Best Moisturizers for Every Skin Type (Tested for U.S. Climates)

💧 Dry Skin? Go Rich or Go Home

Dry skin is thirsty — and I mean THIRSTY. If your face feels tight after cleansing or flakes like your grandma’s pie crust, you need something that locks in hydration and doesn’t disappear in 10 minutes.

Look for:

• Hyaluronic acid (pulls water into the skin)

• Ceramides (strengthen your skin barrier)

• Thick cream textures

Avoid:

• Alcohol-based products

• Lightweight gel formulas (they won't cut it!)

Try this ultra-hydrating cream here.

🌟 Oily Skin? You Still Need Moisture (Don’t Skip It!)

Oily skin folks, listen up: skipping moisturizer only makes your skin oilier. Why? Because your skin starts overproducing oil to make up for the lack of hydration.

Look for:

• Oil-free formulas

• Gel or water-based moisturizers

• Ingredients like niacinamide or green tea

Avoid:

• Heavy butters or oils

• Anything that says "rich" or "deep moisture"

This oil-free gel moisturizer is a game-changer — grab it here.

🌗 Combination Skin? Balance is Everything

Combo skin = your T-zone is oily, but your cheeks are dry. Welcome to the party.

Look for:

• Lightweight lotions

• Moisturizers with balancing ingredients like glycerin or squalane

• Non-comedogenic labels (aka won’t clog pores)

Avoid:

• Rich creams on your T-zone

• Harsh exfoliating moisturizers (save those for serums!)

This balancing moisturizer is perfect for combo skin — check it out here.

😌 Normal Skin? You Lucky Unicorn

If your skin doesn’t freak out from weather, products, or hormonal changes, you’re blessed. Still, you need a daily moisturizer to maintain that glow.

Look for:

• Light to medium-weight creams

• Antioxidants like vitamin C or E

Avoid:

• Overcomplicating your routine (less is more!)

This daily moisturizer is an easy win — try it here.

🔥 Sensitive Skin? Keep It Calm

Red, itchy, reactive? Sensitive skin types need extra love (and zero drama).

Look for:

• Fragrance-free

• Hypoallergenic

• Soothing ingredients like oat, aloe, or chamomile

Avoid:

• Fragrance, essential oils, and harsh exfoliants

This calming moisturizer is gentle but effective — find it here.

🧴 Final Tips: How to Test a Moisturizer Before Committing

• Patch test behind your ear or on your jaw before using it all over

• Don’t mix too many new products at once

• If a product stings, burns, or breaks you out badly — ditch it!

And remember: skin changes with seasons, age, and lifestyle. So if your holy grail starts acting shady one day, it’s okay to try something new.

Want more skincare by skin type? Check out our cleanser guide next — or take the skin type test if you haven’t yet!