use. What’s more, folks with particularly oily skin tend to stick with lighter products all around, whereas people with really dry skin often rely on thicker creams to keep their skin hydrated and healthy. Frequently Asked Questions Is it good to moisturize your face every day? If you want to keep your skin hydrated and healthy, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using moisturizer and sunscreen daily. And that’s especially true if you have dry or mature skin. If you’re prone to dry skin, the AAD says you may want to moisturize your skin as often as twice a day. Should I moisturize my face at night or in the morning? Your moisturizing schedule is up to you. Dermatologists recommend moisturizing your face after it’s been cleansed—like right after you wash your face or shower. If you do those things when you wake up, try to moisturize in the morning. And if you do them in the evening, consider moisturizing at night. What happens when you don't moisturize your face? Great moisturizers hydrate your skin, support your skin barrier, and seal in moisture, King says. And if you don’t moisturize your face, you might miss out on some of those benefits. Without moisturizer, your skin may dry out—especially if you have dry or mature skin. But even people with oily skin need moisturizer to keep their skin healthy and hydrated, Lin says. Why Trust Verywell Fit Lindsey Lanquist is an experienced health and fitness writer who cares about connecting people with products they’ll love. Lindsey hates clogged pores as much as the next girl. And as someone who wears moisturizer every morning and works out every day, she knows how important it is to have a great go-to product. 4 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Sagiv AE, Dikstein S, Ingber A. The efficiency of humectants as skin moisturizers in the presence of oil: Efficiency of humectants as skin moisturizers. Skin Research and Technology. 2001;7(1):32-35. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0846.2001.007001032.x American Academy of Dermatology. How to select anti-aging skin care products. American Academy of Dermatology. Skin care in your 40s and 50s. American Academy of Dermatology. How to pick the right moisturizer for your skin. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit