We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A super-hydrating Belif moisturizer to give your skin the water it needs! This lightweight gel-cream absorbs quickly for smoother-looking skin. Plus it's got squalane, ceramide 3, and glycerin, all of which help your skin retain water and maintain moisture levels.
The moisturizer works for all skin types and is oil-, phthalate-, paraben-, and sulfate-free.
"Aqua Bomb moisturizer is easily my desert island skincare product. Although I have dry-leaning combination skin, I hate most moisturizers because creamy formulas feel heavy and just yucky to me, especially under makeup. Aqua Bomb's gel-like consistency absorbs like a dream. It's soothing to stressed out skin in the winter and cooling through the heat of summer. I recommend it to friends of all skin types because it gives your skin that bouncy hydration it craves without feeling oily in the slightest. I took a break from it for a while to try out other products but JUST ordered a big tub so I can return to using it daily for the rest of my life. It's unbeatable, IMO." —Rachel Dunkel
Get it from Amazon and Sephora for $22+ (available in three sizes).
2. An oil-free Glow Recipe moisturizer that'll truly make your skin glow. It's made with watermelon extract, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid, ingredients that help protect against environmental stressors, fade dark spots, and quench thirsty skin. And because it's got anti-inflammatory properties, it'll also help soothe irritation.
The moisturizer is vegan and cruelty-free.
"I've been using this product for the last month and it has quickly become one of my favorites. It's a brightening and lightweight moisturizer that really works! I like to use it in the morning for a fresh start to my day. The pretty pink hue and glass bottle also just looks gorgeous on my counter — no complaints!" —Heather Braga, BuzzFeed editor
Get it from Amazon and Sephora for for $21+ (available in two sizes).
3. A softening foot cream if you've got dry, callused, and cracked feet. It's got aloe vera, tea tree oil, and chamomile to help hydrate your skin.
Promising reviews: "I was skeptical about this topical product to heal broken, dry, callused feet and toes. I ignored my foot care for quite a bit while pregnant (couldn't reach!) and then postpartum a bit. After the winter in the desert, my heels and large toe pads were cracked and parched. I used this product every day for 10 days and the results were amazing! I slathered it on after my shower in the morning, put on socks, and wore that during the day for 10 days. My feet are healed with no trace of dryness. Even my toenails are improved and hydrated. My hands are also healed (constantly washing hands) from applying to my feet and rubbing the rest in. I highly recommend this product for anyone suffering from super dry, cracked feet. It works — it is thick, so cover with socks and let the warmth and barrier marinate your dry feet and toes into soft beautiful skin!" —Natalie
"I have never seen a product like this ever. My feet were so soft and radiant after one application only. I usually don’t give this rating easily but this product truly made me do it. Seriously, it deserves 10 stars, not 5. I would strongly recommend it to everyone." —Nora
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available on its own, with a pumice stone and brush, and in a pack of three).
4. A Laneige hyaluronic cream moisturizer because it firms, hydrates, and strengthens your skin's moisture barrier. Expect moisture that lasts all day long!
Promising review: "The original Water Bank was the only lotion that didn’t turn my skin red. And then they changed the formula to add hyaluronic acid. I was skeptical but I love this stuff. It’s light, it absorbs quickly, and my face feels moisturized and hydrated all day long!" —LauraRose
Get it from Amazon for $23+ (available in two sizes).
5. A tub of O'Keeffe's hypoallergenic hand cream for anyone suffering from dry, cracked, and sensitive skin. It restores moisture, promotes healing, and creates a protective layer on the skin's surface that locks in moisture.
Promising review: "I have suffered from splitting and cracking fingers every fall and winter for years. I tried Eucerin, Lubriderm, and Gold Bond creams, but none seemed to relieve the splitting from reoccurring. I tried O'Keeffe's Working Hand Cream and within two-and-a-half days, the splitting and cracking were no longer a factor. Since using the cream, I have not suffered any more cracking or splitting. I am on a busy schedule and only use it at night when I go to bed. It says it's non-greasy but you can definitely feel a slick texture on your hands once applied. That's why I use it at night before bed when I don't have to open door knobs, touch smartphones, or shake hands. It has the texture of cake icing, goes on smooth and works into the skin quickly. It has no smell I can detect. I am so glad I found this cream, it has ended years of split and cracked fingers/hands." —T.H.
