The search for the perfect facial moisturizer is often a lifelong pursuit. Why? Formulas change (even the most coveted) as brands constantly update recipes and star “actives” to make them cleaner, better, faster, stronger. “New products are continually released onto the skin-care market, some of which contain more potent combinations of ingredients, and sometimes even entirely novel actives,” says Jessica Weiser, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Columbia University. She adds that rotating tried-and-true favorites intermittently helps “to ensure that your skin continues to respond to its source of hydration.” Changing seasons often cue a swap. In a heatwave, lightweight gel (basically the halter top of summer hydration) might tap in for an ultra-rich cream.
The Best Face Moisturizers
Best Moisturizer for Wrinkles: N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Cream, $115
Best Lightweight Moisturizer: Tatcha The Water Cream, $68
Best Night Cream Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Omega-Rich Cloud Cream, $53
Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Tata Harper Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer, $130
Best Moisturizer for Combination Skin: Glow Recipe Plum Plump Moisturizer, $39
Best Drugstore Moisturizer: Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentre, $29
Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer: Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream, $58
Best Moisturizer with SPF: U Beauty Multimodal Defender SPF30, $165
Best Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin: Bubble Level Up Balancing Moisturizer, $15
Best Moisturizer for Glowing Skin: Caudalie Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturizer, $65
Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 242, $150
Never Miss a Vogue Moment <br>Subscribe to Vogue and get a limited-edition notebook<br>SUBSCRIBE NOW
Of course, consumer demand is a powerful thing. Now that Big Beauty is finally catching on to customers asking for nontoxic ingredients and do-it-all recipes, there’s a new wave of natural multitaskers. “With endless innovative moisturizers, the hydration market is more abundant than ever, and there are products suitable to all skin types and needs,” says Weiser. To help narrow the search and edit the noise, we tapped experts for their recommendations on the best face moisturizers.