Score Up to 50% Off Byrdie Editor's Desert Island Moisturizers (2024)

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Our Top Picks

Highlighted Ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramides, glycerin | Size: 2.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

A tried-and-true classic, this drugstore formula feels like a luxury moisturizer and is so versatile it's also made our list of the top moisturizers for dry, sensitive, and oily skin. It's a favorite of editorial director Holly Rhue—and several other members of team Byrdie. What makes it so well-loved is the fact that it’s simple; a gentle yet effective, oil-free formula relies on ceramides (aka lipids that support a healthy skin barrier), glycerin (a hydrator), and niacinamide (an ingredient known to address dullness, large pores, and excess oil) to deliver long-lasting moisture without a greasy finish. It generally works for all skin types, but some with very oily skin might want to opt for the matte version, which is just as lovely.

Highlighted Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Packed with powerhouse hydrator hyaluronic acid, this signature Neutrogena moisturizer is a favorite among dermatologists, editors, and testers alike. Despite being super lightweight, this oil-free moisturizer is rich, nourishing, and ultra-hydrating . It’s cooling on contact with the skin and absorbs very quickly, making it a smart choice if you battle redness or rosacea. The water-based gel formula even gets high marks on Reddit, where users with oily, acne-prone skin say it's their go-to moisturizer. Plus, it’s affordable, so you don’t have to skimp on product during application—and even if you apply too much, your skin will never feel greasy.

Read Full Review: This Dermatologist-Approved Drugstore Staple Harnesses the Hydrating Power of Hyaluronic Acid

Highlighted Ingredients: Miracle Broth (proprietary) | Size:0.5, 1, 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

People often ask, “Does La Mer actually work?” and the answer is yes, it absolutely does. Creme de la Mer is the brand’s hero product, and it’s the product fans of the brand consistently restock time and time again. Formulated over 12 years by an aerospace physicist looking to cure burns he suffered in a lab accident, the final product—a unique concoction created with a special bio-fermentation process that relies on vitamins, oils, and minerals—heals dryness, softens fine lines, and strengthens the skin’s barrier. Byrdie contributor Jenna Igneri is a fan. “It’s definitely an investment—it rings in at $200 an ounce—but it yields transformative results.”

Read Full Review: Dermatologists Say This Iconic Moisturizer Yields Transformative Anti-Aging Results

Highlighted Ingredients: Rosemary leaf oil, glycerin, ceramides | Size:1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Odds are, you’ve heard of SkinCeuticals’ iconic moisturizer. If not, allow us to introduce you. The Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is a ceramide moisturizer with an optimal lipid ratio—2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids—which is responsible for making this anti-aging cream one of the best out there. It restores essential skin lipids lost from natural aging or environmental aggressors (or a combo of the two). The fact that even sensitive skin looks plumper and more radiant.Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, M.D. says that this is a stellar option. “This moisturizer effectively restores the fatty molecules and encourages the skin to appear more hydrated and smooth,” says Dr. Garshick. “It’s also a nice choice for someone using a retinoid, as it does a great job of keeping the skin moisturized and helping the skin tolerate the ingredient.”

Highlighted Ingredients: Vitamin E, avocadin | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dr. Barbara Sturm knows good skin. The German aesthetics doctor is known for her vampire facials and the fact that she’s the skin therapist to the stars. When she launched her eponymous skincare line back in 2014, it quickly became an editor favorite, and this cream is no different. The formula features a nourishing blend of antioxidants (think: vitamin E and purslane), cell-renewing skullcap extract, and rich oils that ensure long-lasting hydration for dry and combination skin. Byrdie editor in chief Hallie Gould is a huge fan of this one.

Highlighted Ingredients: TFC8®, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed rice protein | Size:0.5, 1, 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Another household name when it comes to moisturizer, Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream, is one of our favorites. Professor Augustinus Bader created this unique cream that features Trigger Factor Complex, or TFC8 (aka a combo of natural amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules), which provides our stem cells with everything they need to regenerate. In simpler terms, it allows the skin to heal itself. According to Byrdie contributor Dylan Marino, the skin feels plump and supple after applying. At first, it can be slightly thick, but it absorbs nicely and imparts a radiant glow.

Highlighted Ingredients: Japanese wild rose and leopard lily, proprietary Hasasei-3 | Size:0.5, 1, 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This formula feels like a splash of water on your face, plain and simple. It’s lightweight yet hydrating, so the skin looks dewy but never greasy. According to Dr. Garshick, this moisturizer contains several antioxidants—like the brand’s proprietary Hadasei-3 complex, which helps fight free radical damage, as well as Japanese wild rose extract, which is thought to improve the appearance of pores and skin texture. “The addition of these ingredients plus oil-controlling Japanese leopard lily make this moisturizer a good lightweight option for different skin types,” she explains.We were impressed by how well the gel cream soothed minor skin irritations from the first application to weeks of continued use, thanks to soothing ingredients like green tea and algae. It's one of beauty writer Tamim Alnuweiri's favorite moisturizers, who loves the oil-free formula and botanical extracts.

