The 100 best face moisturizers tested and ranked, according to editors

We tested reliable drugstore favorites, like Cerave and Cetaphil, as well as more luxurious options from brands like Augustinus Bader and Tata Harper.
NBC Select independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more .

Consensus is rare — but when it comes to skin care, dermatologists agree: moisturizers, like sunscreen , are a critical component of any daily skin care routine . They not only prevent dryness and irritation, but they’re crucial for repairing and maintaining your skin barrier , according to experts I spoke with.
It takes some trial and error to find the right formula for your skin type, texture and age. Not everyone has the time, money or interest — or the will to sustain many breakouts that'll inevitably pop up — in sampling dozens (if not hundreds) of skin care brands on the market right now. That’s why we set out to do the work, so you don't have to. To find the absolute best face moisturizers, we spent almost five months testing more than 135 formulas, ultimately ranking our top 100.
See our official ranking below, followed by our testing criteria and methodology.
Want more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.
Our ranking
100: Pink Moon Capricorn Moisturizer (out of stock)
99: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50
98: Monika Blunder Beauty Undercover Face Creme (out of stock)
94: EltaMD Skin Recovery Light Moisturizer
93: Grown Alchemist Skin Renewal Day Cream
92: Bareminerals Ageless 10% Phyto ProCollagen Firming Anti-Age Cream
91: HH Science Balanced Skin Lightweight Oil-Free Moisturizer

89 Alo Beauty Luminizing Face Moisturizer
88: Derma E Vitamin C Renewing Moisturizer
86: Jackfir The Classic Daily Facial Moisturizer
85: Perricone MD High Potency Classics Retinol Recovery Overnight Moisturizer
83: Inside Beauty Antioxidant Moisturizer
81: Bioré UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer
80: Bareminerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Face Cream (out of stock)
79: Peach Slices Snail Rescue Moisturizer
76: Retrouvé Intensive Replenishing Facial Moisturizer
73: Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream
72: Weleda Skin Food Face Care Nourishing Day Cream
71: Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Refillable Moisturizer
69: The Outset Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer
68: Violets Are Blue Enzyme Jelly Hydra Mask
67: Kora Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Firming Moisturizer
66: Farmacy Daily Greens Oil Free Gel Face Moisturizer
63: Olehenriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer

59: Peach & Lily Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream
51: Erno Laszlo Firmarine Moisturizer SPF 30 (out of stock)
50: Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream
49: Avené Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
48: Lancer Skincare The Method: Nourish Women’s Anti-Aging Moisturizer
43: Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Probiotic Gel-Cream
41: Epicuren Discovery Facial Emulsion Enzyme Moisturizer
40: Farmacy Honey Halo Ceramide Face Moisturizer Cream

39 : Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Cream
38: Skin by Dr. Sethi Ultra Glow Moisturizer
37: Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream SPF 20
35: Roc Barrier Renew Day Cream with SPF 30
31: Kat Burki Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream
28: Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Moisturizer
27: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Firming Moisturizer
25: Filorga Global-Repair Advanced Daily Face Cream
Coverage from 1 source
Coverage by lean
- Unknown1
Comments
Sign in to join the discussion.
Sign in with SpryLogin