and below: We don't recommend face moisturizers with this rating; you won't find any on our list. We Also Tested Though the cream wasn’t as fast-absorbing as some of our other favorites, it didn’t take long to soak in. And it felt lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wear. Given its non-greasy texture, the moisturizer is great for various skin types, like dry, combination, and sensitive skin. And if you have oily skin, Versed recommends using the rich lotion as a night cream—not an everyday moisturizer. Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer promises hydrating results in as little as three days. But we found that it worked even faster: Just 15 minutes after applying the moisturizer, our skin looked and felt more hydrated. Though they have chemical differences, they all offer similar benefits to the skin, Dr. Klein says. Among these three, one isn’t necessarily better than the others.

Since the moisturizer is oil-free, Galaria says it’s particularly great for oily skin. And, while testing, we felt the same way: The moisturizer reduced oil while making our skin feel smoother and more hydrated. It also proved as lightweight and fast-absorbing as our overall favorite. According to Neutrogena, the moisturizer can aggressively dry out your skin when you start using it. And while we didn’t have this problem while testing, we think it’s worth noting—especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water: Sourced from France, this naturally mineral-rich water has a high concentration of selenium, which is a potent antioxidant. We didn’t love the moisturizer’s floral fragrance and wished it were cruelty-free. But we’re still blown away by its budget-friendly price point. The moisturizer is one of the best buys on our list—even though it comes in a small 1.35-ounce tube. Outside of the lab, we tested each moisturizer for four weeks by applying it as the last step of our normal skincare routines and continuing with our usual activities. Prior to applying each moisturizer, we measured the moisture level on our clean skin using a moisture reader and then took moisture readings at the end to compare. My current routine involves a cleanser and brightening vitamin C serum in the mornings, and a cleanser and a combo of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to target any acne and dead skin at night. I needed a moisturizer that would target dryness, make my skin feel bouncy instead of tight, and ultimately, not cause pimples or more redness — all without breaking the bank.Since skin barrier function is universally important, ceramides in skin care can benefit all skin types and conditions, says Rhonda Klein, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut. Those with skin prone to dryness, eczema, psoriasis, or the signs of aging may benefit most from using a ceramide moisturizer, she adds, but everyone can (and should) incorporate them.

to 5 stars: These are the best ceramide moisturizers we tested. We recommend them without reservation. Other moisturizing ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, cholesterol, and peptides, says Dr. Klein. Fortunately, all of them can be found in the Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream. Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin draw water into the skin while fatty acids like ceramides and cholesterol support skin barrier function. Peptides are best for those looking for anti-aging ingredients since they increase firmness and plumpness.Ceramides may be the hero ingredients of these moisturizers, but other active ingredients can help signal that a cream or lotion is more suitable for your skin type and concerns. Read more: This startup helps you replace your skincare routine with clean beauty products using a simple quiz — I tried everything it recommended At its current price, the 2.1-ounce moisturizer feels a little expensive. But it’s certainly not the priciest product on our list. For a natural product, we also appreciate that it’s fragrance-free and great for a range of skin types. And we’d happily use the lightweight cream every day. We also like that this top-notch moisturizer is budget-friendly. And since a little goes a long way, the 1.5-ounce tub of cream should last you a while.