I've Tested More Than 100 Face Moisturizers This Year—These Are My 15 Favorites (2024)

Best Moisturizer Overall

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, Face Cream & Makeup Primer

This French pharmacy staple has a long-standing cult-favorite status among makeup artists. It hydrates my sensitive skin like nothing I’ve ever experienced—I haven’t had dryness or irritation in weeks. My overall complexion looks brighter, healthier, and glowier without the added oily sheen that can pop up with rich creams. Pilling is non-existent and it doubles as a primer under makeup. In sum: I fully understand the world’s obsession.

Texture: Lotion

Who It's For: All skin types

Key Ingredients: Shea butter (hydrating), soy protiens (firming)

What We Love: Good for sensitive skin; affordable

What We Don't: Contains fragrance

Review for MC: "Whenever I find myself in Paris, I bring an extra suitcase just to fit my French pharmacy haul. But I do save space on my go-to moisturizer. Thankfully, it's available stateside. I was originally put onto Embryolisse by a makeup artist—it's unsurprisingly a staple in every pro's kit because it layers flawlessly under makeup. Plus, it doesn't irritate my incredibly sensitive skin; I'd even say it calms my redness." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor

Best Daily Moisturizer

Futurewise Slug Cream Barrier Repair Moisturizer

As a big fan of skin slugging—aka the process of locking in moisture with an occlusive layer—I was automatically intrigued by Futurewise's slugging system. Complete with a Slug Boost, Slug Cream, and Slug Balm, the three-step routine is designed to lock in max hydration. This particular step features a rich and creamy texture that houses nourishing ceramides. You'll have a dewy finish instantaneously.

Texture: Cream

Who It's For: Normal, dry, sensitive, combination

Key Ingredients: Ceramides (hydrating), lipid complex (strengthening)

What We Love: Affordable; non-comedogenic

What We Don't: Might feel too heavy for oily skin

Review for MC: "For a daytime moisturizer, I don’t want a formula with too many bells and whistles. If you can boost my moisture levels and keep them that way until evening, I’m a happy girl. This no-frills formula utilizes a vegan triple lipid complex to maintain hydration throughout the day, leaves me with an insane glow, and sits evenly under both sunscreen and makeup. Plus, the affordable price tag is a major bonus. Even my boyfriend steals it on the daily." — Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director

Best Lightweight Gel Moisturizer

RéVive Hydrogel Moisturizer

If there was only one skincare brand I could use for the rest of my life, it would be RéVive—and this newly launched gel moisturizer is a huge reason why. The entire line is powered by epidermal growth factor, a protein that stimulates cell growth and works as an anti-aging, line-reducing warrior. But this particular product is lighter than the rest of the range, with a cooling, water-cream consistency. It makes my skin look brighter, plumper, and healthier.

Texture: Water Cream

Who It's For: All skin types

Key Ingredients: Bio Renewal Peptide (plumping and brightening), 4D hyaluronic acid (hydrating)

What We Love: Lightweight feel; more affordable than the rest of the brand; good for morning and night

What We Don't: Can be irritating for some

Review for MC: "I've used RéVive's Moisturizing Renewal Day Cream for years—and I'm loyal. Still, this lighter-weight option has a gorgeous texture and has quickly become my go-to during the warmer months and during the day. My skin is incredibly sensitive, but this cooling gel is soothing on my skin. I'm left with a dewy finish, but don't end up looking greasy come mid-day, which is a huge pain point when it comes to heavier creams." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor

Best Rich Moisturizer

SkinBetter Science Trio Luxe Moisture Treatment

Having dry skin is, to put it nicely, no fun. Your face can feel tight, burn upon product application, and flake under makeup. Enter: SkinBetter Science, a brand that invented the best possible moisturizer for extremely dry skin. It's packed with dozens of hydrating ingredients—like urea, ceramides, and niacinamide—that will instantly restore moisture.

Texture: Cream

Who It's For: Normal, dry, and sensitive skin types

Key Ingredients: Urea (moisturizing), niacinamide (evening)

What We Love: Fragrance-free; deeply hydrating and great for dry skin; smooths out texture under makeup

What We Don't: Too heavy for oily complexions or on humid days

Review for MC: "At night I need a rich moisturizer that also helps to hydrate and restore my skin while I sleep (the time at which your epidermis is already in repair mode). This formula is pricier but SO worth it, with a velvety texture that’s a dream to apply, plus Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, and Urea to maintain hydration all night long, and potent actives like Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate to smooth and Olive Fruit Extract to minimize redness. The difference is noticeable enough that if I forget to travel without it, my skin basically goes on strike the next morning." — Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director

Best Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin

Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Oil-Free Radiant Moisturizer

You always need a moisturizer—no matter how oily your skin tends to be. That said, finding a non-comedogenic option (meaning it won't clog your pores) that's also oil-free is non-negotiable. Take this Dr. Dennis Gross formula for example. It's lightweight, calms redness, and delivers light hydration without irritating your complexion.