Highlighted Ingredients: Squalane, ceramides, glacial glycoproteins | Size: 0.95, 1.7, 4.2, 5.07, 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Housed in a simple white container, this moisturizer from Kiehl’s is more than what meets the eye. The rich, deeply hydrating formula glides across the skin like butter and sinks in nicely, imparting a fresh, hydrated glow that offsets a dry, dull complexion. The actual hydration is great, too; the formula, which is laden with squalane, ceramides, and glycoproteins (aka proteins sourced from Antarctic Sea glaciers that maintain the skin’s moisture balance), work wonders on dry patches and flakes. Also nice: The moisturizer also provides a beautiful base for makeup, giving those with very dry skin the slip they need to achieve an airbrushed, crease-free finish.

Byrdie editor Jordan Julian says that this cream is her go-to. "In the past, my combination skin has made it difficult for me to find a moisturizer that's hydrating enough to prevent flakiness, but also won't trigger breakouts or leave me feeling greasy," she explains. "This cream strikes the perfect balance of lightweight and seriously nourishing."

Read Full Review: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Erased My Dry Patches

Highlighted Ingredients: Proprietary peptide complex, waterlily stem cell extract, folic acid ferment extract | Size: 0.5, 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A longtime Byrdie favorite, Drunk Elephant’s Protini Peptide Cream is not to be slept on. Thanks to a unique combination of plumping proprietary polypeptides, soothing and hydrating waterlily stem cell extract, and vitamin-rich folic acid ferment extract, it works to moisturize (obviously) and smooth the look of the skin while you wear it. Byrdie associate editorial director Shannon Bauer says it’s her desert island product, specifically citing its unique texture and catchall nature. “It’s heavy enough for winter-ravaged skin but in a gel-cream form; so it’s not overly heavy on my oily skin,” she explains. “It’s free of harsh actives, so it plays well with others.”

It’s also worth noting that the airless pump packaging gets out every last drop, so nothing goes to waste. The only gripe we have with this formula is that it’s thick, so it can sit atop the skin, rather than sink in completely. Those with very dry skin will love this, however, those with already oily skin might not love the feeling in the warmer months.

Highlighted Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Size: 8, 16 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Chances are you’re familiar with this ultra-popular and dermatologist-recommended moisturizer from CeraVe. Its popularity is justified—it’s a fantastic cream that has a relatively simple ingredient list with a rich texture that deeply moisturizes dry skin. The formula includes hyaluronic acid and ceramides to boost hydration and support and protect the skin barrier. It also contains petrolatum, an ingredient that helps to create a barrier on the skin that locks in moisture.According to the National Eczema Association, those with eczema should use skin barrier creams that contain ceramides because they work to form a protective layer on the skin. This helps lock in moisture and helps prevent burning, itching, and flakiness due to eczema.Byrdie contributor Jen Adkins was experiencing dry, flaky skin after being on acne medication and fell in love after her dermatologist recommended it. "After my very first use, I was hooked," she says.

Read Full Review: CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream Transformed My Dry Skin

Highlighted Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Size: 3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Formulated without potential irritants like fragrance, dyes, gluten, botanical extracts, and lanolin, Vanicream's moisturizer was created specifically with sensitive skin in mind. The product contains five different types of ceramides as well as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, so it’s safe to say that it's loaded with soothing and moisturizing ingredients that support a healthy skin barrier.Despite the wide array of moisturizing agents in the formula, I found the texture to be fairly lightweight. It applies smoothly and is absorbed quickly into the skin without creating a sticky or greasy residue, making it a nice option to wear day or night and even layer underneath makeup. I love turning to it when my skin is feeling extra sensitive.

Highlighted Ingredients: Ginkgo biloba, chlorella, padina pavonica | Size: 0.5, 1, 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Formulated with collagen, which helps to promote skin elasticity, and a blend of algae, which the brand says aids in firming and hydration, this moisturizer is just as effective as it is luxurious. No moisturizer will completely eliminate fine lines, but we were so impressed by how well this cream from Elemis plumped the skin and made a visible improvement in lines. It has a medium-weight texture that quenches dryness and imparts a subtle glow. It also has a light marine scent that gives it a refreshing element, and SPF 30 for necessary sun protection. There's no denying that it's a pricey option, but we think it's worth investing in if you want a moisturizer that does it all: hydrate, brighten, plump, smooth fine lines, and offer sun protection.

"My skin feels healthier, more moisturized, and plumper after using this moisturizer," says senior commerce editor Ally Hirschlag. "I honestly can't get enough of the way it makes my skin feel when I apply it."

