"Top 19 Face Moisturizers of 2024: Tested and Reviewed"

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A great face moisturizer is a non-negotiable in your daily routine. Using the right face moisturizer helps support your skin’s natural barrier, improving texture and overall appearance while making your skin more resilient. “Moisturizing is important to keep your skin hydrated, prevent lines and wrinkles, and maintain your skin's elasticity and firmness, which we lose as we age,” says Brittaney Trent, licensed esthetician and skincare expert.

And while any amount of hydration beats the alternative, it’s important to consider your specific needs when choosing your products. Along with insights we gathered from Trent, we spent 450 hours testing 39 of the top face moisturizers on the market right now to help you find the best face moisturizer for your needs.

Do you know that feeling when you splash cold water on your face? With a soft floral scent and super-light, almost watery texture, Tatcha's The Water Cream delivers instant hydration that’s just as refreshing. The star ingredient is Japanese wild rose, which has been used for hundreds of years to create a poreless-looking canvas underneath makeup. And boy, does it work. When working with combination and acne-prone skin, it’s hard to find a product that will deliver a healthy glow without clogging your pores or causing an oily T-zone — this one did.

After a month of testing, we loved how it reduced our breakouts and the end-of-the-day shine on our T-zone, which we had been so used to with our usual face moisturizer. We’ll definitely be getting a few value-sized tubs when we see them on sale.

Size: 1.7 oz | Key Ingredients: Japanese wild rose, Japanese leopard lily, Tatcha's signature hadasei-3 | Skin Type: Normal, oily, combination, sensitive

If there’s one thing you should consider adding to your regular drugstore haul until the end of time, it’s CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream. We use this product in the same way the dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding uses Windex: for everything. Dry hands? CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Ezcema flare-up? CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Run out of your usual face moisturizer? No problem, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream can do the trick. It’s fragrance-free, chock full of nourishing ceramides, and absorbs quickly despite its thick consistency—not to mention it’s easily accessible at essentially any drugstore or supermarket. There are multiple sizes available, but we prefer keeping an under-$20 16-ounce tub on hand for any moisturization emergencies.

Why It’s a 2024 Shape Beauty Award Winner: This inexpensive, effective, and easily accessible lotion is one of those products that we think everyone should keep on hand no matter what. It solves practically any problem relating to a lack of skin nourishment and works on all skin types.

Size: 12 or 16 oz. | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré is an ideal face moisturizer for all skin types, especially those dealing with dry or sensitive skin. This is largely thanks to shea butter, which provides calming hydration and nourishing fatty acids to repair your skin’s barrier and increase elasticity. The light and milky texture goes on smoothly, leaving a soft, satin-like finish with zero stinging or irritation.

After a month of testing, our skin looked refreshed, dewy, and noticeably smoother — alleviating rough patches around our eyes and nose. We recommend this to anyone looking for a light, affordable everyday moisturizer. Bonus: A little goes a long way (we only needed about a pea-sized amount), so it lasts a long time.

Size: 30, 75 mL | Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, shea butter | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive

Using a product with humectants is a great way to hydrate your skin, thanks to their non-oily finishes that are less likely to clog your pores. For anyone with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, this beloved drugstore brand moisturizer, which is approved by Jennifer Garner, packs in two powerful humectants — hyaluronic acid and glycerin — that hydrate by binding to water and holding it within your skin’s surface. The cooling gel has a lightweight, water-like feel that glides onto your skin — it's the love child of a serum and moisturizer. The result? Instant, nearly invisible hydration that lasts all day.

Size: 1.7 oz | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive, acne-prone

As the foundation of your skincare, your moisturizer sets the tone — and this oil-free daily moisturizer plays its role well, delivering the weightless, fast-absorbing texture of a gel with the lasting hydration of a cream. While its slightly tacky consistency gave us pause at first, we grew to love it the more we used it. Not only did this moisturizer sit well under our makeup, but we believe our makeup actually applied better with this as a base — our foundation was able to glide on and blend easier than ever.

Size: 50 mL | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, green tea extract | Skin Type: Normal

We seriously can’t stop raving about this face moisturizer from Innisfree. As soon as it touched our face for the first time, our skin screamed: “Yep, that’s the one!” Infused with green tea extract, five types of hyaluronic acid, plus squalane and ceramides, this nourishing gel-like cream delivers a cooling, calming vibe to your skin. Its substantial and rich texture glides on easily and absorbs quickly without weighing down your skin.

While we’ve used products in the past that give a chalky, heavy look, using this moisturizer did the opposite, leaving it light, dewy, and vibrant despite layering our acne treatment before and SPF after. Our skin was noticeably hydrated and radiant, and we won't say we hate the nonstop compliments we’ve been receiving lately!