Texture: Lotion

Who It's For: Oily, acne-prone, or combination skin

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C (antioxidant protection), lactic acid (helps with absorption), niacinamide (redness reducing)

What We Love: Multi-benefit; oil-free

What We Don't: Some report irritation

Review for MC: “My acne-prone, ultra-oily skin tends to react poorly to protective ingredients like Vitamin C, but this oil-free formula is a non-comedogenic dream. This moisturizer protects your skin from the elements with the strength and consistency of The Queen's Guard." — Lucia Tonelli, Associate Social Media Director

Best Facial Moisturizer for Dry Skin

Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer

If nothing seems ever to quench your skin's thirst, take E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla's recommendation and try Ole Henriksen's Strength Trainor. "Not only does it smell amazing (like sweet lemons!) but the icing-like formula immediately melts into my skin and keeps it hydrated all night long," she says. The magic ingredients in this vegan formula are the eight different amino acids and peptides, which strengthen skin from the inside out and keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay.

Texture: Cream

Who It's For: Normal, dry, oily, combination skin types

Key Ingredients: Amino acids (hydrating), peptides (conditioning), ceramides (strengthens barrier)

What We Love: Hydrating; vegan

What We Don't: Fragrant

Best Luxury Moisturizer

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream With Tfc8® Face Moisturizer

"I have tried so many moisturizers over the years and always find myself returning to The Rich Cream. I use it consistently, and it’s the only cream I’ve used that deeply hydrates, plumps, and smooths my skin," says Contributing Beauty Writer Taryn Brooke. "I’m in my 30s, and my skin deeply appreciates how it complements all the laser and facial treatments I do. The patented TFC8®, which supports cellular renewal, has, over time, left my skin glowing. I tend to switch to The Cream during the warmer months, and now that we’re moving into the colder months of the year, The Rich Cream is back in my daily rotation."

Texture: Cream

Who It's For: Normal, dry skin types

Key Ingredients: TFC8 (nourishing), hyaluronic acid (plumping), rice protein (plumping)

What We Love: Clinical results; immediate and long-term efficacy; firming

What We Don't: Has an interesting smell; expensive

Best Moisturizer for Redness

Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich

I have rosacea and red undertones, but this cooling and calming cream helps me stay balanced. Its powers largely come from ingredients like avocado oil and purslane, which provide antioxidant protection and calming, soothing benefits. I also found that this product has a relatively lightweight and easy-to-rub-in texture for a rich cream, making it suitable for year-round use. I've probably gone through 20 jars of this—that's how much I love it.

Texture: Cream

Who It's For: Sensitive, dry, combination, and normal skin types

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E (smoothing), avocadin (hydrating), skullcap (supports renewal)

What We Love: Good for redness; soothing

What We Don't: Expensive

Best Moisturizer for Large Pores

Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

With Hailey Bieber and Nicola Peltz Beckham as big fans, you can count on this cream to make your skin glow. "A little goes a long way, and it leaves my skin hydrated and soothed for hours without feeling greasy or shiny or clogging my (easily cloggable!) pores," adds Marie Claire Digital Director Jenny Hollander. It's a go-to for cracked or super dry skin needing a hydrating boost.

Texture: Cream

Who It's For: Dry, normal, sensitive, acne-prone skin

Key Ingredients: C Restore (strengthening), Thermal Spring Water (soothing), copper sulfate (balancing)

What We Love: Lightweight; matte finish; non-comedogenic

What We Don't: Expensive

Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Daily Moisturizer

A high-quality product doesn't have to come with a high price point—and this drugstore cream is proof. "This daily moisturizer from the Ordinary does the trick for me day and night," says Associate E-Commerce Editor Brooke Knappenberger. "It feels extra lightweight, which is great for wearing underneath makeup, and it doesn't add any extra oil to my already oily skin. I love it so much, I'm already on my third bottle."

Texture: Lotion

Who It's For: All skin types

Key Ingredients: Lipids (strengthening), urea (hydrating)

What We Love: Affordable; lightweight

What We Don't: Some say it’s drying

Best Fragrance-Free Moisturizer

The Outset Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer

Scarlett Johansson uses this day in and day out (it's her brand, after all), but board-certified dermatologist Nava Greenfield, MD FAAD, also approves of this product. "They use only fragrance-free and gentle ingredients," she says. This product gives a huge moisture boost while still being gentle enough for sensitive skin and all skin types." The finish is super silky and gives the skin a subtle dewiness.

