Best for Dry Skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Pros
- Helps repair your skin's moisture barrier
- Non-greasy, lightweight texture
- Great for dry, sensitive, and a variety of skin types
- Works well under makeup and sunscreen
- Has SPF of 30
Cons
- Has a slight “lotion” odor
- May not be heavy enough for severely dry skin
Key Specs
- Skin type: Dry, sensitive, all
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramides, “prebiotic thermal water”
- Packaging: Tube
- Fragrance: None
Everyday Health editor Nicole Bonaccorso, who has dry skin, said that the cream “absorbs quickly into the skin.” After using it consistently, she noticed that her skin “looks hydrated and happy using this moisturizer. It does feel very hydrating and safe for sensitive skin.”
If you're prone to acne or blemishes, we should note that Bonaccorso did have a breakout during use of this product, but she doubts that the product is to blame. “This product contains very few irritants and is oil-free and noncomedogenic, meaning it doesn't clog pores. I think my breakout just may have been hormonal,” she said. Overall, she gave this moisturizer her seal of approval for delivering the feeling of “hydrated and healthy skin.”
Best for Reactive Skin
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Pros
- Fragrance-free and simple formula
- Very hydrating and effective for dry, itchy skin
- Can be used on face and body
- Won’t clog pores
Cons
- Leaves a residue behind
- Thick cream can be too heavy for some oily or combination skin types
Key Specs
- Skin type: Dry, sensitive, reactive
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid
- Packaging: Tube
- Fragrance: None
Everyday Health tester Tori Martinet, RD, said her dry skin was “less dry-looking, not ashy, and had a nice softness” after using it. In addition to leaving her skin soft, the cream left her with “less-itchy, more-supple skin.” She used it on her body and noticed “no cracking on rough areas.”
Because of the product’s thick texture, it does leave a residue behind, Martinet said. Still, this minor complaint doesn’t deter her; she buys this product every winter because of how effective it is on smoothing out rough patches on her elbows. “I like that it’s thick but not gloppy,” she said.
I’ve also used this moisturizer. My dermatologist recommends this formula after I get laser treatments because it’s so gentle, creamy, and promotes healing of the skin barrier. Because it has a thick texture but is noncomedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores), it helps seal in other products — like a niacinamide serum if you choose to layer up on skin care for extra hydration — without causing a skin reaction.
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Best Anti-Aging
Laneige Perfect Renew 3x Cream Advanced
Pros
- Buttery texture that blends easily
- Contains encapsulated retinol to firm skin
- Contains peptides to improve skin texture
Cons
- Even encapsulated retinol may cause some irritation on reactive skin
- More expensive than other products on our list
Key Specs
- Skin type: Sensitive, mature
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, encapsulated retinol
- Packaging: Jar
- Fragrance: Yes
Laneige Perfect Renew 3x Cream Advanced is designed for sensitive and aging skin. It includes a gentle yet potent blend of ingredients to improve skin's radiance and diminish the appearance of wrinkles while hydrating skin. Simone Scully, Everyday Health’s editorial director, was impressed with the product's “buttery” texture.
As for performance, Scully said the cream “makes my skin look like I had a better night's sleep.” She also noticed that her skin appeared “a little firmer.” But where this moisturizer really shines is in its application. Packaged in a glass jar, it’s applied with your fingers, and Scully confirmed the claim that it “melts” into your skin. “It’s not an exaggeration. It goes on smooth and blends,” she said, adding that it layers well under makeup when used during the day.
Best for Combination Skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight gel formula absorbs quickly
- Leaves a matte finish, making it ideal for oily skin
- Hydrates without clogging pores
Cons
- Contains a subtle fragrance
- Contains dimethicone, a type of silicone that sits on top of skin
Key Specs
- Skin type: All, oily, combination
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
- Packaging: Jar
- Fragrance: Yes
Writer Jen Sinclair had a good experience with this product, describing its texture as “gel-like, but whipped and very lightweight.” The water-based formula moisturizes dry areas while keeping oily areas from feeling slick. That could make the product appealing to those who are oily around the forehead and nose but have dryness on other parts of the face. Sinclair, who has combination skin, really appreciated the airy texture, saying the cream was “weightless for me, which is huge. I don't like it when my skin feels greasy after applying moisturizer.” She said that the moisturizer, which comes in a plastic jar, spreads smoothly and is easy to apply.
