Follow this handy guide to help you choose the ideal moisturizer for your skin type!
Choosing the right moisturizer seems like a simple task at first. All we need is something that hydrates our skin... right? Well, yes—but with the huge variety of moisturizers available on the market today (gel creams? occlusive creams? hybrid creams?), finding the right one can be like searching for a needle in a haystack.
To simplify, we recommend considering two key factors when choosing your moisturizer: your skin type and the most suitable ingredients for optimal hydration. Keep reading to find out what these ingredients are!
For Oily Skin:
If you have oily skin and frequently overproduce sebum, the last thing you need is a product that makes it even shinier. This is why many people with oily skin tend to avoid moisturizers. However, by applying moisturizer regularly and keeping your skin well-hydrated, you can actually help plump it up, reduce fine lines, and, most importantly, balance oil production, leaving skin looking healthier and less shiny.
Look for moisturizers with a gel texture, as these formulas are lightweight and won't leave an oily film on the skin. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are humectants that provide effective hydration without feeling heavy. On the other hand, you should avoid heavy ingredients that can clog pores, such as coconut oil , olive oil , lanolin , or petrolatum -based products.
For Dry Skin:
While moisturizer is essential for any skin type, dry and mature skin is absolutely essential for achieving a hydrated, luminous, and plump complexion. Dry skin tolerates rich oils and thicker formulas well, so you should look for products that truly boost hydration—like cream-based moisturizers.
Anything with a creamy texture tends to contain occlusives and/or emollients , which help seal in moisture at the end of your skincare routine. Helpful ingredients to look for in a moisturizer for dry skin include ceramides , squalane , plant-based oils like jojoba oil , vitamin E , and dimethicone .
For Normal and Combination Skin:
Normal and combination skin generally tolerates most types of moisturizers well. However, for combination skin, the key is balance—you should look for formulas with multifunctional ingredients that effectively hydrate without overdoing it, while also helping to treat other concerns, such as acne or blemishes.
A balanced combination of water-soluble ingredients (like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin ) with oil-soluble ingredients (like Ceramides and Jojoba Oil ) can be especially beneficial for keeping skin well-hydrated and balanced.
For Sensitive Skin:
When choosing a moisturizer for sensitive skin, it's essential to opt for formulas with a short and simple ingredient list. The more ingredients a product contains, the greater the risk of irritation.
Look for natural, soothing ingredients like chamomile , calendula , colloidal oatmeal , shea butter , and green tea . These ingredients help soothe skin and reduce redness or discomfort.
On the other hand, it is advisable to avoid products with potential irritants, such as fragrances , artificial colors , excess alcohols and sulfates .
Finally, while it's recommended to do a patch test with any new product, this is even more important for sensitive and reactive skin!