The 18 Best Face Moisturizers of 2022

Founded in 1946, Estée Lauder is one of the world's largest skincare, cosmetics, and perfume companies named after its founder. The Americans made Estée Lauder‘s legendary life into a movie to show respect for her.

Estée Lauder focuses on anti-aging. The Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Power Soft Creme is designed to help keep skin looking younger. The moisturizer can reduce the appearance of fine lines and brighten complexion, suitable for consumers aged 20+ with light mature skin. It is infused with antioxidant, and also can defend against free radicals to accelerate cell renewal and reduce dynamic lines or the pseudo-wrinkles caused by staying up late, as well as delivering firming effect. The moisturizer can effectively brighten the dull skin and also slightly reduce the black spots. It should be noted that some of the ingredients in the moisturizer may cause acne and allergies, so it is not recommended for consumers with damaged skin barrier or sensitive skin or acne-prone skin. The moisturizer has a lightweight texture with an elegant scent, refreshing and easy to absorb into skin.

The Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Power Creme targeting dry skin was released in 2017, whose ingredients are similar to those of the Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Power Soft Creme. The only difference lies in the texture. The former is enriched with grease and features the moderate moisturizing, suitable for use during the winter.

Located in Paris, Darphin was founded by dermatologist Pierre Darphin, and was acquired by Estée Lauder. Darphin’s offerings are favored by high-level consumers in the United States, Japan, and European countries, such as Hollywood celebrities Sharon Stone, Madonna, and Demi Moore.

Darphin offers a wide range of anti-aging moisturizers for different age groups. The Exquisâge Beauty Revealing Cream is specially designed for consumers aged 25+ with light mature skin. It boosts natural production of collagen, while brightening skin and reducing wrinkles to restore skin elasticity. This soft moisturizer has a creamy texture, without feeling oily or thick on the face. It is suitable for dry skin all year round, while for oily skin in the winter time. It also has a pleasant and premium scent.

The Stimulskin Plus Multi-Corrective Divine Cream boasts anti-aging, helping keep the skin elastic and firm, while visibly improving pseudo-wrinkles and brightening complexion. It is formulated with a host of repair and soothing ingredients to calm and condition the skin, so it is highly recommended for consumers with sensitive skin.

Shiseido is a Japanese famous cosmetics brand founded in 1872. Its products are well received favored by numerous consumers worldwide. There are eight skincare collections offered at Shiseido counters, of which Future Solution LX, Benefiance, Vital Perfection, and Bio-Performance provide skin with anti-aging benefits.

The Bio-Performance collection mainly targets consumers aged 20+ with light mature skin. The Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream in this collection is well received by younger consumers. The cream is formulated with simple ingredients and provides good moisturizing benefits. The cream contains low oil content that makes it moisturized but not greasy or thick, suitable for most consumers. The soft cream is very gentle on the skin and easy to spread, which is great for year-round use.

The White Lucent MultiBright Night Cream is also a popular moisturizer that boasts brightening and black spot reduction. Formulated with Shiseido's exclusive 4MSK brightening ingredient, the cream helps remove dead skin cells and boosts skin metabolism. Plus, other ingredients work together to make skin look more radiant.

Elizabeth Arden is an American brand founded by Ms. Arden in 1910. Elizabeth Arden offers skincare products, cosmetics and fragrances, and enjoys a high reputation in the beauty industry.

The PREVAGE, an Elizabeth Arden's high-end collection, features exceptional antioxidant power and anti-aging benefits, which is well received by consumers. The Anti-aging Overnight Cream in this collection provides excellent anti-aging benefits, acting as an antioxidant while accelerating skin cell metabolism, protecting against free radicals and boosting collagen production to restore the elasticity of dry skin and reduce fine lines. It significantly helps prevent skin aging. As the cream is formulated with various moisturizing ingredients that may raise the risk of allergies and acne, so it is not recommended for sensitive skin and severe acne-prone skin.

The cream has a thick texture which is not easy to spread. After applying, it leaves a matte finish on the face, but doesn’t make you skin greasy, so it feels more comfortable on dry skin. If you have oily skin, it is recommended that you blends it into a refreshing serum for use.

Filoga is a French skincare brand founded by Dr. Michel Tordjman. Its NCEF developed based on mesotherapy is the hero ingredient of Filorga's skincare products. With the focus on the research and development of an extensive range of treatment solutions against skin aging, Filorga specializes in anti-aging skincare products.

Filorga offers a variety of moisturizers and creams targeting different age groups. The Sleep and Peel Resurfacing Night Cream is designed for consumers aged 25+, while the anti-aging-featured TIME-FILLER Absolute Wrinkle Correction Cream is good for consumers in their 30s. The TIME-FILLER Absolute Wrinkle Correction Cream can reduce pseudo-wrinkles according to different causes, and provide firming benefits. The cream feels soft but not thick and is easy to spread. After applying, it leaves a matte finish without over-drying your skin, so it is suitable for oily skin.

