Best Facial Moisturizers to Buy

Dry skin: Symptoms of dry skin include scaling and or itchiness. "Patients with very dry skin tend to have a genetic mutation in a protein called filaggrin which helps lock moisture in the skin and keep the outside environment out. But with this mutation too much water evaporates from the skin and allergens get into the skin. Patients with filaggrin mutations are more likely to develop eczema (atopic dermatitis)," she says. You should opt for a cream since it contains more oil and will feel more moisturizing than a water-based lotion.

Normal skin: Signs you have normal skin include that you show no breakouts, excessive dryness, oily skin or blackheads. "If your skin is the envy of all -- low maintenance, you likely have normal skin. If you won the genetic lottery and barely wash your face and yet not one zit or flake resides on the skin, you likely have normal skin." For this type, she recommends using a product with peptides or hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and nourish the skin. You can also look for antioxidants to help protect your skin from free radicals and oxidative stress.

Oily skin: Signs of oily skin include shiny skin, blackheads on the nose and whiteheads or pimples. For this skin type, you want to avoid creams and stick to lighter moisturizers. 

Combination skin: Combination skin means you have oily skin in some areas and dry skin in others. You may have an oily "T" zone in your nose, chin, or middle part of your cheeks. You can also have scaly or flaky skin on the side of your cheeks or forehead."If you feel like you need one product for the center of your face and another for the sides, you are likely a combo skin type," Campbell says. You'll likely need to use two products: one for the oily parts of your skin and another for the dry.

Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin, a product that doesn't contain fragrance is best. Sensitive skin means you get itchiness or rashes, broken blood vessels or you have burning or stinging when you apply skincare products.

Texture: Is the moisturizer a gel, cream, or lotion? Is it lightweight or thick? Your moisturizer's consistency may come down to personal preference, but certain consistencies are best for specific skin types. For instance, as Dr. Campbell mentioned, people with dry skin should use a cream moisturizer because it contains more oil and feels more moisturizing than a water-based lotion. People with oily skin, on the other hand, may want to opt for a lighter moisturizer instead of a cream.

Added ingredients: Certain ingredients can provide hydration and other skin benefits, which can be helpful for specific skin types. For instance, peptides or hyaluronic acid can lock in moisture and nourish the skin, while antioxidants help protect your skin from free radicals and oxidative stress. Some ingredients may contribute to the face moisturizer being dubbed vegan, cruelty-free, non-comedogenic, and more.

SPF level: If you rely on your face moisturizer for SPF, you should consider the SPF level. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, an SPF of at least 30 is recommended.

Fragrance: If you have sensitive skin, Dr. Campbell recommends a face moisturizer without fragrance, so look for options that specifically mention "fragrance-free." Also, if you are sensitive to certain scents, using a fragrance-free moisturizer can be beneficial.