Finding the perfect hydrating moisturizer can feel like an impossible task. With thousands of options on the market, how do you know which ones work? We’ve done the research (and the testing) to bring you a list of the best moisturizers that deliver serious hydration without feeling greasy, heavy, or irritating. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, there’s something here for everyone.

Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Moisturizer

Price: $46.00/1.6 fl oz

First, this gel-like moisturizer from Fresh is packed with hyaluronic acid and Damask rose extracts to keep your skin hydrated all day. It’s super lightweight, blends like a dream, and leaves your skin with a fresh, dewy glow without looking oily.

This hydrating moisturizer strengthens the skin barrier, so you stay moisturized even in harsh weather. To use, cleanse your face, apply your favorite serums, and follow up with this cream. Another major plus is that it layers seamlessly under sunscreen and creates a smooth, non-pilling base for makeup.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors

Price: $6.70/1 fl oz

The bargain hero on our list has to be The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors. For around $7, you get a no-frills but effective formula that works. You won’t find luxurious packaging or a signature scent here — just a reliable, well-formulated product that performs exceptionally well. It’s perfect for layering under sunscreen and makeup. At such an affordable price, you can apply it generously to your face, neck, and even hands without hesitation.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Price: $18.00/2 fl oz

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is a fantastic option if you struggle with dry, flaky skin. This rich, creamy moisturizer combats dryness, irritation, and redness, making it a must-have for anyone with parched or compromised skin. One of its star ingredients is colloidal oatmeal, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. The formula also contains shea butter and allantoin, which help deeply nourish and calm irritated skin while promoting healing and repair.

Despite its thick, buttery texture, this cream absorbs quickly and effortlessly. It works equally well as a daily face moisturizer, body cream, or spot treatment for extra-dry areas like elbows and hands.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Price: $13.69/8 fl oz

For the sensitive skin gang, CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream deserves all the hype it gets. While the packaging may not be flashy, this unassuming formula is packed with powerhouse ingredients that deliver serious results. It’s a rich yet non-greasy moisturizer designed by dermatologists and works wonders for compromised skin. The ceramides basically repair your skin barrier while you go about your day.

If you struggle with dryness, irritation, or sensitivity — especially from using active ingredients like retinoids, this cream could help fix those flaky patches. Unlike heavier creams, it absorbs well, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and protected rather than greasy or suffocated. Best of all, it’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and gentle enough for even the most reactive skin types.

Tatcha The Water Cream

Price: $72.00/1.7 fl oz

Tatcha’s The Water Cream is worth the splurge for those who want to add a touch of luxury to their skincare routine. This unique moisturizer provides instant hydration upon application, making your skin feel refreshed, plump, and dewy. One of the standout features of this cream is its Japanese botanical ingredients, which not only nourish the skin but also work to refine pores and improve overall skin texture. Ingredients like wild rose help minimize the appearance of pores, while leopard lily supports skin clarity by controlling excess oil production. These natural extracts contribute to a smoother, more balanced complexion, giving you that radiant, healthy glow.

Beyond its skin-loving care, Tatcha’s Water Cream is a therapeutic exercise in indulgence. The delicate, spa-like fragrance of Japanese botanicals adds a subtle touch of luxury without being overpowering. Plus, the elegant gold spoon accompanying the jar makes the application feel like a fancy spa moment.

Weleda Skin Food

Price: $19.99/2.5 fl oz

For the ultimate dry skin emergency, nothing beats Weleda Skin Food. This stuff is thick, like frosting, but somehow doesn’t feel greasy once it sinks in. Infused with natural plant extracts like calendula, chamomile, and rosemary, it has a unique and strangely addictive herbal, earthy scent. The best way to use it is to slather on a generous layer before bed so the rich formula can work its magic overnight.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Price: $19.99/1.7 fl oz

This drugstore favorite is perfect for lightweight hydration without a heavy texture. Despite its lightweight texture, it packs a powerful moisturizing punch thanks to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid, an ingredient known for its ability to attract and retain moisture, keeping skin plump and hydrated throughout the day.

This formula is particularly beneficial for those with oily or combination skin. It provides essential hydration without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue. Instead of feeling heavy or suffocating on the skin, it delivers a refreshing, cooling sensation that feels comfortable even in humid conditions. Plus, it layers well under makeup, so it’s an excellent choice for everyday use.

Your Skin Deserves the Best

The best hydrating moisturizer depends on your skin type and preferences. Finding a formula that hydrates without making your skin feel greasy or clogged is key. No matter what type of skin you have, there’s a moisturizer out there to keep it soft, smooth, and radiant.