As Filorga's formulas are complicated, it is not recommended to use for sensitive skin and during pregnancy. Filorga moisturizers can be considered affordable alternatives to La Prairie’s offerings, but in terms of moisturing and benefits, they are not as good as those of La Prairie; however, if you’re on a budget, you may consider Filorga’s anti-aging skincare products that are very cost effective.

Olay is a global leading skincare brand with the slogan of "Fearless of Age”. Its offerings feature moisturizing and brightening benefits. Olay’s hero ingredient is nicotinamide that can repair and improve the skin barrier, provide anti-inflammatory for acne-acne-prone skin, and deliver brightening benefits over a long-term use. Olay’s serums, masks, and body creams are all formulated with niacinamide.

Olay's hero face moisturizer "Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream" is often compared to SK-II’s "R.N.A. POWER Radical New Age Cream". Both of them feature anti-aging benefits, but the former is more budget-friendly. As the hero ingredient, niacinamide can brighten skin, inhibit melanin production, even out skin tone, prevent skin aging, accelerate skin cell metabolism, and prevent the formation of free radicals. Besides, it is also helpful for repairing skin’s barrier, and is great for controlling oil production. A refreshing version launched later is formulated the similar ingredients and has a more refreshing and softer texture.

The Regenerist Whip has the same ingredients as the Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, with fewer preservatives, making it more suitable for people with weakened skin or acne-prone skin. The Regenerist Whip is lightweight but has an average moisturizing effect, more suitable for people with oily skin.

The more popular Golden Aura Melting Soufflé Moisturizer is helpful for consumers who stay up late or have weakened skin to brightens dull skin. Its key ingredient is golden yeast extract that is similar to SK-II’s PITERA. The golden yeast extract can help remove dead skin cells, so it is suitable for consumers with thickened skin, but not recommended for those with damaged skin barrier and a thinner stratum corneum. The silky and fluffy cream has a refreshing texture, suitable to use in the summer time. It leaves a matte finish on the face and feels great on the skin. The well-received cream also smells nice with an fragrance specially created by perfumers.

SkinCeuticals is a professional scientific skincare brand from the United States. It was founded in 1997 by Professor Sheldon Pinnell, the chief dermatologist of Duke University. With the pursuit of rigorousness, scientificity and high performance, the brand takes the lead in the cosmeceuticals industry.

SkinCeuticals offers a host of powerful moisturizers, of which the A.G.E. Interrupter is the hero product. The anti-aging cream contains a 30% high concentration of Pro-Xylane, which is on par with the top-notch cream, Helena Rubinstein Re-Plasty Age Recovery. As an exclusive ingredient of L'Oréal Group, Pro-Xylane mainly addresses skin aging caused by glycation and restores skin elasticity. The A.G.E. Interrupter is similar to Helena Rubinstein Re-Plasty Age Recovery in terms of active ingredients, but the former features anti-glycation and antioxidant, and improves skin elasticity while also inhibiting melanin production. The cream works together with Pro-Xylane to deliver better anti-aging effects.

Erno Laszlo is a high-end luxury skincare brand from New York, USA, founded by Dr. Laszlo in 1927.

The "Phormula 3-X" collection was released in 1925, of which the Phormula 3-9 Repair Balm was favored by Marilyn Monroe. The Phormula 3-9 collection is specially designed for skin’s natural healing. It provides good benefits on repairing sunburns, burns, cracks, rashes and other skin damages. It is enriched with plant extracts, most of which are safe ingredients. The nourishing cream features repair and anti-aging, so the formula combines a small amount of niacinamide and retinol. The nourishing cream has a thick and heavy texture, so it is not suitable for people with oily skin. For this reason, Erno Laszlo launched the "Phelityl Night Cream" for oily skin, which is lightweight, soft and easy to spread.

The formula of Phelityl Night Cream is not as powerful as that of the Phormula 3-9 Repair Balm. The former only contains fundamental moisturizing ingredients without repairing ones, so it can only be considered a fundamental moisturizing cream.

Founded in 1996, Philosophy is a popular American beauty brand with product formulas containing a variety of plant extracts and rich vitamin ingredients. Philosophy offers a host of mild and anti-allergic star products.

Philosophy’s best seller, Renewed Hope in A Jar Facial Moisturizer, contains a variety of AHA derivatives with a small amount of fruit acids. These acids can help calm and balance face oil production while softening and exfoliating dead skin cells as well as boosting metabolism. The skin gradually gets better with each chemical peel to give the face a softer and smoother appearance. Therefore, the skin's immune system is also strengthened as it absorbs nutrients better.

