In our initial research to find the best moisturizers, we checked in with skin-care-obsessed Wirecutter staffers, studied lists of best sellers and award-winners, explored the aisles of Target, Walgreens, Sephora, and Ulta, and went deep into reviews and sub-Reddits.
That yielded a robust list of 58, which we then set about winnowing. We turned to three aestheticians and two dermatologists for their expert insights. With their input, we established a short list of ingredients that help make an all-star moisturizer.
Specifically, dermatologists suggested looking for humectants, which attract moisture (namely, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and glycol); emollients, which soften skin and hold onto moisture (like squalane and niacinamide); and occlusives, which create a barrier on the skin to further lock in hydration (including ceramides and natural oils, such as shea butter, avocado oil, and jojoba oil). Of course, some ingredients check a few boxes—niacinamide, for instance, serves as all three.
Every derm we talked to pointed out that when a product has a lot of ingredients, it can be hard for people with sensitive skin to pinpoint what might be causing any redness, splotchiness, or stinging, so we purposefully sought out moisturizers with a relatively low number of ingredients. (Three of our seven picks have fewer than 25 ingredients, and 45 was the most a winner had.)
One editor tested the 22 moisturizers that met those criteria and chose nine to send to five panel testers with a range of skin tones and types, ensuring diversity in complexion, lifestyle, and age. Our group included individuals from warm and humid climates, people from cold, dry regions, and frequent travelers. At least one panelist wears moisturizer under a full face of foundation, while another shaves his beard twice a week.
Each panelist applied the moisturizer samples as they normally would in their daily routine—morning and night. Then they evaluated each moisturizer’s performance across three key categories:
- Texture and absorption: We prioritized formulas that absorb quickly, leave a translucent finish, feel lightweight on the skin, and don’t pill or disrupt makeup.
- Experience: We considered all the details, from how easy a moisturizer is to dispense to the satisfying click of the cap, ensuring each formula delivers a five-star experience. For lots of people, applying moisturizer is part of a self-care routine and should feel appropriately special, elevated, and splurge-worthy.
- Value: Whether we were considering a $5 moisturizer or a $500 one, we made sure that every single factor justified the expense; we rejected bargain options for being gloopy and graceless, and we ruled out luxury moisturizers for being overpackaged yet underperforming. We also considered the cost per ounce, so we could account for longevity as well as price.
After a first wave of testing, we expanded our list of contenders because—despite loving the product inside—panelists kept describing the tubes and pumps as “flimsy” and “sad.” A second editor tested an additional 15 pricier lotions, and eight more products were sent to a limited panel of two.
