It’s important to apply a face moisturizer daily, even if your skin is oily or prone to clogged pores. Moisturizing can help maintain your skin’s hydration levels and prevent extreme dryness or oiliness—both of which can impact the look and feel of your skin. It’s a common misconception that those with
oily skin should skip a facial moisturizer as a way to “dry out” their skin. In reality, this may do more harm than good.

Skipping a facial moisturizer can lead to increased dryness, which, in turn, can cause your skin to overcompensate by producing more oil. Choosing a
non-comedogenic face moisturizer that’s designed for your skin type can help ensure your skin gets the essential hydration it needs without looking shiny or feeling greasy.

Facial moisturizer isn’t a one-size-fits-all skincare product. The ideal face moisturizer for your skin will depend on several factors, such as your skin type, personal preferences, and goals. With that said, there are a few things to look for when choosing a facial moisturizer for healthy-looking skin.

CeraVe—the #1 dermatologist-recommended moisturizer brand in the U.S.—recommends using face moisturizers that are developed with dermatologists, fragrance-free, gentle on skin, allergy-tested, and non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores). It’s also important to look for beneficial hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides (key components of your skin barrier).

If you want to get the most out of your face moisturizer, you’ll need to use it correctly. Facial moisturizers should generally be applied twice daily as part of a consistent morning and evening skincare routine. They are usually best applied after washing your face and applying any serums or targeted treatments (but before applying sunscreen).

However, each facial moisturizer will have its own set of instructions, so it’s important to read the label carefully and use it as directed. The American
Academy of Dermatology also recommends applying face moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help lock in moisture and prevent water loss.² If you have any questions about how to use your facial moisturizer, consult a board-certified dermatologist.

Everyone! Sun protection is a key part of any skincare routine, no matter your skin type or skin tone. For daytime, we recommend using a face moisturizer that includes broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen (or higher) in its formula, such as CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50. Those with normal to oily skin can also try our Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen.

If your daytime facial moisturizer doesn’t contain sunscreen, remember to apply a separate face sunscreen on top of it. Sunscreen products should also be reapplied at least every two hours during the day for sun protection, in addition to taking other sun protection measures, like seeking shade and wearing protective clothing.

Facial moisturizers come in a variety of different texture options, including lotions, gels, and creams. Gel moisturizers, such as CeraVe Ultra-Light
Moisturizing Gel, tend to be the most lightweight option. These water-based formulas are a popular choice among people with oily, acne-prone skin or anyone who prefers a refreshing, weightless feel.

Face moisturizer lotions, like CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, offer a slightly richer texture than gels, which can be ideal for normal to dry skin types. Lastly, face creams (like CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream) are generally the thickest and most intensely moisturizing option of the three. They tend to be best suited for dry skin (including seasonal dryness) and mature skin.

Fortunately, whether you know your specific skin type—or not—CeraVe has you covered. All of our facial moisturizers are developed with dermatologists and formulated with three essential ceramides to help restore and maintain your skin barrier, along with a variety of other hydrating ingredients, like
hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. For instance, if your skin tends to be on the oily side, you may want to give our Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream a try, a lightweight, non-greasy face moisturizer with oil-absorbing technology that helps control shine while providing all-day hydration. Or, if you’re looking for a facial moisturizer that also provides sun protection, check out our
Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30.

On the other hand, if your skin is normal to dry, AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 might be more up your alley. Try pairing it with our PM Facial
Moisturizing Lotion to help cover your face moisturizer needs day and night. If your skin is dry or very dry, reach for our Intensive Moisturizing Cream. This rich, non-greasy formula helps provide long-lasting relief from dry, flaky, tight skin from head-to-toe, as it doubles as both a facial moisturizer and one for your body as well.

Unsure of your exact skin type? No worries! Peruse our selection of face moisturizers above—we have multiple designed for all skin types too.

While there’s no shortage of facial moisturizer options out there, at CeraVe,
we rely on the experts and the science. All of our products were developed
with dermatologists, with a focus on helping to restore a common factor behind diverse skin conditions: a compromised skin barrier. That’s why all of our formulas contain a unique blend of three essential ceramides—the only skincare line to do so. Ceramides are naturally found in the skin’s moisture barrier, making up around half of the lipids within it. There, they act as “the glue” holding our skin cells together, helping to keep moisture in and harmful elements out.

What also sets CeraVe apart is our patented MultiVesicular Emulsion (MVE) Technology. Consider this innovation like tiny spheres, with multiple layers that slowly dissolve to gradually release hydrating ingredients—such as
hyaluronic acid and niacinamide—into your skin for lasting hydration. Together, with our three essential ceramides, our facial moisturizers help replenish your skin’s existing ceramides, reduce moisture loss, and increase hydration to help restore and maintain your skin barrier for healthier-looking skin. We’re also the #1 dermatologist-recommended skincare brand, which, in itself, is a clear differentiator.

1. “Skin Care Tips Dermatologists Use.” American Academy of Dermatology Association, 2024.
2. “How To Pick the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin.” American Academy of Dermatology Association, 25 Jan. 2022.