Top 10 Winter Face Moisturizers
The Very Best Face Moisturizers To Buy This Winter
Steamy hot coffee, cute coats, holiday decor—winter is synonymous with so many mood-boosting things. But if you're like most, it's also synonymous with dry skin. Once the temperature decreases and the wind kicks up, many of us watch our hydrated, bright complexions turn into something far flakier and duller.
The good news? You don't have to sit back and watch the weather wreak havoc on your skin. With a great winter-ready moisturizer on hand, you'll be able to heal all those dry patches and prevent them from happening in the first place.
So ahead, we're bringing you a list of the Top 10 winter face moisturizers on the market that can drench even the driest skin in the biggest dose of moisture, many of which boast lots of other skin-improving benefits—from calming and redness-reducing to brightening and wrinkle-fighting.
How We Found The Best Winter Face Moisturizers
To round up this list, we turned to the help of our data-driven algorithm. This proprietary tool finds and ranks the best products out there by factoring in best-selling buzz, editor recommendations, rave reviews, and more. Below, take a peek at the 10 ultra-soothing moisturizers that made the cut, ranging from $16 to $60.
October 23, 2023
Written By:Rank & Style
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Clinique Moisture Surge 100-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Face Moisturizer
Overall Score
4.75
10
Clinique Moisture Surge 100-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Face Moisturizer
4.68
16565 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Long-Lasting Winter Moisturizer
WHAT IT DOES
Thanks to Clinique's genius Auto-Replenishing Technology (activated aloe water and caffeine), this moisturizer helps the skin create its own internal water resource for continual hydration. The result? A full 100 hours of hydration.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Reviewers love this bouncy, oil-free moisturizer for the glow it gives the skin and the flawless canvas it leaves for makeup.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
Overall Score
4.8
09
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
4.61
59638 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Gel-Cream Winter Moisturizer
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Formulated with hyaluronic acid (an ingredient that can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, btw), this gel-cream moisturizer drenches the skin in hydration without feeling greasy or heavy. It has the long-lasting moisturizing power of a cream but the light, bouncy texture of a gel, so it absorbs almost instantly upon contact and leaves the skin feeling soft and supple.
REVIEWER HIGHLIGHT
"I was amazed at how light this felt and how little was needed. It really leaves my skin feeling moisturized. I used to have skin so dry that it was flaking off, but since using this, I no longer have that problem."
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Overall Score
4.8
08
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
4.57
52835 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Winter Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin
WHO'S IT FOR
Skin lean more on the sensitive side? Thanks to the power of prebiotic thermal water and ceramide-3, this formula is ideal for soothing and comforting skin that is easily irritated.
REVIEWER HIGHLIGHT
"This is my go to moisturizer nightly and some mornings when my skin is dry. Very nourishing and healing for my skin. I have sensitive skin and this helps calm my skin when using active ingredients."
Clean Beauty
Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
Overall Score
4.85
07
Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
4.63
9708 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Winter Moisturizer For Combination Skin
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
This clean formula has a blend of comfrey leaf, oat extract, and panthenol that hydrates and keeps moisture levels balanced within the skin, so the complexion looks and feels supple.
REVIEWER HIGHLIGHT
“I've been using this cream for the last four years now, and I have to say that it is probably the best thing I've spent my money on. I apply a small amount every morning and night, and it keeps my dry skin and eczema flare-ups under control.”
Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultra Facial Cream
Overall Score
4.85
06
Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultra Facial Cream
4.66
15634 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Winter Moisturizer For Oily Skin
WHO IT'S FOR
Oily skin needs moisturizer too. In fact, sometimes it needs more of it in order to prevent even more oiliness. This formula has an ultra-lightweight feel and hydrates for 24 hours, leaving the skin softer, smoother, and healthier-looking—never greasier-looking.
INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT
This moisturizer contains squalane and glycerin, both of which help strengthen the skin's barrier and leave it feeling comfortable and well-balanced.
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream
Overall Score
4.85
05
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream
4.67
6755 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Skin-Strengthening Winter Moisturizer
WHAT IT DOES
Now featuring a new clean formula (way to go, Fresh), this best-selling moisturizer uses time-release technology to deliver dewy, plump skin and continuous hydration for a whopping 72 hours.
REVIEWER HIGHLIGHT
“I love the creamy, luxurious texture, and the cream goes on smooth and sinks in quickly. Even in the depths of the dry winter, this product keeps my skin feeling hydrated and great.”
Clean Beauty
Tula Skincare 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream
Overall Score
4.85
04
Tula Skincare 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream
4.71
16466 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clean Winter Moisturizer
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
There's a reason this face cream has thousands of rave reviews. Shoppers have touted it as "wrinkle-erasing," acne-prone users have claimed it cleared their skin and faded scars, and those who struggle with dryness say it gave them "smooth, pearl-like skin." TL;DR: it's a miracle worker.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This cream is ideal for daytime and nighttime use, and the formula is squeaky clean.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
Overall Score
4.9
03
Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
4.52
33932 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Thick Winter Moisturizer
WHO IT'S FOR
Meet your new secret weapon for defeating dry patches and ashiness. This thick, moisturizing formula is made with calendula and chamomile in a rich, thick base of oils and beeswax to repair and heal even the most parched areas.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
While we're all about a luxury buy from time to time, rumor has it this product is an excellent alternative to the much more expensive La Mer Creme de la Mer moisturizer.
Eco Friendly
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Overall Score
4.9
02
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
4.76
171096 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Winter Moisturizer
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Sometimes simpler is better, and this drugstore buy is proof. Featuring CeraVe's three essential ceramides plus hyaluronic acid, the formula helps restore the skin's barrier and provides 24-hour hydration—all with a $6 price tag and 56,000 reviews on Amazon.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This stuff isn't just for your face. In fact, it's highly regarded for its power to soothe and moisturize even the driest elbows, knees, and hands.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
Overall Score
4.95
01
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
4.62
27242 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Winter Moisturizer Overall
WHO IT'S FOR
Safe for even the most sensitive skin types, this moisturizer is perfect for imparting a heavy dose of moisture to dry, parched, and irritated complexions. From eczema to generally stressed skin, it's a godsend.
FROM THE EXPERTS
In a consumer study, 100% of users found that this moisturizer helped soothe, moisturize, and condition the skin, as well as provide lasting improvement in dryness.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
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