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11 best face moisturizers of 2026

From ceramide-rich creams to hyaluronic acid hydrators, discover glow-boosting face moisturizers from CeraVe, Laneige, Kiehl's and more.

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Maintaining a soft, dewy complexion isn’t always easy. Environmental stressors, indoor heating and everyday moisture loss can leave skin looking dull and flaky, no matter the time of year. The good news? The right face cream can completely transform your skin. From ceramide-rich formulas to hydrating hyaluronic acid and other skin-loving ingredients, discover 11 standout moisturizers from brands including CeraVe, Laneige and Kiehl’s designed to keep your glow going strong.

 

Best fast-absorbing

Kiehl's ultra facial cream
Introducing your skin’s new best friend. Catering to all skin types, it offers lightweight, 24-hour hydration with squalane, which helps restore essential skin lipids and actively protect against moisture loss.
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Best plumping

Looking to plump your visage with intense moisture? Say it with us: Collagen. It’s the powerhouse ingredient in this ultra-smoothing day and night cream that fills lines and wrinkles, while leaving your skin soft to the touch.

 

Best brightening

Glow Recipe Cloudberry Bright Refillable Cream Moisturizer
This *chef’s kiss* formula is buttery soft and packed with glow-getting ingredients including cloudberry seed oil. If you’re looking for lasting hydration with a radiant effect, look no further.
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Best for sensitive skin

When skin feels reactive, this gentle formula steps in. With soothing thermal spring water, glycerin and ceramides, it hydrates while helping reinforce compromised barriers. Fragrance-free and dermatologist-loved, it’s a calming staple for sensitive complexions.

 

Best hydrating

For an instant surge of moisture, slather your skin in this ultra-rich, yet lightweight gel-cream formula. It penetrates deep, for long-lasting hydration that keeps you glowing.
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Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Mascara – $12.99

NIVEA Creme – $15.97

Batiste Dark Dry Shampoo Spray – $16.98

 

Best K-Beauty cream

This K-beauty standout is all about bounce. Infused with blue hyaluronic acid and ceramides, it drenches skin in long-lasting moisture while strengthening the skin barrier. The result? Supple skin lit with a healthy glow.
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Best all-over hydration

More Recommendations
A veritable skin saviour, this moisturizing cream boasts a ceramide-filled ingredient list for the ultimate barrier protection. Get ready for head-to-toe hydration all season long with this generous-sized tub.

 

Best barrier repair

bets face moisturizers 2026
When Hailey Bieber says ‘glazed skin’ we listen. This buttery, barrier-repair cream is powered by ceramides and moisture-binding humectants for intensive moisture and a stronger skin barrier with continued use.
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Best for mature skin

best face creams 2026
A backstage icon turned skincare staple, this rich cream blends hyaluronic acid, peptides and vitamins C and E to hydrate, smooth and visibly firm. Expect a plumped-up, luminous finish that makes skin look instantly refreshed.

 

Best gel-cream

best face creams 2026
Silky and lightweight, this marine-powered moisturizer helps improve firmness and elasticity while smoothing the look of fine lines. The game-changing gel-cream texture delivers lasting hydration sans the stickiness.
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Best moisturizer for men

Like a tall glass of water for tired skin, this ultra-light gel infused with Life Plankton and glycerin instantly quenches dryness while helping regenerate the skin–perfect for post-shave hydration.

 

You may also like:

Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Wipes – $8.97

Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask Scrub – $39

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Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask – $399.99

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