Sinclair was also impressed with the results of this moisturizer, saying that her skin felt “tighter, smoother, and softer.” Her experience with this unique gel-like texture was positive; she didn’t notice any redness or irritation, and it didn’t leave her face shiny or sticky.
Best Day Moisturizer
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Pros
- Helps with daily barrier repair
- Gentle formula that doesn’t clog pores
- Free of common irritants
Cons
- May not be creamy enough for dry skin
- Doesn’t contain SPF for day use
Key Specs
- Skin type: Sensitive, all
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides
- Packaging: Tube
- Fragrance: No
Editor Katie Tuttle, who has sensitive skin, enjoyed using this “thin and gel-like” lotion. Its reliable results and easy absorption make it her go-to moisturizer. Dispensed from a tube, the moisturizer absorbs quickly, Tuttle said. That makes it ideal for daytime use beneath makeup or sunscreen in your daily skin care routine. “I've been using this as my daily facial moisturizer for years,” Tuttle said, and its fragrance-free formula doesn't irritate her skin. She also uses retinol, which can make skin dry and flaky, but she said that this moisturizer pairs excellently with it. “This formula is surprisingly hydrating for as light as it is,” she said.
As for the hydrating results, this lotion keeps Tuttle’s skin supple, without leaving a residue or “greasy or dry” feeling. It leaves a natural finish, without that shiny look of heavier day creams, she said.
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Best Night Moisturizer
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer
Pros
- Lightweight yet nourishing formula repairs skin overnight
- Gentle, simple ingredients promote healing
- Non-irritating formula soothes skin
Cons
- Shea butter may cause breakouts in those with acne-prone skin
- May not be rich enough for severely dry skin
Key Specs
- Skin type: Mature, all
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, shea butter
- Packaging: Pump bottle
- Fragrance: No
I’ve been using this cream after youth-boosting laser resurfacing treatments to help promote healing, and I’ve been impressed with the results. As someone over the age of 35, I technically have “mature” skin, so I want a moisturizer that helps keep my complexion supple and bouncy. This formula delivers, plumping the appearance of thin lines that dry skin can accentuate. I noticed an improvement in the softness of my skin after a week of consistent use.
The product comes in a pump bottle, making it easy to dispense the desired amount. It absorbs quickly and pairs well with retinol, which I also use in my nightly routine. The formula does a good job of balancing my skin, and its noncomedogenic, lightweight formula hydrates without leaving a slick complexion or any irritation.
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Best Drugstore Face Moisturizer
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Pros
- Affordable, multi-use product
- Thick and creamy consistency provides superior moisture
- Occlusive is ideal for “slugging” technique
Cons
- Rich texture can leave a residue
- Can sit on your skin, which might be uncomfortable to some
Key Specs
- Skin type: All, dry
- Key ingredients: Glycerin and vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
- Packaging: Container
- Fragrance: No
As an occlusive product, it can be used to seal in other skin care products you might use in your nightly routine, like hyaluronic acid serums or vitamin C serums. This is called “slugging.” It’s a technique that requires a thick and creamy textured moisturizer to be spread over other topical skin care treatments and left to sit on your skin. It’s an especially useful practice during winter, when skin tends to dry out. Martinet, who has very sensitive skin, had no adverse reactions or irritations, which she said was a pleasant surprise. For the price, this all-purpose cream is well worth adding to your skin care collection.
Best Drugstore Body Moisturizer
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Body Lotion
Pros
- Provides nourishing, lightweight body hydration
- Quick absorbing
- Good for skin prone to eczema
Cons
- May not be moisturizing enough for severe dryness
- Dry skin types might need to reapply throughout the day
Key Specs
- Skin type: All, dry
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, shea butter, “prebiotic thermal water”
- Packaging: Pump
- Fragrance: No
Everyday Health editor Ashley Ziegler, who has dry skin, enjoyed using this product. She called it a “really effective moisturizer that I feel like did more than just add some short-term hydration.” Ziegler said it absorbs quickly, spreads evenly, and is easy to apply from a pump bottle. The product didn’t cause any reaction, and she found it so non-irritating that she used it on her child: “I also used it on my 6-year-old, who has eczema, and it was super-gentle on her skin as well.”
As for results, Ziegler was pleased with how it rid her of the feeling of “scaly and ashy” skin. She also appreciated that it absorbed in “under a minute,” which is a plus on busy mornings. Finally, she didn’t notice any leftover residue, making the application overall a pleasant experience.
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Best Fast-Absorbing
Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Moisturizing Body Lotion
Pros
- Lightweight and absorbs quickly
- Contains omega-3s to nourish skin
- Non-greasy feel
Cons
- Some ingredients may be a concern for those with nut allergies
- May cause breakouts in acne-prone skin
Key Specs
- Skin type: All, dry
- Key ingredients: Shea butter, vitamin E oil, avocado oil, glycerin
- Packaging: Pump
- Fragrance: No
As for the results, Tuttle, who has dry skin, said she loves Naturium's lotions, especially during “harsh Midwestern winters.” In addition to absorbing quickly, making it more likely you’ll fit it into your daily routine, the formula left Tuttle’s skin soft and glowing. She also liked how a little of this product goes a long way, noting that “one pump covers a large area.” Plus, she said it spreads easily and smoothly. This fragrance-free body moisturizer is a must for keeping dry skin soft and supple.
Best for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
Pros
- Safe and effective for sensitive skin
- Provides long-lasting hydration
- Can be used on face and body
Cons
- Leaves residue behind
- Slower to absorb than some of the other creams on our list
Key Specs
- Skin type: Sensitive, dry
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, “prebiotic thermal water”
- Packaging: Pump
- Fragrance: No
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream is specifically formulated for very sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Its triple-action formula contains “prebiotic thermal water,” ceramides, and niacinamide to restore your skin's barrier, rebalance your skin microbiome, and replenish lipids.
Everyday Health editor Lili Ladaga, who has sensitive skin, had a positive experience with this product. She said she almost immediately noticed a difference in the texture of her skin, particularly on rough patches. “I used it on my heels and on several recent scars on my knees. It was so moisturizing and really relieved that tight-skin feeling after showering,” Ladaga said.
Because the formula is fragrance-free and allergy-tested, it’s a very safe choice for even the most reactive skin. The pump dispenser makes it easy to apply and spread over large areas of skin, even though the product is marketed as both a face and body moisturizer. Ladaga did find that the “tacky” residue left behind took some getting used to, but ultimately, she recommends this product.
As for the results, Ladaga said her skin felt “super-moisturized” after use and that frequent reapplication wasn’t necessary. “It’s marketed for up to 48 hours of hydration, and my skin felt like it delivered on that. The areas of my body that I used it on were soft and not tight for hours.”
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Best for Tackling Tough Spots
Aveeno Skin Relief
Pros
- Softens rough and dry patches
- Game-changer for itchy skin
- Smooth application
Cons
- Slower to absorb than some creams on our list
- Leaves some build-up on some skin types
Key Specs
- Skin type: All, dry
- Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, petrolatum
- Packaging: Pump
- Fragrance: No
Martinet, who has dry skin, used it on rougher areas like her feet and elbows. “They were much softer after a week,” she said. And overall, her skin “was noticeably less dry.”
Martinet also enjoyed the application process. The moisturizer “absorbed well and rubbed in smoothly without clumping or any major residue,” she said. Still, she said it took about half an hour to feel the cream’s softening effect, making it slower to absorb than some other products on our list. However, she tested the product under hot and humid weather conditions, which can slow absorption.
Another perk of this product? The lotion is dispensed from a pump bottle, minimizing product waste and adding to the product’s value.
Best for Hands
Mayron's Goods Body Milk Nourishing Moisturizer for Body and Face
Pros
- Nourishing oils provide lasting softness for face and body
- Lightweight milk texture absorbs quickly
- Rubs in smoothly
Cons
- Subtle scent may not be for everyone
- Very chapped or cracked hands may require a thicker, more balm-like product
Key Specs
- Skin type: All, dry
- Key ingredients: Shea butter, vitamin E oil, avocado oil
- Packaging: Bottle
- Fragrance: No
Writer Raki Swanson loved how this cream moisturized her hands. “After using this, my wrinkly hands went away,” she said. She attributed the change to the deep hydration the lotion provides. Beyond appearance, she also appreciated how it made her skin feel: “The product goes on so lightly that you don't really think it is lotion.” Plus, she said that it absorbs within seconds and leaves no residue.
