8 Best Moisturizers for Oily, Dry, and Mature Skin Types

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Developing a skincare routine that suits your skin can be tricky, and choosing the right moisturizer is one of the most useful decisions you can make. Moisturizer keeps skin hydrated, supports the skin barrier, and helps fine lines look less noticeable. It also creates a smoother base for makeup.

Key Takeaways

• Every skin type, including oily skin, benefits from a moisturizer suited to it.
• Oily skin does best with light, oil-free, non-comedogenic gels; dry skin needs richer creams.
• An SPF 15 moisturizer is convenient, but dermatologists recommend broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher for daily sun protection.
• Choose fragrance-free formulas for sensitive skin, since natural ingredients can still irritate.
• See a board-certified dermatologist for persistent dryness, breakouts, or irritation.

When skin is dehydrated or irritated, it can become flaky, tight, and more prone to problems. That’s why most people benefit from a moisturizer, whatever their skin type. Contrary to popular belief, oily skin still needs hydration. Harsh, stripping cleansers can irritate skin and trigger even more oil production, so a light, oil-free moisturizer helps keep things balanced. If you have dry skin, a richer moisturizer helps prevent rough patches and cracking.

Understanding your skin’s needs is key, so we have put together a list of the best moisturizers for different skin types (at different price ranges) to help you find the perfect moisturizer for you.

Best Moisturizers for All Skin Types

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Moisturizer

The Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Moisturizer (now sold as Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream) is perfect for anyone looking for petal-soft skin. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and angelica leaf extract to help skin hold on to moisture, it is designed to provide long-lasting hydration. It is also suitable for any skin type, and it even comes in a mask form to help ensure maximum hydration, which is great for the upcoming winter months. Its main job is to help your skin retain the moisture it already has.

Face and Body Lotion from The Honest Company

The Honest Company is known for its clean-positioned products. Their Face and Body Lotion comes in several formulas, including a fragrance-free Sensitive version and scented options such as Calm (lavender). This way, you can choose exactly the formula that’s right for your skin type. The formulas are gentle enough that the brand markets them for use on the skin of any age, including babies.

This is a good pick if you want an affordable, simple formula. Keep in mind that “natural” ingredients can still cause reactions, so the fragrance-free option is the safer choice for sensitive skin. Other ingredients include jojoba, shea, and safflower oils, which can be incredibly nourishing.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Face Soy Moisturizer with SPF 15

This affordable cult classic is a convenient option if you like SPF in your moisturizer. Daily sun protection is essential for preventing premature aging. Keep in mind that the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher, so on days you’ll spend time outdoors, add a dedicated SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply it about every two hours.

Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin Types

Tatcha – The Water Cream

Tatcha is a popular luxury skincare line known for its Japanese botanical ingredients. This water cream is great for normal to oily skin types. It is an oil-free, water-based gel cream, so it hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy. The water cream clarifies and refines the skin with powerful Japanese botanicals, such as Japanese wild rose, which helps refine the look of pores and smooth skin texture.

Japanese leopard lily is included to help control excess oil. Finally, this cream also includes anti-aging ingredients such as green tea, rice, and algae with a touch of 23-karat gold. Beyond the ingredient list, we like its lightweight, refreshing feel.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is a popular budget alternative to the Tatcha Water Cream. If you want a water-based moisturizer but are looking for a cheaper option, then this is great for you. This oil-free moisturizer hydrates skin without making it greasy, and its hyaluronic acid helps skin hold on to water.

It is also non-comedogenic, meaning it is formulated not to clog pores. If your skin is sensitive, check ingredient lists for drying alcohols such as denatured alcohol, which can irritate some people. The light gel texture is especially good for oily skin, and the hyaluronic acid makes it a solid option for dry skin as well.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer

I received this moisturizer at Sephora as part of a birthday gift, and it is one of the best gifts I could’ve ever gotten! It’s a good moisturizer for most skin types if you want to improve the look of tone, texture, and firmness. Its peptides and amino acids are meant to help reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and sun damage over time. The Drunk Elephant Protini tends to have a more water-based texture that’s similar to the Tatcha Water Cream.

Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin Types

Tatcha – The Dewy Skin Cream

The counterpart to the Tatcha Water Cream is the Dewy Skin Cream, which is formulated for anyone with normal to dry skin. It is also a great moisturizer to use at night if you have oily skin. This cream contains anthocyanins, antioxidants that may help defend skin against environmental stressors like pollution (though no moisturizer replaces sunscreen). It helps skin look refreshed and supple and less dull.

Finally, the dewy skin cream is formulated with Okinawa Algae and hyaluronic acid, which help replenish the skin’s natural moisture. Tatcha also carries the “Clean at Sephora” seal, which means it is formulated without a list of ingredients the retailer excludes.

Best Moisturizer for Mature Skin Types

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

The Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is a well-loved, affordable anti-aging moisturizer. The formula transitions from cream to liquid when applied to help create a clean and breathable feel. It will leave the skin looking smooth, matte, and shine-free. The advanced Amino-Peptide Complex II is good for helping reduce the signs of aging and helping promote skin elasticity. This is also a great recommendation for an affordable nighttime moisturizer. Nighttime moisturizers are perfect because they tend to be a little heavier or richer than the average moisturizer. They easily soak into the skin to deliver all of the benefits overnight, which helps avoid a heavy look throughout the day.

Conclusion

The right moisturizer is a cornerstone of healthy skin. Whatever your skin type or age, moisturizing daily helps keep skin supple and comfortable, and there are good options at every price point. I suggest trying out a sample of one that sounds appealing to you before investing in an expensive moisturizer. Within a few days, you may notice a difference, especially in how your makeup sits on your skin. If you have persistent dryness, breakouts, redness, or irritation, see a board-certified dermatologist.

Remember that every skin type benefits from moisturizer, even oily skin. Once you find your match, try adding other essential steps to your skincare routine, and your skin will thank you! Let us know your favorite moisturizers in the comments below.

Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology – How to pick the right moisturizer for your skin
• American Academy of Dermatology – How to control oily skin
• American Academy of Dermatology – Sunscreen FAQs
• Cleveland Clinic – Emollients