The best moisturizers for aging skin in 2026, tested and reviewed by experts
We looked at dozens of face moisturizers from well-known brands to find these top picks for all skin types — and budgets.
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With so many anti-aging skin care products out there — from under-eye creams to face serums to facial toners to exfoliators — it's easy to overlook just how essential the best face moisturizer really is. Many of us grew up watching our moms and grandmothers apply a soothing cream to their faces, often reaching for classics like Pond’s or Oil of Olay. But when it comes to choosing the best moisturizing cream for your own skin, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, or even wonder if we even need a separate moisturizer just for our faces.
Don’t worry, though — the experts have our backs. "Every skin care routine should include gentle, soothing and hydrating ingredients that help maintain the skin's protective moisture barrier," says Dr. Kiran Mian, a dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York City. "Moisturizers specifically work to help add moisture to dry skin and protect the skin's barrier to prevent it from drying out again."
Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite face moisturizers for different skin types and budgets — all recommended by dermatologists and tested by our beauty editors.
The best face moisturizer of 2026
Formulation: Cream | Size: 3.52 ounces | Skin type: Dry, dehydrated | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, sea buckthorn water
CosRx has helped popularize snail mucin as a skin care ingredient, but you shouldn’t sleep on its other products. Case in point: the brand's Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cream. A favorite among the K-beauty crowd, this face cream packs and seals moisture into dry, dehydrated skin. I love it for its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula and antioxidant ingredients.
In addition to hyaluronic acid, it contains vitamin tree water (also known as sea buckthorn), which is filled with vitamins, amino acids and fatty acids that help strengthen the skin barrier and increase hydration even more. The midrange price is the cherry on top.
- Hydrates and plumps dry, dehydrated skin
- Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Dermatologist-tested
- Free of parabens
- Some users say it feels oily
- Might not be best for breakout-prone skin
- Comes in a jar instead of an airtight pump
More face moisturizers we recommend for 2026
Formulation: Cream | Size: 19 ounces | Skin type: Normal, dry | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides
If you want something expert-approved and affordable, try this CeraVe pick that can be used on both the face and body. "CeraVe Moisturizing Cream contains effective moisturizers like hyaluronic acid and ceramides that trap in moisture and prevent evaporation over the skin barrier," says Dr. Angela Lamb, a dermatologist and director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Practice in New York City.
- Ample size
- Velvety texture
- Works for many skin types
- Good for face or body
- May be too heavy for oily skin
- Some users find the texture tacky
Formulation: Cream | Size: 1.7 ounces | Skin type: Dry, dehydrated, sensitive | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin B5, vitamin E
"This Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream hydrates for 48 hours," Mian says. "It's formulated with hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, niacinamide and panthenol that work to improve the resilience of sensitive skin."
The affordable cream also contains a combination of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and vitamin E — a good checklist of ingredients you want in a moisturizer. For those with sensitive skin, the niacinamide does a great job of soothing, but we like that there's also blue daisy extract — this pretty, flower-bearing plant has antioxidant benefits that are meant to help with redness and discomfort.
- Good for sensitive skin
- Contains antioxidant ingredients
- Lightweight and nongreasy
- Dermatologist-tested
- Won't block pores
- Comes in a jar instead of an air-tight pump
- Scented, so not best for the fragrance-sensitive
Formulation: Cream | Size: 2 ounces | Skin type: Dry, dehydrated, eczema | Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal
If you're one of the millions of eczema sufferers in the U.S., dry skin isn't the only thing you have to worry about when you're looking for a good moisturizer. First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream is made with colloidal oatmeal, which is known to soothe skin instantly and protect and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Good for all skin types, including those with skin conditions
- Ultra-hydrating
- Gentle ingredients
- Contains skin-soothing oatmeal
- Not completely fragrance-free
- Too lightweight for some users
Formulation: Cream | Size: 1.69 oz | Skin type: Extremely dry, sensitive, damaged | Key ingredients: Guaiazulene, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and kale leaf, avocado fruit, Japanese mugwort and peony extracts
A damaged barrier can happen to any of us, despite our best efforts to avoid over-exfoliating or using harsh products in our quest for good skin. The aftermath can look like excessively dry, damaged and irritated skin that requires extra help. Dr. Althea’s 147 Barrier Cream (the dry-skin counterpart to the K-beauty brand's viral 345 Relief Cream), is beloved for its balanced mixture of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids — a combination that's backed by science as necessary for barrier repair.
The "1-4-7" translates to the inclusion of one barrier-strengthening ingredient (guaiazulene), four ceramides and seven types of hyaluronic acid. Add in several other ingredients that strongly contribute to moisturizing, barrier repair and soothing, and you’ve got a deeply restorative formula that feels plush but not greasy. Coming out of the tube, it's thick but has an easily spreadable, soakable texture. It wears well under makeup and doesn't feel heavy at all (even though it's got heavy-duty ingredients).
- Replenishes the skin barrier
- Hydrating yet breathable
- Works great under makeup or sunscreen
- Vegan
- Free from artificial colors, fragrance and parabens
- Tube size is small for the price
Formulation: Cream | Size: 2.5 ounces | Skin type: All | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramide-3
While nourishing botanical oils are a common ingredient in moisturizers (and usually beneficial for dry skin), some people prefer — or need — an oil-free face cream. This one, by La Roche-Posay, is free from oils and won't clog up pores. It's also a popular moisturizer for all skin types due to its formulation of ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin and La Roche-Posay's Prebiotic Thermal Water.
