We Tested Over 25 Moisturizers, and These 16 Were Our Top Picks for Mature Skin

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer stood out as the top pick for those seeking an effective, budget-friendly option. Vanicream products are designed for people with sensitive skin. The formula is free of botanical extracts, essential oils, parabens, lanolin, and gluten.

Vaniceam Daily Facial Moisturizer is marketed as a gentle, noncomedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores), and nongreasy formula. “The product absorbs quickly, is lightweight and creamy but not overly greasy or heavy,” says our tester, Tori Martinet, MS RD. This makes it ideal for daily use.

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer is available through various retailers at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for those looking to support their skin’s health and combat early signs of aging on a budget.

Sarah Stankorb, our Everyday Health tester, reported visible improvements within days, saying, “My pores — especially across my forehead and nose — look smaller, and my forehead wrinkles are less pronounced. My skin feels more supple and healthy overall.” She also notes, “It’s thick and creamy straight from the jar, but once warmed between the fingers, it melts into a lightweight, easily absorbed finish.”

For those with sensitivities, the scent is subtle to almost nonexistent. Some online reviewers have noted a slight botanical scent, which some find off-putting. Stankorb barely noticed a scent at all.

Though the price tag gives pause, Stankorb notes that a little goes a long way, and she expects the jar to last at least a month and a half.

This is an investment-grade moisturizer for those who are serious about targeting visible signs of aging — particularly enlarged pores, dullness, and fine lines — without triggering breakouts. Stankorb feels this formula would be ideal for mature or hormonally sensitive skin. While the price may be a barrier for some, the results may just make it worth the splurge.

Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream is a fan-favorite moisturizer with a lightweight, emollient-rich formula, ideal for daily use. Infused with rice bran water, ginseng root water, squalane, and niacinamide, it’s designed to hydrate and brighten — all while remaining fragrance and silicone-free.

According to tester Kimberly Dawn Neumann, “It makes your skin feel kind of like glass — in a good way. The cream goes on smooth and absorbs quickly, delivering a subtle, dewy glow that works beautifully under makeup.” While the results weren’t dramatic overnight, Neumann reported a consistently pleasant experience: “The cream felt great on the skin, applied effortlessly, and required only a tiny amount per use.” It was especially appreciated for its completely neutral scent profile (ideal for sensitive users) and its compatibility with other skin-care and makeup products. Although she said it can feel slightly sticky to the touch initially, it settles well and doesn’t interfere with wear.

This cream is a solid choice for anyone seeking a gentle, well-formulated moisturizer that delivers hydration and glow without heaviness. It’s especially suitable for mature or sensitive skin, or as a lighter option for daytime or summer use. With its accessible price point, Dynasty Cream is a versatile, everyday staple that is worth recommending.

What sets this product apart is its all-in-one approach to skin renewal. In addition to retinol and bakuchiol, it includes a blend of antioxidants and a moisture barrier complex of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. This makes it especially effective for mature or environmentally stressed skin.

Tester Mary Sauer, an Everyday Health writer, describes the cream’s texture as “thick, sticky, and mask-like — more like a treatment than a traditional lotion,” which is why we have deemed this our top nighttime organic pick. Sauer says that the moisturizer’s “slow-absorbing consistency worked into my routine best as an overnight cream.”

After consistent use, Sauer reported softer, plumper skin and a restored glow. She adds, “My skin felt like it bounced back a little from some sun damage this summer.”

Overall, the Resurrection Polypeptide Cream stands out as a plant-powered alternative to conventional anti-aging products.

Dermalogica’s Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 is a multitasking daily moisturizer that delivers hydration, anti-aging benefits, and broad-spectrum sun protection in one formula. “I liked the higher SPF coverage of 50, the silky texture that sank into my skin, and the pleasant scent,” Marisa Olsen, our Everyday Health tester, shares, highlighting how it doubles as both a protective and pampering product.

What truly sets this product apart is the feel. It’s not your typical sunscreen — Olsen described the texture as light and creamy, never sticky or heavy. “Love the texture. It has a more ‘luxe’ feel; soft and silky and sinks in well without making my skin feel greasy, sticky, or streaky,” she says. Unlike traditional sunscreens, the formula feels more like a high-end day cream, wearing comfortably under makeup and over morning serums, emphasizing how seamlessly it fits into a daily routine.

