19 Best Daily Face Moisturizers

Finding a daily face moisturizer is vital for your skincare regimen. It lets you step outside with confidence because it will protect your skin from drying, damaging elements like the sun, and pollution.

If you’re not currently using a face moisturizer, you should be. Dry skin is the most significant contributor to early aging, whether fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, or other issues.

And if you don’t have dry skin, chances are your skin is oily, which means that your sebaceous glands produce too much oil. Sometimes, your skin produces too much oil because it doesn’t get enough moisture, so the oil glands feel the need to overdo it. A moisturizer made for oily skin can actually help balance out the oil production so you can combat acne and blemish-prone skin.

If we haven’t convinced you that you need a daily face moisturizer, stick around to the end of the article, where we’ll offer even more insight into this issue. For now, we wanted to get you started by talking about some of our favorite face moisturizers.

It’s essential to choose a good moisturizer that you can use daily. Sometimes, a moisturizer will be too heavy for daily use, so look for a lightweight moisturizer that you’ll barely notice after putting it on. If it has sunscreen, that’s even better! Let’s look at our list of the best daily face moisturizers and what each product can do for your skin.

1. Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer

Blu Atlas rejuvenating moisturizing cream is ideal for dry and dull skin. It uses essential oils and vitamins to restore your skin’s protective barrier and keep moisture from escaping. Blu Atlas relies on two powerhouse ingredients: seaweed and mango seed butter.

Seaweed has innumerable benefits for trapping moisture into the skin. It’s a gentle exfoliant that scrubs away dead skin cells and other impurities while hydrating. It helps regulate oil production, so it’s great for oily skin too! This ingredient has been used for centuries to restore, heal, and improve your skin.

Mango seed butter is loaded with vitamin E & C, known to protect the skin from the environment. They help promote the amino acid building blocks that contribute to your skin’s protective barrier.

There’s a lot to love about this fantastic moisturizer, from the affordable price to the highly effective ingredients. But best of all, it’s all-natural, vegan, and free of artificial fragrances. Hands down Blu Atlas is our team’s #1 pick for the best daily face moisturizer.

2. Origins GinZing Oil-Free Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer

Origins GinZing moisturizer uses caffeine, a well-known ingredient for lifting, tightening, and plumping your skin. It invigorates baggy eyes and sagging skin, tightening pores and offering a more youthful appearance.

But this gel moisturizer is about more than just looks. It goes on light and adds to your skin’s protective barrier to prevent future issues. It’s also exceptionally healthy for your skin with antioxidants and hydrators that combat some of your most challenging skin problems.

The energy-boosting formula comes from natural spearmint, lemon, grapefruit, and other essential oils. They effectively lift your skin and give you a brighter glow. These ingredients also create a spicy citrus scent, so it’s a great option if you like that smell. But if you’re sensitive to fragrance, steer clear.

3. Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer

You can use this farm-fresh moisturizer to firm up and hydrate skin any day of the week. It uses essential extracts from papaya, moringa seeds, and moringa water to trap moisture into your skin. These ingredients also gently exfoliate away dead skin cells and pore-clogging gunk.

It’s dermatologist tested and approved, so you don’t need all the excess chemical and synthetic ingredients that many moisturizers offer. It’s refreshing, cleansing, and a great way to start your day.

4. Volition Yaupon Tea Glow-Awakening Moisturizer

For a great start to your day, try this glow-inducing moisturizer with yaupon tea that helps rejuvenate your skin. Yaupon tea is rich in caffeine and other skin-tightening elements to lift and promote pumper skin.

It also features hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. Each has a unique job; one is an incredible humectant that can hold up to 40 times its water weight, so there’s no chance moisture will get by. The other chases away free radicals and other impurities from pollutants or the sun.

And witch hazel is infused into the cream to help soothe irritation, redness, puffiness, acne, and other skin sensitivities.

5. Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Lotion with SPF 15

Eucerin is a top dermatologist-recommended brand for treating dry skin, eczema, and other common skin problems. When you use this Q10 solution on your face, it will provide anti-aging properties and sun protection.

