The 13 Best Face Moisturizers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

$29 at Amazon $29 at Walmart $29 at Dermstore

Our top pick for the best face moisturizer by far is the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. Formerly known as the Lait Creme Concentre Gold 24-Hour Miracle Cream, this deeply nourishing French formula combines all of the benefits of a deeply nourishing face cream in a more lightweight formula, so it’s an excellent option for both day and nighttime use. It’s enhanced with ingredients such as shea butter for nourishment, lipid repair, and improved elasticity, as well as soy proteins to provide a firming and toning effect with regular use. 

During the testing period, we were most impressed by how nourishing the formula feels upon application — especially on very dry skin types — and, despite having such a rich formula, it remains fast-absorbing and feels lightweight on the complexion. We also love how the face moisturizer didn’t bleed or run when sweating throughout the day, which isn’t always the case with deep-conditioning moisturizers like this one. Additionally, we found that this face moisturizer worked well with other skincare products and even layered nicely under makeup as it preps and primes the skin without leaving behind a film of leftover formula. 

After several weeks, we found that it not only worked well at conditioning and softening the skin, but it also didn’t cause any irritation on our sensitive skin and stayed put on our complexions, even after sweating and exposing our skin to heat and humidity. Additionally, we found that our skin felt less parched with regular use, so it not only keeps skin hydrated after application but continues to moisturize with long-lasting results. We just wish it came with SPF for daytime moisturizing. Since it's made for very dry skin, it may be too rich for those with more oily or blemish-prone skin.

Size: 30 milliliters, 75 milliliters | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, soy proteins | Skin Type: Dry skin

Best Budget

BYOMA Moisturizing Gel Cream

$15 at Amazon $15 $10 at Target $16 at Ulta

If you’re shopping for something a bit more budget-friendly, we highly recommend the Byoma Moisturizing Gel Cream, which is available at Target. This gel moisturizer has an airy texture that glides onto the complexion with ease and has a lightweight finish with plenty of hydration, so it's ideal for hot and sticky days. Additionally, its gel formula features a cooling effect that not only feels nice but also calms the complexion, so it’s a good choice for those with signs of skin irritation. 

During testing, we were at first unsure about the gel consistency and how well it would actually hydrate the complexion. While it took around 10 minutes for the formula to fully absorb, we were immediately impressed by the dewy glow it left behind. Additionally, we love that it includes antioxidant-rich green tea and niacinamide, which contribute to the product’s ability to keep breakouts and blemishes at bay while also evening the skin’s tone and texture.

Size: 1.69 ounces | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, niacinamide, green tea | Skin Type: All

Best All-Day

Tula 24/7 Moisture Intense Ultra Hydrating Day & Night Cream

$58 $53 at Amazon $58 at Target $58 at Sephora

The best face moisturizer for all-day wear is definitely the Tula 24/7 Moisture Intense Ultra Hydrating Day & Night Cream. This formula is enriched with tons of amazing skincare ingredients that provide deep hydration, protection, and anti-aging perks, too. Formulated with prebiotics, probiotics, hyaluronic acid, squalane, collagen, peptides, and several antioxidant-rich ingredients, the formula is designed to give the complexion an intense dose of hydration while also smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, balancing the moisture barrier, firming the complexion, and protecting the skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution. 

While we wish the face moisturizer also featured SPF, we were still highly impressed with this formula as an all-day cream. We love how well it absorbed into the complexion (which is no easy feat considering its deep nourishing properties) and how it left our skin with a subtle, natural-looking glow after each use.

Size: 1.48 ounces | Key Ingredients: Prebiotics, probiotics, hyaluronic acid, squalane, collagen, peptides, apple, watermelon, camellia seed oil, argan oil, blueberry | Skin Type: Dry skin

Best Cooling

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid

$22 at Amazon $20 at Target $27 at Ulta

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid is budget-friendly and features a formula that is just as nourishing as its luxe counterparts. Because it has a gel consistency, the first thing we noticed while testing this out is its cooling effect. Additionally, we found that the formula was quick-absorbing and sank into the skin for lightweight hydration.

Although the face moisturizer is technically formulated with dry skin types in mind, it is made without oil and features a light enough texture that nourishes oily skin types without causing that dreaded oil slick. Plus, the hyaluronic acid helps keep hydration balanced and improves overall water retention without adding heavy moisture to the complexion. With regular use, we found that we ran out of this fast-absorbing formula quickly.

Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry skin

Best Calming

REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream

$52 $45 at Amazon $52 at Dermstore View on Renskincare.com

Hydration, in general, can provide a calming effect. However, sometimes you need something with a little extra "wow" factor, such as the Ren Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream. This face moisturizer is formulated with dry and sensitive skin types in mind, though we found that it’s actually lightweight enough for combination and oily skin types, too. And if you're looking for an eczema cream, we love that it’s safe for eczema-prone skin and were highly impressed by the gentle formula, which moisturized the complexion while soothing the skin. 