Get it from Amazon for $8.87.
Our O'Keeffe's Working Hands Cream deep dive goes into more details, so be sure to check it out.
6. A brightening moisturizer with SPF 30 whose vitamin C-enriched formula will protect and hydrate your skin.
Bolden is a cruelty-free, Black woman-owned small business using nothing but clean ingredients because you deserve the best!
Promising review: "My skin has been super dry, especially as we move into cooler months. Within a week of using this product I'm noticing my skin feels more conditioned and a noticeable dewiness has returned." —Mallory Strange
7. A gentle botanical-based LilyAna Naturals moisturizer that brightens dark spots and replenishes moisture levels. Reviewers with eczema even say that it helps calm their flare-ups!
LilyAna Naturals is a family-owned small business using natural ingredients to craft high-quality skincare products.
Promising review: "I've struggled with dry winter skin and acne for years. I hate a lot of skin maintenance so it was always frustrating to me that I actually needed to use a PRODUCT in the wintertime to keep from breaking out in large, flaky patches. I was looking for something light, something that would plump up the little fine lines that come with being middle-aged, and something that wouldn't break me out. And we have five children so I'm a fan of cheap. I shop based on reviews, and reviewer after reviewer convinced me to try it. I'm so glad I did. I'm on my second purchase of it and I truly love it. It isn't greasy or gloppy and I can put my makeup on over it minutes after applying. My skin is clearer than it has been in years. And I've still got a few lines but I get comments on my clear skin often. A little goes a long way. Love this product!!" —Jennifer K Thorpe
Get it from LilyAna Naturals on Amazon for $19.99.
8. A shea butter whipped body butter designed with people of color in mind. Get a 24-hour glow passersby will be jealous of!
Promising review: "This is the first cream that has helped my skin. I have Sjogren's syndrome and it makes my skin severely dry and itchy. This works. I absolutely recommend." —Sharon Finley
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
9. A silky-soft anti-inflammatory moisturizer targeting fine lines without clogging pores. Formulated with prebiotics, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, it'll offer long-lasting hydration and strengthen your skin's barrier.
Acaderma is a BIPOC woman–owned small business whose fragrance-free and sustainably sourced products will help keep your skin aglow.
This cream is designed for oily and combination skin, which still need proper hydration!
Promising reviews: "I am thoroughly impressed with this face cream. I really enjoy how soothing it is. This cream feels instantly hydrating. I could tell that it helped with redness after the first use. It is my last step in my skincare routine because it seals everything together and it doesn't feel heavy. I love that it's lightweight but it also feels very rich on my skin. It absorbs quickly, which I enjoy. I wear it overnight and in the morning I wake up with ultra hydrated skin without feeling greasy." —Lorena
"I have to say that I love this so much and it has really been helping my skin improve and recover from being very damaged. I’m definitely leaning on this cream to help my skin nurse back to 100%." —skincareinhawaii
Get it from Acaderma for $68.
10. A lightweight SheaMoisture African black soap moisturizer with shea butter, tamarind, and tea tree oil. This moisturizer is safe for sensitive skin and will help those who are prone to acne.
Promising review: "I love this moisturizer sooo much. I rebuy every time I run out. I have very dry skin and this helps moisturize without feeling heavy. I mainly wear it under my makeup and apply it with a Beautyblender and it looks great/doesn't move my makeup around. 10/10 would recommend!!!" —Julia Green
Get it from Amazon for $9.47.
11. A lightweight Aveeno lotion you can use daily. This nourishing moisturizer is formulated with soothing prebiotic oats and offers 24 hours of hydration. So go ahead and improve your skin's natural moisture barrier.
