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Ranked by ingredients

Best Moisturizers

The 10 highest-scoring of the 73 moisturizers we scored, ranked on what is in the bottle rather than what is on it. Every score comes from the product's own ingredient list; no brand pays to be here.

  1. 1
    CeraVe$12.49 · 237 ml
    CeraVe SA Smoothing Moisturising Lotion

    4 high-impact actives: Ammonium Lactate, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide +1 more. Fragrance-free

    Actives: Ammonium Lactate, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Phytosphingosine

    92
    A
  2. 2
    Dr. Jart+$26.99 · 50 ml
    Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream

    2 high-impact actives: Phytosphingosine, Niacinamide. Fragrance-free

    Actives: Phytosphingosine, Niacinamide

    92
    A
  3. 3
    Dr. Jart+$24.99 · 50 ml
    Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream

    1 high-impact active: Niacinamide. Fragrance-free

    Actives: Centella Asiatica Extract, Niacinamide, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid

    92
    A
  4. 4
    La Roche-Posay$14.99 · 40 ml
    La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Night Moisturizer

    7 distinct ingredient classes — well-rounded formula. Fragrance-free

    Actives: Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Carnosine

    92
    A
  5. 5
    Philosophy$69.99
    Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Cream SPF 30

    3 high-impact actives: Octinoxate, Zinc Oxide, Retinol. Loses points on safety: 2 moderate-irritation ingredients: Retinol, Vitamin C

    Actives: Octinoxate, Zinc Oxide, Retinol, Vitamin C

    92
    A
  6. 6
    CeraVe$11.99
    CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

    6 high-impact actives: Homosalate, Octinoxate, Octocrylene +3 more. Loses points on safety: potential endocrine concern: Homosalate, Octinoxate

    Actives: Homosalate, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide

    90
    A
  7. 7
    Cetaphil$12.49
    Cetaphil PRO Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30

    5 high-impact actives: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate +2 more. Loses points on safety: potential endocrine concern: Homosalate

    Actives: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Niacinamide

    89
    B
  8. 8
    Laneige$31.99
    Laneige Radian-C Cream

    6 distinct ingredient classes — well-rounded formula. Fragrance-free

    Actives: Niacinamide, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol

    89
    B
  9. 9
    Ole Henriksen$71.99
    Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Remedy Moisturizer

    7 distinct ingredient classes — well-rounded formula. Fragrance-free

    Actives: Niacinamide, BHA, Salicylic Acid, Green Tea Extract, Zinc PCA

    89
    B
  10. 10
    Cetaphil$16.99 · 100 g
    Cetaphil Soothing Gel-Cream with Aloe

    8 distinct ingredient classes — well-rounded formula. Fragrance-free

    Actives: Niacinamide, Bisabolol

    88
    B

63 more moisturizers are scored in the Formulate app.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best moisturizer?

CeraVe SA Smoothing Moisturising Lotion by CeraVe scores highest of the 73 moisturizers Formulate has scored, at 92/100 (grade A). 4 high-impact actives: Ammonium Lactate, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide +1 more. Fragrance-free.

How are these moisturizers ranked?

Each product is scored out of 100 on its formula: how well-researched its actives are, whether the label discloses their concentration, the research behind them, and how complete and well-built the formula is. Safety is checked separately — irritants, fragrance, EU-listed allergens, endocrine concerns and pore-clogging ingredients — and only costs points when it falls below 95. No brand pays to be listed.

Are these moisturizers fragrance-free?

73 of the 73 moisturizers scored contain no synthetic fragrance. 7 lost points on the safety check.

Best skincare by type

Educational only. Scores rate a product's formula, not how it will suit your skin. Patch-test new products, and see a dermatologist for persistent skin conditions. Some links are affiliate links; they never affect a score.