The calming face cream is formulated with lots of nourishing ingredients, including blackcurrant seed oil to support the skin’s moisture barrier, sea buckthorn oil for improving texture, and a Global Protection Complex that features cranberry seed oil, candle tree leaves, ochorleuca seaweed, and kudzu zumbiozome fermentum to protect the complexion from further damage. While testing, we noticed a significant improvement in our skin’s overall glow, and while we wish it were a little heavier for our ultra-dry skin, we found that it did a great job of providing lasting nourishment and even helped our skin retain moisture after use.

Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Blackcurrant seed oil, sea buckthorn oil, Global Protection Complex | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive skin

Best for Dry Skin

Caudalie Premier Cru Moisturizer

$129 at Amazon $129 at Nordstrom $109 at Sephora

Face moisturizers are a must-have for dry skin types, and while dry skin can benefit from most moisture, not all face creams can get the job done. We found that the Caudalie Premier Cru Skin Barrier Rich Moisturizer with bio-ceramides is most impressive for its ability to deeply nourish the complexion and support a happier and healthier moisture barrier. When using the formula, we were immediately drawn to the formula’s luxe feel — which you definitely pay for, considering the high price tag — and how well it replenished our dry complexion.

We mostly used this cream at night and were highly impressed by how hydrated our skin looked and felt upon waking up in the morning — it was seriously like we had just applied it. Additionally, we loved how soothing the formula feels on the skin, which can come in handy when dealing with a dry and irritated complexion. All of these luxe ingredients and benefits come at a price — this formula is relatively expensive compared with others we tested.

Size: 1.6 ounces | Key Ingredients: Bio-ceramides, shea butter, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, oily skin types

Best for Dry Skin, Less Expensive

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides

$23 at Sephora $23 at Ulta View on Theordinary.com

If you are looking for a face moisturizer for dry skin that can get the job done at a reasonable price, we are obsessed with The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides. This budget-friendly moisturizer is designed for morning and nighttime use and provides the complexion with thirst-quenching hydration. According to the brand's independent clinical study, this product can boost hydration by up to 68 percent thanks to deeply nourishing ingredients such as fatty acids, amino acids, glycolipids, and more.

The face cream glides onto damp skin well, helping to lock in moisture and replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. Throughout the testing period, we were not only impressed by how well it deeply conditioned and hydrated our skin but also by how high-quality the formula was for the price. It's also fragrance-free so it's safe for sensitive skin. Although we did notice a little bit of excess oil build up on our T-zone at the end of the day (especially a hot and humid day), we found that the skin cream absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave the skin with a heavy film, which made it easier to layer with other skincare.

Size: 3.38 ounces | Key Ingredients: Glycosphingolipids, glycolipids, fatty acids, PCA, sodium lactate, urea, sodium hyaluronate, amino acids | Skin Type: Dry skin, sensitive skin

Best for Oily Skin

Tatcha The Water Cream

$72 at Amazon $23 at Sephora $72 at Violet Grey

If you're looking for a facial moisturizer for oily skin, one of the best options is The Water Cream from Tatcha, according to our tests. This lightweight yet deeply hydrating skin cream features some of the most luxe skincare ingredients that work wonders to not only hydrate the complexion but also provide anti-aging and anti-acne benefits, too. When testing this formula, we immediately noticed how soothing and hydrating it feels upon contact, as well as the fast-absorbing formula which also layered beautifully with other skincare products. 

Formulated with Japanese wild rose and leopard lily along with green tea, rice, and algae, this skin cream is designed to improve skin radiance, control excess oil, and support natural cellular turnover. It also tightens the look of pores and smooths out texture, too. With regular use, we reaped some of these benefits and even saw a reduction of breakouts and blemishes for clearer, more glowy-looking skin. It's a bit pricey compared to some other options we tested, but we think the benefits are worth the cost.

Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Japanese wild rose, Japanese leopard lily, green tea, rice, algae | Skin Type: Balanced, oily, sensitive, combination skin

Best for Mature Skin

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore

$155 at Dermstore $155 at Skinstore.com $155 at Skinceuticals.com

SkinCeuticals is known for its impressive line of anti-aging formulas, and the Triple Lipid Restore 242 is no exception. This face moisturizer is designed for aging and dry skin types and formulated with incredible skincare ingredients such as essential lipids, vitamin E, and essential oils rich in antioxidants to restore the skin’s natural lipids, replenish the moisture barrier, and protect against environmental aggressors.

