Whether you suffer from dry or normal skin, moisturizers are an essential part of any daily skin care routine. Not only do they make your skin feel great but they also come with a ton of other benefits.?

Moisturizing your skin every day can prevent it from becoming dry or oily. On top of that, it can also prevent dark circles, irritation, and lines. Finding the right product for your skin can also keep it feeling hydrated. This is especially important if you use cleansers and exfoliators as these products can strip the skin of moisture.?

A good moisturizer prevents anti-aging, repairs sensitive skin, and promotes a faster cell turnover which keeps your face looking young and healthy. It also reduces inflammation and prevents blemishes to give you a newfound confidence.?

From making it easier to apply makeup to slowing down wrinkles, there are plenty of reasons why you should use a moisturizer. If your face is in need of a little TLC, a moisturizer is a great place to start, but with so many options on the market it can be difficult to find the right one.?

If you are looking for a product that nourishes and hydrates the skin, we have rounded up the 8 best hydrating moisturizers in 2023 to make your decision a little easier.?

1.?Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer?

Suitable for all genders, the Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer is a premium product with anti-aging properties.?

If you have a dry or dull complexion, this nourishing formula is the perfect choice. It features a diverse blend of hydrating ingredients that are designed to both condition and reawaken the skin.?

Seaweed is a key ingredient, used to regulate oil production and add moisture. It is particularly useful thanks to its ability to gently exfoliate the skin and leave it with a natural glow. With vitamins E and C, mango seed butter is another nourishing ingredient that protects the skin from key stressors including sunlight, pollution and blue light screens. Finally, moringa oil and ascorbic acid are used to restore and maintain optimum skin health.?

To use the Blu Atlas Face moisturizer, apply a scoop of it onto the face and neck and gently rub in. This product can be used day and night as part of your usual skincare routine.??

Over 98% of this premium skincare brand's ingredients from this product are made from naturally sourced plants, fruits and minerals, so what you won't find are any harsh chemicals. It's also available in three options: classic, fragrance free and apricot coconut.?

We love this no-nonsense product for its restorative ingredients, pleasant texture, and hydrating qualities.?

2. Tatcha The Water Cream?

Just like the name suggests, Tatcha The Water Cream is a wholesome moisturizer with ultra-hydrating ingredients. It makes it onto our list for its unique formula of Japanese superfoods. This oil-free and anti-aging remedy is fast absorbing, lightweight and feels great on the skin.?

This gel-like, vegan cream is also a great base for makeup as it leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth and healthy. Japanese wild rose is used to even skin texture while leopard lily controls oil levels and reduces excess.??

Designed with hydration and anti-aging in mind, this formula relies on?Hadasei-3TM which is a blend of popular Japanese ingredients including green tea, algae, and rice to slow down aging and provide a healthy glow.??

We really like this product because it is not greasy and creates a smooth base for makeup. To use, all you need is a pearl sized amount of cream. Massage in an upwards direction onto the face and neck.?

With such nourishing ingredients, this award winning water-based cream is bound to impress. Founded in 2009, the Tatcha Institute creates innovative products from its lab in Tokyo. Inspired by the lifestyle and culture of Japan, it focuses on high quality products and naturally sourced ingredients.?

3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel?

As one of the most popular hydrating moisturizers on the market, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is a tried and tested product that instantly quenches the skin and restores moisture.??

Whether you have normal or dry skin, this moisturizing gel features?hyaluronic acid that helps plump and heal the skin whilst preventing wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid also boasts wonderful hydrating properties for healthier skin year round.?

While this product is a gel, it offers long-lasting hydration just like a cream. It is oil free and can be used as a makeup base. You are likely to find it in most groceries and pharmacies.??

Suitable for oily skin, this product locks in the moisture to keep skin feeling softer for longer. Free from alcohol, this non-comedogenic?gel prevents breakouts and clogged pores which can also reduce your chance of developing acne.?

When applied to the skin, the?Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel boasts a refreshing sensation. So, if you suffer from oily skin, redness or break-outs, this popular product could be the solution.?

4. Dr Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich??

If you want to splurge on a premium range product, the Dr Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich?ticks all the boxes. Perfect for dark skin, this nourishing and luxurious cream will leave your skin looking and feeling radiant.??