Size: 50 mL | Key Ingredients: Green tea tri-biotics, squalane, ceramide | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily

Formulated with super-hydrating ingredients, such as squalane, glycerin, and more, this rich moisturizer is ideal for anyone whose skin could use some intense nourishing. This product seems to perfectly balance feeling rich and lightweight, which is a tricky combination in the realm of face moisturizers. When we applied the product for the first time, we were surprised by how quickly it fully absorbed into our skin, leaving behind a light glow and a silky feeling.

While the brand notes it works well for all skin types, those who are acne-prone may find this moisturizer to be a bit too heavy for everyday use.

Size: 45 mL | Key Ingredients: Phytosterols, fatty acids, ceramide NG, glycerin, meadowstolide, squalane | Skin Type: All

The Ordinary is an affordable skincare company that is not only known for its budget-friendly price tags, but also for delivering standout results. For anyone not wanting to splurge on skincare but still struggling with very dry and sensitive skin, you really can’t go wrong with this everyday moisturizer. Formulated with nearly four times more moisturizing emollients and two times more humectants than its original moisturizer, The Ordinary's Natural Moisturizer Factors + PhytoCeramides takes hydration to the next level.

From the humidity of New York City to the dryness of Colorado, our super sensitive, rosacea-prone skin stayed moistened and glowing no matter the conditions. The formula feels light and almost gel-like when you first apply it, but turns into a thick, oily consistency once spread on the skin, leaving a dewy sheen. Despite its richness, this moisturizer layered beautifully under multiple different sunscreens, foundations, and tinted BB creams with absolutely zero pilling. The only downside? Our T-zone started to look a little greasy by the end of the day.

Size: 100 mL | Key Ingredients: Glycosphingolipids, glycolipids, fatty acids, PCA, sodium lactate, urea, sodium hyaluronate, amino acids | Skin Type: Dry

This rich cream helps improve skin hydration, texture, and aging-related skin concerns, thanks to its use of nourishing lipids. While it's formulated to support all skin types, it works especially well for those with dry or normal skin, and those with aging-related issues such as wrinkles, fine lines, and dullness.

This moisturizer was a dream to apply, gliding smoothly onto our skin without feeling overly heavy or greasy. However, we noticed that it did take some time to fully absorb, making us feel like it may work best as a nighttime cream instead of a daytime moisturizer.

Size: 48 mL | Key Ingredients: Natural cholesterol, pure ceramides, fatty acids, vitamin E | Skin Type: All

For anyone who isn't a fan of a heavier moisturizer, this lightweight option is packed with anti-aging ingredients, including amino peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B3, which is also known as niacinamide. This cream was a breeze to apply and absorbed very quickly, thanks to its airy texture. Immediately after application, our skin felt nourished and soft. And, after several weeks of use, we noticed improved firmness and some reduced fine lines and wrinkles. Keep in mind that this moisturizer may not be the best option for those with overly dry skin, unless you plan on layering it with a richer cream.

Size: 50 mL | Key Ingredients: Amino peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3, antioxidants | Skin Type: Normal, oily, dry, mature

To anyone who feels like their skin is dry, dehydrated, or just desperately in need of a little TLC, this Tula 24/7 Moisture Intense Ultra-Hydrating Cream is for you. Tula's patent-pending blend of prebiotics and probiotic extracts, combined with hyaluronic acid, helps smooth the skin and maintain its balance, all while a nourishing blend of oils locks in moisture and provides intense hydration.

Don't let this formula's thick consistency fool you: It doesn't feel heavy on your skin. In fact, it manages to fully absorb while somehow also feeling like there’s a noticeable layer of protection on top of your skin.

Size: 1.48 oz | Key Ingredients: S6pro complex, hyaluronic acid, squalane, collagen, camilla seed oil, argan oil, apple and watermelon fruit extract | Skin Type: Combination, mature, dry, balanced, blemish-prone, sensitive

This face moisturizer somehow strikes that Goldilocks middle ground of moisturizing for hours without feeling heavy or greasy. With its visible texture and oatmeal-like smell, this non-irritating cream is far from watery, delivering the rich and instantly calming effect on our skin that's common with oat-based products. After a single day of wear, our dry skin felt soft, plumped, and moisturized. After four weeks, the biggest payoff was how well our skin could retain moisture — even if we missed a day or night, our skin still felt soft and hydrated the next day.

Size: 50 mL | Key Ingredients: Omegas 3, 6, and 9; shea butter; borage seed oil; hyaluronic acid; ceramide AP; ceramide EOP; ceramide NP | Skin Type: Normal, dry, sensitive

How do you tackle dry cheeks, combination skin, and sandpaper texture around your nose and chin? With an elite, top-of-the-line moisturizer. According to a small, four-week clinical trial, skin hydration reportedly improved by 145%, the appearance of crow's feet wrinkles was visibly reduced by 54%, and skin felt 92% firmer after using the Augustinus Bader cream. We’ll admit, we were totally skeptical at first. Does a $300 price tag really make this the best face moisturizer of all time?

