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

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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

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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

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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

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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
    8,160 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.*
  2. 2

    Kiehl's Since 1851

    7,866 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A lightweight moisturizer that provides 24-hour hydration.
  3. 3
    5,653 REVIEWS
    Oil-free gel-cream moisturizer.
  4. 4
    4,998 REVIEWS
    A nourishing emulsion to protect and defend skin from dryness, helping it feel more soft and supple.
  5. 5

    SkinCeuticals

    2,742 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Reveal radiant, hydrated skin with this nourishing cream corrector designed to help support natural self-repair.
  6. 6

    Kiehl's Since 1851

    1,882 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A superb quality body moisturizer.
  7. 7
    1,487 REVIEWS
    One simple step for glowing skin. Moisturizes, perfects, and protects with SPF.
  8. 8
    1,384 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A silky-soft cream that delivers all-day healing moisture for profound rejuvenation: visibly plumper, healthier, firmer, lifted-looking skin.
  9. 9
    1,362 REVIEWS
    A feather-light gel cream that renews skin’s youthful bounce for a firmer feel and balances sebum.
  10. 10
    1,139 REVIEWS
    Moisture-rich cream delivers intense hydration to soothe even the driest skin.

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.