and below: We don't recommend face moisturizers with this rating; you won't find any on our list. We Also Tested

Since the moisturizer is oil-free, Galaria says it’s particularly great for oily skin. And, while testing, we felt the same way: The moisturizer reduced oil while making our skin feel smoother and more hydrated. It also proved as lightweight and fast-absorbing as our overall favorite. According to Neutrogena, the moisturizer can aggressively dry out your skin when you start using it. And while we didn’t have this problem while testing, we think it’s worth noting—especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream did a great job hydrating our skin, boosting our moisture levels by 11 to 31 percent. But it felt heavy and greasy—more like a night cream than an everyday moisturizer. Benzoyl peroxide not only kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin, but it also helps remove pore-clogging cells and excess oil that creates a pro-inflammatory environment for the pimple,” Dr. Litani explains. She notes that, if acne persists, dermatologists will sometimes recommend a prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide combined with a topical antibiotic for moderate to severe acne cases. For an over-the-counter option, we recommend PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash, which boasts a 10 percent concentration of benzoyl peroxide, the highest concentration you can get without a prescription. SkinCeuticals’ Daily Moisture is one of the priciest moisturizers we tested. But we think it’s worth every penny. The moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid, algae extract, panthenol, vitamin E, and witch hazel. So it does a lot at once, simultaneously hydrating, toning, and exfoliating your skin. Retinols decrease sebum production and make your skin less likely to clog,” Dr. Litani notes. With that said, retinol can dry the skin out initially, so she recommends easing into use by using it every few nights and always applying a non-comedogenic moisturizer on top. A retinol product we recommend for acne is the First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate, which features retinol, ceramides, and peptides in its hard-working formula.

What moisturisers do dermatologists recommend?

The types of acne products recommended by dermatologists can vary depending on a number of factors. “Whichever treatment is right for you will depend on a number of things including your acne severity, how much it bothers you (this doesn't always correlate with severity), your age, and whether you are planning or could become pregnant, to name a few,” says Dr. Mina. She recommends seeking insight from a dermatologist to learn more about your acne type and what types of treatments, ingredients, and product formulations will work best. La Roche-Posay offers dermatologist-recommended skincare solutions - even for those with the most sensitive skin. La Roche-Posay offers ranges that are specifically tailored for allergic, sensitive, blemish-prone and aging skin, as well as providing expert sun protection. The range also offers products suitable for delicate baby skin. Hormonal acne is another type of acne that pops up as a result of, surprise, surprise, hormones. Dr. Mina says this type of acne tends to show face in women in their late 20s and early 30s and typically sprinkles the jawline and lower face. “This type of acne responds well to hormonal regulation with birth control pills and medications like spironolactone,” she adds. The moisturizer is also one of the most versatile on our list. In addition to being great for different skin types (including dry, oily, and combination skin), it’s fragrance-free and sensitive-skin-friendly. And at a budget-friendly price, we think it’s a steal.

People with oily, acne-prone skin sometimes fear moisturizers, thinking they could worsen breakouts. Excessive oiliness is often caused by dehydrated skin, so using a moisturizer with humectants can help balance moisture levels. “This is a great choice for acne-prone skin,” Dr. Klein says, noting that the gel-cream formula is lightweight and won’t add shine to oily skin types. Reishi mushroom extract also helps soothe and reduce redness, adds Dr. Klein. Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer promises hydrating results in as little as three days. But we found that it worked even faster: Just 15 minutes after applying the moisturizer, our skin looked and felt more hydrated. At its current price, the 2.1-ounce moisturizer feels a little expensive. But it’s certainly not the priciest product on our list. For a natural product, we also appreciate that it’s fragrance-free and great for a range of skin types. And we’d happily use the lightweight cream every day. to 4.7 stars: These ceramide moisturizers are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.If there’s one thing our dermatologists want you to know, it’s that anyone—regardless of skin type or condition—can benefit from using a ceramide moisturizer. “There’s no real reason to not use a ceramide moisturizer,” says Dr. Soza, adding that they’re especially beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin. However, certain types of moisturizers are best for specific skin types based on their consistency and ingredient lists.

When we tested Shiseido’s Waso Mega Hydrating Moisturizer on oily skin, it proved hydrating—but it made our skin feel oilier. The moisturizer was also slow-absorbing and prone to pilling, but we think it’d be effective for combating dryness. DHC’s Olive Virgin Oil Essential Cream works wonders on dry and dehydrated skin. Made with olive oil, the rich moisturizer isn’t great for every skin type. (Oil-based moisturizers aren’t ideal for oily skin, King says.) But it’s great at combating dryness. Within 15 minutes, the moisturizer made our dry skin feel hydrated and dewy. It even seemed to fill in fine lines, giving our skin a plumper, almost-retouched look. Recognised as the number one dermacosmetic brand worldwide, La Roche-Posay’s philosophy centres around science-led solutions for even the most sensitive of skin types.Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentré doesn’t just hydrate your skin—it also smooths and soothes it. And 15 minutes after using it, we saw a dramatic difference in skin tone and texture. Ceramides are naturally occurring in the skin and mimic the natural components in skin, making them super effective. There are a few different types of ceramides, but they work pretty much the same to restore lipid (moisture) levels and support healthy skin barrier function. Our only issue with this product? It’s not cruelty-free. And we know that for many people, that’s not just a downside—it’s a dealbreaker. At its core, the brand’s key ingredient, thermal spring water, helps to soothe and cool dry and damaged complexions. This pairs with actives in its gentle formulas that combine maximum efficacy with optimal tolerance to provide visible results over time.