Texture: Lotion

Who It's For: Normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types

Key Ingredients: Squalane (hydrating), edelweiss extract (brightening)

What We Love: Good for dry and sensitive skin; fragrance-free

What We Don't: Some say it pills

Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer

Sydney Sweeney isn't the only one who can't get enough of this lightweight gel moisturizer. It's Hollander's favorite, too. "It's lightweight but nourishing and perfect for mixing and matching with your other products during the day," she shares. "I like to combine it with sunscreen for low-key days, or with CC cream or foundation when I'm heading out into a cold night. It doesn't clog my pores, it gives me a gentle glow, and it comes in the cutest baby-blue bottle."

Texture: Water cream

Who It's For: Normal, dry skin types

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (hydrating), panthenol (soothing)

What We Love: Lightweight; glowy

What We Don't: Not great for dry skin

Best Drugstore Moisturizer for Stressed Skin

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer

Salicylic acid is one of the best acne-fighting ingredients, so it's no shocker that this salicylic acid-infused lotion is Tonelli's go-to when dealing with breakouts. "When it's hot out, when I'm PMSing, or when I'm feeling stressed, the skin on my face and back tends to explode into acne, and this moisturizer calms it down within a few short days without drying me out or inducing uncomfortable stinging," she says. An added bonus: It has a nice grapefruit scent.

Texture: Lotion

Who It's For: Oily and acne-prone skin

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (fights acne and absorbs oil)

What We Love: Affordable; Great for blackheads

What We Don't: Not hydrating enough for some

Best Moisturizer With Retinol

Blue Lagoon BL + Retinol Cream 0.3%

Retinol can be drying on its own, but using it in tandem with a hydrating formula can help combat the side effects. This retinol cream is made for first-time retinol users and is coupled with hydrating ingredients like microalgae, silica, and minerals that can only be found in Iceland's famed Blue Lagoon. Just be sure to wear extra sunscreen during the day while you're using it—retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Texture: Cream

Who It's For: Mature, combination, oily, and normal skin types

Key Ingredients: Retinol (anti-aging), hyaluronic acid (hydrating)

What We Love: Contains retinol; gentle

What We Don't: Not ideal if you have another exfoliant in your routine

Best Moisturizer for Eczema

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair® Cream Intense Hydration

Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and Marie Claire's own Digital Director keep this sensitive skin-safe cream on standby. "I get on-off eczema around my eyes and forehead when it's chilly out, and this is the only cream that soothes my skin when it's at its itchiest and grouchiest," says Hollander. "You can use it all over your body—I apply it to mosquito bites to stop the itching—and it soaks into your skin in a way that feels nourishing rather than superficial or irritating."

Texture: Cream

Who It's For: Sensitive, normal, dry skin types

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal (treats eczema), allantoin (calming)

What We Love: Good for eczema

What We Don't: Too thick for some

Best K-Beauty Moisturizer

Mizz Korean Million Dollar Genes Cream

I've been on a K-Beauty skincare journey—testing the best K-Beauty brands and sunscreens. One of my favorite discoveries over the past few months however has been this moisturizer. It applies like silk on the skin, leaves me with a glow, bouncy texture, and never pills—no matter how many products I layer on top.

Texture: Cream

Who It's For: All Skin Types

Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil (hydrating), glycerin (moisturizing)

What We Love: Gives a glass-skin finish; elegant texture
What We Don't: Not available at big retailers

Dr. Sapna Palep has been recognized as one of New York’s leading board-certified dermatologists for over a decade. Since founding Spring Street Dermatology in 2010, Dr. Palep has helped countless patients achieve clear, healthy skin with her safe, effective, and highly individualized treatment plans. Dr. Palep conducts annual skin cancer screenings and treats all dermatologic conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. She is also highly sought after for her skill in cosmetic treatments, including Botox, chemical peels, dermal fillers, microneedling, and resurfacing lasers.

A native of Florida, Dr. Palep completed her undergraduate studies in biology and chemistry at the University of Miami in 1999. She attended the University of Miami School of Medicine for two years before relocating to New York in 2000. She completed her medical degree at New York Medical College in 2004. The same year, Dr. Palep graduated with a Master’s of Business Administration from the Lubin School of Business at Pace University, where she majored in Health Systems Management.

Dr. Nava Greenfield is a dermatologist practicing at Schweiger Dermatology Group. Dr. Greenfield earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Queens College, City University of New York, where she graduated Cum Laude with honors in mathematics, natural sciences, chemistry and biochemistry.

Dr. Greenfield attended medical school at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University. She completed her internship at Yale-New Haven Hospital and her residency in dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Dr. Greenfield has been published in many medical journals, including The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, the Journal of Women’s Dermatology and Pediatrics. Dr. Greenfield is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, Women’s Dermatologic Society and the American Medical Association.