As well as hydrating the skin, it boasts antioxidants and anti-aging properties. Extracts of magnolia and African whitewood are both used for their ability to reduce sebum which can often build-up and result in oilier skin. Purslane is a green plant rich in omega-3 fatty acids which is included in this formula to reduce skin irritation and slow down the signs of aging.??

Telovitin?is an active ingredient that works well on darker skin tones and is known to improve skin health.??

For best results, rub into the face and neck after cleansing. This cream can be used day and night and is suitable for all skin types.?

5. Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream?

When it comes to hydrating the skin, the Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream goes above and beyond. We think it is one of the 8 best hydrating moisturizers in 2023 because it has more than one purpose.??

Designed to tone, smooth, firm and hydrate, it’s no surprise that this cream has excellent anti-aging properties. It also exfoliates the skin to leave it looking its best.?

Promising results in just 14 days, this formula has been developed to reduce wrinkles and protect from everyday stressors including sunlight. Key ingredients include mimosa absolute which is an extract from the acacia?decurrens?tree. This ingredient leaves behind an uplifting scent with sweet, floral notes.?

Packed with antioxidants, ginkgo biloba offers a whole host of anti-aging benefits including the ability to firm and tone the skin. For extra moisture and elasticity,?padina?pavonica is a brown algae full of fatty acids, while chlorella is another algae used to maintain healthy skin.?

The Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream is suitable for women of any age and can even help prevent aging. Elemis is a luxury British brand that has been developing high end skincare products for over 30 years. Used around the globe, they bring spa quality products to the comfort of your home.?

6. Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30?

Fenty Beauty is a premium skincare brand founded by pop superstar Rihanna. The sole aim of the brand is to provide top quality products for all skin types and tones. Fenty products are designed to treat, soothe, and tighten the skin by taking care of your pores.?

Winner of the 2020 Beauty O-wards by the Oprah Daily, the?Hydra Vizor moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 remains a strong contender for 2023. Packaged in a sleek, refillable bottle, we just can’t get enough of this eco-conscious moisturizer.?

This product stands out with a 2-in-1 moisturizer and sun protection formula, making it a great base for the day. It works with all skin tones and fades dark spots over time.??

Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, it also features a nourishing blend of ingredients including baobab for extra hydration. Finally, kalahari melon,?hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera offer a nourishing finish.?

This?non-comedogenic product doesn’t clog the pores and is completely invisible on all skin types. Oil free, it’s great to use under makeup and will leave your skin feeling soft all day. It also improves elasticity, firmness, lines and wrinkles.?

To reap the benefits of this product, use it every day, ideally in the morning. If you are using it for sun protection, Fenty recommends reapplying the moisturizer every two hours.?

7. Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer?

Soothe sensitive skin with this lightweight and gentle formula. If you find that your skin is often affected by harsh chemicals and ingredients, look no further. The?Vanicream Daily Facial moisturizer is free from dye, fragrance, lanolin and parabens. It is non-greasy and won’t clog the pores.??

If your skin is particularly dry, this moisturizer offers fast absorption to hydrate the skin as quickly as possible. Light enough to wear under makeup, it is made from?hyaluronic acid and five key ceramides. Ceramides are essentially fatty acids that strengthen the protective skin barrier and restore moisture. They are a fantastic ingredient as they also offer protection from weather and pollution.?

Vanicare specializes in products that are specifically developed for sensitive skin types. It was founded in the 1970s by two pharmacists who worked closely with dermatologists in a local hospital. Their aim was to create products free from chemicals and other common irritants like fragrance, dyes and parabens.??

For best results, apply after cleansing. This product can be used day and night or as many times as needed.?

8. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream??

Last but not least in our list of the 8 best hydrating moisturizers for 2023, the CeraVe moisturizing cream caters to people who experience everything from normal to very dry skin. Its main aim is to restore the protective skin barrier with?hyaluronic acid and three key ceramides. It also locks in moisture to leave your skin feeling comfortable and nourished.?

Developed alongside dermatologists, this hydrating formula is even suitable for people with eczema due to its gentle, non-greasy, fragrance free formula. CeraVe also boasts its own MVE technology that provides long-lasting hydration for up to 24 hours. It claims to work almost immediately with visible results in just one day.?

