The 20 Best Hydrating Moisturizers for All Skin Types

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Sometimes, the unsung hero of a skin care routine isn’t always the exfoliating retinol that smooths texture or the brightening vitamin C serum that reduces dullness. While those are important elements of a lineup, nailing down a good moisture routine to soothe the skin after all those powerful treatments is just as essential, especially when targeted serums can leave the skin dry, flaky, and slightly irritated. That’s where a hydrating moisturizer comes in.

A moisturizer packed with hydrating ingredients (like aloe, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, etc.) does exactly what it says it does—hydrate—by sealing in the hydrating properties and warding off threats like dryness, redness, and irritation.

Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin, or extremely sensitive skin, it’s super important to keep your skin moisturized. Hydrating is what keeps our skin looking young and bouncy, and an excellent moisturizer can even double as a makeup primer. “All skin types benefit from a moisturizer, but dry and aging skin requires moisturizer the most,” says dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal.

Here, find the 20 best hydrating moisturizers for every skin type.

The Daily Moisturizer

Multitasking formulas are a godsend for those who want to simplify their routine while still receiving transformative results. Namesake’s inaugural product is a nourishing moisturizer chock full of gentle acids to smooth texture and rosehip oil to hydrate the skin. “This moisturizer is my go-to whenever my skin is in dire need of a pick me up. Like a splash of water on a hot day, the formula seeps into my skin to give me a more plumped and hydrated glow,” says Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com Beauty Commerce Editor.

Namesake rating: 5/5 stars

Moisturizing Cream

As we age, our skin can often become crepe-y, which is a reflection of loss of elasticity and water loss, which this cream battles against. CeraVe's iconic Moisturizing Cream aims to restore what we lose over time. “This contains ceramides, which help restore the lost ceramides in dry and aging skin,” says dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. “It is safe for all skin types.”

Amazon rating: 4.8/5 stars

Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

This cream was created to soothe burns, help wounds heal, and prevent and reduce scarring. But it also doubles as an incredible moisturizer for damaged skin barriers, scarring, and irritation.

Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I burned my skin with benzoyl peroxide and this healed me in two days. It’s so gentle.”

Snail Mucin 92% Repair Cream

The first thing you’ll notice about this moisturizer is its sticky, dewy texture. Thanks to its main ingredient, snail mucin, this moisturizer helps plump and hydrate skin that needs repair.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “After a month of using this product, my skin looks brighter, less textured, and I have less acne. Even during the days before getting your period (which is when I always break out), I noticed that the breakouts are minimal.”

Lait-Crème Concentré

Whether your skin is dry, sensitive, or normal, this moisturizer is a cult classic. Not only does it firm and plump the skin, but it’s particularly beloved by makeup artists who wax poetic about its ability to double as a primer.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “My skin feels wonderful all day. It goes on beautifully, has a very pleasant scent, and makeup goes on smoothly over it.”

Moisturizing Skin Cream

“This is the best moisturizer for super sensitive skin,” says Lal. “It is much thicker than other moisturizers and is best for those with dry and irritated skin.” The Vanicream Moisturizing Cream restores the skin’s moisture barrier and soothes cracked or dry skin. Even better, the cream can be used all over, so you’re soft and supple from head to toe.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

AM Therapy Face Moisturizer

The texture of this moisturizer is milky and lightweight, but it also packs a surprisingly intense douse of moisture that lasts all day–or night. It’s great for post-procedure skin, acne-prone skin, or even severely dry skin.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Very happy with this moisturizer. Works well on my sensitive skin. No breakouts after using it. Keeps the dry skin under control.”

Moisture Surge Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator

For that dewy look, this moisturizer deeply hydrates while leaving a lasting glow on the skin. It’s great to layer underneath makeup since the texture can act like a primer.

Ulta rating: 3.7/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I had terrible sun damage a few years ago, and every time I had put moisturizer on, my pores burned. I tried several different moisturizers, all resulting in pain, until I got to this one. For thirsty skin, use this. It doesn’t feel like there’s a load of chemicals, and it soothes my skin and keeps it supple all day. A little on the pricey side, but I use it splurge on it and use it sparingly.”

Indigo Overnight Repair

Bumpy texture, redness, and dryness are no match for this overnight moisturizer. Despite its deeply hydrating nature, this cream is actually non-comedogenic, making it ideal for every skin type.

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “After just one night of using this Tatcha cream, I felt and saw the difference. Redness went down and my face was plump and so hydrated by the morning.”

Lipikar Balm AP+M Triple repair Moisturizing Cream

“Hands down my favorite,” Lal says. “It has all of the powerhouse ingredients and is safe for all skin types, including babies. It provides 48 hours' worth of hydration. It also has prebiotics which help the skin microbiome stay intact.” Shea butter is a star ingredient in this composition and works alongside ceramides to strengthen and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

Mochi Mochi Luminous Plumping Moisturizer

Any moisturizer that promises a mochi-like texture for the skin is a winner. This cream is packed with antioxidants and AHAs to help plump, soften, and reduce signs of aging.

Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “I’ve been using this product for almost a year now. I absolutely love it! My skin has gotten dryer since I got in my mid-20s, but this moisturizer keeps it from being flaky.”

Bloom Cream Daily Probiotic Moisturizer

Probiotics aren’t just for the gut—they’re great in your skincare, too. This cream helps keep your skin glowing and healthy, thanks to a combination of goat milk, honey, and niacinamide.

Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I have struggled with severe acne, rosacea, and dry skin since I was about 13. I’m 23 now and have FINALLY found a skincare line that works for me.”

Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion

If your complexion feels sallow and dull, opt for a brightening moisturizer that wards off dryness. With consistent use, your skin will look healthier and smoother. “This has multiple vitamins like A, C, and E which help hydrate, heal, and brighten the skin,” says Lal.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

The Light Cream

This lightweight moisturizer will leave your skin looking and feeling mattified, making it ideal for oily skin types on the hunt for the perfect barely-there cream.

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “Good for oily/combo acne-prone skin. My skin feels so soft, smooth, and brighter.”

Honey Halo Ceramide Face Moisturizer

Honey is a humectant that locks in moisture and is a great healer for the skin, which is why this moisturizer is so beloved by many. This cream is packed with ceramides that help hydrate and add radiance to stressed-out skin.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This moisturizer stays on for so long. It’s worth it and has been great for my acne-prone and combination skin. It’s really hard to find a great moisturizer that isn’t too expensive, but this one is worth the minor splurge. Definitely recommend.”

SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

Our skin’s moisture barrier can be damaged by everything from too many harsh chemicals to sun exposure. This deeply hydrating cream helps repair and soothe the skin to prevent further damage and maintain a strong barrier.

SokoGlam rating: 4.5/5 stars

A SokoGlam reviewer says: “This is perfect during the winter months and keeps my skin moisturized without feeling greasy.”

Protini Polypeptide Cream

Healthy skin has a great bounce to it, which is why we love plumping ingredients. This cream uses peptides and natural extracts to give the skin that extra boost. “This plays well with my serums and sunscreen—no pilling here! Great for instant hydration, especially after an overnight flight,” shares Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director, ELLE.

Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars

Cloud Cushion Plush Moisturizer with Ceramides + Peptides

Whether you’re dealing with dark spots, enlarged pores, or dry patches, this moisturizer has you covered. Thanks to a combination of niacinamide, ceramides, and peptides, this cream can solve almost every skin woe imaginable.

Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “This moisturizer made my skin feel so soft and smooth immediately after use. I have very sensitive skin and I have never noticed an issue with this. Even the next day your skin still feels nice and clean and soft.”

Hydro Boost Water Gel

Overwhelmed by choice? This moisturizer is great for minimalists who need an easy cream that never disappoints. The gel formula is appropriate for almost every skin type, and it’s safe for sensitive skin. Our Beauty Director, Danielle James, says, “I grabbed this in a Walgreens while on vacation and realized I forgot my moisturizer. I was surprised by how hydrating and soothing it felt on my skin—it doesn't feel like a 'drugstore' formula and held its own against my more expensive products. I popped it in the fridge for a cooling sensation.”

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Finding the right product to treat extremely dry skin and conditions like eczema can be a difficult journey. This product uses colloidal oatmeal to soothe and hydrate even the most sensitive skin types.

Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I absolutely love this moisturizer. It makes your skin feel so soft and clear.”

Meet the Expert

Dr. Karan Lal is an Arizona-based board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic dermatology.

Why is it important to use a moisturizer?

If you are building a skincare routine from scratch, a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF are the key steps. “Moisturizers are very important in the skin care regimen,” says Lal. “They help hydrate and replenish your skin. As we age we lose moisture from our skin naturally. Restoring this moisture is important for maintaining a great skin barrier.”

How do you hydrate aging skin?

“I recommend people look for hydrating agents such as hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, glycerin, ceramides, [and] dimethicone in their skincare products which help hydrate and retain moisture in aging skin,” says Dr. Lal. “I usually tell people to moisturize right after the shower all over their body every day. For dry skin, moisturizer may be necessary multiple times a day.”

What kind of skin types need hydration the most?

“All skin types benefit from a moisturizer but dry and aging skin requires moisturizer the most,” according to Lal.

Why trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com editors spoke with a dermatologist about the absolute best hydrating moisturizers for plump, healthy skin. ELLE editors personally tested a number of these products and scoured reviews for the top-rated products on the market.

You Might Also Like

• The 15 Best Organic And Clean Shampoos For Any And All Hair Types

• 100 Gifts That Are $50 Or Under (And Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are)