The Best Moisturizers

New York Times

27-03-2025

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter; prop styling by Andrea Bonin Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer is a go-to for dermatologists and sensitive skin types alike, thanks to its blend of humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and emollients, like ceramides and squalane. It absorbs readily, leaves skin plumped, and even softens the appearance of fine lines, however temporarily. The packaging isn't charming, but none of our testers could deny its efficacy.
It boasts no-nonsense ingredients. While many of the moisturizers we considered had more than 50 ingredients, Vanicream moisturizer's lean and mean 19 includes the derm-anointed all-stars we looked for: squalane, glycerin, glycol, hyaluronic acid, and five different ceramides. Also, it notably lacks common chemical irritants like fragrances, dyes, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers. The fine-tuned ingredient panel leaves little room for irritation, and none of our eight testers—even those with sensitive skin—reported any issues.
The packaging is dismal, but the texture is sublime. Inside the meh plastic tube is an absolutely breathtaking formula. 'The silky texture could easily pass for Chanel,' noted one panelist, who even considered decanting it into a more vanity-worthy jar. Medium-weight and highly emollient, the cream glides on effortlessly, absorbs beautifully, and works well under makeup (several options we tested, like one from EltaMD, either pilled or repelled cosmetics). Most compellingly, it leaves our skin softer than moisturizers costing 10 times as much.
It's easy to work this cream into a skin-care routine. Even panelists who didn't have sensitive skin appreciated Vanicream moisturizer for another reason: its layerability. A tester working a prescription tretinoin back into her routine after pregnancy found it was an ideal base layer to prevent the initial skin flare-up she was expecting. Some of the creams we tested had nearly a hundred ingredients, like Clé de Peau (84). More ingredients means more chances for reactivity, especially when paired with compounds like vitamin C, retinol, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHA). Vanicream moisturizer keeps it basic, in the best way. Flaws but not dealbreakers The matte plastic tube isn't pretty, and it scuffed over time, making it even less appealing. Some testers didn't mind, but others wished their daily routine sparked a little more aesthetic joy.
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter; prop styling by Andrea Bonin Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter; prop styling by Andrea Bonin Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter
As its name suggests, this translucent, jelly-like cream leaves skin feeling instantly refreshed and replenished. Despite Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cream Fragrance Free's featherweight texture, it's dosed with powerhouse moisturizers like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate. Housed in a sleek aqua jar, this daily moisturizer over-delivers on every front.
It has a truly unconventional texture. The viscous, gel-like whip gets its water-binding bounce from glycerin and sodium hyaluronate. At first, the slippery consistency was polarizing: One tester loved that it spread effortlessly like a serum, but another found the need to let the slippery formula absorb less appealing. However, all testers agreed that it dries down completely, leaving behind only smooth skin and no stickiness.​​
The moisture lasts thanks to proven ingredients. This lightweight gel absorbs immediately and delivers lasting moisture and glowing skin: More than eight hours after application, one tester got compliments on how radiant she looked. That's due in part to well-studied hydrators like glycerin, dimethicone, and sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid). But what truly sets this moisturizer apart from all the other picks is the inclusion of urea, a compound found naturally in the skin that binds water and improves barrier function.
It looks super high-end. Hydro Boost Gel Cream easily has the most attractive jar we've ever seen on drugstore shelves, and the weighty, cerulean blue pot looked as chic on our vanity as lots of the more expensive creams we tried, like Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel Cream, which has a similar formulation. And it goes without saying that it's cuter than the institutional Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer or the hulking CeraVe tub we recommend. Bonus points that the glass jar can be repurposed or readily recycled. Flaws but not dealbreakers Technically this gel is fragrance-free, meaning no perfumes were added. But some testers clocked the inherent scent of the ingredients as mildly medicinal.
Not everyone liked the experience of putting their fingers into a tub—people who are concerned about hygiene might prefer our picks in tubes or pumps.
The product names within the Hydro Boost line are very confusing, and you need to bring a copy editor's discerning eye to the shopping experience. The Water Gel formula was launched in July 2024. What is now known as the Gel Cream, which is a sheer, white gel, used to be the Water Gel. A third option, Water Cream, is the richest of all.

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter; prop styling by Andrea Bonin Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter
This light, gauzy lotion has just a hint of salicylic acid, a proven acne fighter. It's thick at first, but it dries down without any shine or irritation.
