FACE MOISTURIZERS

A moisturizer is a skincare formulation that keeps skin hydrated and protects its moisture barrier for soft, smooth, healthy-looking skin. 

Moisturizer is beneficial for your skin because it helps:  

• Reduce dryness, flaking, and tightness 


• Support the skin barrier (the “shield” that keeps irritants out and water in) 


• Can calm sensitivity and visible redness 


• Improve texture and the look of fine lines 


• Prepare skin for makeup and other skincare steps 

How often you use your moisturizer will largely depend on your skin type, but generally, you can use a moisturizer once or twice daily. Depending on your skin type and environment, you may find you need more frequent hydration in the middle of winter or as your skin matures.  
Consult a skincare expert at one of our Kiehl's locations to learn how to use moisturizers based on skin type.  .

Yes, using moisturizer is good for oily skin types. If your skin looks or feels oily, you may think that you should skip this step but oily skin needs moisturizer just like every other skin type. Even if your skin produces excess oil, it may be dehydrated—meaning it is lacking water. Using a daily moisturizer for oily skin can help maintain oily skin’s moisture balance.  

The “best” face moisturizer for dry skin isn’t one single product; it’s the one that gives your unique skin lasting comfort, doesn’t irritate, and fits your texture preference. But there are clear things to look for. For dry skin, prioritize a moisturizer that:  

Adds water to the skin (humectants) 
Look for:

• Glycerin 
• Hyaluronic acid 
• Urea (low % for face, e.g., 2–5%) 
• Aloe vera, panthenol 

• Ceramides 
• Fatty acids 
• Squalane 
• Shea butter, plant oils (sunflower, jojoba) 

 

• Petrolatum (very effective) 
• Dimethicone 
• Waxes, butters 
• If your skin is very dry or tight, you usually want a cream or balm, not a light gel. 

For combination skin, the best moisturizer is one that hydrates dry areas without making the T‑zone (oil on the forehead, nose, and chin) greasy or clogging pores. 
Think: lightweight, hydrating, non‑comedogenic, with good barrier support.  
For combination skin, prioritize a moisturizer that offers: 

Water-based hydration (humectants)

• Glycerin 
• Hyaluronic acid 
• Panthenol 
• Aloe vera 
• These give moisture without heaviness. 

• Squalane 
• Caprylic/capric triglyceride 
• Lightweight esters (often end in “-ate” or “-yl”) 
• These smooth skin without feeling oily. 

• Avoid thick, waxy, heavy balms all over your face. 
• If your cheeks are very dry, you can use a richer cream but only there.  

• Look for these labels, especially if you get blackheads or breakouts on the nose, forehead, or chin. 

• Ceramides 
• Niacinamide
• Cholesterol, fatty acids 
• These help keep skin balanced so it’s less oily in some places and less dry in others over time.  

Using a moisturizer with SPF can be a good idea—but only if it truly replaces a proper sunscreen step. There are pros and cons.  
Pros of a moisturizer with SPF 

• Convenience: One step instead of two. You may be more likely to use sunscreen daily if it’s included in your moisturizer. 
• Comfort: SPF moisturizers can feel less heavy than layering a separate sunscreen.

• Most people apply too little moisturizer to cover the whole face with proper SPF protection, therefore SPF on skin can be much lower than what’s on the bottle. 
• Moisturizer formulas prioritize texture and comfort over maximum protection, so: 
  • SPF may be lower (SPF 15–20) than the recommended minimum level of protection (SPF 30 or higher).  
  • Protection might not be as robust as a dedicated sunscreen.  
  • If your skin is very dry or very oily, you might find:  SPF moisturizers too light (for dry) or too heavy/shiny (for oily).  

     

For sensitive skin, the best moisturizer is one that hydrates and supports the skin barrier with as few irritants as possible. The formula matters more than the brand name.  
What sensitive skin needs from a moisturizer is: 
Gentle, non-irritating formula
Look for: 

• “For sensitive skin” 
• “Fragrance-free” or “no perfume” 
• “Hypoallergenic” 
• “Minimal ingredients” / “minimal formula” 

• Ceramides 
• Fatty acids 
• Niacinamide (in low–moderate amounts, usually tolerated at 2–5%) 
• Squalane 

• Glycerin 
• Hyaluronic acid 
• Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) 
• Aloe vera 

• Allantoin 
• Madecassoside / centella asiatica (cica) 
• Bisabolol 
• Oat-derived ingredients, like Colloidal Oatmeal (if you’re not allergic to oat)