Finding The Right Moisturizer Is A Struggle
The world of skincare is an overwhelming place. With a myriad of options, it can be hard to choose the right product for you. Moisturizer is a necessary step in your skincare routine, but with each cream offering different results to different people, you end up wasting a lot of time and money finding the right one. Here are 10 highly-rated moisturizers and 10 that disappoint to help you narrow your options before you buy.
1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a great everyday moisturizer for people with dry skin or eczema. Developed by dermatologists, it contains ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, and is free of harsh chemicals.
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel is beloved for its lightweight, ultra-hydrating formula that quickly absorbs into the skin. Its main hydrating ingredient is hyaluronic acid.
3. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is the perfect moisturizer for those with severely dry skin. It's thicker in consistency but manages to feel lightweight and non-greasy. It contains squalane, ceramides, and glycoproteins.
4. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Not only is Olay's Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream incredibly hydrating, but it also improves the look of wrinkles and sagging skin. Its powerhouse formula consists of hyaluronic acid, triglycerides, and occlusives.
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5. Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Drunk Elephant’s Protini Peptide Cream works to hydrate and smooth skin thanks to its unique formula containing polypeptides, folic acid ferment extract, and water lily stem cell extract. It's lightweight and free of harsh chemicals.
6. Tatcha The Water Cream
It's called The Water Cream because it's so lightweight that it feels like a splash of water on your skin. That doesn't mean it's void of nutrients though: it's packed with antioxidants which stave off skin damage and Japanese wild rose extract which improves skin texture.
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7. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
For a budget option that doesn't skimp on nutrients, Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is a great choice for people with sensitive skin. It contains Glycerin and B vitamins.
8. Byoma Moisturizing Gel Cream
The Byoma Moisturizing Gel Cream is popular for its airy texture that goes onto the skin smoothly and leaves a dewy finish. The formula includes niacinamide and green tea.
9. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
The Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is the go-to choice for those with oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. It's lightweight, non-greasy, and hydrating and is suitable for hot climates.
10. Paula’s Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer
Another good option for oily skin, and acne-prone skin is Paula Choice's Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer. It contains niacinamide and ceramides which work together to minimize pores and even skin tone.
Now that we've talked about the moisturizers that everyone has been raving about, let's go over the ones that have been receiving poor reviews.
1. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer
Despite Aveeno products being marketed as all-natural, the Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer contains harsh sunscreen ingredients. Many people find the product to be irritating.
2. Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer
Although it's marked as being for all skin types, customers routinely complain about breakouts and lack of efficacy with this product. What's more, they say it leaves a sticky residue on the skin.
3. GlamGlow Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer
Although GlamGlow's Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer succeeds in leaving a glowy finish, customers find it prioritizes sheen over hydration. It also has a strong fragrance added which may not be suitable for sensitive users.
4. Eucerin Redness Relief Daily Perfecting Lotion
Although it claims to leave an even-toned complexion, users say Eucerin's Redness Relief Daily Perfecting Lotion leaves an unpleasant green tint on the skin. They also say it doesn't moisturize well enough.
5. Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion
The biggest complaint with the Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion is the consistency which feels like glue. It's also been linked to acne breakouts in some people.
6. Patricia Wexler M.D. Universal Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Just because there's a doctor's name in the title doesn't mean it's going to be effective. Users say the Patricia Wexler M.D. Universal Anti-Aging Moisturizer is extremely thick and leaves an oily residue.
7. Pond’s Dry Skin Cream
Users say Pond’s Dry Skin Cream's unpleasantly thick consistency doesn't absorb well into the skin. It also contains mineral oil and fragrances that may clog pores.
8. Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer
The major criticism of Clean & Clear's Dual Action Moisturizer is that it contains salicylic acid, a great ingredient for spot treatments but not so much for moisturizers as it dries out skin. Although it may be suitable for those with very oily complexion, many users complain it leaves their skin flaky.
9. St. Ives Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Moisturizer
Another brand that has been criticized for mislabelling its products as all-natural, St. Ives Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Moisturizer contains harsh synthetic ingredients that irritate some people's skin. Users say it leaves a greasy residue without adequate hydration.
10. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Sensitive Skin
Despite specifically stating in the name that it's for sensitive skin, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture has been criticized for containing harsh ingredients like alcohol. Users say it fails to adequately hydrate and irritates portions of skin that contain acne.