- Oil-free
- Won't block pores
- Contains skin-fortifying ceramides and niacinamide
- Lightweight
- Some users complain that the formula pills on their skin
- Too lightweight for some users
Formulation: Cream | Size: 3.38 oz | Skin type: All, especially sensitive | Key ingredients: Glycerin, aloe vera, shea butter, beeswax, vegetable emollients
Derms, makeup artists and celebs (Lady Gaga, Gwyneth Paltrow and Lily Collins, to name a few) have all sworn by Embyrolisse for decades, and this fragrance-free, sensitive version is a lifesaver for dry or reactive skin. It does everything the original does — hydrates, plumps, comforts and soothes, giving that signature “French pharmacy glow.” I loved the original for its wearability underneath makeup. I was impressed by how I didn't need to use my primer, provided a dewy, cushiony base and gripped my foundation nicely without pilling or greasiness. (Read my Embryolisse Lait-Crème review here).
This "sensitive" counterpart is fragrance-free, so it does not contain the OG's floral scent. A mix of hydrating glycerin and nourishing shea butter softens skin instantly, while aloe calms any redness or irritation. Ultimately, this is skin care and primer in one, fantastic for anyone who wants to declutter or minimize their routine.
- Fragrance-free
- Amazing under makeup
- Multitasks as a 7-in-1 product
- Tried-and-true French pharmacy staple
- Pricier than other options
- Might not be rich enough for ultra-dry skin
- Packaging dents easily
Formulation: Cream | Size: 1 ounce | Skin type: Normal, dry | Key ingredients: TFC8, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed rice protein
While the luxury price point and thick formula ensure Augustinus Bader's Rich Cream lives up to its name, it's easy to see why it has earned multiple awards and accolades. There's a lot of science backing up the product — the proprietary TFC8 technology (a blend of natural amino acids, peptides and high-grade vitamins) helps with wrinkles, redness, hyperpigmentation and stretch marks, making the skin look and feel firmer and stronger over time.
Some users prefer something lighter if they have oily skin, but even though it's thicker than the moisturizers I'm used to, I found that it rubbed into my skin quickly and easily without leaving me feeling greasy. Using this even brought my sunken, sallow skin back to life after an illness (being sick is not good for my complexion).
- Unscented
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Protects against environmental stressors
- Reduces hyperpigmentation
- Helps prevent hydration loss
- Expensive
- Might feel too heavy for oily or combination skin
What to look for in a face moisturizer
Skin type: Before purchasing a moisturizer, you should first know both your skin type — normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive — and what that means for your individual hydration needs. If you can't tell just by looking, a dermatologist or aesthetician can help.
Budget: Once you've established skin type, you can start looking at value: How much you can afford to spend on a product you'll use twice a day? Remember, as with all skin care, consistency is key, so choose a face moisturizer you can afford to regularly restock.
How we tested
As two over-40 beauty editors with decades of experience testing skin care products and very different skin (Marie's is more oily and acne-prone, Jennifer's is drier and, regrettably, in some places, crepey) we already had a few favorite face moisturizers. But we also tried more than two dozen new products for this story, evaluating their efficacy, absorption rate, texture, scent and value. We also considered (and included) expert picks we both love.
Other face moisturizers we tested
SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator: This moisturizer tops many best lists and the formulation itself is fine, but we found the bottle to be laughably small, especially at its $150-plus price.
The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream: Beauty experts and influencers rave about this product and, while the ingredients themselves are high quality and we love other products from this line, we found this moisturizer pilled and was impossible to use under makeup.
FAQs
Why do I need a moisturizer?
"Moisturizers are an essential step in skin care because they can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a more supple appearance in the skin," says Dr. Julia Schwartz, a board-certified dermatologist and adviser for telehealth company Ro.
What type of moisturizer formula is best for dry skin?
Generally, thinner moisturizers are out — your parched skin needs a little extra oomph. "I recommend thicker, richer formulas for dry skin, like Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream," Mian says.
What is the best moisturizer for mature or older skin?
Once you've reached a certain age, a thicker formula may also be a good bet. "I like cream moisturizers for people with mature skin," says Schwartz. "A thicker cream formula can help lock in more hydration which, again, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles."
What is the best way to apply moisturizer for mature skin?
The experts we spoke with recommended twice-daily application — gently rubbing a quarter-sized amount all over your face, avoiding the eyes and mouth. This will lock in moisture and seal in any other skin care products (like vitamin C serums or retinols), while also boosting hydration.
When should I apply moisturizer?
At night, moisturizer should be the last step in your skin care routine. In the morning, it should be the second-to-last step, before sunscreen.
Should I always use the same moisturizer?
"I recommend that people generally keep their skin care routines as simple as possible to make it easier for them to follow," Schwartz says. "If your moisturizer is working well for you, not promoting an overproduction of sebum while also keeping your skin hydrated and skin barrier supported, you can use the same moisturizer for day and night and all year round."
Meet our experts
Angela Lamb, MD, board-certified dermatologist
Kiran Mian, MD, board-certified dermatologist
Julia Schwartz, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist