Facial Moisturizers: Reviews

Updated May 2011

A good moisturizer with sunscreen is an essential tool in your skin-care arsenal. The good news is that you don't have to spend a lot to keep your skin hydrated. We consulted skin-care experts, beauty magazines and hundreds of user reviews to find solid choices in the local drugstore.

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Best facial moisturizer overall

Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion SPF 15

*Est. $20 for 2.5 oz. Compare Prices

Experts point to Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion SPF 15 as the best facial moisturizer. It uses avobenzone and other ingredients to provide both UVA and UVB sunscreen protection, which skin care experts say… expandis the best line of defense against skin damage that manifests as wrinkles, sunspots and other signs of aging. It is also loaded with antioxidants and amino peptides to prevent further damage. Reviews say that Olay's Regenerating Lotion has excellent moisturizing capabilities for normal to slightly dry or slightly oily skin. Because it contains fragrance, it may not be suitable for those with allergies or sensitive skin. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Beautipedia.com: Paula Begoun gives Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion SPF 15 her highest rating because it provides broad-spectrum UV protection and contains antioxidants and other soothing agents.

ConsumerReports.org: ConsumerReports.org tests Olay Regenerist Enhancing Lotion (the predecessor of Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion SPF 15) along with 11 other moisturizers.

TotalBeauty.com: Users at TotalBeauty.com give Olay Regenerating Lotion a high overall rating, saying that it is lightweight and doesn't leave skin greasy.

MakeupAlley.com: More than 30 consumers at MakeupAlley.com give Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion SPF 15 above-average ratings.

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Best facial moisturizer for sensitive skin

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

*Est. $13 for 16 oz. Compare Prices

If you have sensitive skin, reviews recommend Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream. It lacks the protective antioxidants and sunscreen found in the Olay Regenerist moisturizer line, but reviewers say that Cetaphil's ingredients --… expandincluding petrolatum, glycerin and cetyl alcohol -- are gentle and moisturizing. This fragrance-free formula is a good choice for those with sensitive skin. Reviewers say that Cetaphil absorbs easily and calms irritated skin. It's suitable for the face and body. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Beautipedia.com: Paula Begoun gives Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream a mediocre rating because it's basic with few antioxidants.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment: This study, which was performed on 20 individuals undergoing rosacea treatment, shows Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream to be effective at reducing dryness and sensitivity and improving skin texture.

About.com: Although Julyne Derrick, beauty guide for About.com, lists Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream as the best drugstore moisturizer for the body, experts say that it is also appropriate for the face.

MakeupAlley.com: More than 850 reviewers at MakeupAlley.com give high overall ratings to Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream because it is gentle enough for sensitive skin and it does an excellent job of moisturizing dry skin.

Drugstore.com: More than 170 users rate and review Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream at Drugstore.com, giving it a high overall rating.

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Facial moisturizer for oily skin

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

*Est. $25 for 4.2 oz. Compare Prices

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel's oil-free hydrating formula feels light and silky on the skin, according to reviewers. Users say that it provides just the right amount of moisture without leaving the… expandskin too greasy or dry. Perfect for oily skin, it also contains antioxidants, though not as many as the Olay Regenerist line. This face moisturizer does not contain any sunscreen, however. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Beautypedia.com: Although she says that it has only a meager amount of antioxidants, Paula Begoun says that Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is an excellent option for those with oily or combination skin.

MakeupAlley.com: More than 1,000 consumers at MakeupAlley.com review Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, giving it an above-average rating.

Sephora.com: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel earns a high overall rating from more than 1,000 reviewers at Sephora.com.

FashionHippo.com: "Holly" at FashionHippo.com, a beauty blog, says that Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is an excellent option for oily or combination skin types because it provides lightweight moisture without clogging pores.

TotalBeauty.com: Nearly 200 users at TotalBeauty.com praise Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel for its lightweight feel that is good for combination and oily skin types.

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Tinted moisturizer

Tarte Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

*Est. $36 for 1.7 oz. Learn More

Although tinted moisturizers generally fall under the makeup category, experts say that Tarte Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer performs equally well as a good facial moisturizer. It contains several beneficial… expandingredients, including antioxidants and broad-spectrum sun protection. Reviewers say it has a smooth, silky texture that leaves a dewy finish on skin. It provides sheer to medium coverage -- meaning that it covers more flaws than most tinted moisturizers and still looks natural. Furthermore, Smooth Operator is paraben- and phthalate-free and uses natural ingredients. It is available in nine shades. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Sephora.com: Paula Begoun praises Tarte Smooth Operator for its lightweight texture that blends easily and wears well for hours at a time.

MakeupAlley.com: More than 370 reviewers at MakeupAlley.com give Tarte Smooth Operator high overall marks.

Sephora.com: Reviewers at Sephora.com are generally pleased with Tarte Smooth Operator.