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The best face moisturizers for most skin types
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream wins for measurable hydration and quick absorption; CeraVe and Aveeno offer strong, cheaper alternatives.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream | CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion | Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Face Cream |
| Price | about $22 | about $15 | about $8 |
| Why | Good Housekeeping named it best overall after its Beauty Lab found a 47% hydration increase at six hours. It absorbed quickly, and 85% of 100 study participants said their skin looked firmer after four weeks. | Good Housekeeping named this fragrance-free lotion best value and measured a 48% hydration increase at six hours. At about $15 for 12 ounces, it costs less than the overall pick and can also be used on the body. | Good Housekeeping found it performed well in Beauty Lab testing and listed it at about $8 on Amazon. It raised measured hydration by 23%, and all users in its test agreed it absorbed quickly and left skin feeling hydrated and smooth. |
| Good to know | Its fragrance was too strong for some testers. | The thin consistency may not suit people who want a rich cream. | The bottle can be awkward to open without spilling. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIGood Housekeeping named it best overall after its Beauty Lab found a 47% hydration increase at six hours. It absorbed quickly, and 85% of 100 study participants said their skin looked firmer after four weeks.
Good to know: Its fragrance was too strong for some testers.
See on Amazonpicture by AIGood Housekeeping named this fragrance-free lotion best value and measured a 48% hydration increase at six hours. At about $15 for 12 ounces, it costs less than the overall pick and can also be used on the body.
Good to know: The thin consistency may not suit people who want a rich cream.
See on Amazonpicture by AIGood Housekeeping found it performed well in Beauty Lab testing and listed it at about $8 on Amazon. It raised measured hydration by 23%, and all users in its test agreed it absorbed quickly and left skin feeling hydrated and smooth.
Good to know: The bottle can be awkward to open without spilling.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Match the texture to your skin: lighter lotions suit many people, while thicker creams can feel better on dry skin. Fragrance-free formulas may be a safer starting point for sensitive skin, and moisturizer does not replace sunscreen.
Who this is for
These picks suit shoppers looking for an everyday face moisturizer, with options for different budgets and sensitivities. If you have a known ingredient allergy or persistent skin trouble, check the ingredients and ask a dermatologist.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Good Housekeeping named it best overall after its Beauty Lab found a 47% hydration increase at six hours. It absorbed quickly, and 85% of 100 study participants said their skin looked firmer after four weeks. The 1.7-ounce cream contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, and peptides. Testers described a smooth, satin-like feel and many said it absorbed quickly. It is a reasonable all-around pick if you want a richer-feeling cream with tested hydration results. Skip it if you avoid fragrance, since some testers found the scent too strong.
Good to know: Its fragrance was too strong for some testers.
See on AmazonBest value: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Good Housekeeping named this fragrance-free lotion best value and measured a 48% hydration increase at six hours. At about $15 for 12 ounces, it costs less than the overall pick and can also be used on the body. The formula includes ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. Testers liked that it absorbed quickly and left skin soft without feeling greasy. Its lighter lotion texture makes it useful if you dislike a heavy cream. Some testers found the consistency too thin, so skip it if you prefer a thick moisturizer.
Good to know: The thin consistency may not suit people who want a rich cream.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Face Cream
Good Housekeeping found it performed well in Beauty Lab testing and listed it at about $8 on Amazon. It raised measured hydration by 23%, and all users in its test agreed it absorbed quickly and left skin feeling hydrated and smooth. The 5-ounce fragrance-free formula contains glycerin, fatty acids, and oat flour. Reviewers noted its light feel, quick absorption, and soothing performance; it was also tested for redness and irritation. It may suit sensitive or oily skin better than a heavy cream. Skip it if you want deep, rich-feeling moisture, and take care opening the bottle because product can spill out.
Good to know: The bottle can be awkward to open without spilling.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Good Housekeeping's Beauty Lab combined consumer feedback with instrument measurements, including 1,920 skin-hydration readings; its Olay test tracked moisture at six hours and user impressions over four weeks. The Independent also described hands-on use of its drugstore picks, including a week of V Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.