Promising reviews: "I have very dry and sensitive skin that tends to peel during winter months. This lotion keeps my skin hydrated all day long, no need to reapply it at all. It is thick enough but not greasy, it doesn't leave any white residue, and the smell is so light, you barely notice it. If you have dry and sensitive skin like me, this is the body lotion for you." —Pamela
"It's so moisturizing and it has no scent. We all love it and use it every day. It is the best lotion I've encountered. It has no greasiness and makes your skin glow." —Lils Reyes
Get it from Amazon for $9.64.
12. A jar of Palmer's cocoa butter body moisturizer to provide your skin with up to 48 hours of hydration. It absorbs quickly and relieves rough, dry skin. And because it's also made with antioxidant vitamin E, you can use this moisturizer to help reduce the appearance of scars.
Promising review: "Other moisturizers I used either went on too thick or I used too much. And for the most part, they were either ineffective or took too long to show results. When my wife made me try this one, I was amazed at how quickly my skin healed. While it took me a while to adjust to the hard (as opposed to liquid-cream) application, I actually like it more now. I feel like there is much less waste and I can apply as much or as little as I need, which is especially useful when I am targeting a specific area that I want to moisturize." —Seapanda
Get it from Amazon for $7.68+ (also available as a three-pack).
13. An all-natural and cruelty-free hyaluronic acid moisturizer made with grapeseed oil, aloe juice, and licorice root extract if you're looking for hydration that won't clog your pores. It'll even help fight acne.
Cofounded by two sisters, Blume is a BIPOC woman–owned skincare company creating natural products to help promote healthy skin for people who experience periods.
Promising review: "This moisturizer is so lightweight and smells incredible! It leaves my face so hydrated and automatically makes my skin glow!" —Yeny C
14. A fragrance-free vitamin C moisturizer for help reducing the appearance of sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Packed with organic ingredients, this moisturizer hydrates, brightens, and blocks pollution and free radicals.
Eight Saints is a woman-owned small biz using only eight plant-based ingredients in their skincare products.
Promising review: "This is definitely one of my favorite skincare products. As someone with sensitive skin, I always have to watch anything with strong scents or creams that are too heavy (as they give me breakouts). That's made it hard to find a good moisturizer that provides hydration while being light enough to avoid acne. This cream is the answer to that. I use it every night, and was initially skeptical that such a light cream wouldn't rub off, but it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave behind that oily feeling that some other creams do. It feels fresh and smells amazing — a citrusy smell that's noticeable, but not overwhelming. I have only been using it for a short time, but it's already started to ease the redness around my cheeks and nose. I'm not sure if that's due to how hydrating it is or if it also helps to even skin tone, but either way, my skin is thankful for it. Definitely recommend it, especially for those with sensitive skin." —Kristiana Beers
Get it from Eight Saints on Amazon for $33.
15. An oil-free Peter Thomas Roth hyaluronic moisturizer that offers up to 72 hours of hydration. Even after cleansing! That's because it draws in moisture from the atmosphere. Gotta love science.
Promising review: "I'm an oilier lady. Always have been. If they could figure out a way to use face oil as a fuel source I'd be rich. Thing is, I'm also experiencing some of the signs of aging. You know the ones — the slightly sagging cheeks, the smile lines that deepen more than they used to, the scowl lines between the brows that don't go away as readily as they used to. I need to add moisture to my skin without making it into a greasy mess. I've tried about a zillion products (mostly thanks to beauty subscription boxes) and most I received were too heavy and made me feel like I needed to blot my face throughout the day. This cloud cream, on the other hand, has been amazing. It's light and non-greasy, but makes my skin feel soft and supple. I can put whatever makeup over the top I'd like and know that it won't come sliding off by lunchtime. There is a light fragrance to the product but it's not overpowering (I had to stick my nose down near the jar to tell) so unless one is super-sensitive, it likely won't be an issue. Will repurchase." —Elizabeth R.
Get it from Amazon for $22+ (available in two sizes).
16. A La Roche-Posay repairing moisturizer to help hydrate sensitive skin and dry skin. Formulated with a high concentration of prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, niacinamide, and glycerin, this oil-free moisturizer will help restore healthy-looking skin.
