One of the essential building blocks of a good skincare routine is your moisturizer. You need to consider what skin type you have, what season you are currently in (heavier creams for winter and lighter ones for summer), and whether or not the cream in question includes skin-loving ingredients that will improve and maintain a fresh, glowing complexion.
It’s always advisable to do your research online and look at dermatologist approved products, as these are credited by skin professionals. However, we have done our own research and these are our top choices for the most kind to skin face creams you can use in 2024.
1. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion — $15, 89ml
CeraVe doesn’t do anything without the help of real dermatologists who know what’s good for your skin and what is not. The PM Facial Moisturizer is created to lock moisture into your skin and help support and restore the skin barrier while you get your beauty sleep. This oil-free and non-comedogenic cream will date, soothe and calm your skin.
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and three essential ceramides.
Free from: Oil
2. Fresh Crème Ancienne Soft Cream — $175, 30ml
Fresh does luxury face creams so very well. If you’re looking for a little extra pampering in your skincare routine, then this cream is the one for you. Not only does this silky soft, whipped-feel product go on like satin, but it also works to restore any delicate and fragile skin that may be struggling a little.
Creme Ancienne will help smooth fine lines and wrinkles for a refreshed, youthful visage within four weeks of use.
Key ingredients: Meadowfoam seed oil, chamomile wax, vitamin E, and echinacea extract.
Free from: Aggressive chemical compounds.
3. Peach & Lily Overnight Star Night Cream — $45, 2.70 oz
If you’re looking for immediate results, Peach & Lily are here to deliver them. This antioxidant-rich formula will leave your face glowing and radiant.
The non-greasy and lightweight cream melts into your face with minimal effort to hydrate dry skin and smooth your fine lines and wrinkles while sleeping.
Key ingredients: Acai berry, ginseng, jojoba oil, peptide complex.
Free from: Gluten, fragrances, and animal-tested products.
4. Shani Darden Skin Care Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer — $48, 2.5 oz
If you struggle with extra shine and acne breakouts, Shani Darden has the solution for you. This formula was created utilizing the brand owner’s understanding of skin — Sane Darden is a facialist by trade.
The lightweight lotion goes on smooth and hydrates while it plumps up skin in need of a little lift. An oil-free formula means no clogged pores and no extra shine — just fuss-free hydration and protection.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, collagen, and red algae extract.
Free from: Oil and animal-tested products.
5. Relevant: Your Skin Seen One & Done Everyday Cream With SPF 40 — $38, 1.7 oz
SPF is essential in any good skincare routine, so why not choose a moisturizer that already includes it? When you use Relevant’s Your SKin Seen and Done, you get a sun protection factor of 40 created with a mineral-based, clean formula that works on all skin tones and types. The antioxidants and niacinamide work well together to retain moisture and protect your skin at the same time.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Free from: Physical sunscreen.
6. Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer — $10, 2.5 oz
This is a soothing cream at a very reasonable price point, and it works well on its own or as a part of the full Differin system. This formula contains several hero ingredients that work together to bind moisture to your skin, restore the skin barrier, and plump up your face for a youthful look.
The allantoin in the formula is excellent for incredibly dry and flaky skin, and the travel size means you can take it anywhere.
Key ingredients: Allantoin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
Free from: Fragrance.
7. Face Reality Clearderm Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin — $28, 2 oz
This award-winning face cream is lightweight and intensely moisturizing — an unusual combination. Complete with antioxidant support and a dose of bisabolol to soothe irritated skin, this Clearderma cream works to regulate oil and improve the skin’s overall tone and texture. It works well for normal to oily skin types.
Key ingredients: Lilac stem cells, green tea extract, allantoin, and niacinamide.
Free from: Parabens, alcohol, silicone, sulfates, and fragrance
8. Mutha Cream — $105, 1.7 oz
A face cream with a name you’ll never forget! This award-winning formula features MUTHALOAD Core Technology, a patented skin-conditioning tech that uses four forms of hyaluronic acid and a selection of bio-fermented to help protect, repair, and hydrate your skin.
Mutha takes care of skin stress with a blend of adaptogenic herbs. Maximum hydration comes from the aloe extract in this easily absorbable formula that minimizes pores and blemishes.
Key ingredients: Aloe juice, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.
Free from: Added fragrances.
9. TULA Skin Care 24-7 Moisture Intense Ultra Hydrating Day & Night Cream — $56, 1.5 oz
Keep your face hydrated all day and night with this rich formula that also works on some visible signs of aging.
Packed with loads and loads of skin-loving ingredients, this TULA Skin cream absorbs easily into the complexion, leaving no grease or shine behind it. What it does leave behind is a subtle, lit-from-within glow that you just can’t beat.
Key ingredients: Prebiotics, probiotics, hyaluronic acid, squalane, collagen, peptides, apple, watermelon, and camellia seed oil.
Free from: Animal-tested products.
9. Indie Lee Brightening Cream — $45, 1.7 oz
Indie Lee has delivered brightness in a bottle with this unique face cream. Get ready for the most radiant complexion you’ve ever had — not to mention plumped and hydrated. If you’re ready for a skin glow-up, this is the right choice.
Key ingredients: Strawberry-leaf extract, centella asiatica, Sodium hyaluronate, and squalane.
Free from: sulfates, phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, mineral oil, silicone, and talc.
Skin Saviors
What should you look for in a skin-saving moisturizer for sensitive skin? Non-comedogenic formulas, calming natural ingredients, an antioxidant boost, and things to boost skin barrier health.
Any one of these moisturizers would be an ideal candidate to take your skin from average to WOW in 2024.
