The 27 Best Facial Moisturizers of 2021
Some people may cringe when they hear the word moist, but when it comes to moisturizers, we've got nothing but love. For many, it's the final step in a skin-care routine, and whether you're looking for a lighter option to wear during the day, or a souped-up version for an overnight glow-up, we've tested countless formulas in our day-to-day work as beauty editors. Whether you've got dry, oily, or combination skin, odds are the perfect face cream for you has passed through our offices.
"Moisturizers are an essential part of every skin-care routine," Shereene Idriss, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City, tells Allure. "Just as our bodies require us to hydrate with water, so does our skin." While our skin appears dewier almost instantly, the real benefits show up in the long term. Idriss says that consistent use of moisturizers slows down the rate and intensity at which fine lines and wrinkles appear.
This daily philosophy applies to all skin types, and not just dry skin. "Overwashing without the appropriate use of a moisturizer will actually trigger an overproduction of oil on your skin," Divya Shokeen, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Torrance, California previously explained. In short, if you don't rehydrate your skin, it will become dried-out and irritated — which then opens your skin up to a cache of troubles.
"People confuse oil with hydration, so they don't properly hydrate the skin," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, M.D., noted. "We now have really great ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, which balances oil and water in the skin." Increased hydration supports a stronger barrier, she said, which then helps curb oil production.
Here, we've rounded up the 27 best face moisturizers (the crème de la cream, if you will), including Allure Best of Beauty Award winners and recommendations from dermatologists to help you find the moisturizer of your dreams.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Shop More
Mad Hippie
Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser by Mad Hippie at Free People, Cream cleanser, One Size
$15.99 At Free People
Tata Harper
Tata Harper Purifying Cleanser 50ml, For Oily Or Blocked Pores Natural Skincare
$38 At Tata Harper
Juice Beauty
Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Cleanser by Juice Beauty at Free People, Blemish Clearing Cleanser, One Size
$25 At Free People
Josie Maran
Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil by Josie Maran at Free People, Cleansing Oil, One Size
$34 At Free People
Pai Skincare
Pai Skincare Dinner Out Copaiba & Kaolin Blemish Mask by Pai Skincare at Free People, Mask, One Size
$49 At Free People
Ursa Major
Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash by Ursa Major at Free People, Face Wash, One Size
$30 At Free People
The Nue Co.
The Nue Co. Barrier Culture Cleanser by The Nue Co. at Free People, One, One Size
$42 At Free People