Top 10 Glow Boosting Moisturizers suggested by Expert

Discovering a reliable moisturizer stands as a cornerstone in any effective skincare regimen. Unveiling the best moisturizers for achieving radiant skin begins with understanding your skin type whether it leans towards dryness, oiliness, acne susceptibility, or a combination followed by clarifying your desired outcomes. "Moisturizers frequently transcend mere hydration, often incorporating active ingredients tailored to address specific skin concerns," remarks Dr. Dylan Greeney, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatology.

For individuals seeking solutions for mature skin or aiming to combat signs of aging, Dr. Greeney advocates for moisturizers infused with retinol. Concurrently, he suggests incorporating formulations enriched with antioxidants such as vitamin C to combat dullness and refine texture, revitalizing a lackluster complexion.

To streamline your quest, we've enlisted dermatologists to unveil their preferred choices products frequently endorsed to their clientele and canvassed skincare aficionados for their trusted favorites.

Top Moisturizers for Glowing Skin:

SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator - Best Overall moisturizer for achieving radiant skin, priced at $184.

Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Vitamin C Moisturizer - Best forBrightening, available at $45.

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion - Best for Face and Body, priced affordably at $18.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream - Best for Dry Skin, priced at $39.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel - Best for Oily Skin, at an economical $13.

EltaMD UV Daily Face Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide (SPF 40) - Best With SPF, priced at $39.

These selections represent top choices recommended by dermatologists and endorsed by skincare enthusiasts for achieving a luminous complexion.

SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator - Best Overall moisturizer for achieving radiant Skin

SkinMedica's HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator frequently emerges as a top recommendation among dermatologists for a superior face moisturizer. Esteemed for its hyaluronic acid base, this serum garners high praise from multiple experts. Dr. Mona Foad, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology, highlights its unique formulation featuring five cross-linked hyaluronic acids, which stimulate the skin to produce its own hyaluronic acid, enhancing hydration from within. "Hyaluronic acid serves as a 'water grabber,' crucial for bolstering skin hydration," she explains, emphasizing its significance in preventing dryness, particularly as we age when our natural production of hyaluronic acid diminishes. Stephanie Rosen, MS, PA-C, founder and director of Arria Medspa, lauds this moisturizer as "the hero product we all need in our lives."

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid

Fragrance: None

Pros: Promotes skin's hyaluronic acid production, oil-free, non-comedogenic

Cons: High price point

This acclaimed moisturizer stands out for its ability to revitalize the skin's hydration levels, offering a fragrance-free, oil-free, and non-comedogenic formula.

Vichy Mineral 89 Serum-Stand among Best Drugstore

For those seeking budget-friendly yet effective skincare solutions, Vichy Mineral 89 Serum earns the title of Best Drugstore pick. Endorsed by Dr. Alexandra Bowles, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology, this hyaluronic acid-based serum offers an accessible option for combatting dryness without breaking the bank. Dr. Bowles particularly recommends it as a suitable choice for individuals undergoing treatments like Accutane (or isotretinoin), noting its lightweight formula's efficacy as a base for drier skin types. The gel moisturizer seamlessly absorbs into the skin, leaving a dewy finish and providing an ideal canvas for makeup application.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, volcanic water

Fragrance: None

Pros: Affordable, combats exposome factors, lightweight texture, endorsed by the National Eczema Association

Cons: Some users report a slight stickiness under makeup

This serum stands out for its ability to address dryness while remaining affordable, boasting a fragrance-free formula that's suitable for a variety of skin types, endorsed even by the National Eczema Association.

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion-Best for face and Body

A cream-based moisturizer proves to be a game-changer for addressing dry skin, and this versatile option stands out as an excellent choice for both facial and body care. Dr. Bowles extols its virtues, emphasizing its rich cream formulation packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which work synergistically to enhance skin hydration and maintain a robust skin barrier. Regular use of this body lotion, as recommended by Dr. Bowles, not only combats existing dryness but also serves as a preventative measure, fortifying the skin barrier and averting potential issues like chapping or eczema flare-ups. Deana Korsunsky, a Glamour tester, attests to its efficacy, having relied on it for three years with no regrets. She appreciates its simplicity and affordability, describing it as a product devoid of unnecessary additives or extravagant costs.

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, petrolatum

Fragrance: None

Pros: Gentle on skin, budget-friendly, suitable for face and body, endorsed by American Diabetes Association and National Eczema Association, non-comedogenic

Cons: Some users report incomplete absorption into the skin, may not be ideal for oily skin

This moisturizer emerges as a dependable option, praised for its gentle yet effective formulation and recognized by reputable organizations for its quality and suitability for sensitive skin types.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel-For Oily Skin

For individuals grappling with oily skin, a lighter gel-based moisturizer proves to be a preferable alternative to thicker creams, especially during warmer seasons. According to Dr. Margarita Lolis, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in NJ, this lightweight formula offers a non-oily solution ideal for summer conditions. Renee Cherry, a Glamour contributor, commends its gentle nature and budget-friendly price point, noting the inclusion of moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and ceramides that leave the skin dewy without a greasy residue. She appreciates its balanced consistency, which strikes a perfect middle ground not overly watery nor too thick making it suitable for both morning and evening use.

Key Ingredients: Water, dimethicone, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate

Fragrance: None

Pros: Lightweight feel, imparts a dewy appearance, affordable

Cons: May not provide sufficient hydration for dry skin

This gel-based moisturizer emerges as an optimal choice for oily skin types, lauded for its lightweight texture, hydrating properties, and affordability, although it might not offer adequate moisture for those with drier skin.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

Kiehl's moisturizer has earned its status as a trusted skincare staple, thanks to its lightweight formula that delivers soothing effects upon application and provides long-lasting hydration. Dr. Kiran Mian, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery, hails it as a "universal hydrator," particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or combination skin types. "Squalane and glycerin, combined with pro-ceramides, work wonders in repairing the skin's moisture barrier," she explains. A tester corroborates this sentiment, sharing their experience of using the cream during the harsh winter months to combat chapped skin, with remarkable success in reducing redness and irritation.

