The moisturizer aisle is a minefield of marketing claims. "Deep hydration." "Clinically proven." "Dermatologist recommended." Here's what actually matters: the ingredients inside the bottle.
1. Hyaluronic Acid
What it does: Holds up to 1000x its weight in water, pulling moisture from the environment into your skin.
Best for: Everyone, especially dehydrated skin. Works for all skin types including oily.
Look for: Multiple molecular weights (listed as sodium hyaluronate) for deeper penetration.
2. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
What it does: Strengthens your skin barrier, reduces redness, minimizes pore appearance, and helps with uneven skin tone. It's the Swiss Army knife of skincare.
Best for: Acne-prone skin, oily skin, anyone dealing with redness or enlarged pores.
Look for: 2-5% concentration. Higher isn't always better — it can cause irritation above 10%.
3. Ceramides
What it does: Ceramides are lipids (fats) that naturally make up about 50% of your skin barrier. Adding them back reinforces that barrier, locking moisture in and irritants out.
Best for: Dry, sensitive, or compromised skin. Essential if you use retinol or other actives.
Look for: Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP — ideally all three together.
4. Squalane
What it does: A lightweight oil that mimics your skin's natural sebum. Absorbs quickly, doesn't clog pores, and leaves skin soft without greasiness.
Best for: Oily and combination skin that needs moisture without heaviness. Also great for sensitive skin.
Look for: Plant-derived squalane (from olives or sugarcane), not squalene from shark liver.
5. Shea Butter
What it does: Rich in vitamins A, E, and F. Deeply nourishing and occlusive — creates a protective layer that prevents moisture loss.
Best for: Dry to very dry skin, body moisturizers, night creams.
Note: Can be too heavy for oily skin on the face, but excellent for body care.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Fragrance / Parfum — One of the top skin sensitizers. Adds nothing beneficial.
- Denatured alcohol (Alcohol Denat.) — Dries out skin. Different from fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol, which are fine.
- Mineral oil (in high concentrations) — Not harmful, but not doing much for your skin either. There are better options.
Finding Your Match
The right moisturizer depends on your skin type and when you're using it. Lighter, gel-based formulas for morning (especially under sunscreen). Richer creams for nighttime. And always layer thinnest to thickest — serums before moisturizer.
Browse our moisturizer collection for clean, cruelty-free options with ingredients that actually work.