Top 10 Face Moisturizers
A Face Moisturizer Is A Must In Every Routine, And We Just Ranked The 10 Best
Moisturizing is an essential part of a healthy skin care regimen, and for many, it's the final step in a daily routine. At minimum, a moisturizer adds hydration, but it can also provide a dose of nourishing ingredients that protect the skin's barrier, resulting in healthy, glowing skin.
While moisturizing is one of the simpler steps in a routine, finding the right match can be anything but thanks to the endless options and price points on the market. Not only are there so many to choose from, but finding a facial moisturizer that's perfect for your skin type, lifestyle choices, budget, and personal preferences only complicates the search.
Lucky for you, we went ahead and scoured the internet for the best moisturizers, and the results span a range of skin types, concerns, and budgets. So, whether you prefer an affordable, SPF-packed moisturizer for acne-prone skin or a splurge-worthy cream that instantly relieves dryness, there’s a moisturizer on this list that checks all your boxes.
How We Found The Best Moisturizers
From anti-aging formulas to options for sensitive skin, the moisturizers in this list are all approved by our trusted, unbiased, data-driven algorithm. This proprietary tool factors in a range of data, including editor recommendations, best-seller lists, social media buzz, real user reviews, and more. So, you can rest assured you’re only seeing the best products the internet has to offer. Keep scrolling to see the Top 10 moisturizers you can buy.
Next up, check out the 10 Best Face Moisturizers With SPF.
July 1, 2022
Written By:Naomi Venerable
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
La Mer Crème De La Mer Moisturizing Cream
Overall Score
4.65
10
La Mer Crème De La Mer Moisturizing Cream
4.65
16685 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Luxury
WHAT IT DOES: While La Mer Creme is one of the pricier moisturizers on this list, its healing formula makes it worth every penny. Made with the brand’s Miracle Broth, which uses sea kelp and biofermentation to repair and heal the skin from within, this rich cream instantly soothes skin sensitivities, diminishes wrinkles, and makes dryness disappear.
FROM THE EXPERTS: In a clinical test on 31 women after using the product once, participants said skin felt firmer and looked smoother and more radiant in just hours.
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream
Overall Score
4.7
09
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream
4.4
2163 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Firming
WHAT IT DOES: This clean formula means business. Formulated with a blend of peptides to nourish the skin’s barrier, seaweed hyaluronate blend to hydrate and plump, and SkinFix’s proprietary lipid complex which adds skin-like lipid fillers, ceramides, and fatty acids, this face cream replenishes the skin’s barrier to achieve dewy, hydrated, and glass-like skin.
FROM THE EXPERTS: Results from a 28-day clinical study showed a 23.6% increase in skin barrier lipids, which equates to a nearly 1% increase a day.
Cruelty Free
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
Overall Score
4.7
08
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
4.5
1340 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Plumping
WHAT IT DOES: This moisturizer contains a powerful mixture of hydrating ingredients including polyglutamic acid, a hydrating peptide that boosts the efficacy of hyaluronic acid and locks in moisture to give skin a plump and bouncy look. The formula also contains plum and ice willowherb, which work together to brighten and balance oil production.
WHO IT’S FOR: While any skin type can benefit from Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump moisturizer, this whipped gel cream works best on combination skin since it is formulated to hydrate and visibly balance unpredictable skin.
Cruelty Free
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
Overall Score
4.75
07
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
4.61
20378 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Gentle
WHO IT’S FOR: Formulated with colloidal oatmeal to relieve itching, shea butter to moisturize and protect the skin’s barrier, and allantoin to calm and soothe skin, this rich cream leaves parched skin feeling smooth, hydrated, and comfortable after just a single use.
FROM THE EXPERTS: In a consumer study with 21 participants, 100% reported the product helped soothe, moisturize, and condition skin after two weeks.
Cruelty Free
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Overall Score
4.75
06
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
4.4
14077 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Strengthening
WHO IT’S FOR: Packed with key ingredients like signal peptides, amino acids, and pygmy waterlily, this award-winning moisturizer works to visibly plump, firm, and restore bounce for youthful-looking skin. So, if your skin is dull, dry, or simply not bouncing back like it used to, this is a great option for you.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This cream is free of essential oils, silicones, and fragrance.
Cruelty Free
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Overall Score
4.8
05
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
4.59
25055 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Calming
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: Prebiotic thermal spring water is a top-performing ingredient in this moisturizer from La Roche-Posay. Known for its hydrating and soothing benefits, prebiotic thermal water helps to rebalance the skin microbiome and restore skin barrier function.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Niacinamide—or Vitamin B3—also contributes to calming and restoring the skin in this lightweight cream formula.
It Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
Overall Score
4.8
04
It Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
4.61
16466 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Anti-Aging
WHO IT’S FOR: While everyone can benefit from an anti-aging moisturizer, Confidence In A Cream was formulated to minimize the look of wrinkles and fine lines and reduce the appearance of pores and discoloration, so skin looks smoother and more even toned.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Confidence In A Cream acts as a makeup primer, helping your favorite products glide on evenly and grip onto the skin for long-wear results.
Cruelty Free
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel Daily Face Moisturizer
Overall Score
4.85
03
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel Daily Face Moisturizer
4.68
76718 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHO IT’S FOR: For those looking to give their dry skin extra relief, this formula is a must-have. The gel-cream moisturizer provides intense moisturizing power, relieving dryness and restoring the skin's natural barrier against moisture loss to give skin a smooth, supple, and hydrated look.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This moisturizer is oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.
Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultra Facial Cream
Overall Score
4.9
02
Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultra Facial Cream
4.64
11440 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Lightweight
WHO IT’S FOR: Those with dry skin will love this lightweight formula for its ultra-hydrating benefits. Since it’s formulated with olive-derived squalane, it nourishes the skin’s moisture barrier, softens, and improves the look of dry texture with hydration that lasts up to 24 hours.
FROM THE EXPERTS: According to clinical trials, 96% showed a stronger skin barrier and 97% showed immediate improvement in skin dryness.
Cruelty Free
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen SPF 46
Overall Score
4.95
01
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen SPF 46
4.7
37721 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Overall
WHAT IT DOES: While protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, this clear broad-spectrum facial sunscreen delivers skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, and niacinamide to moisturize, calm inflammation, clear pores, and reduce shine.
WHO IT’S FOR: The dermatologist-recommended sunscreen is free of fragrance and oils, making it an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin types—especially those prone to acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
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