The scent was another standout feature for Olsen. With notes of white tea, rosewood, lemon, and clove, she felt the moisturizer had a “fresh, natural scent.” Designed with both performance and elegance in mind, this moisturizer is a high-end splurge (at around $85) that delivers visible results and daily protection in a single, travel-friendly bottle.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream is an intensely hydrating, nongreasy moisturizer formulated to work while you sleep. The cream is particularly well-suited for sensitive and acne-prone skin, thanks to its fragrance-free and noncomedogenic formula.

“It feels somewhat thick when you apply it, but it’s not greasy. It spreads pretty well, but it doesn’t glide as much as a more lightweight product would,” Ziegler explains. “It does take a while to absorb, but since it’s my last step in my skin-care routine at night, I don’t mind.”

If you have sensitive skin and are looking for a product to lock in moisture, CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream may be the ideal choice for you.

What sets this moisturizer apart is its texture, which delivers a soft, matte finish without overdrying. “Lightweight, almost like a gel. I loved it. It was ideal for the warmer weather and almost felt cooling,” notes Martinet, who tested this product. The formula absorbs quickly, making it ideal for daytime wear or layering under makeup. “I loved the texture, both during application and after. It helped my skin feel moisturized without feeling greasy at all,” she says. Despite the matte finish, it doesn’t strip the skin or leave it feeling tight.

While the product may not be a complete solution for preventing acne, it plays a supportive role in managing breakouts and balancing oily skin. Martinet, who has struggled with acne, notes that while the moisturizer didn’t reduce how often her acne appeared, it did help clear breakouts somewhat. In terms of whether she would recommend this product, Martinet says, “Yes. If someone is oily or acne-prone, or even just wants a lightweight moisturizer for summer, the matte finish is great and the texture is amazing.”

Ziegler, who tested this product, found the gel cream particularly appealing, due to its texture and finish. “It’s super lightweight and has more of a gel-like consistency. A little goes a long way,” she says. Though it takes a few minutes to absorb fully, Ziegler felt it was “worth the wait,” especially for the fresh, dewy finish it left behind.

“I think this is good for someone with dry skin or someone with normal skin looking for more hydration and a dewy finish,” Ziegler explains. While it may be too rich for oilier skin types, the overall experience was overwhelmingly positive. “I love this so much that I plan to repurchase when I run out,” says Ziegler. With its hyaluronic acid complex and glow-enhancing effects, the Cloud Dew Gel Cream is a modern upgrade to traditional moisturizers.

Heger adds, “Vitamin C can sometimes irritate my skin, but this product didn’t. I like that I got some of the brightening benefits without increased breakouts or redness.” While changes in fine lines were minimal, the formula helped reduce redness and improve overall skin tone.

With its nongreasy, whipped texture and light, citrusy scent (also available unscented), the moisturizer offers an uplifting, indulgent experience with each application.

Beyond its performance, Cloud Whip earns points for its user-friendly packaging and affordability. “I also like that it is moderately priced, especially compared to high-end vitamin C moisturizers and serums,” says Heger. “Having it come in a jar instead of a bottle with a pumper also makes it easier to get all of the product out.” With its antioxidant-rich formula, soothing texture, and gentle delivery of vitamin C benefits, Cloud Whip is a standout choice for anyone seeking a brightening and hydrating moisturizer.

Tester Lili Ladaga, an editor at Everyday Health, praised the lotion’s texture and performance, noting that while it goes on light and creamy, it delivers rich hydration that lasts. “My dry/combination skin drank this up,” she shares, adding, “It felt very rich and thick (in a good way) and really moisturized and plumped my skin.” While the formula takes a bit of time to absorb fully, it leaves a smooth finish that almost mimics a primer in the morning. The citrus scent, from natural lemon and orange peel oils, was also well-received by Ladaga: “It has a heavenly, light citrus scent ... the feel of this facial lotion is delectable.”

Despite the higher price point, Ladaga says that the product delivered noticeable results with minimal product needed per application. “A pea-size amount covered my entire face and neck,” Ladaga notes, “so the bottle can last quite a while.” Ultimately, Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion strikes a unique balance: It is lightweight enough for daily wear and potent enough to deliver lasting moisture.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a rich, dermatologist-developed moisturizer formulated to hydrate and restore the skin’s natural barrier. Ideal for normal to dry skin on both the face and body, the cream is fragrance-free, allergy-tested, noncomedogenic, and accepted by the National Eczema Association. Eczema is a group of inflammatory skin conditions that produce rash-like symptoms, such as irritated, itchy patches on the skin, which can be present on the face or body.

Tester Amy Marschall, PsyD, appreciated the cream’s effectiveness and rich hydration, but she had mixed feelings about its packaging and texture. She notes, “It’s easy to apply but took more rubbing than other products I have tested,” pointing to its thicker consistency.

