Finding a face moisturizer sounds easy until you meet the wall of jars, pumps, tubes, gels, creams, lotions, balms, and suspiciously expensive thimbles at the beauty counter. One promises “72-hour hydration.” Another promises skin so radiant that nearby houseplants may lean toward you. Meanwhile, your face simply wants to stop feeling tight after cleansing.
The best face moisturizers of 2024 were not necessarily the fanciest. The strongest choices combined dependable humectants, barrier-supporting lipids, comfortable textures, and formulas suited to specific skin types. This roundup draws on laboratory evaluations, dermatologist guidance, major beauty publications, and official product information from 15 reputable U.S. sources.
Good Housekeeping’s 2024 roundup was informed by testing involving 240 people and 4,089 data points, including 1,920 instrumental skin-moisture measurements. That is considerably more scientific than rubbing cream on one cheek, staring into the bathroom mirror, and declaring victory.
How to Choose the Best Face Moisturizer
A moisturizer works by attracting water, smoothing rough skin, reducing moisture loss, or performing some combination of all three. Humectants such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and urea draw water toward the outer layer of skin. Emollients such as squalane, shea butter, fatty acids, and plant oils soften the surface. Occlusive ingredients help slow evaporation.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends richer creams or ointments for dry skin, while combination skin may benefit from applying moisturizer mainly to drier areas. Dermatologists also commonly suggest looking for ceramides and hyaluronic acid and applying moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp.
Match Texture to Skin Type
- Dry skin: Choose a cream containing glycerin, ceramides, squalane, fatty acids, or shea butter.
- Oily or acne-prone skin: Look for a lightweight, noncomedogenic gel or lotion.
- Sensitive skin: Favor fragrance-free products with a relatively simple ingredient list.
- Mature skin: Consider peptides, niacinamide, antioxidants, retinol, or daily SPF alongside dependable hydration.
- Combination skin: Use a lightweight lotion or apply different amounts to different areas.
Remember that “natural” does not automatically mean gentle. Poison ivy is natural, and nobody is inviting it to join a nighttime skincare routine. Fragrance, botanical extracts, retinol, acids, and sunscreen filters can all be useful, but they may irritate certain complexions.
The 19 Best Face Moisturizers of 2024
1. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Best Overall
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream offers the rare combination of rich hydration, fast absorption, and a relatively accessible price. Its formula includes glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol, and several peptides. In laboratory testing reported by Good Housekeeping, it increased measured hydration by 50% and maintained strong moisturizing performance over 24 hours. The fragranced version may be too perfumed for some users, but a fragrance-free option is available.
2. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion Best Value
This lightweight lotion proves that effective skincare does not have to arrive in a jeweled jar accompanied by a tiny golden spoon. It combines three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin in an oil-free formula that can be used on both the face and body. It is especially practical for normal, combination, or mildly dry skin, although extremely dry faces may prefer a thicker cream.
3. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream Best for Dry Skin
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream has a cushiony texture that feels substantial without behaving like facial frosting. Squalane and glycerin help soften and hydrate dry skin, while the formula spreads easily and generally layers well with other products. Good Housekeeping testing recorded a 47% increase in moisturization, and most testers did not consider it overly greasy or sticky. A few noticed some surface residue.
4. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Face Cream Best for Sensitive Skin
Aveeno’s fragrance-free face cream relies on glycerin, fatty acids, and soothing oat ingredients rather than an army of aggressive actives. Its light consistency absorbs rapidly and is a sensible choice for sensitive, easily reddened, or slightly oily skin. In consumer testing, users consistently praised its quick absorption and smooth finish. The packaging can dispense more product than expected, so open it with less enthusiasm than a shaken soda.
5. Philosophy Purity Made Simple Ultra-Light Moisturizer Best Lightweight Luxury Pick
This silky lotion blends glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, plant oils, and antioxidant vitamins. It earned strong marks for leaving skin soft and plump while working comfortably beneath makeup. The texture is lighter than many luxury creams, making it suitable for several skin types. Its herbal scent and slightly tacky initial feel, however, may not delight fragrance-sensitive users.
6. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Crème Best Anti-Aging Moisturizer
RoC pairs moisturizing ingredients with retinol, an established skincare active used to improve the appearance of uneven texture, discoloration, and wrinkles. The cream is particularly appealing to dry or mature skin that wants hydration and treatment in one step. Because retinol can cause dryness or irritation, begin slowly, apply it at night, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day.
