The 100 best face moisturizers tested and ranked, according to editors

NBC Select independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more.NBC Selected 100The 100 best moisturizers tested and ranked, according to NBC Selected editorsWe spent almost five months testing 135+ formulas to find the absolute best face moisturizers of 2026.Updated July 9, 2026, 7:17 PM EDTLindsay SchneiderCommerce EditorSelect StaffSkip to table of contentsWe tested reliable drugstore favorites, like Cerave and Cetaphil, as well as more luxurious options from brands like Augustinus Bader and Tata Harper. Kara Birnbaum / NBCIn this articleOur rankingTop 20How we chose our contendersWhat we consideredMethodologyMeet our dermatology expertsWhy trust NBC Selected?See 4 MoreConsensus is rare — but when it comes to skin care, dermatologists agree: moisturizers, like sunscreen, are a critical component of any daily skin care routine. They not only prevent dryness and irritation, but they’re crucial for repairing and maintaining your skin barrier, according to experts I spoke with. It takes some trial and error to find the right formula for your skin type, texture and age. Not everyone has the time, money or interest — or the will to sustain many breakouts that'll inevitably pop up — in sampling dozens (if not hundreds) of skin care brands on the market right now. That’s why we set out to do the work, so you don't have to. To find the absolute best face moisturizers, we spent almost five months testing more than 135 formulas, ultimately ranking our top 100. See our official ranking below, followed by our testing criteria and methodology.RelatedselectedselectedThe 100 best face sunscreens tested and ranked, according to NBC Select editorsWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Our ranking100: Pink Moon Capricorn Moisturizer (out of stock)99: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 5098: Monika Blunder Beauty Undercover Face Creme (...