People with acne may fear that face lotion will trigger a flare-up. And yet, those using treatments like benzoyl peroxide or retinol may find their complexions parched and flaking. Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer's combination of lightweight, mattifying lotion and a low concentration of blemish-fighting salicylic acid is a versatile option for all manner of acne sufferers. The sheer, unshiny formula gently hydrates while salicylic acid—just 0.5%—helps clear pores and avoid future breakouts.
It treats acne two ways. Over-the-counter acne spot treatments and toners contain up to 2% salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that dermatologists love for its exfoliating properties. This 0.5% formula is a quarter of that horsepower, but just enough to keep breakouts at bay without irritation. 'I'm super impressed,' one acne-prone panelist wrote. 'My skin tolerated it without any burning sensation, and no redness.' The formula also contains a zinc compound that helps curb inflammatory acne. For one tester who experiences minor hormonal outbreaks each month, swapping in Cetaphil Mattifying Acne Moisturizer for just a few days prevented a few small pimples from erupting at all.
Skin looks smooth and fresh. Even with that hint of BHA, the Mattifying Acne Moisturizer has a refined finish we loved: That's thanks to mattifying agents like aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, a powdery oil-absorber. For testers whose primary concern was tamping down shine, our La Roche-Posay pick won out—but our acne-prone panelists preferred the Cetaphil moisturizer's double benefit of quelling breakouts and diminishing shine.
It's a lightweight hydrator. Right out of the tube, this pearly cream looks thick—but don't let that trick you into thinking it will trap oils and cause a breakout. As you apply, it actually takes on a liquid texture that easily glides over skin and absorbs instantly. The formula relies on hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to provide hydration without feeling heavy or clogging pores; we found that combination of ingredients and texture rare for an acne-fighting moisturizer. A similar lotion we tried, Aveeno Positively Radiant Clear Complexion, which also has 0.5% salicylic acid, appeared straight-up greasy on some testers' skin. Flaws but not dealbreakers The tube is nearly identical to a handful of other Cetaphil skin-care items, so it could be hard to find in-store in a sea of products. One tester, who happened to use Cetaphil Multi-Purpose Ointment, found it far too easy to confuse the two—especially when she was getting ready after the shower without her glasses.
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter; prop styling by Andrea Bonin Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Face Moisturizer has just 16 ingredients—the fewest of any of our picks—but what ingredients they are! The light, oil-free formula has ceramides and hyaluronic acid, as well as skin-smoothing niacinamide, a vitamin B derivative. It goes on shiny and reflective but dries down quickly, blurring the appearance of pores and leaving skin soft and impressively matte. It feels fresh on your face, so it's an ideal choice for humid environments or anyone prone to midday shine.
It tamps down shine. This is the only moisturizer we tested that contained a trio of oil-absorbing particles: silica, starch, and perlite. Right out of the tube, it almost looks greasy, but if you rub it in and wait just a few seconds, the cream immediately dries and leaves skin soft, fresh, and not reflective. We also found that mattifying benefit wasn't only appreciated by people with oily skin. Panelists with combination skin found their pores were less noticeable.
The formula fully absorbs and refreshes. One tester shared that she'd used a mattifying lotion in the past that hovered on top of her skin in a shine-free layer but never really sunk in. Not so for this La-Roche Posay moisturizer, which absorbs quickly without leaving residue or pilling under sunscreen. And ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerin, and ceramides provide lasting hydration. As a bonus—especially in hotter weather—we felt a cooling sensation after application.
The formula and the package are deceptively generous. The sheer, almost watery texture spreads easily, so a little goes a long way. And you're also getting a lot of product to work with: The chic, flat tube holds almost 50% more than the substantial Neutrogena pot and just a skosh less than the big tube of Vanicream. Flaws but not dealbreakers Many lotions we tried were excellent both day and night. The mattifying cosmetic benefit of the La Roche-Posay was appreciated in the day. For night though, it seemed unnecessary.

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter; prop styling by Andrea Bonin Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter; prop styling by Andrea Bonin Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter
Pretty much every dermatologist recommended CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, and we're guessing it's not because of fancy packaging. This buttery cream has glycerin and ceramides high on its ingredient panel, as well as petrolatum, an occlusive that seals in moisture. Many products we tried claimed to be scent-free, but ultimately smelled medicinal or astringent. This one truly is, without a hint of an aroma.
