Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
1
Best For Plumping
Namesake The Daily Moisturizer
1
Best For Plumping
Namesake The Daily Moisturizer
Pros
Makes skin appear brighter and smoother
Cons
Pricey for the size
Multitasking formulas are a godsend for those who want to simplify their routine while still receiving transformative results. Namesake’s inaugural product is a nourishing moisturizer chock full of gentle acids to smooth texture and rosehip oil to hydrate the skin. “This moisturizer is my go-to whenever my skin is in dire need of a pick me up. Like a splash of water on a hot day, the formula seeps into my skin to give me a more plumped and hydrated glow,” says Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com Beauty Commerce Editor.
Namesake rating: 5/5 stars
2
Best For Crepe-y Skin
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
2
Best For Crepe-y Skin
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Some dislike the container
As we age, our skin can often become crepe-y, which is a reflection of loss of elasticity and water loss, which this cream battles against. CeraVe’s iconic Moisturizing Cream aims to restore what we lose over time. “This contains ceramides, which help restore the lost ceramides in dry and aging skin,” says dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. “It is safe for all skin types.”
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 stars
3
Best For Wounds
Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
3
Best For Wounds
Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Pros
- Healing
Cons
- Can leave a white cast
This cream was created to soothe burns, help wounds heal, and prevent and reduce scarring. But it also doubles as an incredible moisturizer for damaged skin barriers, scarring, and irritation.
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I burned my skin with benzoyl peroxide and this healed me in two days. It’s so gentle.”
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4
Best For Plump Skin
COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Repair Cream
4
Best For Plump Skin
COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Repair Cream
Now 29% Off
Pros
- Adds a glow
Cons
- May not be suited for very dry skin
The first thing you’ll notice about this moisturizer is its sticky, dewy texture. Thanks to its main ingredient, snail mucin, this moisturizer helps plump and hydrate skin that needs repair.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “After a month of using this product, my skin looks brighter, less textured, and I have less acne. Even during the days before getting your period (which is when I always break out), I noticed that the breakouts are minimal.”
5
Best For Makeup Prep
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
5
Best For Makeup Prep
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Now 42% Off
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- May not be suited for very oily skin
Whether your skin is dry, sensitive, or normal, this moisturizer is a cult classic. Not only does it firm and plump the skin, but it’s particularly beloved by makeup artists who wax poetic about its ability to double as a primer.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “My skin feels wonderful all day. It goes on beautifully, has a very pleasant scent, and makeup goes on smoothly over it.”
6
Best For Very Sensitive Skin
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
6
Best For Very Sensitive Skin
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
Now 18% Off
Pros
- Can be used all over body
Cons
- Consistency is heavy
“This is the best moisturizer for super sensitive skin,” says Lal. “It is much thicker than other moisturizers and is best for those with dry and irritated skin.” The Vanicream Moisturizing Cream restores the skin’s moisture barrier and soothes cracked or dry skin. Even better, the cream can be used all over, so you’re soft and supple from head to toe.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
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7
Best Lightweight Moisturizer
EltaMD AM Therapy Face Moisturizer
7
Best Lightweight Moisturizer
EltaMD AM Therapy Face Moisturizer
Pros
- Lightweight texture
Cons
- Some dislike the scent
The texture of this moisturizer is milky and lightweight, but it also packs a surprisingly intense douse of moisture that lasts all day–or night. It’s great for post-procedure skin, acne-prone skin, or even severely dry skin.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Very happy with this moisturizer. Works well on my sensitive skin. No breakouts after using it. Keeps the dry skin under control.”
8
Best For Dewy Skin
Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator
8
Best For Dewy Skin
Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Pricey
For that dewy look, this moisturizer deeply hydrates while leaving a lasting glow on the skin. It’s great to layer underneath makeup since the texture can act like a primer.
Ulta rating: 3.7/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I had terrible sun damage a few years ago, and every time I had put moisturizer on, my pores burned. I tried several different moisturizers, all resulting in pain, until I got to this one. For thirsty skin, use this. It doesn’t feel like there’s a load of chemicals, and it soothes my skin and keeps it supple all day. A little on the pricey side, but I use it splurge on it and use it sparingly.”
9
Best For Irritated Skin
Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair
9
Best For Irritated Skin
Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair
Pros
- Soothing formula
Cons
- Will have to re-up often
Bumpy texture, redness, and dryness are no match for this overnight moisturizer. Despite its deeply hydrating nature, this cream is actually non-comedogenic, making it ideal for every skin type.
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “After just one night of using this Tatcha cream, I felt and saw the difference. Redness went down and my face was plump and so hydrated by the morning.”
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10
Best For All Skin Types
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+M Triple repair Moisturizing Cream
10
Best For All Skin Types
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+M Triple repair Moisturizing Cream
Pros
- Gentle
Cons
- Some dislike the scent
“Hands down my favorite,” Lal says. “It has all of the powerhouse ingredients and is safe for all skin types, including babies. It provides 48 hours’ worth of hydration. It also has prebiotics which help the skin microbiome stay intact.” Shea butter is a star ingredient in this composition and works alongside ceramides to strengthen and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
11
Best For Supple Skin
DAMDAM Mochi Mochi Luminous Plumping Moisturizer
11
Best For Supple Skin
DAMDAM Mochi Mochi Luminous Plumping Moisturizer
Pros
- Plumping
Cons
- May not be suited for oily skin
Any moisturizer that promises a mochi-like texture for the skin is a winner. This cream is packed with antioxidants and AHAs to help plump, soften, and reduce signs of aging.
Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I’ve been using this product for almost a year now. I absolutely love it! My skin has gotten dryer since I got in my mid-20s, but this moisturizer keeps it from being flaky.”
12
Best For the Skin’s Microbiome
Beekman 1802 Bloom Cream Daily Probiotic Moisturizer
12
Best For the Skin’s Microbiome
Beekman 1802 Bloom Cream Daily Probiotic Moisturizer
Pros
- Nourishing ingredients
Cons
- May not be suited for very dry skin
Probiotics aren’t just for the gut—they’re great in your skincare, too. This cream helps keep your skin glowing and healthy, thanks to a combination of goat milk, honey, and niacinamide.
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I have struggled with severe acne, rosacea, and dry skin since I was about 13. I’m 23 now and have FINALLY found a skincare line that works for me.”
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13
Best For Dull Skin
Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion
13
Best For Dull Skin
Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion
Pros
- Brightening properties
Cons
- Some dislike the packaging
If your complexion feels sallow and dull, opt for a brightening moisturizer that wards off dryness. With consistent use, your skin will look healthier and smoother. “This has multiple vitamins like A, C, and E which help hydrate, heal, and brighten the skin,” says Lal.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
14
Best For Matte Skin
Augustinus Bader The Light Cream
14
Best For Matte Skin
Augustinus Bader The Light Cream
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Pricey
This lightweight moisturizer will leave your skin looking and feeling mattified, making it ideal for oily skin types on the hunt for the perfect barely-there cream.
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Good for oily/combo acne-prone skin. My skin feels so soft, smooth, and brighter.”
15
Best For a Glow
Farmacy Honey Halo Ceramide Face Moisturizer
15
Best For a Glow
Farmacy Honey Halo Ceramide Face Moisturizer
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Plumps dull skin
Cons
- Can be hard to rub in
Honey is a humectant that locks in moisture and is a great healer for the skin, which is why this moisturizer is so beloved by many. This cream is packed with ceramides that help hydrate and add radiance to stressed-out skin.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This moisturizer stays on for so long. It’s worth it and has been great for my acne-prone and combination skin. It’s really hard to find a great moisturizer that isn’t too expensive, but this one is worth the minor splurge. Definitely recommend.”
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16
Best For Barrier Repair
Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
16
Best For Barrier Repair
Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- May not be suited for acne-prone skin
Our skin’s moisture barrier can be damaged by everything from too many harsh chemicals to sun exposure. This deeply hydrating cream helps repair and soothe the skin to prevent further damage and maintain a strong barrier.
SokoGlam rating: 4.5/5 stars
A SokoGlam reviewer says: “This is perfect during the winter months and keeps my skin moisturized without feeling greasy.”
17
Best For Bouncy Skin
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
17
Best For Bouncy Skin
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Pricey
Healthy skin has a great bounce to it, which is why we love plumping ingredients. This cream uses peptides and natural extracts to give the skin that extra boost. “This plays well with my serums and sunscreen—no pilling here! Great for instant hydration, especially after an overnight flight,” shares Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director, ELLE.
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
18
Best For Even Skin
EADEM Cloud Cushion Plush Moisturizer with Ceramides + Peptides
18
Best For Even Skin
EADEM Cloud Cushion Plush Moisturizer with Ceramides + Peptides
Pros
- Multi-benefits
Cons
- May not be suited for acne-prone skin
Whether you’re dealing with dark spots, enlarged pores, or dry patches, this moisturizer has you covered. Thanks to a combination of niacinamide, ceramides, and peptides, this cream can solve almost every skin woe imaginable.
Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “This moisturizer made my skin feel so soft and smooth immediately after use. I have very sensitive skin and I have never noticed an issue with this. Even the next day your skin still feels nice and clean and soft.”
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19
Best For Every Day
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
19
Best For Every Day
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Now 27% Off
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- May not be suited for very dry skin
Overwhelmed by choice? This moisturizer is great for minimalists who need an easy cream that never disappoints. The gel formula is appropriate for almost every skin type, and it’s safe for sensitive skin. Our Beauty Director, Danielle James, says, “I grabbed this in a Walgreens while on vacation and realized I forgot my moisturizer. I was surprised by how hydrating and soothing it felt on my skin—it doesn’t feel like a ‘drugstore’ formula and held its own against my more expensive products. I popped it in the fridge for a cooling sensation.”
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
20
Best For Eczema
First Aid Beauty First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
20
Best For Eczema
First Aid Beauty First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Pros
- Soothes irritation and dryness
Cons
- Some dislike the scent
Finding the right product to treat extremely dry skin and conditions like eczema can be a difficult journey. This product uses colloidal oatmeal to soothe and hydrate even the most sensitive skin types.
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I absolutely love this moisturizer. It makes your skin feel so soft and clear.”
Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor
Tatjana Freund is Hearst’s Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She’s a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.
Beauty Commerce Editor
Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.
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