It should be noted that there is a big chance of allergic reactions to the chemical peel for the first time. The skin is prone to slight stinging, redness or dryness and peeling. If you are a beginner to use chemical peels, it is recommended that you choose a product with less acidic ingredients and then gradually increase the use frequency to build up your skin’s tolerance. Chemical peels are more suitable for those with oily skin or with a thicker stratum corneum. This kind of skin treatment will not work if your skin barrier is severely damaged.

Caudalie was originated from a winery in Bordeaux, France. Because of the discovery of the antioxidant effect of the polyphenols contained in grape seeds, Caudalie officially filed the patents of extracting and stabilizing grape seed polyphenols and meanwhile established the brand in 1995. Since its birth, Caudalie has attracted a lot of attention with a series of patents of grape seed polyphenols, and received numerous awards from major beauty magazines such as Allure in 2016. Caudalie is dedicated to delivering fresh and natural feelings, both in the brand image or product style.

There are few moisturizers launched by Caudalie, of which the most well known ones are from the "Vinosource" collection. The collection includes four moisturizers, such as Vinosource Riche Intense Moisture Rescue Cream, Vinosource Moisture Recovery Cream, Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet and Vinosource Moisturizing Matifying Fluid. Among them, the Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet has an amazing texture and can prolong the youthful appearance of your skin by boosting cell renewal. It also can reduce hyperpigmentation, provides antibacterial properties, restore skin elasticity, firm skin, and prevent aging problems. The citric acid contained in this moisturizer can slightly exfoliate dead skin cells and brighten a dull complexion while providing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits by working with other antioxidant ingredients to deliver outstanding soothing and calming effects. The moisturizer is excellent for hydrating skin and locking in moisture, and also can boost restoring skin elasticity.

Founded in 1851 in Manhattan, New York, Kiehl's originally provided its customers with potions and ointments as a typical 19th century apothecary. By the early 1960s, Kiehl's pharmacists began to develop a variety of skincare products for both men and women based on their rich experience and professional knowledge. In 2000, Kiehl's officially joined L'Oreal Group (L'Oreal).

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is extremely well received by consumer with dry skin and sensitive skin thanks to its highly safe and non-irritating ingredients and amazing moisturizing benefits. The moisturizer has a creamy and thick texture and contains a small amount of citric acid and salicylic acid for delivering calming and anti-inflammatory effects and slightly exfoliating dead skin cells. Thanks to the low content of both acids, the Ultra Facial Cream is mild and safe for sensitive skin. As the cream contains few antioxidants, brightening or anti-aging ingredients, it has no other features rather than moisturizing, not to mention repair effects. But thanks to its large quantity, it still can be considered a cost-effective cream. It is worth noting that you’d better apply an appropriate amount to skin, or it will make your face a little oily.

The Super Multi-Corrective Cream is also a popular anti-aging pick, as it contains Pro-Xylane, which can effectively prevent moisture loss while making the skin firmer and smoother.

Origins is a cosmetics brand founded in New York, USA in 1990 by Mr. William Lauder, grandson of Mrs. Estée Lauder who is the founder of Estée Lauder Companies Inc. It is owned by Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and provides a variety of products for both men and women. Powered by nature and proven by science, Origins has created a host of highly potent skincare and makeup products.

Both the "GinZing Oil-Free Energy Boosting Gel Moisturizer" and the "GinZing Ultra Hydrating Energy-Boosting Cream" are well received moisturizers from Origins. However, the latter contains more acne-causing ingredients and feels thick and heavy. The GinZing Oil-Free Energy Boosting Gel Moisturizer is formulated with moisturizing ingredients and has a cooling texture, suitable for dry skin. The surprising ingredients in the GinZing Ultra Hydrating Energy-Boosting Cream can inhibit melanin production, reduce wrinkles, plump up skin cells, and restore skin radiance, as well as prevent dull skin caused by staying up late.

The moisturizer contains vitamin B5 and its derivatives to accelerate the body's protein metabolism. In addition to potent moisturizing effects, it also works on brightening complexion and repairing sunburns, as well as helping fade black spots and acne scars.

Established in 1983, ELIXIR is a Japanese professional skincare brand dedicating to researching collagen. ELIXIR believes that the collagen is the root of skin’s beauty. Since its launch, ELIXIR has been focusing on the anti-aging concerns of women.

The Superieur collection is a star product lineup of ELIXIR, of which the Lifting Night Cream is very popular. The Lifting Night Cream claims to work on collagen supplement to boost the skin's collagen and metabolism. But it's actually a moisturizer that helps lock in moisture in the stratum corneum and reduce the appearance of fine lines caused by dryness. The cream is antioxidant rich to brighten dull skin. However, it contains ethanol that may raise the risk of acne, so it is not friendly to sensitive skin and not recommended for consumers with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

ELIXIR is a major branch of Shiseido in the field of collagen researching. Its offerings are not known for anti-aging, but more suitable for younger people aged 20+.

Dr.Ci:Labo is a famous Japanese medical cosmetics brand, founded by Dr. Yoshinori Shirono in 1999. The brand is known for precise combination of ingredients and exceptional problem solving skills. Although there are few moisturizers from this brand, these products are specifically targeting consumers with the needs of moisturizing, brightening, anti-allergy and firming.

The Aqua-Collagen-Gel Enrich-Lift EX is Dr.Ci:Labo's hero anti-aging product with unprecedented 60 active ingredients. The moisturizer also contains high amounts of antioxidants and anti-glycation ingredients to deliver good anti-aging effects and accelerate cellular metabolism. Besides, the moisturizer can keep your skin hydrated, repair the stratum corneum, and restore skin elasticity. It should be noted that although there are many complicated ingredients contained, the moisturizer is not good for sensitive and acne-prone skin but only suitable for those with healthy skin.

In 2016, Dr.Ci:Labo was acquired by Johnson & Johnson, but it never changed its skincare philosophy. Dr.Ci:Labo’s offerings contain complex ingredients, but they are all formulated with collagen as the key formula, and focus on moisturizing benefits.

Fresh is a high-end skincare brand founded in 1991 in Boston, USA and now owned by the LVMH Group. With a product lineup covering skincare, body care, fragrance and home, Fresh offers a host of hero items such as Soy Face Cleanser, Sugar Lip Collection, and masks, all of which are frequently on the winner list of the Allure Best of Beauty Awards and recognized by a large number of consumers thanks to their exceptional experience and good benefits.

The Fresh moisturizers have a soft texture and a light floral scent. They keep your skin feel comfortable and refreshed, suitable for dry or oily skin in the summer time. Fresh's products always contain botanical ingredients rather than active ingredients. The Black Tea Age-delay Cream with antioxidants is proven to boost skin metabolism, keep your skin moisturized, reduce fine lines, and works on anti-aging. In addition, it also contains retinol extract with vitamin C derivatives to brighten dull skin, but the effect is not prominent. The Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream is an entry-level moisturizer from Fresh. The lightweight pre-makeup moisturizer also contains pregnancy-safe ingredients.

Clinique is a beauty brand from New York, founded in 1968 and now owned by the Estée Lauder Companies.

The Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief is a popular Clinique moisturizer featuring hydration and moisturizing. The moisturizer was upgraded in 2018, adding more potent ingredients to deliver better hydrating effects that penetrate into the stratum corneum to keep your skin looking great. The upgraded moisturizer with antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients is proven to reduce wrinkles and minimize the appearance of large pores to make your skin smoother and softer. The moisturizer also contains various vitamin C derivatives and tea extracts to provide soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits.

In recent years, Clinique released a number of products with potent benefits, such as Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer, Fresh Pressed Clinical Daily + Overnight Boosters with Pure Vitamins C 10% + A (Retinol), and Smart Custom-Repair Eye Treatment, etc. All its offerings are proven to work on brightening, black spot removal and anti-aging.

Tatcha is an American skincare brand founded in 2009. But actually, inspired by the rituals of Geisha, its offerings are all made in Japan. The brand believes in herbal and natural ingredients and follows a simple skincare philosophy. Once launched, it’s gone viral on Instagram, Youtube and other major European and American social networks.

There are not many Tatcha’s moisturizers on the market, of which THE WATER CREAM is a fundamental moisturizing cream with a lightweight and cooling texture as well as simple ingredients. It is well received by those with sensitive skin or oily skin, and is even compared to La Mer's Moisturizing Soft Cream. THE WATER CREAM with safe ingredients can only deliver anti-inflammatory and calming effects, but is not good at skin repair.

THE WATER CREAM is more suitable to use in the summer time, because it is not moisturing enough to withstand the dryness in winter. THE INDIGO CREAM with a thick texture is a good alternative to protect skin during winter.

Founded in 1907, L'Oréal Paris is one of the most well-known and time-honored cosmetics brands owned by the L'Oréal Group. L'Oréal Paris mainly specializes in hair coloring, hair care, makeup and skincare products, all of which are favored by women and girls around the world.

The Age Perfect Cell Renewal collection is a top-class product lineup of L'Oréal Paris for anti-aging. The black truffle is the hero ingredient of this collection, which has antioxidant properties and also minimizes the production of free radicals to provide anti-aging benefits. The royal jelly is Another highlight of the cream is royal jelly, which can moisturize and brighten skin, works on anti-aging, inhibit melanin production, and prevent dark spots. The other ingredients in the cream are also potent in preventing wrinkles and brightening complexion.

The Age Perfect Supreme Regenerating Cream is not formulated with much royal jelly and black truffle, making it not potent enough. As the cream contains too many fragrances and artificial preservatives, it can’t be considered a safe moisturizer.