Promising review: "So this is my first time writing a review on Amazon but I had been struggling with products overdrying my skin. I typically have very oily/ sensitive skin. My esthetician told me my skin was dry so it was overproducing oil to compensate — lol go figure. It was the witch hazel toner I used to use as a toner 2X a day that was stripping my skin of its natural oils. Anyways, this product has placed all the moisture I needed back into my face without it appearing oily. I used to feel like my skin always looked so greasy and I disliked that. I love my skin routine now especially at night. My skin has never felt healthier. My skin feels exactly the way I always wanted. Thankful for these gentle yet effective products." —Cat Parks
Get it from Amazon for $20.99.
17. A thick Weleda moisturizer — made with rosemary, chamomile, pansy, and sunflower and sweet almond oils, this body cream will help brighten skin. Plus, it's free of parabens and phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives. You'll wanna add this to your skincare regimen ASAP.
Promising review: "I cannot believe my skin looks this good! I have very sensitive skin that flares up at the slightest hint of stress. I heard about this from a dermatologist's YouTube channel and decided to give it a go. Wow am I glad I did. Believe me when I say you will not recognize yourself in the morning! It was like my skin transformed overnight. It was smooth and poreless, scarring had almost disappeared, and any sign of redness was gone. This was after one night! My coworkers mentioned I looked like I was glowing! I wash my face and apply two separate layers with clean hands to my face and neck. The smell is tolerable and the cream itself is extremely rich so I only wear it at night. You may feel like a greaseball but the results are worth it. I have not had a breakout since using this and, if anything, it gets rid of blemishes faster. Absolutely floored <3" —Robert F. Young
Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in two sizes).
18. A Dr. Jart color-correcting moisturizer with SPF 30 for neutralizing redness and evening skin tone. This bestselling green-to-beige formula soothes and hydrates, leaving you with fresh and healthy-looking skin.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly raves about this product. Check out her Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color-Correcting Treatment review to learn more!
Promising review: "This is an everyday staple! Ever since 2020, I wanted to take a step back from heavier makeup and start paying attention more to my skin. However, I do have some redness and hyperpigmentation I'm not too thrilled about. For the longest time I was self conscious about these imperfections. So much so, that I used to always feel the need to have foundation on before leaving the house. This product perfectly helped me transition to going foundation free a majority of the time. The color correcting element blends perfectly into my skin and blurs the redness around my nose. I also really love that this has SPF as well! Thanks Dr. Jart for helping me to love my own skin again <3" —PikuPiku
Get it from Sephora for $20+ (available in two sizes) or from Amazon for $52.
19. An oil-free salicylic acid moisturizer working to stop acne in its tracks. Formulated with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer will help improve uneven skin.
Promising review: "FINALLY! A product that targets acne production and is not abrasive to my skin. I am impressed on the results after three days only. I purchased the other two Vichy acne products (spot corrector and toner) after I saw the good quality and research there is behind this line. I use it in morning and evening. It doesn't peel, doesn't make your skin dull — my glowing face is back and acne is controlled. No inflammation on my spots. I haven't felt more comfortable about my skin until now that I use this product. Thank you for the amazing work Vichy! You won a loyal customer." —dp3000
Get it from Amazon for $29.50.
20. A non-greasy L'Oreal collagen moisturizer because its hydration-packed formula also fills in wrinkles, leaving you with softer and plumper skin.
Promising review: "I admit I was skeptical about switching to a collagen moisturizer. Nonetheless, I’ve noticed that using it made my skin softer and better hydrated. During the winter, my skin didn’t dry out as easily as it did with my previous moisturizers. My skin is sensitive, and this product has been beneficial for it. On top of all that, I also noticed that incorporating this product and retinol into my skin care routine has also significantly decreased the appearance of the fine lines on my forehead. I have just finished one of these and am currently using this same product again. 10/10 would recommend to others!" —Ghia
Get it from Amazon for $8.98.