It’s a fantastic all-in-one option that includes sunscreen without weighing down the formula or being greasy. It goes on clear and smooth, so you can put it on and forget it the rest of the day.

This anti-wrinkle formula is ideal for dry, combination, or oily skin that’s prone to signs of aging. It’s non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free, so if you have sensitive skin, it’ll work great for you as well.

6. Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

Here’s an excellent daily moisturizer for oily skin. It’s super lightweight, and it has a silky texture that effectively mattifies skin. Although there’s only one shade, this could be described as a tinted moisturizer that helps cover pores and uneven skin tone without feeling like a heavy foundation.

The ingredients in this top-rated moisturizer include antioxidants, willow bark extract, and zinc oxide. Together, these ingredients protect from environmental pollutants while calming any stressed or irritated skin.

And the company has a tremendous ecological footprint. It’s free of parabens and fragrances, cruelty-free, made in the USA, and 100% recyclable.

7. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer with SPF 30

Neutrogena has many products made to moisturize, repair, and soothe your skin.

This wrinkle repair cream uses retinol to lift the skin and improve collagen production. It has incredible anti-aging benefits, with one reviewer reporting that the appearance of their fine lines and wrinkles had diminished by 95%. The company promises that you’ll notice younger-looking skin within a week or get your money back. This makes it one of the best daily face moisturizer options available today.

Hyaluronic acid and glucose absorb water into the skin, and SPF 30 sunscreen protects it from future sun damage and wrinkles. You can also count on a brighter skin tone, as the sunscreen isn’t heavy and won’t make your face look ashen or dull.

8. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Face Moisturizer With Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Aveeno has many positive reviews for improving dozens of problems with the skin. It’s a National Eczema Association product that has helped many improve their eczema breakouts using colloidal oats.

This Positively Radiant Daily Face Moisturizer is a quick-absorbing product that’s so light you won’t notice it once it’s there. It’s been clinically proven to smooth out an uneven skin tone and generate a firmer texture. It offers all-day protection and deep hydration.

Those who use it daily report significantly reduced sun damage and visible age spots. It’s easy to use and has long-lasting hydration.

9. Andalou Naturals Ultra Sheer Daily Defense Facial Lotion SPF 18

Enjoy GMO-free, gluten-free, naturally derived, cruelty-free, and sustainably sourced daily skin defense with this lightweight facial lotion that includes sunscreen. It has a slightly higher SPF content than many moisturizers, and reviews say it works well for reducing sun damage and eliminating age spots.

This is a soothing ingredient for rosacea, red spots, acne, and other blemishes. It also features nourishing rose stem cells that help smooth out uneven skin tones. Those with sensitive skin say that it works well for targeting their problem areas without causing further irritation.

10. L’Oreal Paris Dark Spot Corrector Face Moisturizer with SPF 30

While this may not be the most effective item on our list, it’s from a reputable brand and won’t cost an arm and a leg. If you’ve suffered from dark spots and you want a skin-evening product on a budget, give it a try.

This moisturizer also has a higher SPF content at 25 to offer heavier protection without a heavier formula on the face. It’s a smooth application to cover the entire face and help to balance out dry skin and oil production.

You can wear it independently, but it makes an excellent primer for your makeup. It works well with your foundation and won’t separate or ball up like some moisturizers will.

11. Burt’s Bees Retinol Alternative Facial Moisturizer

For a tighter, more hydrated complexion, give Burt’s Bees Retinol Alternative Facial Moisturizer a try. It features skin-renewing and anti-aging ingredients for plumper, healthier-looking skin.

Despite the heavy concentration of SPF 30 sunscreen, it absorbs quickly into your skin and sits lightweight on top of it to aid your natural moisture barrier. Beeswax is also an exceptional ingredient for reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. As an occlusive, it can also protect sensitive skin from environmental triggers.

This moisturizer uses natural ingredients, including alternatives to the well-known skin-boosting ingredient, retinol. Beeswax, hyaluronic acid, bakuchiol, aloe vera, squalene, and ceramides support a stronger skin barrier for youthful skin.

12. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

CeraVe AM includes a super fine zinc oxide sun protectant with SPF 30. It’s a dermatologist-developed facial lotion that hydrates and absorbs quickly for a lightweight, non-greasy finish. Those with oily and sensitive skin can use this daily without fear, as it is oil-free, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and great for packing moisture into the skin.

Key ingredients include ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and MVE technology that keeps moisture as close to the surface as possible. It doesn’t let water escape, and it drastically improves the appearance of the skin.

Although this isn’t an all-natural product, it doesn’t use harsh chemicals like parabens or synthetic fragrances. So it works well for sensitive skin and is still one of the best daily face moisturizers.

13. Philosophy Purity Made Simple Moisturizer with Green Tea

Philosophy offers a skincare line called Purity Made Simple that’s all about using natural, lightweight products to boost skin health, vitality, and youthfulness. Don’t worry about breakouts or clogged pores with this product, as it’s non-comedogenic and great for oily and sensitive skin.

The formula is feather-light, so you wear it all day. It boasts 24-hour hydration and helps keep your skin protected during that time too. The natural ingredients are listed right on the packaging, so you can trust that it doesn’t contain ingredients that might dry or irritate your sensitive skin.

This product is a little harder to track down than others on our list, but if all-natural protection is important to you, consider this among your options.

14. Neutrogena Triple Age Repair Anti-Aging Daily Facial Moisturizer

We’ve got another Neutrogena product for you, which shouldn’t be a surprise since it’s the #1 drugstore skincare brand on the market. That doesn’t mean it’s the best out there by any means, but it means their products are worth your consideration.

This triple-function facial moisturizer will help repair, rejuvenate, and smooth damaged and aging skin. With SPF 25 lightweight sun protection, you can stop further damage from occurring while other ingredients like antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin C, and Hexinol Technology tackle your wrinkles and age spots.

It’s gentle enough for daily use and strong enough to protect you from the worst pollutants. Just put it on 15 minutes before you go outside, and you’re good to go.

15. Pixi H20 Skindrink Pure Hydration Gel

Pixi Beauty has a fantastic hydrating gel that uses pure water-based products to give your thirsty skin the satisfaction it needs.

The aloe vera and rosemary essential oils create a firm barrier on your skin that helps protect and heal all skin types. It features green tea, which includes caffeine and other natural properties great for plumping and lifting the skin. Aloe vera then comes in as a powerful humectant to attract and absorb moisture to your skin’s surface, providing extreme hydration.

There’s no animal testing, parabens, synthetic fragrances, or other ingredients you wouldn’t want in your daily skincare. It’s a small tube, but a little goes a long way.

16. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Oil-Free Mattifying Gel Moisturizer

Help control oil and reduce the size of your pores with this mattifying gel moisturizer from First Aid Beauty. It’s great for acne-prone and sensitive skin that can’t always handle other moisturizers with heavier formulas.

This gel moisturizer is water-based, non-comedogenic, lightweight, and refreshing. It helps to soothe skin irritations while targeting blemishes and helping to prevent more. If you have sensitive skin, you don’t have to worry about it clogging your pores, gluten, allergens, ethanol, alcohol, artificial colorants, parabens, petrolatum, propylene, talc, and a whole bunch of other products on the natural no-no list. You just get clean, effective moisture in an affordable gel.

17. Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 40

Get the ultimate skin protection from this broad-spectrum sunscreen moisturizer from Supergoop! Even though there’s a lot of SPF in this formula, it’s in no way heavy and cakey. It quickly absorbs into your skin without clogging pores, and it’s incredibly lightweight. You can also use it as a primer without fear of your makeup sliding off or looking cakey.

It’s great for all skin types as it’s free of oils and silicones. It also includes intensive moisturizing ingredients like blue-green algae, a natural humectant and antioxidant that helps repair and restore skin.

It also features a rare ingredient called cerium, a mineral that will help your skin avoid any potential damage from blue light. If you’re sitting in front of a screen all day, this is something to consider!

18. Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

The triple-action power of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3, and peptides work together in this fantastically smooth cream to deliver ultimate daily hydration. The cream was mixed with Active Rush Technology, which gives it a fluffy, cloud-like texture you won’t be able to resist.