Though it feels rich, it's not suffocating. This frosting-thick cream is our only winner with petrolatum (aka petroleum jelly) in the mix, and the formula is for body and face. Admittedly, we were at first deeply skeptical that something could both soften alligator elbows and still look chic under makeup. But CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream surprised us by absorbing quickly, leaving no greasy residue, and sitting well even under a full face of foundation. That said, it may take some practice figuring out exactly how little your face needs. 'It didn't absorb if I accidentally put on too much,' one tester said.
It delivers enduring hydration. Moisture-loving ingredients like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate are bolstered by occlusive petrolatum, which locks in every bit of hydration. 'I love when I find a moisturizer that makes my dry skin look hydrated when I wake up,' said one panelist who tended to use it at night as a sleep mask.
You really can't beat the value. Far pricier moisturizers offer similar results: In fact, we tested one from Clé de Peau that costs about $432 an ounce, and some panelists still preferred the overall effects of this roughly $1.25-per-ounce option. For even better value—and a more hygienic application—CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is available in a 16-ounce tub with a pump. The pump dispenses even, metered doses, and you don't have to scoop into the moisturizer directly. Even more, the lotion is versatile enough to be used on body and face—it's featured in our guide to the best body moisturizers, too. Flaws but not dealbreakers Petrolatum is derived from fossil fuels. Some people avoid the ingredient for ethical reasons.
The no-frills packaging is clunky and out of proportion. Squint at the stout tub and pump combo, and it resembles an ugly duckling.
Frequent travelers may want to decant smaller portions to a more portable container.
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter; prop styling by Andrea Bonin Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter
We heard so many good things about how well The Outset Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer performed, we didn't even realize it was a celebrity brand—Scarlett Johansson co-founded it in 2022. But the hype is well earned. It has a mellow, mild formula, but with some bells and whistles that kick the experience up a notch. The pump dispenses a delicate squiggle, which rubs into skin in a sheer, scentless layer that feels cool and refreshing. The refillable glass bottle and minimalist graphic design makes the product feel special without being too expensive.
It's formulated with standby ingredients and a few novel, natural additions. The Outset moisturizer contains many of the preferred hydrators in our other top picks, including glycerin, glycol, and squalane. In general, we avoided formulas with a lot of plant-derived butters and oils, since dermatologists flagged that they may trigger skin sensitivities; here though, there's a nice balance. Avocado and jojoba oil, for instance, are dermatologist-recommended and well tolerated. Granted, this cream does contain 45 different components—nearly three times as many as the La Roche-Posay moisturizer we recommend—and that high number may be a concern if you have sensitive skin.
The airtight pump is hygienic and easy to use. Several creams we tried in this over-$40 price range came in pots you had to scoop into, either with your fingers (unsanitary) or a little utensil that was all too easy to misplace (Sunday Riley, we're looking at you—and still looking for the tiny spoon). Our panelists loved the pump and its perfectly portioned pearl-sized drops.
For the price, the experience is really elevated. Experience-wise, our testers rated this as a significant step up from drugstore tubs and tubes, but it was still under $50. The initial 1.7-ounce bottle costs $44 and a 2.5-ounce refill pouch $50, a slightly better value. The frosted glass bottle has a nice heft and a chic, minimalist appeal. We also loved that the bottle is not only recyclable but refillable. Flaws but not dealbreakers The formula may strike some as not special enough to justify the expense. 'Everything about it is just fine, but it's not much nicer than the drugstore brands,' a tester said.

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter; prop styling by Andrea Bonin Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter
We do not recommend a $185-per-ounce product lightly. The very fact that Augustinus Bader's The Rich Cream makes this list should underscore how much we loved it: Our panelists unanimously chose it from the luxury category. Yes, this mild mixture shares many key ingredients—glycerin, squalane—with Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer, one of our most affordable favorites. What truly sets it apart, though, is the experience: If you like 'rich-person skin' vibes and a shelfie-ready vanity, you'll get all that with the luscious, lasting formula, the chic glass bottle, and the blue and copper colorway.
Its superior texture sinks in and stays put. One press of the pump delivers a tenacious pearl of cream. 'It's thick and nourishing without being greasy,' one tester said. Going from opaque on your fingers to translucent on your face takes a little more massaging than with The Outset moisturizer, but that struck our testers as a reminder of the formula's richness. It also doesn't dry down and seemingly disappear, the way others did in this category.
