16 Best Moisturizers for Glowing Skin, According to Dermatologists & Editors

“This is a moisturizer that’s always good to keep in your bathroom cabinet. I recently experienced a dermatitis breakout on my arms and this was the only moisturizer that I trusted to use. It’s great for sensitive skin, especially if you have skin conditions like eczema. My boyfriend also likes to use it because it’s lightweight.” says Glamour’s Calle

Best for Combination Skin: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

This Kiehl’s moisturizer is a trusted skin-care staple for a reason—it has a lightweight formula that feels soothing when applied to the skin and leaves a lasting drying effect. Kiran Mian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery, calls this cream a “universal hydrator,” and says it’s particularly great for anyone with dry or combination skin. “It has squalane and glycerin along with pro-ceramides, which really help repair the moisture barrier.”

“This is the moisturizer I rely on every time I’m traveling because I know it will keep my skin balanced and not overly dry or overly oily. It’s not greasy, absorbs quickly and instantly hydrates my moody, flaky areas that tend to crop up if I’m flying or visiting a vastly different climate. I also like how lightweight it is and how well it pairs under primer and makeup, there’s never a pill in sight!” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.

Best with SPF: TULA 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day Cream with SPF 30

If you’re in the market for a moisturizer that will not only give your skin a glow-up, but will also protect it, look to this hydrating day cream that instantly plumps and brightens. It has a blend of peptides, hyaluronic acid, collagen and butterfly ginger to help protect the skin from free radicals and improve overall tone and texture.

Glamour’s Kilkeary loves it, too. “I’m obsessed with this moisturizer because it’s so lightweight and fluffy, but what I love most is that it combines two steps in my routine: moisturizing and applying SPF. This works wonderfully under makeup (it didn’t make my makeup skip or pill), and I can see myself packing it on all year round, especially when on days when I’m spending a lot of time in the sun.

Best for Dry Skin: Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer

“This facial moisturizer is super hydrating while being lightweight,” says Dr. Mian, adding that it doesn’t pill on top of other serums. Plus, its ingredients of fatty acids, glycerin, and ceramides make it the perfect blend for those with dry skin looking for more firmness, says Dr. Mian. In addition to being great for daily use, it repairs the skin barrier over time for lasting hydration.

“I go for this hydrator on really cold days when my skin is looking super dull, drab and tired. It has a ton of lipids and peptides that noticeably softens my skin every time I use it. Not to mention, I love that this is fragrance-free and gentle, I also sometimes use it on my arms and hands if I have any areas of dryness that crop up,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.

Best for Skin Barrier Repair: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 242 Treatment

Not only is Dr. Fisher a fan of this SkinCeuticals product, she calls it “a gold standard moisturizer” due to its “ideal ratio of lipids for barrier repair.” Ryan Turner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Turner Dermatology in NYC and founder of TRNR Skin, agrees, noting these ingredients are especially important for those with dry skin looking for intense hydration. The triple lipid restore 242 treatment features three different lipids (cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides) to fortify the skin barrier, helping to prevent transepidermal water loss and irritation from external factors, making it an ideal night cream. “The formula has a beautiful semisolid texture that melts into skin to create a comfortable, moisturizing shield,” he says.

“Not to thick and not too light, this is the Goldilocks moisturizer for me. I’ve been using it consistently for almost a month now and I’ve noticed that my face has a glow that wasn’t there before. My nighttime skin care routine feels off if I don’t use it,” says Glamour’s Calle.

Best Korean Beauty: Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Moisturizer

Anyone who deals with redness will appreciate this moisturizer, which uses green tea tri-biotics and five types of hyaluronic acid to support the skin’s moisture barrier. Dr. Mian recommends it for younger skin that is looking for calming hydration. “With green tea, lactobacillus, and glycerin, it is going to rebalance skin that is prone to redness while strengthening the skin barrier,” she says.

“This moisturizer is completely unscented, which I love. During application, it feels simultaneously rich and light, and after you apply it, it definitely gives off a glow! The packaging is really beautiful. It’s soothing and non-irritating, and doesn’t leave my skin feeling stripped,” says Glamour tester Gabriella Cuzzola.

Best for Color Correction: Eucerin Radiant Tone Dual Serum

“This product is perfect to restore glow if you are struggling with dark spots from the sun or breakouts. This face cream contains thiamidol to reduce pigment and hyaluronic acid and glycerin to hydrate,” says Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona, who recommends adding it into your routine if you’re looking for a brightening moisturizer.

“The first thing I noticed about this serum is the very strong scent and I liked the tube packaging as opposed to tubs of lotion. The texture is nice and it doesn’t soak in super quickly which is probably where the glow comes from. The only thing I’d change about this one is that it’s a bit sticky, so be warned before application,” says Cuzzola.

Best for Layering Makeup: Rhode Barrier Restore Cream

Not only does the Rhode Barrier Restore Cream leave the skin feeling more hydrated, it also has a plumping effect due to peptides. The formula includes squalane and shea butter, which are great for hydration, while niacinamide decreases inflammation and brightens the skin, says Dr. Mian. “The active ingredients combined with nourishing emollients make it a favorite,” she says of why she even uses it herself.

“I was hesitant to use this cream at first because the texture is on the thicker side, but after applying thoroughly I’m left with such a glowy, radiant finish that it’s become a huge part of my makeup routine. If you really want to pack in hydration before doing your makeup, this is a great option. Although you really have to rub it in, it doesn’t feel heavy on my face and absorbs nicely,” says Glamour’s Calle

Best for Dehydrated Skin: Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Recovery Balm

This lightweight balm feels soothing to the skin and moisturizes any dryness and redness. “I like Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Recovery Balm as a more affordable option for sensitive skin,” says Dr. Foad. Plus, this formula is fragrance-free to minimize the risk of irritation and is approved by both the National Rosacea Society and the National Eczema Association.