Key Ingredients: Squalane, glacial glycoprotein, pro-ceramides

Fragrance: None

Pros: Lightweight, soothing, non-greasy, available in 4 sizes, refillable bottle, endorsed by the National Eczema Association, paraben-free, sulfate-free

Cons: Some users experienced breakouts

This moisturizer stands out for its ability to provide effective hydration without feeling heavy on the skin, earning praise for its soothing properties and receiving recognition from reputable organizations like the National Eczema Association.

PanOxyl PM Balancing Repair Moisturizer

Selecting the right product for acne-prone skin is crucial to avoid triggering redness or irritation. This moisturizer is specifically formulated with niacinamide, renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for redness reduction, and ceramides that aid in skin repair, as highlighted by Dr. Juliya Fisher, a double board-certified dermatologist at JUVA Skin & Laser Center in NYC. Dr. Fisher emphasizes its non-comedogenic nature, assuring that it won't clog pores, making it an excellent choice for individuals using prescription acne medications prone to causing dryness. For comprehensive skin hydration throughout the day, she recommends pairing this night cream with PanOxyl Oil Control Daily Moisturizer, which boasts SPF 30 protection.

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramide, vitamin E, cica, hyaluronic acid

Fragrance: None

Pros: Affordable, paraben-free, non-comedogenic

Cons: Some users dislike the smell

This moisturizer stands out for its acne-friendly formulation, offering a budget-friendly option that's free from pore-clogging ingredients, making it suitable for daily use alongside prescription acne treatments.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

In search of a lightweight moisturizer suitable for daily use, irrespective of the season? Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist, recommends this creamy formula from La Roche-Posay, catering to all skin types. "This moisturizer boasts a blend of ceramides to bolster the skin barrier and niacinamide, renowned for its soothing properties, while simultaneously supporting the skin barrier and calming inflammation," she explains. The oil-free nature of this cream ensures it won't leave a greasy residue, making it an ideal choice even for sensitive skin types.

Key Ingredients: Probiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, niacinamide

Fragrance: None

Pros: Lightweight, soothing sensation on the skin, oil-free, budget-friendly

Cons: May not provide sufficient hydration for drier skin types due to its lightweight texture

This moisturizer stands out for its lightweight texture and gentle formulation, offering a suitable option for daily use across all skin types, although individuals with drier skin may require additional hydration.

Elta MD UV Daily Face Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide (SPF 40)

Streamlining your morning routine with a two-in-one product can be a game-changer. Dr. Maya Thosani, a double board-certified dermatologist and proprietor of Modern Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ, advocates for the efficiency of combination formulations like this moisturizing sunscreen, ideal for achieving radiant skin. Featuring hyaluronic acid to nourish the skin and sheer zinc oxide for sun protection, it garners high praise from Glamour beauty editors, who dub it the ultimate sunscreen. "This non-greasy daily face sunscreen effortlessly blends in, leaving no white cast, and can be seamlessly worn alone or under makeup," she explains. Moreover, its gentle formula makes it suitable for individuals prone to acne or redness.

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc oxide, sodium hyaluronate, tocopheryl acetate

Fragrance: None

Pros: No white cast, easy application, convenient travel size, oil-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic

Cons: May not provide adequate moisture for drier skin types

This versatile moisturizing sunscreen stands out for its ability to offer sun protection and hydration in one step, making it a convenient addition to any skincare routine, although individuals with drier skin may require additional moisturization.

Dieux Instant Angle Moisturizer-Best for Dry Skin

This moisturizer strikes the perfect balance of intense hydration and lightweight texture," remarks Dr. Mian, highlighting its non-pilling formula, which seamlessly integrates with other serums. Dr. Mian further notes that its blend of fatty acids, glycerin, and ceramides makes it an ideal choice for individuals with dry skin seeking enhanced firmness. Not only suitable for daily use, but this moisturizer also boasts long-term benefits by gradually repairing the skin barrier, ensuring sustained hydration. After an extensive nine-month trial, Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin hailed the Dieux moisturizer as her holy grail for combating extremely dry skin.

Key Ingredients: Meadowestolide, hydro lipid blend, dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline peptide

Fragrance: None

Pros: Lightweight, smooth application under makeup

Cons: Availability may be limited, some users dislike the scent

This moisturizer stands out for its ability to provide intense hydration without feeling heavy on the skin, making it an excellent choice for those with dry skin concerns, although some users may find its scent unfavorable.

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 242 Treatment

Praised by both Dr. Fisher and Dr. Turner, this SkinCeuticals product is hailed as a "gold standard moisturizer" renowned for its optimal lipid ratio, essential for effective barrier repair. Dr. Turner underscores the significance of these ingredients, particularly for individuals with dry skin seeking profound hydration. The Triple Lipid Restore 242 Treatment stands out for its unique blend of three essential lipids cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides that bolster the skin barrier, combating transepidermal water loss and shielding against external irritants, making it an excellent choice for a nighttime regimen. Dr. Turner lauds its semisolid texture, which effortlessly melts into the skin, forming a nourishing shield for enhanced moisturization.

Key Ingredients: Lipids, vitamin E, ceramides, natural cholesterol, fatty acids

Fragrance: None

Pros: Suitable for mature skin, restores skin barrier, creamy texture, paraben-free

Cons: High price point

This moisturizer earns acclaim for its ability to rejuvenate mature skin and fortify the skin barrier, boasting a luxurious texture and formulation free from parabens, though its premium price may deter some consumers.