Elta MD, Bubble Skincare, Innisfree, Roc

Mia Huelsbeck is a shopping writer for PEOPLE with several years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and more. Along with her expertise in discovering the best products for shoppers, she is a long-time beauty lover and consulted with a dermatologist for this story.

You might already use toner, the internet-famous snail mucin serum, or even a clay mask to keep your face feeling firm and youthful — but a good moisturizer should be the base of your skincare routine.

Believe it or not, moisturizer can provide much more than just hydration: It enforces your skin’s natural barrier, retaining moisture and protecting against UV rays and environmental stressors. It also improves the texture of your skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But, with so many to choose from, how do you know which face moisturizer is the best? 

Our PEOPLE testers tried more than 50 moisturizers over the course of four to five weeks for various skin types like dry, oily, and combination. We compared best-selling creams from top-rated brands like Bubble Skincare, RoC, Embryolisse, and more. While considering factors like active ingredients, SPF, consistency, and the absorption rate of each moisturizer, and upon determining the results of a blot test and moisture levels of our testers’ faces after application, we narrowed our list down to the six best face moisturizers.

Our Stars

Reviews

Best Overall: Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Moisturizer

This Innisfree moisturizer received praise for its lightweight consistency, “cooling” sensation, and hydration. Our tester has acne-prone skin, but found that this product “helped soothe [her] breakouts and pimples when they came up” and left her skin feeling “more breathable.” From the moment she applied it, she could feel a difference in her skin’s moisture and noted the rough patches around her nose didn’t return for hours.

The tester recommended the Innisfree moisturizer for everyday use, as it layered well underneath their sunscreen. Bonus points: It left her skin with a dewy glow that resulted in compliments.

Size: 1.69 ounces ($17.75 per ounce) | Key Ingredients: Green tea tri-biotics, hyaluronic acid, green tea seed oil | Skin Type: Dry skin

Best Budget: Bubble Skincare Slam Dunk Face Moisturizer

Our tester described herself as having normal skin, though she sometimes experiences dryness on her forehead. After five weeks of consistent use of this moisturizer, she said, “It did help to reduce the dryness I used to experience around my forehead which would cause little bumps in that area.” 

She noted that it feels “soft and fluffy,” comparing it to “whipped cream” and that it went on smoothly. Although it took a little time for the product to fully absorb, her skin was left feeling “moisturized and hydrated” without the sensation of there being too much product on her face. 

Size: 1.7 ounces ($8.81 per ounce) | Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, vitamin E, avocado oil, hoya lacunosa flower extract | Skin Type: Dry skin

Best with SPF: EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 Sunscreen Moisturizer

Not only does this EltaMD moisturizer have broad-spectrum SPF 40 included, giving you the perfect two-in-one product, but it goes on smoothly without leaving your face oily, according to our tester. Although there was a slight whitecast after application, it was rubbed in easily. It’s also available in tinted versions to alleviate this concern. 

“It is very moisturizing,” our tester noted, adding, “It left my skin feeling very smooth.” Where many sunscreens can have an overpowering fragrance, this one was nearly odorless with just a subtle, “clean” smell. The non-sticky consistency of this moisturizer is the cherry on top.

Size: 1.7 ounces ($23.53 per ounce) | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All skin types

Best Lightweight: Roc Barrier Renew AM SPF 30 Moisturizer

While this Roc SPF 30 moisturizer is slightly less protective against the sun compared to the above counterpart, the price is right. Our tester noted, “The two-in-one [aspect] of this product eliminated my need to utilize both a moisturizer and a sunscreen, which made it feel like I had less build-up on my face.”

It’s favored for its lightweight feel and effectiveness, as our tester found it to be very hydrating and, despite having combination, acne-prone skin, they noticed fewer breakouts while using it. It’s a great under-makeup option that absorbs quickly without feeling “greasy or oily.”

Size: 2.5 ounces ($7.60 per ounce) | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, vitamin E, green tea leaf extract, ceramides, prebiotics | Skin Type: All skin types

Best for Sensitive Skin: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

“I have sensitive skin and love that this didn’t cause any irritation,” our tester shared. She loved that the moisturizer felt lightweight yet eliminated the need to reapply throughout the day. “It feels like it’s nourishing my skin as it absorbs,” the tester raved.

After four weeks of use, she noticed that her skin felt calm and the rough patches on her face had minimized. This cream also got our seal of approval for its non-greasy, non-cakey, and non-oily formula made from shea butter, beeswax, and aloe vera that went on like a dream.