Founded in 2006, this skincare brand is committed to developing hydrating formulas. It focuses on three core products that include a cream, lotion and cleanser. Used together, this collection boasts extra hydration and protection.?To use, apply at least once a day or more often if needed.?

How to find the right moisturizer?

While finding the right moisturizer can take some time, it’s important to use a product that works well for your skin. Rather than choosing the first moisturizer you find, you’ll want to undertake some research first. Read the labels, check ingredients, and search for reviews. If you find a product that’s designed specifically for your skin type then you are more likely to notice results.??

To find the perfect product, we have put together a few tips to get you started.?

Identify your skin type?

Before you start looking for the best hydrating moisturizers in 2023, it’s important that you identify your skin type. Take some time to analyze your skin. Maybe you often experience dryness or perhaps it tends to look greasy. Alternatively, your skin type could change from season to season. You could have normal skin or react differently to certain ingredients.??

Be sure to get to know your skin and find out what it all means, because once you understand your skin type, you’ll know exactly what to look out for in a moisturizer.?

Think about the scent?

Whether it's floral notes or something tropical, many moisturizers often come with their own unique fragrance. As you will be wearing the moisturizer all day, it’s important to decide what kind of scent you’d prefer. If you have particularly sensitive skin, you may want to avoid a fragrance altogether. To swerve ending up with a smell you don’t like, go to a store and try out some testers??

Learn about the different types of moisturizers?

Now that you know your skin type, it’s time to start thinking about the different types of moisturizers on the market. If you experience dry skin, look out for a nourishing formula with creamy ingredients to lock in moisture. Oily skin types may want to avoid products with too many oils, while normal skin types should consider a lightweight option. There are lots of variations of moisturizers out there so it’s important to learn about them.??

Don’t forget to protect your skin?

If you’re out and about then you’ll want to consider using a moisturizer with good sun protection. Whether it’s summer or winter, protecting our skin from UV rays is vital for good skin health. As well as drying our face out, sun damage can also cause our skin to age faster. That’s why a good quality moisturizer with a SPF of 30 or more is a safe choice. Not only does it feel better on our skin but it also acts as a protective base under makeup.?

Different types of moisturizers explained?

It’s easy to assume that a moisturizer is just another hydrating cream but there are actually three main types of moisturizers on the market. While you may not have heard of them, each variation offers its own list of benefits. If you’re investing into a good quality moisturizer, it’s important to understand your options.?

Emollients?

As the most common type of moisturizer, emollients usually come in the form of lotions and creams and provide moisture to protect and repair the skin barrier. Emollients are also great for people with dry skin, eczema and dermatitis.??

Humectants?

As the second most common type of moisturizer, humectants often come in a gel-like form. They help hydrate the skin by drawing the moisture to the top layer. This type of moisturizer includes hydrating ingredients such as?hyaluronic acid, glycerin and honey. It is particularly suited to oily or acne prone skin.?

Occlusives?

Occlusive moisturizers work by forming a protective layer to minimize water loss. They tend to be of a thicker consistency, with ingredients including lanolin, petroleum, wax and oil. This type of moisturizer is also great for acne.??

Different skin types and how to identify them?

While we all need to cleanse and moisturize, it’s important to identify the type of skin we have so that we can choose the right products. Our skin type is entirely dependent on the amount of sebum that our body produces. Sebum is a naturally occurring oil produced by our sebaceous glands. If your body produces more sebum then you are more likely to experience oily skin. Likewise, if your skin has less sebum then it is likely to become dry or irritated.?

In order to care for our skin, we need to understand it. To get started, take a look at our list of the most common skin types. Compare these descriptions to your own and undertake some further research if needed.??

Oily skin?

Caused by excess sebum, oily skin often looks shiny or greasy. While people with oily skin tend to have less wrinkles, they are also more likely to experience breakouts and acne. Oily skin is prone to clogging which is why it's important to find cleansers that are designed to remove dirt and oil without overly drying the skin.?

One common misconception is that people with oily skin require less moisture. This is simply not true because every skin type needs moisture to keep it nourished. Look out for a good quality moisturizer that has been created with oily skin in mind. Focus on non-greasy, hydrating formulas.?

Normal skin?

