1
Best Overall
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
1
Best Overall
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
Credit: ulta.comPros
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Expensive
You may have seen this moisturizer trending on TikTok, but there’s a reason it has a cult following. “This oil-free moisturizer is formulated with high concentrations of hyaluronic acid to prevent moisture on the skin from evaporating, leaving it replenished and hydrated,” says Dr. Jacobs. It’s also fragrance-free, locks in hydration for up to 72 hours, and super easy to toss in your purse or makeup bag.
2
Most Hydrating
Skinfix barrier+ Skin Barrier Niacinamide Restoring Gel Cream
2
Most Hydrating
Skinfix barrier+ Skin Barrier Niacinamide Restoring Gel Cream
Credit: sephora.comPros
- Provides 72-hour deep hydration
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some reviewers report an unpleasant smell
If your skin is craving an extra hydration boost, Dr. Kim says this moisturizer is for you. “This is a fantastic gentle gel moisturizer that delivers moisture like no other gel moisturizer, and even patients with oily skin like this product,” he says. Plus, it contains niacinamide, which helps absorb excess oil and even out your skin tone.
3
Best With SPF
IMAGE Skincare Prevention Daily Matte Moisturizer Oil-Free SPF 30
3
Best With SPF
IMAGE Skincare Prevention Daily Matte Moisturizer Oil-Free SPF 30
Credit: dermstore.comPros
- Contains SPF 30
- Soft matte finish
Cons
- Strong smell
This daily matte moisturizer is a go-to for Dr. Jacobs since it contains SPF 30 to protect against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. It also provides a lightweight and oil-free hydration boost, making it a great option for those with dry or oily skin, he adds. Another bonus? It works as a makeup primer!
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4
Best For Dark Spots
PillowtalkDerm Major Fade Active Seal Moisturizer
4
Best For Dark Spots
PillowtalkDerm Major Fade Active Seal Moisturizer
Credit: pillowtalkderm.comPros
- Contains vitamin C
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Expensive
“This soft gel moisturizer is infused with vitamin C (Tetrahexyldexyl ascorbate) to keep the skin bright,” says Dr. Kim. The formula contains active ingredients to help treat dark spots and protect the skin from future discoloration, while delivering major hydration. The easy-to-use pump also delivers the perfect amount of product every. single. time.
5
Best Splurge
Senté Dermal Repair Cream
5
Best Splurge
Senté Dermal Repair Cream
Credit: sentelabs.comPros
- Reduces redness
- Improves fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
- Expensive
It’s pricey, but if you have sensitive skin, Dr. Jacobs says this cream works wonders. “It will give you healthier-looking skin in no time, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” he explains. The non-greasy formula also improves skin texture without clogging your pores, so it’s a suitable option for everyone.
6
Most Lightweight
Tatcha The Water Cream
6
Most Lightweight
Tatcha The Water Cream
Credit: amazon.comPros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Contains little product for the price
Lightweight, clarifying, and hydrating? Check, check, and check! This Tatcha Water Cream is a top recommendation from Dr. Kim since it’s especially good for people with oily skin without leaving a sticky or greasy residue. Not to mention, the packaging is sleek and timeless!
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7
Best Budget
Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Absorbing Moisturizer
7
Best Budget
Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Absorbing Moisturizer
Credit: target.comPros
- Fragrance-free
- Contains SPF 30
Cons
- Some reviewers report it may burn your eyes
“This is specially designed for oily and acne-prone skin since it’s lightweight and fast absorbing while still providing deep hydration to the skin,” says Dr. Jacobs. It also contains broad spectrum SPF 30, and the non-greasy formula absorbs quickly to provide 24-hour hydration.
8
Best Night Cream
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
8
Best Night Cream
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Now 32% Off
Credit: amazon.comPros
- Fragrance-free
- Contains niacinamide to calm skin
Cons
- May look greasy if worn under makeup
“This is a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that will help improve skin texture and protect the skin barrier,” says Dr. Jacobs. It also contains niacinamide and ceramides which will hydrate and keep your skin moisturized without clogging pores. The fragrance-free classic is suitable for all skin types and the perfect addition to your nighttime routine.
9
Best For Glassy Skin
Skinbetter Science Even Tone Correcting Serum
9
Best For Glassy Skin
Skinbetter Science Even Tone Correcting Serum
Credit: skinbetter.comPros
- Fragrance-free
- Brightening
Cons
- Expensive
A little skincare splurge is worth it when you’re looking for hydrated, smooth, glassy skin. “This serum is light but hydrating enough to be a moisturizer especially during the summer,” says Dr. Kim. It glides on and contains hexylresorcinol and alpha-arbutin which brighten your complexion and improve the appearance of dark spots.
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10
Best For Brightening
OLEHENRIKSEN C-Rush Brightening Gel Crème
10
Best For Brightening
OLEHENRIKSEN C-Rush Brightening Gel Crème
Credit: amazon.comPros
- Brightens skin tone
- Sits well under makeup
Cons
- Skin may feel sticky after application
Sometimes all you need is a moisturizer packed with vitamin C, and this brightening cream is worth the hype, says Dr. Jacobs. It's lightweight and formulated with three sources of vitamin C to brighten and even your skin tone, while also hydrating and plumping the skin's surface, he explains.
11
Best For Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel Face Moisturizer
11
Best For Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel Face Moisturizer
Credit: target.comPros
- Won't clog pores
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May feel sticky after application
Neutrogena will always be a classic and Dr. Jacobs says their oil-free moisturizer is a reputable option for those with sensitive skin. It hydrates without clogging your pores or increasing oil production, and it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin since it contains glycerin.
12
Best For Purifying
Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer with Moringa and Papaya
12
Best For Purifying
Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer with Moringa and Papaya
Credit: sephora.comPros
- Purifying
- Reduces shine
Cons
- Strong scent
For those with shiny skin, this is the refreshing skincare step you need. A few of this moisturizer's key ingredients are niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and papaya which refresh, hydrate, and purify without leaving a greasy finish. It’s also known to visibly reduce the appearance of pores which is always a plus!
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.
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