21. A multi-tasking priming moisturizer that you can use as a base for applying makeup. It also works as a soother for sun exposure and aftershave care. Yes, this moisturizer works hard!
Promising review: "I've known about this product for years, but never tried it until now. When I would hear it raved about in interviews with celeb makeup artists, I thought the way they described it made it sound too heavy and rich for my preference. It's not too rich and it's not too thin. It blends in easily and soaks in quickly. I have overall normal or balanced skin type, but my T-zone can get a little shiny by end of day. This gave a hydrated satin look to my skin and it made my foundation seem more luxuriously expensive than without it. It's the only product I used under the foundation and it acted as an all-in-one moisturizer and primer. The makeup looked freshly applied until I removed it!" —MV
Get it from Amazon for $16.
22. A jar of Aquaphor's water-free healing moisturizer for anyone suffering from dry, cracked, and sensitive skin. It can even be used for treating dry feet and hands, so you can go back to living.
Promising reviews: "This stuff is a bit pricey, but you are paying for a quality solution for dry skin. Every time I try to use something cheaper, it doesn't work and I always come back to this. Nothing works like Aquaphor." —MCMXCVI
"My son experienced some unbelievably wretched diaper rash and none of the usual products I had been using were making the rash better and the application of the zinc-based creams were painful. Someone recommended I try this, and I have never turned back! Every time there is a reoccurrence of diaper rash, after a day or so of applying Aquaphor, the rash clears up. Now and again I try other diaper creams, but when there is actual irritation, nothing comes close." —Incoherent Threads
Get it from Amazon for $15.97.
23. A gluten-free moisturizing cream made to help people with sensitive skin. Get relief from irritated, cracking, or itchy skin with this formula that is free of dyes, fragrances, and parabens. Plus, it won't clog your pores!
Many reviewers use this for relief from eczema!
Promising review: “I love Vanicream products, especially this lotion. I have an autoimmune disease and psoriasis, so even on a good day my skin is very dry, easily irritated, and super sensitive to everything from fragrances to dyes to some natural extracts and oils. I recently switched from a cream that was irritating my skin and causing breakouts to this Vanicream lotion and I am so happy I did! My skin is so much calmer, smoother, and actually moisturized. This lotion is truly fragrance-free, which is a must for me, and works great on my whole body and my face with no breakouts! I will definitely be reordering when I run out. Highly recommend.” —MissMae
Get it from Amazon for $13.56.
24. A CeraVe moisturizing cream that parents laud for helping soothe their kids' eczema in addition to moisturizing their dry and sensitive skin.
Promising review: "CeraVe was recommended to us by our daughter's pediatrician to help with her eczema. While she still has eczema, this cream is fantastic with keeping her skin smooth and keeping her irritation at bay. She no longer has the red bumps or splotchy red spots on her skin and rarely has flare-ups anymore! We use CeraVe every night after bath time and not only does it keep our baby's skin smooth, but it keeps Mama's hands silky smooth as well! During our first vacation, we made the decision to bring several sample lotions of different brands and we found they just were not the same. We highly recommend this baby cream!" —TheGummyMummy
Get it from Amazon for $8.97+ (available in two sizes).
25. A fast-working calming cream for skin irritated by acne, sun exposure, or shaving. It'll also help repair damaged skin and prevent scarring.
Promising review: "Absolutely worth every single cent! I have severe rosacea that leaves my nose and cheeks dry, flaky, and breaking out. I’ve had little success with anything topical that will provide relief to my irritated skin. My sister recommended it to me when I was looking for a moisturizer after a severe sunburn that left my nose blistered and raw. I received my order Wednesday and applied it that night after washing my face. By Saturday afternoon my face is almost completely healed. The cream prevented peeling, and helped clear up my rosacea skin irritation! I’m completely amazed! I’ve applied less than a dime size over my face four times! My skin has truly never felt better! It’s got to be witchcraft because not even the different RXs I’ve tried over the years have produced these results. *I will note there was a very mild sting that lasted a couple of seconds when initially applying but that was likely due to the raw skin. It was completely bearable." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $24.50.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.