What to look for in the best hydrating cream

Choosing the right hydrating cream can make a big difference in your skin’s comfort and appearance.

1. Skin Type Compatibility

Citrus catapult arrow

Select a hydrating cream that matches your skin type—whether it's dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. Lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, while richer creams benefit dry or mature skin.

2. Key Hydrating Ingredients

Citrus catapult arrow

Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, and ceramides. These help attract and lock in moisture to keep your skin plump and hydrated throughout the day.

3. Texture and Absorption

Citrus catapult arrow

Consider how the cream feels on your skin. Some prefer lightweight gels that absorb quickly, while others need thicker creams for deep hydration—especially overnight.

4. Added Benefits

Citrus catapult arrow

Many hydrating creams offer extra benefits such as antioxidants, SPF protection, or soothing botanicals. Choose one that addresses your specific concerns for an effective multitasking product.

  1. 1
    Ultra Facial Cream

    Kiehl's Since 1851

    8,108 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A lightweight moisturizer that provides 24-hour hydration.
  2. 2
    Crème de La Mer Face Cream
    8,344 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    An ultra-rich cream that helps heal dryness and energize repair to unlock a rejuvenating transformation. In 2 weeks, visibly reduces fine lines.
  3. 3
    Ultra Facial Cream Refill

    Kiehl's Since 1851

    7,380 REVIEWS
    Face cream formulated with 4.5% Squalane and Glacial Glycoprotein to strengthen your skin's moisture barrier for softer, smoother skin.
  4. 4
    Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
    5,954 REVIEWS
    Oil-free gel-cream moisturizer.
  5. 5
    Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

    SkinCeuticals

    2,834 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Reveal radiant, hydrated skin with this nourishing cream corrector designed to help support natural self-repair.
  6. 6
    Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation
    2,317 REVIEWS
    A 16-hour natural-glow foundation with buildable medium coverage to hydrate, smooth, blur pores, and brighten skin.
  7. 7
    The Moisturizing Soft Cream
    1,490 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A silky-soft cream that delivers all-day healing moisture for profound rejuvenation: visibly plumper, healthier, firmer, lifted-looking skin.
  8. 8
    Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream
    1,161 REVIEWS
    Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream is a moisture-rich cream that ups the hydration intensity of Clinique's best-selling face lotion.
  9. 9
    Charlotte's Magic Water Cream

    Charlotte Tilbury

    1,107 REVIEWS
    A fragrance-free gel water cream that immediately drenches the skin in hydration, refines the look of pores, and visibly reduces redness over time.
  10. 10
    Superscreen Hydrating Daily Cream SPF 40
    1,021 REVIEWS
    A first-of-its-kind moisturizer that provides intense hydration and SPF 40 with antioxidants and skin repair actives

What to look for in the best hydrating cream

Choosing the right hydrating cream can make a big difference in your skin’s comfort and appearance.

1. Skin Type Compatibility

Citrus catapult arrow

Select a hydrating cream that matches your skin type—whether it's dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. Lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, while richer creams benefit dry or mature skin.

2. Key Hydrating Ingredients

Citrus catapult arrow

Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, and ceramides. These help attract and lock in moisture to keep your skin plump and hydrated throughout the day.

3. Texture and Absorption

Citrus catapult arrow

Consider how the cream feels on your skin. Some prefer lightweight gels that absorb quickly, while others need thicker creams for deep hydration—especially overnight.

4. Added Benefits

Citrus catapult arrow

Many hydrating creams offer extra benefits such as antioxidants, SPF protection, or soothing botanicals. Choose one that addresses your specific concerns for an effective multitasking product.