Choosing a moisturizer is simpler than the crowded shelf suggests. Almost every moisturizer is built from the same three kinds of ingredient in different proportions. Once you know your skin type and the texture that suits it, most of the decision is made.
What a moisturizer does
A moisturizer adds water to the outer layer of the skin and slows down how fast that water escapes. It softens rough skin, supports the skin barrier and makes other products more comfortable to use. Every skin type benefits from it.
Textures from lightest to richest
| Texture | What it is | Feels like |
|---|---|---|
| Gel | Mostly water with humectants | Light, cool, no residue |
| Lotion | More water than oil | Thin, spreads easily |
| Cream | Roughly balanced water and oil | Rich, comforting |
| Ointment or balm | Mostly oil or wax, little or no water | Thick, greasy, very protective |
As a rule, the drier your skin, the richer the texture you need.
Match the moisturizer to your skin type
Dry skin
Choose a cream or ointment. Useful ingredients include ceramides, glycerin, shea butter, petrolatum and squalane. Apply it straight after washing.
Oily and acne-prone skin
Choose a gel or light lotion labeled "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic". Glycerin, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide hydrate without a heavy film.
Combination skin
A light lotion or gel-cream usually suits the whole face. Add a second layer on dry cheeks. See Skincare Routine for Combination Skin.
Sensitive skin
Choose a fragrance-free product with a short ingredient list. Creams are often gentler than gels that contain a lot of alcohol.
Normal skin
Most lotions and light creams will work. Choose by comfort and season.
Mature skin
Skin makes less oil with age, so many people move to richer creams. Ingredients such as ceramides and glycerin help with dryness.
Not sure of your type? See How to Find Your Skin Type.
Ingredients worth recognizing
- Humectants attract water: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea.
- Emollients smooth and soften: ceramides, squalane, fatty alcohols.
- Occlusives seal water in: petrolatum, dimethicone, waxes.
A good moisturizer usually contains all three. Moisturizer Ingredients: Humectants, Emollients, and Occlusives explains them one by one.
Day and night
In the morning, a lighter moisturizer sits better under sunscreen and makeup. A moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher can replace a separate sunscreen if you apply a generous amount. At night, you can use a richer product, because shine does not matter.
How to apply it
- Wash your face and pat it until it is just damp.
- Take about a pea-sized amount for the face and a little more for the neck.
- Warm it between your fingertips and smooth it on gently.
- Wait a minute before sunscreen or makeup.
Apply moisturizer after water-based serums and before face oil. Face Oil vs Moisturizer: Do You Need Both? explains how oils and moisturizers differ.
How to judge a new moisturizer
Give it two weeks. A good match leaves your skin comfortable for most of the day, without tightness, heavy shine or new bumps. If it stings every time, stop using it. If it rolls into little balls under makeup, you are probably using too much or not letting it dry.
Common mistakes
- Choosing by price or packaging instead of skin type.
- Using the same rich cream in humid summer weather.
- Skipping moisturizer because your skin is oily.
- Applying it to completely dry skin long after washing.
Gel vs Cream Moisturizer: Texture and Skin Type Guide compares gel and cream moisturizers in more depth if you are deciding between those two.
Related on ArniSun
- How to Find Your Skin Type
- Moisturizer Ingredients: Humectants, Emollients, and Occlusives
- Gel vs Cream Moisturizer: Texture and Skin Type Guide
- Face Oil vs Moisturizer: Do You Need Both?
- Skincare Routine for Combination Skin
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate moisturizer for day and night?
No. One product can do both jobs. Some people prefer a lighter one with sunscreen for the day and a richer one at night.
Can a moisturizer cause breakouts?
A formula that is too heavy for your skin can clog pores. If you are acne-prone, choose light, non-comedogenic textures and introduce one new product at a time.
How much moisturizer should I use on my face?
About a pea-sized amount is enough for most faces. Very dry skin may need a little more, applied in two thin layers.