A small dose is all you need. Testers liked the pump for portion control—'never a bad thing when something costs this much,' one panelist said. She found that 2.5 pumps was just enough to keep her dry skin feeling fresh and hydrated all day.
The scent is subtle and fresh. So often, expensive moisturizers seem to be loaded with overpowering, cloying fragrances: Others we tried in this category were deemed either too 'coastal grandma' (Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv) or too grassy (Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream). Augustinus Bader's The Rich Cream stands alone as the only one of our picks with added fragrance. We thought that was a good thing, with a very light scent that our testers really liked (it didn't trigger any flare-ups for a staffer with sensitive skin). Flaws but not dealbreakers The cream is packaged in an opaque plastic capsule inside a thick glass bottle. It's airtight, but it's hard to gauge how much product is left in the bottle.
Most of the moisturizers in this price range come in refillable jars or pots. This bottle isn't recyclable or refillable, which was a miss, especially considering the cost.
Several members of Wirecutter's beauty team worked together to compile a full list of contenders for best moisturizers—from affordable workhorse creams to deeply luxe lotions and practically every formula in between. We're a diverse, picky, and—it must be said—fundamentally frugal group, with editors in the dry, frigid north, the hot and humid south, and on the mean streets of New York City. Two of us are parents to skin-care-obsessed teenagers, and—like all good angel investors—consult them with curiosity, respect, and a checks-and-balances approach to expenses.
Collectively, we have more than 70 years of experience working for beauty and lifestyle publications and digital media brands like Allure, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, InStyle, Real Simple, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Oprah Daily. Some of us have had in-house stints at beauty brands, consulting on all aspects of a product's development. While we called on a new batch of experts for this guide, we've interviewed countless dermatologists, cosmetics chemists, and aestheticians over the years, and we pulled from that earned knowledge.
In our careers and everyday lives, we've encountered hundreds (and possibly thousands) of facial moisturizers. We've seen brands come and go. We've watched tastes change. And we've seen what stands the test of time. Most of all, we have developed reliable criteria for what makes a great moisturizer, no matter the cost.

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter We evaluated each contender's texture and absorption. From left: The Outset, CeraVe, Neutrogena. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter; prop styling by Andrea Bonin From top: Augustinus Bader, Vanicream, La Roche-Posay, Cetaphil. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter; prop styling by Andrea Bonin Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter
In our initial research to find the best moisturizers, we checked in with skin-care-obsessed Wirecutter staffers, studied lists of best sellers and award-winners, explored the aisles of Target, Walgreens, Sephora, and Ulta, and went deep into reviews and sub-Reddits.
That yielded a robust list of 58, which we then set about winnowing. We turned to three aestheticians and two dermatologists for their expert insights. With their input, we established a short list of ingredients that help make an all-star moisturizer.
Specifically, dermatologists suggested looking for humectants, which attract moisture (namely, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and glycol); emollients, which soften skin and hold onto moisture (like squalane and niacinamide); and occlusives, which create a barrier on the skin to further lock in hydration (including ceramides and natural oils, such as shea butter, avocado oil, and jojoba oil). Of course, some ingredients check a few boxes—niacinamide, for instance, serves as all three.
Every derm we talked to pointed out that when a product has a lot of ingredients, it can be hard for people with sensitive skin to pinpoint what might be causing any redness, splotchiness, or stinging, so we purposefully sought out moisturizers with a relatively low number of ingredients. (Three of our seven picks have fewer than 25 ingredients, and 45 was the most a winner had.)
One editor tested the 22 moisturizers that met those criteria and chose nine to send to five panel testers with a range of skin tones and types, ensuring diversity in complexion, lifestyle, and age. Our group included individuals from warm and humid climates, people from cold, dry regions, and frequent travelers. At least one panelist wears moisturizer under a full face of foundation, while another shaves his beard twice a week.
Each panelist applied the moisturizer samples as they normally would in their daily routine—morning and night. Then they evaluated each moisturizer's performance across three key categories: Texture and absorption: We prioritized formulas that absorb quickly, leave a translucent finish, feel lightweight on the skin, and don't pill or disrupt makeup.
We prioritized formulas that absorb quickly, leave a translucent finish, feel lightweight on the skin, and don't pill or disrupt makeup. Experience: We considered all the details, from how easy a moisturizer is to dispense to the satisfying click of the cap, ensuring each formula delivers a five-star experience. For lots of people, applying moisturizer is part of a self-care routine and should feel appropriately special, elevated, and splurge-worthy.