While it absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling nourished, the container it comes in was a downside for Marschall: “I prefer moisturizers that I squirt into my hand, and this comes in a jar that I had to dip my fingers into. I don’t like that.”

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is designed to relieve dryness while strengthening the skin barrier. Its nongreasy finish and long-lasting hydration make it a staple for everyday use, especially during colder months or for skin that is prone to irritation.

TULA Skincare Protect + Plump is a noncomedogenic, lightweight moisturizer designed to nourish, protect, and visibly plump the skin. The product absorbs quickly and is designed to leave no greasy residue, making it an ideal option for daytime wear for those with combination skin.

As the tester of this product, I appreciated the quick absorption and smooth application. Its pump packaging was also a highlight, as I felt it was hygienic and easy to control. However, the moisturizer didn’t provide enough hydration for nighttime use, at least not for me. I preferred this product for daytime use only.

I appreciate the feel and concept behind the product; however, within my limited three-week testing window, I did not notice a significant visible reduction in fine lines. For plumpness, I saw some improvement right after applying it, and my skin appeared to glow every morning. Tula’s Protect and Plump stood out as a pleasant, easy-to-use daytime moisturizer, best suited for those with combination skin looking for a fresh, nongreasy feel and skin-supportive ingredients without a heavy finish.

Heger, who also tested this product, appreciated the cream’s nourishing formula and clean ingredient list, but she noted its heavier consistency and tendency to feel greasy. “The initial texture is whipped/light, but it kind of melts into an oily cream,” she says. In terms of its effectiveness, Heger remarks, “It’s very moisturizing, but I didn’t notice a big difference in discoloration or fine lines.” While she found the floral scent pleasant and says that the product ideal for dry winter skin, she thinks that its oily texture makes it better suited for nighttime use. Ultimately, this handmade, U.S.-crafted cream is highly recommended for those seeking a natural moisturizer that provides rich hydration and focuses on supporting the skin barrier.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb is a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer designed to deliver intense hydration using a blend of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and herbal extracts. The intense moisture and nongreasy finish make it especially appealing for those seeking hydration without heaviness.

As the tester of this product, I could not get enough of the lasting hydration and cooling sensation, especially in my dry climate (Colorado). The gel-based moisturizer appears thick at first when applied, but the primary benefit I noticed was its lasting moisture. I would put it on before bed, and even upon waking in the morning, my face still felt hydrated. The product’s lightweight consistency absorbed quickly, though I did notice a slight stickiness after application. This wasn’t an issue for me, but it may be an issue for others.

While the intense hydration and refreshing feel were clear highlights, I had mixed feelings about the scent. It was almost a floral or botanical fragrance, which I didn’t care for. This was my least favorite feature, although it didn’t deter me from continuing to use it. Overall, Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb lives up to its name, offering a surge of hydration that’s especially satisfying after sun exposure, hot showers, or dry weather, making it a go-to for skin that needs a moisture boost, with a cooling bonus, without the weight of traditional creams.

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer is a Korean skin-care product formulated to provide long-lasting hydration and barrier support for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin. Formulated with blue hyaluronic acid, ceramide, and squalane, the cream aims to visibly firm the skin and reinforce the moisture barrier. The product is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and safe for sensitive users, making it a standout choice for this category.

Blue hyaluronic acid is a key component in Laneige’s Water Bank line. According to the website, it is described as a more potent form of hyaluronic acid, known for its enhanced moisturizing and skin barrier repair capabilities. However, it is essential to note that there is limited clinical research on blue hyaluronic acid specifically.

Everyday Health editorial director Simone Scully praised the moisturizer’s rich yet fast-absorbing texture. She notes, “It absorbs kind of like butter,” emphasizing how the cream melts into the skin without leaving behind a greasy or sticky residue.” Scully also commented on an immediate improvement in skin softness and hydration, stating, “My skin started feeling softer right away ... and just kept getting better.” As someone with sensitive skin, Scully was quick to highlight the formula’s nonirritating nature, reporting no breakouts or adverse reactions, even around hormonal cycles.

Beyond its performance, the product’s sustainability also stood out. The cream comes in a refillable pod system that reduces plastic waste by 70 percent, making it an appealing option for eco-conscious consumers. “The refill isn’t much cheaper,” Scully says, “but it makes me feel better about my environmental footprint.”

This balance of skin-care performance and sustainability helped solidify the Laneige Water Bank Cream as a go-to Korean moisturizer for those with sensitive skin. As Scully describes it, it is an “all-time favorite” and an “awesome product” that she plans to continue using.