The 9 Best Face Moisturizers for Every Skin Type, According to Experts

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Whether you’re dry or oily, sensitive or acne-prone, finding the right face moisturizer for your skin type is no easy task. Purchasing a new moisturizer only to find it’s not suited for your skin is frustrating, stressful, and costly.

“As a dermatologist, the number one question that patients ask is ‘What is the best moisturizer for my skin type?’” says Douglas Altchek, MD, and clinical professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine in New York. “It’s difficult to find a moisturizer that addresses all skin types that is safe and effective with visible results seen quickly.”

Basically, it’s complicated. A one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work. For most of us, facial care is a mystery that remains unsolved. Especially when there may be more than one issue we’re dealing with. 

“Some have skin prone to premature aging requiring early attention to proper care,” says Judith Hellman, MD, a Manhattan-based board-certified dermatologist. “Some complicated conditions exist simultaneously,” she continued. Dry skin, for example, is prone to aging in addition to being prone to rosacea, which makes the skin more sensitive to allergic reactions if using the wrong products.

What’s more, high maintenance routines—using several sequentially applied products—is just not possible for many busy working women. But simple, consistent daily care is possible. Once you find the right cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and anti-aging products, your skin regimen will require little time and effort while yielding maximum results. 

We spoke with a team of experts who broke down the different skin types, providing recommendations on what works best for each. Shop the top expert-recommended face moisturizers below, and keep scrolling to read why each of these made the cut.

Best for Aging Skin: Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream

Dewy Skin Cream - Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream – Tatcha , $68

 

Best for Oily Skin: Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum

Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum - Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum – Biossance , $72

 

Best for Dry Skin: CeraVe Skin Renewing Cream Serum

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Cream Serum CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Cream Serum , $19

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: RoC Deep Wrinkle Serum

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Facial Serum RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Facial Serum , $17 (was $23)

  

Best Anti-Aging Option for Acne-Prone Skin: Peter Thomas Roth Professional 3% Retinoid Plus

Professional Strength 3% Retinoid Plus Professional Strength 3% Retinoid Plus , $82

 

Best for Mature Skin: Kate Somerville +Retinol Vita C Power Serum

Retinol Vita C Power Serum Kate Somerville Retinol Vita C Power Serum Kate Somerville “to boost its effectiveness at addressing multiple issues such as fine lines and discoloration.” 

Dr. Ilyas cautions to be smart when shopping for topical vitamin C-containing serums. Make sure they are combined with ferulic acid, a compound that neutralizes free radicals, which damage skin cells leading to premature aging. The combination, she added, can actually boost the effects of vitamin C nearly eight-fold. Also, make sure the product is housed in a dark bottle. “When vitamin C is exposed to light, it gets deactivated in the bottle making it useless by the time it makes it to your skin.”

Available at sephora.com, $98

Best for Sensitive Skin: OleHenriksen Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Crème

Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Crème - OLEHENRIKSEN Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Crème – OLEHENRIKSEN , $55

Best Option With SPF: Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Sunblock

Mineral-Based Zinc Oxide Formula, 1. 7 EltaMD Mineral-Based Zinc Oxide Formula, 1. 7 EltaMD , $33

Best for Combination Skin: bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream , $22 (was $30)

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