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Why Trust Everyday Health
Jill Di Donato
Author
Jill has over 15 years of experience writing about women's health, wellness, and beauty. She has deep knowledge of buzzy products and what makes them popular with consumers. She's tested hundreds of skin care products, tools, and medical aesthetics procedures throughout her career, and she has interviewed top dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and holistic physicians to stay on top of the latest in skin health and wellness.
Jill is the former associate editorial operations director of the beauty group at Dotdash Meredith, where she worked on brands such as Shape and Byrdie, editing health, fitness, skin care, wellness, and body care commerce content.
She's also a former sex and relationship writer, and has made national television appearances to discuss sexual wellness topics for women. In addition to anything beauty and sexual wellness, Jill specializes in writing about body neutrality and mental health.
Jill has a degree in sociology, with a focus on gender studies and she has taught sociology classes at Barnard and Columbia University.
Jacquelyn Dosal, MD
Medical Reviewer
Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments of inflammatory skin diseases, as well as laser treatment of the skin and injectables.
Dr. Dosal writes cosmetic questions for the certifying exams for the American Board of Dermatology. She is also the deputy editor for the American Academy of Dermatology's podcast, Dialogues in Dermatology.
Orlando de Guzman
Fact-Checker
Orlando de Guzman is a writer and editor with expertise in health and environmental news. He has a background in investigative and science journalism and has worked on documentary films about war and trauma, health, sanitation, and the changing climate around the world. His interest in health and medicine started after an early career as a medical and legal translator.
De Guzman is a longtime health and fitness enthusiast who is interested in nutrition, diet, and mental health. He participates in endurance sports and cross-trains in several traditions of martial arts from Southeast Asia. De Guzman is interested in how the progressively complex movements of martial arts training can improve cognition and mental well-being, especially for those with PTSD and for those approaching middle age and beyond.
De Guzman has a dual B.A. in communications and international studies from the University of Washington in Seattle. He is committed to factual storytelling and evidence-based reporting on critical choices that affect our planet.
Katie Tuttle
Editor
Katie Tuttle is an editor and writer specializing in food, nutrition, and product testing. Her work has appeared in EatingWell, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, and Real Simple. She has written about meal kits, kitchen tools, fitness, and wellness, and has tested and reviewed a wide range of products, with a particular focus on meal delivery services and their impact on nutrition and convenience.
Beyond food, Katie has covered fitness and wellness topics, drawing from her own experience as a powerlifter and an occasional runner. She’s always interested in how products and services can make healthy living more accessible and practical.
When she’s not researching or writing, Katie is usually surrounded by houseplants or spending time with a foster dog. She firmly believes there’s no such thing as too many books or too much coffee.
Nicole Bonaccorso
Tester
Nicole Bonaccorso is a writer and editor with more than 12 years of journalism experience. She has been writing for Everyday Health since 2025, and has also been published on NBCNews.com, Treehugger, Verywell, Mashable, and Upworthy, among other publications.
Nicole was also a senior editor at Weather.com for more than 11 years, covering everything from weather and climate change to health, science, and travel.
In addition to writing, Nicole has also found a passion in helping new parents reach their breastfeeding goals and is working towards becoming a certified breastfeeding specialist.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors with her two young sons, husband, and dog.
Jill Di Donato
Tester
Jill has over 15 years of experience writing about women's health, wellness, and beauty. She has deep knowledge of buzzy products and what makes them popular with consumers. She's tested hundreds of skin care products, tools, and medical aesthetics procedures throughout her career, and she has interviewed top dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and holistic physicians to stay on top of the latest in skin health and wellness.
Jill is the former associate editorial operations director of the beauty group at Dotdash Meredith, where she worked on brands such as Shape and Byrdie, editing health, fitness, skin care, wellness, and body care commerce content.
She's also a former sex and relationship writer, and has made national television appearances to discuss sexual wellness topics for women. In addition to anything beauty and sexual wellness, Jill specializes in writing about body neutrality and mental health.
Jill has a degree in sociology, with a focus on gender studies and she has taught sociology classes at Barnard and Columbia University.
Lili Ladaga
Tester
Tori Martinet, MS, RD
Tester
Tori Martinet is an Intuitive Eating dietitian, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer based in Southern California. She received a master's degree in nutrition from Columbia University Teachers College and spent nearly a decade as the director of wellness and sustainability for a premier food service contractor based in New York City. In her time there she crafted wellness and sustainability programming for clients like Google, Citigroup, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harvard Business School, and the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament.
She has been a dietitian for nearly 10 years and currently works in private practice, dedicated to helping people pursue health without restriction and dieting. She also writes freelance food and nutrition content and has been featured in publications like Eating Well, Food & Wine, Shape, The Spruce Eats, U.S. News 360 Reviews, Verywell Health, and many more.
Simone Scully
Tester
Simone Scully is the editorial director for service commerce and marketplace content at Everyday Health. She has nearly 15 years of experience as a professional health and science journalist, covering topics such as the psychological impacts of living with chronic conditions, nationwide gaps in menopause healthcare, grief, neonatal loss, and the latest wellness trends over her career. Her byline has been published by over 35 publications, including Healthline, Well+Good, InStyle, Psych Central, Romper, Narratively, Nautilus magazine, and more.
Before joining Everyday Health, Simone was an editorial director of health and parenting commerce and service content at Dotdash Meredith. She oversaw a team of editors and writers that published content across nine different sites, including the Verywells, Parents, Health, and Shape. Prior to this, she also worked as an editor at The Weather Channel's Weather.com, Upworthy, theSkimm, and Business Insider. A project Simone oversaw at Weather.com on the health and environmental impacts of global water shortages won several awards in 2020, including the CMA award for Best Series of Articles, an IAC award, and an Eppy award, among others.
Simone received a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, where she focused on science and health long-form reporting and photojournalism. Her master's thesis explored the treatment of prolonged grief disorder following a miscarriage or the loss of a child. She was also awarded the John Horgan Award for Critical Science and Health Journalism at graduation.
Born in Minnesota, Simone lived 14 years in France until she graduated high school, then three years in London to get her bachelor's degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She currently lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with her husband, son, dog, and cats. When she's not working, you can find her writing fiction or plays, hiking in national parks, or tending to her garden and indoor plants.
Jen Sinclair
Tester
Jen Sinclair Is a freelance health and wellness writer who has spent the last two years writing feature articles and reviews of mental health and medical services and products. Her work has been published by Verywell Mind, Verywell Health, Health, and Parents. Prior to this, she worked for six years as a copywriter and blog writer for several legal and healthcare businesses, and as a paralegal for 15 years.
Jen currently lives with her husband and children in St. Augustine, Florida, where she enjoys spending time outdoors paddling waterways, driving around with the top off her Jeep, or trekking around with her writer hiker pals.
Raki Swanson
Tester
Raki Swanson is a Minnesota-based freelance health writer and married mother to two adult children. She has experience covering mental health, fitness, food, and lifestyle topics, as well as significant experience reviewing and testing products for the Marketplace team, including online therapy, fitness gear, and food.
She received a bachelor's degree in applied psychology from St. Cloud University in Minnesota. She has also worked as a business development manager at a Fortune 500 company in Minnesota, and spent several years living in the south of France while growing up, which inspired her love of travel and food.
When she's not writing, you can find her reading, blogging, and enjoying being an empty nester with her husband, two dogs, and tabby cat named Kevin.
Katie Tuttle
Tester
Katie Tuttle is an editor and writer specializing in food, nutrition, and product testing. Her work has appeared in EatingWell, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, and Real Simple. She has written about meal kits, kitchen tools, fitness, and wellness, and has tested and reviewed a wide range of products, with a particular focus on meal delivery services and their impact on nutrition and convenience.
Beyond food, Katie has covered fitness and wellness topics, drawing from her own experience as a powerlifter and an occasional runner. She’s always interested in how products and services can make healthy living more accessible and practical.
When she’s not researching or writing, Katie is usually surrounded by houseplants or spending time with a foster dog. She firmly believes there’s no such thing as too many books or too much coffee.
Ashley Ziegler
Tester
Ashley Ziegler is a full-time writer with extensive experience covering women’s health, babies' and kids' health, mental health, and wellness. Her work has appeared on websites including The Bump, Health, Pregnancy & Newborn, People, Parents, Romper, Scary Mommy, and more.
Before transitioning into her full-time writing career, Ashley worked in the departments of pediatric cardiology and general medicine at Duke University Medical Center, and later at the North Carolina Medical Board. During undergrad, she majored in communications at Purdue University and then earned her master’s degree with a concentration in healthcare management from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Ashley lives with her husband and two young daughters in North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, taking barre classes, and catching up on her favorite podcasts.