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Facial moisturizer: how to pick the right one for your skin

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-14.

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Why a facial moisturizer matters

A moisturizer helps your skin hold on to water. The AAD says moisturizer helps minimize the look of fine lines, and that dermatologists see sunscreen and moisturizer as the two most effective anti-aging products you can buy. It also notes that effective products come in all price ranges, so the label matters more than the brand.

Set expectations: the AAD says skin care products deliver modest results and that you cannot get the results of a facelift from a cream. Give a new sunscreen and moisturizer routine a few weeks to work.

Gel, lotion, cream or ointment: match the texture to your skin

For combination skin, the AAD suggests moisturizing the dry spots and skipping the oily areas, such as the center of the face.

Ingredients and label terms to look for

• Ceramides. The AAD describes them as waxy lipid molecules that help hydrate skin.
• Hyaluronic acid. Known for its intense moisturizing qualities, the AAD says.
• Non-comedogenic. Means the product does not block pores. The AAD notes that for some people, too much moisturizer can clog pores and lead to acne.
• Hypoallergenic. Lower risk of a reaction, but the AAD says it can still cause one.
• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher in a daytime moisturizer, or a separate sunscreen on top.

What to skip if your skin is dry: the AAD advises avoiding products with alcohol, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and fragrance so your skin keeps its natural oils. It also cautions that some organic lines contain ingredients that can aggravate allergies. Also be wary of a label that says "clinically proven": the AAD says that only means consumers tried it, not that FDA approved it.

Alcohol names need care. FDA says the word alcohol by itself means ethyl alcohol on cosmetic labels; stearyl, cetyl and cetearyl alcohol are fatty alcohols with different skin effects. Do not reject a cream simply because its label includes stearyl alcohol. A non-comedogenic or hypoallergenic label is a useful starting point, not a guarantee that your skin will tolerate the formula.

Facial moisturizer for dry skin

The AAD says people with dry skin should start with a cream or ointment and bypass lotions. Its tips for very dry skin:

• Apply right after washing or showering, while the skin is still damp, to limit water loss.
• Moisturize at least twice a day.
• Choose fragrance-free products, since fragrance can irritate dry skin.
• Do not scrub or exfoliate dry, peeling skin in winter.

If your dry skin is red, itchy and scaly, see our eczema cream guide or our ceramide moisturizer guide for ingredients and safety limits.

Best facial moisturizer for aging skin: keep it simple

The AAD suggests starting with two products, a sunscreen and a moisturizer, and then adding one product aimed at your main concern. It says no product treats every sign of aging, and that using several new anti-aging products within a few days or weeks can irritate your skin.

• Choose a cream rather than a lotion if you are 50 or older or perimenopausal.
• Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, and choose water resistance for time outdoors, and reapply every two hours or according to the label after swimming or sweating.
• Add a targeted product, such as a retinol or vitamin C serum, one at a time. See our retinol serum and eye cream guides.

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer: what the maker says

Many shoppers ask about Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer by name. On its own product page, Vanicream describes it as a rich but lightweight lotion for day or night, designed for sensitive skin. The maker lists hyaluronic acid and five ceramides, along with squalane and glycerin, says it has no botanical extracts or essential oils, and calls it non-comedogenic. It says the formula suits sensitive, oily, dry or combination skin and can be used up to twice daily. The maker also mentions a separate Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 for days with sun exposure.

That ingredient list lines up with what the AAD suggests looking for. Those are useful features to compare; similar ingredient names alone do not establish that two formulas give the same results.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

What is the best facial moisturizer for dry skin?

A fragrance-free cream or ointment with ceramides or hyaluronic acid. The AAD says dry skin should bypass lotions and moisturize at least twice a day, right after washing.

Should I use a facial moisturizer if I have oily skin?

Many people still do, using a light gel labeled non-comedogenic. The AAD says some people with oily skin can skip moisturizer or opt for a gel.

Do I need a facial moisturizer with SPF?

You need broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, per the AAD. A moisturizer with SPF covers that in one step, or you can apply sunscreen over your moisturizer.

Is Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer good for sensitive skin?

The maker says it was formulated for sensitive skin, contains no botanical extracts or essential oils, and is non-comedogenic. Patch test any new product if you react easily.

When should I apply facial moisturizer?

Right after washing, while skin is still damp, the AAD advises. In the morning, put sunscreen on last if your moisturizer has no SPF.

Sources

• How to pick the right moisturizer for your skin (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
• How to select anti-aging skin care products (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
• Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer (vanicream.com), Vanicream (maker)
• Alcohol Free (fda.gov), U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Sources checked 2026-10-14.