If you have normal skin then you probably don’t suffer from flakes, grease, breakouts, or other irritations. One thing to remember is that normal skin still requires the same level of TLC as all other skin types. To keep your skin balanced, you will need to find hydrating products that lock in the moisture.?

Dry skin?

If your skin is dry then you’ll probably know about it. Dry skin shows up as rough patches, flakes, or scales. It can also cause the skin to become red and itchy and lead to more lines and wrinkles. The main thing that dry skin sufferers need is moisture and protection to allow the skin to heal. Look out for a moisturizer that offers extra hydration with natural ingredients.??

Combination skin?

Combination skin tends to be both oily and dry, depending on external factors. Commonly, this skin type is oily in the summer and dry in the winter. Because their skin varies so much, people with combination skin often struggle to find the right product. To take care of this skin type, find a cleanser and moisturizer with plenty of hydrating ingredients. You’ll also want to consider using a toner or serum that works well on combination skin.?

Sensitive or irritated skin?

You’ll know you have sensitive skin if you often react to particular products or ingredients. While sensitive skin can be oily, dry, or normal, it is also usually red, sore, blotchy or itchy. For this skin type, try to identify what's causing the irritation. If you find that you have a lot of sensitivities, you'll want to avoid harsh chemicals, alcohol, sulfates, and parabens.?

Choosing a fragrance free moisturizer is also a good choice for sensitive skin types. There are many products on the market that have been developed specifically with irritated skin in mind. Look out for gentle and lightweight products that are dermatologically tested.??

How to prevent dry skin?

If you suffer from dry skin, there are plenty of things you can do to resolve it. Start by finding a gentle cleanser with nourishing ingredients such as shea butter and moringa oil.? Next, you’ll need a hydrating moisturizer that’s specifically designed for your skin type. Other things you can do include using a humidifier during winter, drinking more water, limiting showers to no more than ten minutes in warm (not hot) water, and avoiding the use of soap.??

Frequently Asked Questions?

Why do I need a moisturizer??

Whatever your skin type, moisturizer is the main way to hydrate the skin and keep it feeling refreshed. Over time our oil glands lose their power and moisturizing on a daily basis slows this process down whilst maintaining skin health. It also slows down aging, leaving your skin looking younger for longer.??

On top of that, a good moisturizer will repair the protective barrier, reduce dryness, and prevent other skin conditions including acne.?

What ingredients are good for dry skin??

Any products that are proven to hydrate and condition are great for dry skin types. You'll need products with extra moisture so look for ingredients that are sourced from plants, minerals, and fruits. Vitamins E and C are also an added bonus as they are packed with beneficial nutrients to help maintain skin health.?

What causes dry skin??

While your skin may be naturally dry, there are a few aggressors to watch out for. Cold weather, dry weather, and washing too often can all contribute to dry skin. Not drinking enough water, hot washes, and soap are also key factors.??

What other skincare products should I use on dry skin??

Start with a cleanser that doesn't strip the skin of moisture. Ideally, you want to look for something that's recommended by dermatologists and developed specifically for dry skin. Cleansers that are creamy and contain hyaluronic acid offer plenty of hydration and moisture.?

If you cleanse your skin without moisturizing then you are more likely to experience dryness. Moisturizers replenish the skin and leave it feeling hydrated. Just like cleansers, you'll want a moisturizer that is proven to reduce dryness. If your skin is very dry, apply the moisturizer both day and night. A hydrating toner or serum is also a useful addition to your skincare kit.?

Where should I apply moisturizer??

For best results, you will want to cover your entire face with moisturizer, working up to your ears and hairline. As the neck doesn't produce as much oil as the face, it often lacks moisture which can result in more wrinkles. As a result, most skincare brands also recommend covering the neck too.??

How should I apply moisturizer??

While it may seem straightforward, there are a few things you should know when it comes to applying moisturizer.??

In order to lock in the moisture, apply the product onto damp skin. People also often make the mistake of rubbing moisturizer into their hands before applying it to the face. The hands then soak up most of the moisture, reducing the effect of the product.??

When applying moisturizer, use a quarter-size amount and rub it in an upwards direction. If you have a gel based product, rub it in a circular motion. If you are unsure, follow the directions on the bottle.?