Size: 2.54 ounces ($11.42 per ounce) | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera | Skin Type: All skin types

Best for Oily Skin: BeautyStat Universal Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Cream

Those with oily skin may want to reach for this moisture-boosting cream from BeautyStat. Our tester’s skincare routine hadn’t previously included a face moisturizer, but he found that it had a huge improvement on his skin and undereye bags. “My skin immediately felt hydrated and uplifted,” he enthused. Because its texture is so “wet,” as he described, only a small amount is needed for full coverage — plus, it spreads easily.

The BeautyStat cream was also commended for “decreasing the frequency and severity” of our tester’s breakouts, and for being such an easy-to-use product with impressive results.

Size: 1.7 ounces ($29.41 per ounce) | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, bio-fermented nutrient complex, ceramides, pomegranate sterols, vitamin F | Skin Type: Oily skin

Splurge-Worthy Picks

Sometimes spending a little extra is worth it, like for these honorable mentions. One of our testers called the Tula Ultra Hydrating cream “rich and smooth,” and noted that it’s worth the slightly higher price tag. Putting on Drunken Elephant’s Whipped Cream felt like “doing a boujee expensive face routine,” according to another tester. With bio-ceramides and micro hyaluronic acid, the Caudalie moisturizer targets dry skin, wrinkles, and dark spots. Finally, the La Mer cream we tried noticeably improved signs of aging at the end of the trial.

How We Tested

After thoroughly researching dozens of products, we carefully selected which face moisturizers to test. Throughout the process, our testers used one face moisturizer once per day and took note of how their skin concerns and moisture levels changed over the course of the four- to five-week test. 

They evaluated the product’s consistency both during use and by spreading it across a plastic tray; our testers noted each moisturizer’s speed of absorption over the course of 10 minutes by feeling their face, using blotting paper, and dabbing the product with a sponge. They also used a moisture reader before and after use.

At the end of the trial, our testers evaluated their satisfaction compared to day one and noted whether they’d recommend the moisturizer to friends and family, and if they would continue to use the product once the test was complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right moisturizer for my skin type?  

Everyone’s skin type varies, which is why it’s important to consider the different kinds of face moisturizers out there. You might have dry, oily, acne-prone, or combination skin. “I ask my patients: ‘How does your skin feel an hour or two after you wash it?’” Dr. Wu says. “If it feels tight or looks flaky, look for a moisturizer [for] dry/sensitive skin. If it’s shiny or you see large pores, try one that’s made for oily skin.” For those who have neither effect after washing their face, Dr. Wu suggests looking for a moisturizer made for “‘normal’ skin.” 

Are there any particular ingredients to look for in face moisturizers? 

When it comes to the vast array of face moisturizers out there, there are many active ingredients that benefit your skin, depending on its texture. “If your skin is dry or sensitive, chances are your skin’s natural ‘barrier’ (protective layer) needs to be strengthened,” Dr. Wu explained. “So look for ceramides, which help restore barrier function and hold in moisture.” Another great ingredient for those looking to replenish their skin barrier is squalane. 

Alternatively, people with oily skin might want to consider a moisturizer with niacinamide, which can reduce your pores, or hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and prevents your skin from over-producing oil.

What are some qualities to look for in a moisturizer based on the climate I live in?

Unsurprisingly, our environment can play a major role in the quality of our skin. In turn, you should take your surroundings into consideration when selecting the best face moisturizers, including the climate and time of year. As Dr. Wu tells us, “For cold, dry climates which are often windy, look for a cream formula in a jar, which is richer and more emollient. For warm climates, a lightweight lotion formula in a pump bottle may feel less heavy on your skin.” 

And when it comes to humid environments, she suggests, “Look for a moisturizing gel or serum [that is] water-based and won’t leave you looking as shiny. You could also try a mattifying moisturizer if you’re oily and live in a humid climate.”

Complete Your Routine

Now that you’ve found the best face moisturizer, it’s time to complete your routine with more of our favorites, tested in-house. The Neutrogena dark spot corrector earned our best overall for less award, thanks to its anti-aging benefits, layerable consistency, and decent price. 

If you want to ensure your cleanser goes further, this NågraCoola Clie Facial Cleansing Brush is our favorite cleansing brush overall. Plus, don’t forget to grab these great additions to your makeup routine, too.