7. Mary Kay TimeWise Antioxidant Moisturizer Best for Aging Skin
This lightweight moisturizer combines glycerin, niacinamide, vitamin E, and peptides in an oil-free, fragrance-free formula. It is designed for users who want hydration plus antioxidant and firming benefits without the density of a traditional night cream. It works well for normal, combination, or moderately dry mature skin, although severely dry skin may need something richer over it.
8. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30 Best for Glowing Skin
This daytime lotion combines hydration, broad-spectrum SPF 30, vitamin C, glycolic acid, and other brightening ingredients. It is a multitasker for dullness, uneven tone, and visible sun spots. Laboratory evaluation found improvements in hydration and the appearance of UV-related spots. Avoid the eye area, and introduce it cautiously if your skin is reactive or already uses exfoliating acids.
9. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ Best for Combination Skin
Clinique’s famous yellow lotion remains popular because it delivers more moisture than its fluid texture suggests. Pure glycerin, urea, hyaluronic acid, and botanical emollients help support dry and dry-combination skin. It is fragrance-free and fast-absorbing, although people with oily T-zones may prefer applying it mainly to their cheeks and other dry areas.
10. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Best for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Hydro Boost became a modern drugstore classic by making moisturizer feel less like a cream and more like a refreshing splash of water. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin provide hydration in a lightweight, noncomedogenic gel that does not leave a heavy film. The original Water Gel contains fragrance, while a fragrance-free Gel Cream version may be a better choice for sensitive skin.
11. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream SPF 30 Best Moisturizer with SPF
This daytime version of Olay’s Regenerist moisturizer combines hydration, niacinamide, peptides, panthenol, vitamin E, and broad-spectrum SPF 30. In testing, it increased skin moisture by 31%, an unusually strong showing for a facial sunscreen. Apply a generous, even layer; a decorative whisper of SPF will not provide the protection shown on the label.
12. Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream Best for Redness
Avène Cicalfate+ is a rich, fragrance-free barrier cream made for dry, irritated, or visibly stressed skin. Glycerin, triglycerides, mineral ingredients, and emollient oils create a protective layer that can be especially comforting after over-exfoliation or during harsh weather. Because it is dense, oily and combination complexions may prefer using it only on dry patches rather than across the entire face.
13. Cetaphil Redness Relieving Night Moisturizer Best for Rosacea-Prone Skin
This fragrance-free nighttime moisturizer contains glycerin, shea butter, ceramide NP, panthenol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and soothing allantoin. It is designed to hydrate sensitive, redness-prone skin without adding unnecessary perfume. Individual rosacea triggers vary, so patch testing remains sensible, and persistent redness, burning, bumps, or visible blood vessels deserve professional evaluation.
14. Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer Best for Eczema-Prone Skin
Colloidal oat, glycerin, and panthenol give this gel moisturizer a calming personality. It feels cool and light on application, making it useful for sensitive skin that dislikes thick creams. It can also reduce the uncomfortable tightness associated with a weakened moisture barrier. Some users experience pilling when it is layered over multiple serums, so allow each product to settle before applying the next.
15. Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Night Infusion Cream Best Naturally Derived Luxury Cream
This plush night cream combines squalane, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, triglycerides, and several plant-derived oils and extracts. It is best suited to dry skin that enjoys a soft, nourishing finish overnight. Testers praised its lasting moisture and non-greasy feel, though some noticed slight stickiness after it dried. Those sensitive to botanical ingredients should review the full ingredient list before purchasing.
16. RoC Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 Best for Wrinkles
This light daytime moisturizer targets several concerns at once, including rough texture, uneven tone, fine lines, and sun exposure. Good Housekeeping’s instrumental analysis found an 11% improvement in measured skin texture after four weeks. Its hydration performance was more modest than that of richer creams, so dry skin may need a hydrating serum or separate moisturizer underneath.
17. Philosophy Anti-Wrinkle Miracle Worker+ Overnight Cream Best Night Moisturizer
Philosophy’s overnight cream combines squalane, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamins C and E in a rich but generally gentle formula. Laboratory measurements showed improvements in both moisturization and firmness after four weeks. The cream may take a little time to absorb, which is perfectly acceptable at bedtime unless your pillowcase has strong opinions about skincare.
18. Perricone MD Photo Plasma Moisturizer SPF 30 Best for the Appearance of Pores
This mineral-SPF moisturizer hydrates while visually smoothing texture and reducing the appearance of pores. Testing recorded a 30% increase in moisture and measurable improvements in both pore visibility and skin texture after four weeks. Its dewy finish can feel tacky and may not cooperate with every foundation, so give it time to set before applying makeup.
19. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer SPF 30 Best for Fine Lines
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair combines retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and SPF 30 in a convenient daytime formula. It hydrates while targeting visible fine lines and uneven tone, but retinol can irritate sensitive skin. Begin with infrequent use, avoid combining it immediately with strong exfoliating acids, and switch to a simpler moisturizer if persistent burning or peeling develops.
Which Moisturizer Should You Choose?
For a dependable all-around cream, Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream offers excellent hydration and cosmetic elegance. Budget-focused shoppers receive exceptional value from CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, especially when one bottle needs to moisturize both face and body.
Dry skin will probably appreciate Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, while oily or acne-prone skin may prefer Neutrogena Hydro Boost. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Face Cream is one of the simplest choices for sensitive skin, and Avène Cicalfate+ is useful when the moisture barrier feels as though it has submitted a formal resignation letter.
For anti-aging goals, remember that hydration alone can temporarily make fine lines appear softer, while retinol, peptides, antioxidants, and sunscreen address different long-term concerns. No moisturizer can replace daily sun protection, and moisturizers containing SPF must still be applied generously enough to deliver the labeled protection. Allure’s 2024 readers selected La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair as their favorite moisturizer, highlighting the continuing popularity of simple formulas built around ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin.
Practical Experience: What Using Different Moisturizers Actually Teaches You
Product descriptions tell you what is inside a moisturizer. Daily use reveals whether the pump works, the cream pills under sunscreen, or the fragrance follows you around like an overly friendly department-store employee. Across common testing experiences, texture and compatibility often matter just as much as the ingredient list.
The first lesson is that more product does not always create more hydration. A nickel-sized mound of gel may remain tacky without helping skin more than a thin, even layer. Applying moisturizer to slightly damp skin usually produces a better result because humectants have water available to attract and the formula can help slow evaporation. Dermatologists routinely recommend moisturizing shortly after washing for this reason.
The second lesson is that climate can completely change a product review. A dense cream may feel wonderful during a cold, dry winter and unbearable during an August heat wave. A water gel can be perfect in humid weather but insufficient in an air-conditioned office where the air seems determined to turn every cheek into parchment. Many people get better results by keeping one lightweight daytime moisturizer and one richer nighttime cream instead of demanding that a single jar perform twelve months of emotional labor.
Layering order also matters. Gel moisturizers generally work well after watery toners and serums. Rich creams perform best near the end of a routine. Sunscreen should be the final skincare step in the morning. When products pill, the moisturizer is not automatically defective. Applying too many silicone-rich formulas, rubbing aggressively, or failing to allow layers to set can produce tiny rolls of product that resemble eraser crumbs. Using less, patting instead of rubbing, and waiting briefly between layers often solves the problem.
Sensitive skin teaches the most expensive lesson: excitement is not a patch test. A moisturizer containing retinol, acids, fragrance, or numerous botanical extracts should be introduced gradually. Testing it on a small area for several days is far less dramatic than applying it everywhere and waking up looking as though your face has begun a labor dispute.
Acne-prone users commonly discover that “oil-free” and “noncomedogenic” are useful labels, not personal guarantees. Breakouts can result from the moisturizer, another newly introduced product, hormonal changes, stress, occlusive makeup, or simple coincidence. Changing only one skincare product at a time makes it much easier to identify the actual culprit.
Another practical observation is that expensive moisturizers do not automatically outperform affordable ones. Luxury formulas may provide elegant textures, attractive packaging, specialized actives, or a more enjoyable ritual. However, basic drugstore lotions built around glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone can deliver excellent barrier support. CeraVe’s official formula, for example, pairs three essential ceramides with hyaluronic acid in a lightweight lotion, while Olay combines niacinamide and peptides with established moisturizing ingredients.
Finally, a successful moisturizer should make the rest of your routine easier. Skin should feel comfortable rather than tight, greasy, itchy, or coated. Makeup should apply more smoothly, dry patches should become less obvious, and cleansing should no longer trigger an emergency sprint toward the nearest cream jar. A moisturizer does not need to sparkle, tingle, or contain an ingredient harvested during a full moon. It simply needs to suit your skin and be pleasant enough that you use it consistently.
Final Verdict
The best face moisturizers of 2024 covered every texture and price category, from CeraVe’s practical pump bottle to sophisticated overnight creams from Philosophy and Caudalie. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream stands out as the strongest overall option, while CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion wins for value and Neutrogena Hydro Boost remains an excellent lightweight choice for oily skin.
Choose according to your skin type, climate, sensitivities, and existing routinenot according to whichever jar looks most photogenic beside a bathroom candle. Introduce active ingredients slowly, apply moisturizer to slightly damp skin, and use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning. Persistent redness, eczema, painful cracking, severe acne, or unexplained irritation should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist.