From Lightweight Gels to Heavy Creams, Here’s How to Find the Best Moisturizer for You

Lightweight Moisturizers

Who Should Use Them

Lightweight moisturizers are often water-based, and some have a gel-like consistency. These types of moisturizers tend to work best for those with oily or combination skin, or as a daytime moisturizer for all skin types.

Our Favorite Lightweight Moisturizers

Thayers Let’s Be Clear Water Face Cream

This water-based moisturizer is a great pick for combination to oily skin. Inside the formula, you’ll find azelaic acid, licorice root and hyaluronic acid, which all work together to clarify skin, minimize the look of large pores and reduce visible redness. 

Youth To The People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream

This cult-fave moisturizer replenishes normal, oily and combination skin types with a boost of lightweight hydration, with no shiny or greasy residue left behind. It’s also great for acne-prone skin because it feels cooling and won’t clog your pores. This moisturizer has a featherweight, gel-like consistency. 

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel

If you’re looking for an airy, water-based gel that works for all skin types, check out this drugstore pick. It contains three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid for all-day moisture, but has a light, oil-free consistency that keeps it from feeling heavy. It’s also fragrance-free, making it ideal for those who are sensitive to scented skincare. 

Mid-Weight Moisturizers 

Who Should Use Them

Somewhere between a thick cream and a lightweight gel, these moisturizers are usually a safe bet for all skin types. Just double-check the packaging to be sure the formula can tackle your specific skin concerns. 

Our Favorite Mid-Weight Moisturizers

Vichy Minéral 89 Fragrance Free Cream

Packed with volcanic water, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3 and squalane, this is a mid-weight moisturizer that helps to hydrate all skin types, including sensitive. The formula helps to strengthen your moisture barrier and gives your skin a boost of hydration that lasts for up to 72 hours.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

This moisturizer starts repairing your skin’s moisture barrier in just one hour and offers long-lasting hydration. The calming formula is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, oil-free and made without drying alcohols, making it a reliable pick for all skin types. 

iNNBEAUTY PROJECT 10+10 Daily Moisturizer

Plump, moisturize and brighten up your skin with this vitamin C- and peptide-infused cream. The silky consistency layers seamlessly under makeup and sunscreen and helps protect against environmental irritants like free radicals. 

Rich Moisturizers 

Who Should Use Them

A rich moisturizer can help comfort skin that’s mature and/or dry to very dry. These formulas are also ideal for nighttime use, when your skin can soak up all of their benefits, as well as for combating dryness in winter. 

Our Favorite Rich Moisturizers

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream

Made for dry to very dry and sensitive skin, this is a deeply nourishing barrier cream that will provide instant softness and relief. It contains soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and beta-glucan, a combination that supports your skin’s moisture barrier and helps to minimize dryness and redness. You can apply this National Eczema Association-approved formula alone, on top of your favorite serum or layer it on top of another moisturizer when your skin is extra dry. 

Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream

Replenish dry, sensitive skin with this ultra-rich cream. Formulated with jojoba, shea butter, squalane and a pro-grade peptide complex, it leaves reactive skin types feeling calm, comforted and nourished. 

L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream, Antioxidants

Made with mature skin types in mind, this is a rich night cream that helps to firm, smooth and boost your complexion’s radiance. Patented antioxidants and vitamin E provide a line of defense against environmental irritants as well as leave skin softer by morning.