How to Find the Best Moisturizer for Your Skin Type, According to an Expert

Here’s the thing: moisturizer is a must-have. Whether you’ve developed a new-found obsession with the skin-care scene or are a long-time lover with an overflowing collection of cleansers and serums to boot, having a steady moisturizer by your side is non-negotiable. Unfortunately there’s no one-size-fits-all miracle product that guarantees five-star skin across the board. Different skin types need different skin-care edits — plain and simple. “We all have to see what works best for us based on where we fall on the spectrum,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss of Union Square Laser Dermatology. To help sift through the surplus, we consulted with Dr. Idriss to get the scoop on what ingredients each skin type should look for in a moisturizer, ahead.  

What to Look for if You Have Dry Skin...

If you’re on the search for a winter-skin savoir, make sure you’re looking at both the ingredients on the back of the bottle as well as the texture of the product in question. “You want creams and ointments that have a thicker consistency,” says Dr. Idriss. “Look for products that contain ceramides, glycerin, alpha hydroxy acids and lactic acid, which can brighten the skin’s appearance.” One of our favorite moisturizers for dry skin is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream. Dr. Idriss recommends staying away from moisturizers with alcohol, too, as they’ll only dry out and irritate your skin more. Need an extra boost? Add a hyaluronic acid serum underneath your moisturizer and a facial oil on top to lock everything in. 

What to Look for if You Have Oily Skin…

Oil and heavy creams are a recipe for a slick, greasy complexion. “Look for a lightweight moisturizer. Gels can lock in moisture without adding unnecessary oils to your skin,” says Dr. Idriss. She emphasizes that even if you have oily skin, don’t skip moisturizing altogether because it just leads to more oil production in the long run. Instead, look for formulas that contain tell-tale words like oil-free, gel, water or hyaluronic acid. We love the Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Moisturizer. 

What to Look for if You Have Sensitive Skin...

“Avoid anything with fragrance. If you’re using a moisturizing sunscreen, look for zinc in the ingredients,” says Dr. Idriss. We’ve been reaching for the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen. She also recommends looking for skin-care products containing ceramides and oatmeals, which will hydrate and have soothing properties. 

What to Look for if You Have Combination Skin…

An oily T-zone and dry cheeks can make finding the perfect moisturizer feel like a failed scavenger hunt. To make the search simpler, Dr. Idriss suggests dipping in two separate jars. “For your T-zone, look for a lightweight moisturizer and avoid unnecessary oils. For the rest of your face, look for thicker creams that contain alpha hydroxy acids and ceramides.” 

What to Look for if You Have Acne-Prone Skin...

To get the most out of your moisturizer, Dr. Idriss suggests looking for products that list beta hydroxy acid and benzoyl peroxide. The ingredients will help gently exfoliate the skin and reduce bacteria that can cause acne. “Look for products that are more breathable. Heavier consistencies can lead to more breakouts.” She adds that it’s important to take care not to over-exfoliate with your moisturizer (or additional products) as well, as that could cause more harm than good. We recommend incorporating the AcneFree Oil-Free 24 Hour Acne Clearing System into your routine. It contains the Oil Free Acne Cleanser with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide, Witch Hazel Mattifying Toner and the Oil Free Acne Lotion with 3.7% Benzoyl Peroxide. 

What to Look for if You Have Mature Skin…

As we age, wrinkles and fine lines become more apparent. “You want to keep the lipid barrier intact so your skin can remain as plump looking as possible,” says Dr. Idriss. She recommends using richer formulas that have a thick and creamy consistency. For mature skin, we like the Lancôme Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Ultra Face Cream that is formulated with Lipo Hydroxy Acid and linseed extract to help combat visible fine lines and wrinkles. 

Read More:

8 Skin-Care Products Our Editors Can’t Get Enough of This December 

Our Favorite Night Creams for Every Budget 

Why La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Eye Cream Is Great for My Acne-Prone Skin