We had to test it to be sure — but after four weeks, ​​​​we’re tossing all our pennies in a piggy bank to save up for our next bottle. Compared to some moisturizers that literally feel like we’re wearing a second layer of skin, this wowed us with its lightness. It takes a bit longer to absorb fully, but once it does, it's truly melted into your skin. The difference is night and day: Our super dull and dry cheeks are now like plump pillows; the grainy, rough texture around our nose and chin is nearly eradicated. No moisturizer has ever made this much of an impact.

Size: 15, 30, 50 mL | Key Ingredients: Evening primrose oil, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, argan oil, avocado oil | Skin Type: Normal, dry

If your skin cells are bricks, picture ceramides as the mortar holding them together. These wax-like moisturizers are naturally present in your skin, helping to soothe and maintain moisture while protecting against water loss. Loading them into a rich, dense face cream like this one from Drunk Elephant boosts your protective layer and locks in even more hydration—and trust us when we say these ceramides are doing their job well. We're fans of the thick formula, which helped our skin feel soothed, repaired, and softer than ever before.

Size: 50 mL | Key Ingredients: African-oil blend, ceramide AP, ceramide EOP, ceramide NP, phytosphingosine, fermentoil green tea seed extract, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer | Skin Type: All

This comforting, barely-there moisturizer by REN Clean Skincare is designed to protect your skin against dehydration and everyday pollutants that can irritate it. It's technically made for dry and sensitive skin, but we'd recommend it for those with oily skin, too, thanks to its super-lightweight feel that layers beautifully under makeup or a good sunscreen. For those on the drier side, this is a solid choice for warm or humid weather, but it might not be enough for your thirsty skin in dry conditions or colder months. Over the course of testing, we noticed our skin would quickly drink up the moisturizer — we could practically hear it begging for more.

Size: 50 mL | Key Ingredients: Blackcurrant seed oil, sea buckthorn oil, cranberry seed oil, candle tree leaves, ochorleuca seaweed, kudzu zumbiozome fermentum | Skin Type: Sensitive, dry, eczema-prone

Get ready to glow. Indie Lee's moisturizer boasts a fluffy, cloud-like texture and taps into the power of strawberry leaf extract and safflower oil to help brighten and even out your skin tone. Combine that with a great amount of propanediol (which retains moisture and helps promote a dewy look) and you’re looking at a radiant, healthy shine from the inside out.

We especially love the cream’s thick but smooth consistency, which gently coats our skin without feeling heavy or sticky. It never felt greasy or oily; in fact, it felt slightly mattifying, given the ingredients. Comfortable to wear all day, this was the perfect final step in our morning and evening skincare routines.

Size: 50 mL | Key Ingredients: Strawberry leaf extract, centella asiatica, safflower oil, hyaluronic acid, squalane | Skin Type: All

Say goodbye to grumpy skin with this pillowy cream moisturizer that doubles as a mask — using this formula in both ways is the best way to show your skin some serious love. It’s clinically proven to refine your skin’s texture, boost moisture levels, minimize the look of pores, reduce your skin's oiliness, plus reduce the appearance of acne marks.

Like a sponge soaking up water, we loved how quickly and easily this moisturizer melted into our skin, quenching and strengthening our natural barrier. Yet, unlike other products we’ve tried, it somehow also felt so thin, lightweight, and natural — our skin was suddenly smooth to the touch and plump with moisture without having anything on. Whether you use it as a daily moisturizer or weekly mask, it will instantly bring your dull, dehydrated, less-than-best skin back to life.

Size: 1.7 oz | Key Ingredients: Sweet kelt, red algae ferment, coconut water ferment | Skin Type: All

Usually, skin cream falls into one of a few categories: suitable for oily skin, acne-prone skin, dry skin, or sensitive skin. Yet somehow, this light-as-air daily face moisturizer defies those boundaries, helping to repair damaged, dehydrated, irritated, and oily skin. This was a game-changer for our dull, acne-prone combination skin — for the first time, our skin finally felt hydrated and not at all oily, our breakouts decreased, and we even noticed the bags and dark circles under our eyes fading.

Size: 1.7 mL | Key Ingredients: Bifidus and reishi mushroom extract, hyaluronic acid, pomegranate sterols, vitamin F | Skin Type: All

Thanks to its blend of essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, this rich moisturizer provides intense hydration to dry or sensitive skin. However, because it is formulated as a nighttime cream, it may feel too heavy for those who prefer a lighter-weight moisturizer that can also be used during the day.

During testing, we noticed that the cream absorbed quickly, especially considering how rich it feels. On dry patches and sensitive skin, we found the cream to be highly effective, offering a soothing feeling and improving our overall skin texture.

Size: 50 mL | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All

As a wellness editor since 2009, Jen Ator has spent nearly 15 years pinpointing the highs and lows of health and fitness products. After moving to the dry, elevated city of Denver three years ago and dealing with her own newfound skin and hair issues, Jen has dug into testing the best beauty products for every pain point. For this piece, she utilized insights from Trent as well as our testers to determine our winners for face moisturizers across various categories.