The formula has a quite thin and creamy texture, making it easy to spread across the face and blend into the skin. It’s non-greasy and doesn’t create a white cast. It provides a nice level of hydration for oily and balanced skin, though it could be a bit too light for those with dry skin, especially during the cooler months. We also found that it did pill underneath some foundations, but if you’re willing to experiment a bit to see what it layers nicely with, or you’re planning on using it on bare skin, we still absolutely recommend giving it a try. What We Love: On top of SPF protection, this moisturizer offers a handful of great benefits, including fading the look of dark spots and smoothing pores. Moisturizers typically contain three kinds of ingredients: humectants, occlusives, and emollients. Humectants (like hyaluronic acid) attract water and hydrate your skin. Occlusives (like beeswax) form a protective layer that seals in moisture. And emollients (like vitamin E) smooth out and support your skin. Great moisturizers contain a combination of these ingredients, King says. And you can find non-comedogenic versions of each. According to Fenty, you should reapply this moisturizer every two hours for optimal results and sun protection—just like regular sunscreen. We love how hydrating the moisturizer felt the first time we applied it, and we think it’s a great option for everyday use, especially if you like exercising outdoors. As Galaria noted, oil-free moisturizers are great for oily skin—and Tatcha’s The Water Cream is no exception. But the lightweight moisturizer takes things a step further: One of its key ingredients, leopard lily, actually reduces the amount of oil in your skin.

I always tell my patients that what is best for one person's skin is not necessarily ideal for another,” says Dr. Nichols. “For example, those that struggle with sensitive skin and rosacea can benefit from using a physical SPF as opposed to a chemical SPF, as chemical sunscreens can irritate sensitive skin.”

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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.

With such great results from our Lab, we had high hopes for our at-home test — and this product did not disappoint. Our sensitive skin experienced zero flare ups during the two week period. In fact, we found the formula to be very soothing. Plus, it worked nicely as a makeup base (so long as we gave it adequate time to sink into our skin, otherwise we did experience some pilling).Offers prebiotic benefits to help balance the skin microbiome with a high concentration of La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water

Soothe and comfort your skin every day with La Roche-Posay's Double Repair Face Moisturizer. Suitable for sensitive skin types, this facial moisturizer is powered by prebiotic thermal water that helps diminish dryness and free radical damage for a more youthful, healthier-looking complexion. Key Ingredients: Ceramide-3: an essential ceramide naturally found in skin. Prebiotic Thermal Water: with hydrating, soothing and antioxidant properties. Glycerin: a moisturizing agent that naturally attracts water to skin. Niacinamide: a form of vitamin B3 with soothing properties. ingredients But what really made this option stand out was its ability to protect our skin from the blazing hot sun. In fact, we slathered this moisturizer all over our face while vacationing in the Caribbean and didn’t get burned once. After a few days spent on the beach, our sunburnt friends started to use it, too.

Ingredient scores

Unlike other moisturizers, this didn’t completely absorb into our skin — but that’s a good thing. We could still feel a thin coating of the formula sitting on top of our skin acting like a shield to ward off UV damage. You’d think this sensation would feel uncomfortable or cause makeup to pill, but it did neither. Instead, our skin felt plump, supple, and very hydrated. Plus, we experienced a slight tingling sensation that gently tightened our skin, likely due to the inclusion of white tea, an antioxidant-rich ingredient that minimizes wrinkles, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation. The formula kind of sits on the skin and doesn’t fully absorb and we noticed it pilled underneath makeup. There are so many things that we absolutely adore about this moisturizer with SPF. Although the texture is more reminiscent of a true SPF rather than a creamy or gel-like moisturizer, once you rub it into the skin, it feels incredibly lightweight, hydrating, and non-greasy. It absorbs within a matter of seconds, leaves no residue or white cast behind, and layers beautifully with makeup. Kim Nichols, MD, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and founder of NicholsMD of Greenwich, CT

We appreciate that this budget buy provides nice hydration, but we did experience some pilling with it, and the texture felt slightly greasy. Drunk Elephant’s Lala Retro Whipped Cream left our skin 9 to 23 percent more hydrated than at the start of our test. But because the cream was so heavy and greasy, we had to wait a while to see results—and for the price, we’d rather buy something else.

Ingredient concerns

According to Neuser, moisturizers with SPF don’t necessarily cause acne, but there are two factors that may contribute to sunscreen-related breakouts. Clogged pores from comedogenic ingredients or sensitivity to chemical UV filters can trigger breakouts. “Make sure you use a product that’s non-comedogenic or a mineral sunscreen if you know you’re sensitive to chemical UV filters,” she says. We were also impressed with how fresh-faced and dewy we looked after every application. We usually need to tone down shine in our T-zone throughout the day, but we thought this moisturizer added just the right amount of glow that looked healthy and non-greasy. That being said, if you like your makeup to be matte or if you struggle with oily skin, this option may exacerbate the issue. The moisturizer is also oil-free, fragrance-free, and sensitive-skin-friendly. So it’s great for a range of skin types. Paris has combination skin and uses the tinted version of this moisturizer every day. But it wowed us when we tested it on dry skin, too.