20 Best Moisturizers for Every Skin Type, Tested by Us and Reviewed by Dermatologists

This is one of our favorite moisturizers for glowing skin. Glamour’s Kilkeary who has combination, oily skin says she relies on it when traveling because it keeps her skin balanced, “not overly dry or overly oily.” She likes that it’s nongreasy, absorbs quickly and instantly hydrates her moody, flaky areas. “I also like how lightweight it is and how well it pairs under primer and makeup—there’s never a pill in sight,” she says.

“No matter how many moisturizers I try—and that’s a lot, since it’s my job!)—I always come back to this one by Kiehl’s,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley who has dry skin. “It’s such a reliable pick in so many ways: It’s lightweight but very nourishing; plus, it’s fragrance-free to prevent irritation.” Testers, including Earley, consistently tell us how long-lasting the results are too. Do yourself a favor and grab the eight-ounce jar for the most bang for your buck. You can use the squalane- and-glycerin-rich formula day or night. You can even use a dab on rough hands or elbows for immediate relief.

Best for Oily Skin: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Firming Moisturizer

• Pros: Convenient hygienic packaging, lightweight yet nourishing formula; fragrance-free
• Cons: Expensive

While texture preference is a personal matter, Drunk Elephant’s Protini Polypeptide moisturizer is as universally loved as they come. The lightweight gel-like cream seamlessly melts into the skin without feeling too oily while still helping your skin maintain optimal hydration levels throughout the day–ideal for combination or oily skin types. Its intensely moisturizing formula leaves the skin plump and dewy, which is exactly what you want out of an everyday face cream. Formulated with peptides to help bind moisture, it’s also infused with Pygmy waterlily stem cell extract for added antioxidant benefits, plus soybean folic acid ferment extract for improved elasticity and skin texture.

“The Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide mositurizer has been my ride-or-die for years, and with good reason. I find that it’s a great daytime formula for lasting yet lightweight hydration that delivers the most stunning glow from within, making it a superb base for makeup. Within my first month of using it, I already noticed a sizeable improvement to my skin’s firmness, texture and the reduced look of fine lines. Plus, the clever ‘pressing’ packaging helps me use the exact amount needed to minimize waste. Since I started using it, I’ve already emptied five tubs, and I can’t imagine my morning routine without it,” says Primbet.

Best for Skin Barrier: Rhode Barrier Butter

• Pros: Leaves the skin plump and deeply hydrated, offers a dewy base for makeup, a must for treating dry, flaky skin
• Cons: Nothing of note

After a deeply nourishing balm to lock in the moisture overnight? Meet the Rhode Barrier Butter, which has a buttery-smooth consistency, featuring an intensely hydrating list of ingredients to ensure lasting moisture. Helping to strengthen the skin barrier, this clever formula leaves the skin soft, bouncy and dewy, making it a dream to use on dry or mature skin. Not only is it fragrance-free, cruelty-free, vegan and dermatologist-tested, but it’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores either.

“Ever since this moisturizer landed on my desk, I’ve been religiously slathering it on every night as the last step of my nighttime skincare regimen. Come morning, my skin looks dewy, fresh and rejuvenated, which is always a must for my dry and sensitive skin. Dare I say, it’s now become my favorite Rhode skincare product overall (and that’s no mean feat, considering just how obsessed I am with the brand’s milky toner),” says Primbet.

Best for Nighttime: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream

• Pros: Great for sensitive skin; delivers lasting hydration; strengthens the skin barrier; convenient packaging
• Cons: Nothing of note

Is your skin feeling a little parched, tight, or a tad irritated? Meet the Dr. Jart+’s Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream, which is an ultra-rich yet fast-absorbing cream that’s infused with a potent blend of ceramides, panthenol and glycerin to help strengten the skin’s natural barrier and deliver lasting hydration. Immediately, the skin feels soothed, more supple and nourished, offering a great cushiony base for makeup. Over time, this moisturizer helps improve the skin’s elasticity and increase hydration levels, which is a must for dry and sensitive skin types.