Highlighted Ingredients: Peptides, lipids, ceramides | Size: 1.7, 3.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you suspect you have a damaged skin barrier, we recommend using a ceramide-rich moisturizer like this one from Dieux. Ceramides are a type of lipid that restores the skin's protective barrier, keeping it healthy and moisturized. The formula contains a potent complex of ceramides, lipids, and peptides, which are great for hydrating and plumping the skin to smooth the appearance of fine lines. It has a semi-rich texture that feels instantly quenching on dry skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and moisturized. It's not overly rich or greasy, so even those with oily skin could get away with using it at night.

Associate commerce editor Alyssa Kaplan enjoyed testing it, noting that it balanced her combination/oily skin. "I love that this cream offered a healthy dose of hydration without contributing to excess oil. I appreciate that it's a simple, barrier-supporting formula I can rely on when my skin is sensitive or I've been using a lot of active ingredients."

Highlighted Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, triglycerides | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This is one of the most iconic moisturizers on the market (the brand claims it has sold over 50 million units since it launched in the early 2000s), and it’s for good reason. Containing an ideal ratio of humectants (like hyaluronic acid), emollients (like triglycerides), and occlusives, this formula packs a triple whammy when it comes to hydrating and improving the look of dry, sagging, and tired skin. The addition of skin-smoothing peptides and balancing niacinamide only add to the appeal. It’s important to note, however, that the formula has a very strong almond fragrance, so those who prefer fragrance-free skincare might want to opt for the fragrance-free version.

Highlighted Ingredients: Octocrylene, zinc oxide | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

When we tested moisturizers with SPF, this formula from Oars + Alps reigned supreme. We’ll admit, it does feel and smell like sunscreen, but once you rub it into the skin, it sinks into the skin and feels weightless, sans grease or white cast. It plays well with other skincare formulas and makeup, so it’s a great product to have on hand for everyday wear. The formula features reef-safe chemical and physical UVA and UVB blockers to keep the skin protected from the sun, plus hyaluronic acid for a boost of hydration and vitamins E and B5 for antioxidant protection. After wearing it all day, we found that it left skin feeling soft, silky, and sunburn-free.

Highlighted Ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E | Size: 0.5, 1, 1.7, 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

With such hype around it, it’s hard not to expect literal magic from Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream. But, we’re here to say that the glowing reviews exist for a reason: The product makes your skin glow, especially underneath makeup. It’s formulated with peptides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin (goodbye, fine lines and dry patches) while vitamins C and E amp up the radiance over time. The consistency is rich and blends beautifully, creating a soft, smooth surface for makeup to glide over. The only caveat is that it can leave a bit of a shine, so those with oily skin (who already have a shine of their own) may not love the finish of this one.

Byrdie's commerce director Jessica Mahgerefteh loves using it under makeup for an extra glowy, hydrated base. "It’s called Magic Cream but there’s no sorcery here—just a really solid moisturizer that does what any good moisturizer should do: hydrate," she says. "My skin feels soft, supple, and plumped with moisture after every use thanks to its inclusion of hyaluronic acid, and the results only get better with continued use. My makeup always looks better when applied on top of this cream."

Read Full Review: Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream Is a Supercharged Moisturizer

Highlighted Ingredients: Shea butter, soy proteins | Size: 2.54 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The formula—which has been a bestseller since the ‘50s—contains several natural-origin active ingredients, such as shea butter, beeswax, soy proteins, and aloe vera, each of which works in tandem to combat skin concerns like dryness, irritation, and redness.One squeeze of the tube deposits a lovely whipped cream that melts on contact with the skin, which we experienced firsthand. The brand recommends applying a small amount of the product onto clean, damp skin post-cleanse to lock in moisture and get the full effects of the creamy elixir.

Highlighted Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, green tea | Size: 0.67, 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Now more than ever, teens and tweens are flocking to skincare, but many formulas have active ingredients that are unnecessary for already baby faces. Skip the actives and opt for something that covers the bases while remaining gentle and nonirritating. One such formula is this moisturizer from Byoma, which strikes the perfect balance between a water cream and a rich moisturizer. It’s powered by a blend of ceramides, niacinamide, and green tea which work together to soothe stressed skin, combat redness, and smooth uneven skin texture and tone.

FAQ

• At what step of your skincare routine should you apply moisturizer?

  The general rule of thumb for applying skincare products is to start with the lightest and work your way up to the heaviest; serums, when compared to moisturizers, are innately more lightweight, so if you’re using one, apply it first. Give it some time to soak in (a minute or two is fine) before following up with your moisturizer of choice.

• How often should you apply moisturizer to your face?

  Dr. Garshick recommends applying moisturizer twice each day, using a nickel-sized amount for the whole face. To extend the moisturizer down to your neck and chest, Dr. Lancer says to use a quarter-sized amount. This varies depending on how dry your skin is and the particular moisturizer you’re using.

• Do you need to use a separate sunscreen if your moisturizer has SPF?

  Yes! Even if you use a two-in-one moisturizer, you’ll need to slather on a good facial sunscreen to help prevent skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Apply your sunscreen as the last step in your skincare routine (after moisturizer), and don’t forget to reapply every two hours during prolonged exposure to the sun.