While testing this formula, we found that the creamy moisturizer provides deep nourishment but is lightweight enough not to leave behind any greasy residues. We also loved how well it worked at providing the complexion with a more youthful-looking glow from all of the hydration. It is pricey compared with other formulas we tested, but it layers well with other skincare products, and we think the results it provides are worth it.

Size: 1.6 ounces | Key Ingredients: Essential lipids, vitamin E, antioxidants | Skin Type: Aging, balanced, dry skin

Best for Sensitive Skin

Estee Lauder Soft Creme/Mask Moisturizer

$48 at Amazon $48 at Ulta View on Esteelauder.com

If you’re shopping for the best face moisturizer for sensitive skin, we love the Estée Lauder Nutritious Melting Soft Creme/Mask Moisturizer. This face cream is formulated with sensitive skin types in mind and is designed for combination and oily complexions. With impressive skincare ingredients such as sweet kelp, red algae, and coconut water, the face moisturizer combats excess oil, soothes irritated skin, and provides lasting nourishment. 

While testing this formula, we were not only impressed by its gentle ingredients but also loved how thin and lightweight it felt upon application. Once absorbed — which took around 30 seconds — the moisturizer didn’t budge, even in humidity. It also worked well (really well) under makeup, including foundation, concealer, and powder. That being said, if you have super dry, sensitive skin, this might not be the formula for you since it’s a little too lightweight to replenish a parched complexion. 

Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Sweet kelp, red algae, coconut water | Skin Type: Balanced, combination, oily skin

Best Night Cream

Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer

$39 at Amazon View on Dermstore $39 at Paulaschoice.com

Dry skin needs a little extra love in the hydration department, so choosing a deeply nourishing night cream such as Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer can make a difference in the skin’s overall hydration levels, comfort, and texture. The face moisture is actually designed for day and nighttime use, so we tested it for both. Although we didn’t love how it layered with SPF in the morning — it was just a little too heavy with all that cream — we were immediately impressed with how well it nourished the complexion at night. 

Formulated with omega 3, 6, and 9 to strengthen the moisture barrier, plus ceramides and antioxidants, this moisturizer not only leaves our skin feeling hydrated but also ensures our complexion is able to better retain moisture with regular use, so it’s a fantastic pick for dehydrated skin types, too. Throughout the testing period, we noticed a difference in our skin’s overall texture, especially in how supple it looked and felt. We also found that the moisturizer had a long-lasting effect (even when not in use) due to its ability to support the moisture barrier.

Size: 1.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Omegas 3, 6, and 9, passion fruit, guava extract, ceramides | Skin Type: Dry, dehydrated skin 

Best Lightweight

Indie Lee Brightening Cream

$42 at Amazon $42 at Nordstrom $42 at Ulta

After testing out the Indie Lee Brightening Cream, we were most impressed by its lightweight formula, which locks in moisture on top of the complexion and is lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all day long. The lightweight face moisturizer is formulated with a variety of skin-enhancing ingredients, too, including strawberry leaf extract to brighten the skin, hyaluronic acid for lightweight moisture, centella asiatica for antioxidant protection, and squalane oil for moisture retention. 

While we wished it was a little heavier for our ultra-dry skin, we actually loved this formula not only as a lightweight option but as an additional hydrating layer, which we used in addition to a thicker cream for extra oomph. We also love the sleek glass bottle that makes it feel extra luxurious.

Size: 1.69 ounces | Key Ingredients: Strawberry leaf extract, centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, squalane oil | Skin Type: All skin types

Best Investment

SK-II Skinpower Cream

$235 $189 at Amazon $255 at Sephora $230 $38 at Walmart

Some skincare products are worth the investment, and after testing the SK-II Skinpower Cream, we can honestly say that this is worth the price. To start, this formula comes in a 2.7-ounce jar which is larger than most on our list, so you get a little more formula with the higher price tag. Additionally, it features ultra-luxe and nourishing ingredients, including Pitera, which is derived from yeast fermentation and includes 50 micronutrients that deeply condition the skin. Additionally, this anti-aging formula features a complex called Multi-Firm Technology which is composed of calla lily extract, dokudami extract, and peony extract for their skin-plumping benefits. Since the creamy formula is more geared toward dry and mature skin, it may be too heavy for oily complexions.

When testing out this formula, we were most impressed by how lightweight the formula feels on the complexion. Despite being ultra-rich in nourishing ingredients, it goes on smoothly and doesn’t ever feel like it’s weighing down the complexion (especially if you have ultra-dry skin). We also loved how well it works on some of our dry patches (it even got rid of a dry spot on our nose after just one use).  

Size: 2.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Pitera, niacinamide, calla lily extract, dokudami extract, peony extract | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, mature skin