There’s a lot of scientific research behind this product, so you’re getting some of the best dermatologist-friendly moisture without it feeling heavy. It absorbs quickly into your skin and feels lightweight, so you’re getting ultimate hydration, but your skin can still breathe.

19. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel Face Moisturizer

Our final recommendation is another Neutrogena product. It’s a lightweight gel face moisturizer with various water-based ingredients to keep you feeling fresh. The most essential component is hyaluronic acid to plump and protect the skin barrier.

It’s non-comedogenic, offers 24-hour protection, is great for sensitive skin, and contains clean ingredients. You don’t have to worry about alcohol, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and other drying ingredients not great for sensitive skin. It’s just long-lasting hydration from a reputable brand.

What to Look for in a Daily Moisturizer

We’ve laid out some pretty great recommendations, but you don’t have to just take our word for it. Use this list of things to look for in a daily face moisturizer to help you research and select the best product for you.

Lightweight

Since you’ll be wearing this moisturizer all day, choose something that won’t weigh down your skin. You should be able to put it on and forget all about it, especially if you’re going to wear makeup over the top of it. A heavy moisturizer is uncomfortable, and it can lead to breakouts.

Hydrating Ingredients

Always read the ingredients list of any product, and look for hydrating ingredients. No matter your skin type, you always want to look for humectants, which attract moisture and help it absorb into your skin.

Common humectants in facial moisturizers include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, glycol, aloe vera, honey, and cucumber. Seaweed is another excellent humectant that isn’t as often used as the others but has extra benefits like adding antioxidants and vitamins to the mix.

Sun Protection

We love a daily moisturizer that hydrates and protects from the sun. Sunscreen can be greasy, comedogenic, and uncomfortable, but if you find a lightweight moisturizer with SPF already in it, it’s easier and better for your skin.

If you love a moisturizer that doesn’t have sunscreen in it, however, you can always find a separate facial sunscreen to do the trick.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are among the most crucial skincare ingredients out there. They help remove impurities and prevent damage by chasing away free radicals and pollutants that damage your skin.

Antioxidants are also one of your best defenses against skin cancer. Using a moisturizer with both sunscreen and antioxidants in it can mitigate your risk of developing this common disease significantly.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Daily Moisturizer

Knowing what’s in your moisturizer is half the battle. Using it regularly and correctly will take it to the next level. Here are some tips.

Choose the Right Product for Your Skin Type

There are five skin types: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. You can also have sensitive skin that goes hand in hand with the other four skin types.

If you know you have dry, sensitive skin, look for a moisturizer made for those issues. Likewise, if you have oily skin prone to breakouts, you want an even lighter moisturizer without occlusives that can worsen your most common problems.

Use Multiple Moisturizers (If Necessary)

Those with combination skin may need to use multiple moisturizers to combat both types of skin issues. For example, if you have dry cheeks and an oily T-zone, you might use a deeply hydrating cream with occlusives on your cheeks and a lightweight oil-regulating cream on your T-zone.

You might also need to use two moisturizers to get different effects. For example, you might like the natural hydrating abilities of one facial moisturizer but need a second one with sunscreen. Or you might want one lotion for hydrating the skin and another occlusive for protecting your sensitive skin from eczema flare ups.

It might seem unnecessary to use two moisturizers, but if you’re not getting the results you want with one, it might be worth a try.

Apply on Damp Skin

Dermatologists have found that moisturizers work most effectively within three minutes of taking a shower or washing your face. Better yet, applying a moisturizer while your skin is still a little damp can help the hydration dive deeper into your skin’s layers.

It can feel strange to apply lotion when your skin is wet because it takes longer to rub the product into your skin. It might also feel like you’re diluting it. However, the best moisturizers will use humectants that can hold that water close to your skin all day long.

Use a Night Cream Too

Daily moisturizers are essential, but you can benefit from a night cream. These moisturizers are often too heavy for everyday use, but they can perform crucial repairs on damaged skin while you sleep.

Maintaining fantastic skin is no easy process, but it’s worth the work. Finding the right daily moisturizer for you means combatting age and common skin problems early on. You’ll be glad you took the time today to maintain fantastic skin for the rest of your life.