We considered all the details, from how easy a moisturizer is to dispense to the satisfying click of the cap, ensuring each formula delivers a five-star experience. For lots of people, applying moisturizer is part of a self-care routine and should feel appropriately special, elevated, and splurge-worthy. Value: Whether we were considering a $5 moisturizer or a $500 one, we made sure that every single factor justified the expense; we rejected bargain options for being gloopy and graceless, and we ruled out luxury moisturizers for being overpackaged yet underperforming. We also considered the cost per ounce, so we could account for longevity as well as price.
After a first wave of testing, we expanded our list of contenders because—despite loving the product inside—panelists kept describing the tubes and pumps as 'flimsy' and 'sad.' A second editor tested an additional 15 pricier lotions, and eight more products were sent to a limited panel of two.
Under $40
Aveeno Positively Radiant Clear Complexion was the closest runner-up to our pick from Cetaphil: It also pairs 0.5% salicylic acid with soothing ingredients that minimize redness, but many of our testers didn't like the artificial floral scent. We also found that it pilled under foundation, as did Avène Cleanance Mattifying Aqua-Gel.
Our testers loved Bubble Skincare Slam Dunk's cute packaging and clean pump, but disliked the texture and insufficient absorption. Byoma Moisturising Gel Cream had a refreshing cooling effect but ultimately didn't seem to hydrate enough. Similarly, CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizing Gel left skin feeling taut, and one tester reported a faulty pump dispenser.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration lived up to its name but left a slightly greasy sheen; its texture seems better suited for the body than face. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Refillable Hyaluronic Cream had an unpleasant slimy feel, but then turned persistently sticky once on our skin. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer had old-school charm but was so thick it took too long to dry down.
For some panelists, model Hailey Bieber's Rhode Barrier Restore Cream was a revelation: They loved its texture, spreadability, and stylish grey tube. It's a barrier cream, so it creates a sheer layer of protective moisture, but one tester found it made her face look too shiny and greasy.
Under $75
We loved the mild scent of Clinique Moisture Surge and the way it absorbed, but it seemed to make our skin tight. Drunk Elephant Protini Power Polypeptide Cream has a nice, luscious weight but overall felt too similar to more-affordable options.
We had high hopes for EltaMD PM Restore Moisturizer—the brand is a leader in sunscreen, after all—but the experience was disappointing, with the product balling up and pilling on our peach fuzz.
PCA Skin ReBalance Daily Moisturizer, Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel Cream, Sunday Riley C.E.O. Afterglow, and Tatcha's The Dewy Skin Cream all garnered mixed reviews from panelists: Each massages in quickly and delivers moisture, but none felt remarkably special in any way. We liked the pretty packaging for all of them, though.
Youth to the People Super Food Air-Whip Moisture Cream earned high marks for its whipped texture and juicy formula, but panelists ultimately considered it a little too watery.
$75 and up
Given the price of luxury skin care, we held contenders in this category to the highest standards. In its pot, Clé de Peau Beauté La Crème looks like an identical twin to Kerrygold butter, and it swipes onto skin in a whisper-thin layer. It didn't seem to have staying power, though, and the chunky gemstone container was too extra.
Though testers praised the lightly whipped texture of Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Transformative Brilliance Soft Cream Moisturizer, the excessively floral fragrance and diamond-like packaging were serious turnoffs. Lancôme Régenerie had a fresher, zestier scent, but the thick cream appeared almost curdled.
We considered SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore and liked its infusion of mellow moisture—but at around $150 for 1.6 ounces, it wasn't leaps and bounds better than our super-affordable pick from CeraVe. Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream felt modern, with a buttery smoothness, but it had a polarizing jolie laide botanical scent. Testers appreciated that the pot was refillable but didn't love that it was plastic. At this price, they would prefer a more hefty and luxurious glass.
Patricia Tortolani contributed reporting. This article was edited by Hannah Morrill and Jennifer Hunter.

Jeremy B. Green, MD, dermatologist at Skin Associates of South Florida, email interview, June 9, 2024
Omer Ibrahim, MD, dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, email interview, May 29, 2024
Frankie Shay, licensed aesthetician, email interview, June 4, 2024
Shamara Bondaroff, licensed aesthetician, email interview, June 8, 2024
Daniela Gozlan, celebrity makeup artist, email interview, June 14, 2024