What I’m about to say contradicts the current situation on my bathroom counter (I’m working on it, okay?) but…you don’t really *need* a lot of beauty products. Sorry, I know. Fancy skincare tools, beauty devices, and product applicators can make your life a whole lot easier and take your skincare routine to the next level, but what’s most important is having the basics covered, like a gentle everyday face wash, a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30, and, of course, a moisturizer. “A moisturizer not only infuses your skin with hydration but also helps trap in all the products underneath it to make the ingredients even more effective,” board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss has previously told Cosmo.
So whether you have a pared-down routine or a product-heavy one (like mine) everyone could benefit from using a moisturizer—but not everyone needs the same moisturizer. We gathered all the facts from dermatologists to help you figure out the right formula for your skin. Introducing, your ultimate guide to finding the right moisturizer, plus a few product recommendations to get you started.
Meet the experts
- Becca Marcus, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at North Dallas Dermatology Associates who specializes in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
- Elyse Love, MD, is an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist at GlamDerm and Spring Street Dermatology.
- Anar Mikailov, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of KP Away.
- Kavita Mariwalla, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Mariwalla Dermatology in West Islip, NY and has previously spoken to Cosmo about the topic of oily, acne-prone skin.
- Shereene Idriss, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Derm in New York City and has previously spoken to Cosmo about the topic of skincare routines.
The best moisturizers of 2022
How to choose the best moisturizer
One of the biggest misconceptions is that a face cream has to cost hundreds of dollars to work. “Moisturizers do not necessarily need to be fancy or expensive to do a great job of keeping your skin hydrated,” says board-certified dermatologist Becca Marcus, MD. That said, you don’t want to use the first moisturizer you see, either. Here’s what you should think about when making your selection of the best face moisturizer:
Think of your skin type
As you might guess, my super-dry, flaky skin needs a totally different moisturizer than my oily, shiny-faced friends. According to board-certified dermatologist Anar Mikailov, MD, your general skin type and pre-existing skin concerns are the best indicators for what type of moisturizer you should use. Most moisturizers are labeled with the skin types they’re targeting, but not always. In that case, you’ll want to take a look at the ingredients and consistency, so let’s take a closer look at those labels.
Look at the ingredients
For a simple, no-frills moisturizer, Dr. Mikailov says to look for at least one humectant (an ingredient that attracts water and hydrates the skin), like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, plus one occlusive (an ingredient that forms a barrier on the skin to prevent transepidermal water loss), like wax, oil, or petroleum. “When combining oils with water and fatty acids or waxes, then the final product tends to have a combination of properties, including humectant, emollient, and occlusive,” Dr. Mikailov explains.
Once you have the basics covered, you can add on “bonus” ingredients that go beyond moisturizing the skin to further customize your moisturizer. Depending on your specific needs, the experts say to look for niacinamide, peptides, antioxidants, squalane, and PHAs in the formula as well. But if you know you have sensitive skin, try to stick with a formula that has the fewest total number of ingredients possible. “As the ingredient list grows, so does the likelihood of irritation or allergic reaction,” Dr. Mikailov explains. Another good idea? Go fragrance-free to avoid irritation.
Check the formula’s consistency
Lotions, gels, creams, balms—the consistency of your face moisturizer makes all the difference, too. Board-certified dermatologist Elyse Love, MD, recommends those with oily skin stick to lighter, oil-free formulas that hydrate the skin without feeling heavy, and those with dry and sensitive skin use heavier, balm-like formulas. Dr. Mikailov adds, “Most people with oilier skin tend to do better with more lightweight, almost gel-based moisturizers.” As for those on the drier side of the spectrum, a thicker, emollient cream with a higher ratio of plant-based oils to humectants would be better suited.
Think about the current season
Lastly, pay attention to when you’ll be using your face cream. Dr. Marcus says skin should never feel weighed down with products, so it’s important to look at the condition of your skin throughout the year and adjust your moisturizer accordingly. “If you live in a different climate in the summer versus winter, what’s right for you in the summer is probably too light for the winter weather,” Dr. Love explains. “Those with oily skin may prefer lightweight gels in the summer and light creams in the winter, while those with dry skin may prefer creams in the summer and heavier creams or balms in the winter.” Dr. Mikaiov says even non-oily and dry skin may also prefer these lightweight gel creams when the climate is hot and humid.
Now that you have a better idea of how to narrow down the selection, here are 21 of the best face moisturizer gels, creams, and lotions for you to choose from.
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