How to Choose a Moisturizer for Your Skin Type
Every skin type needs a moisturizer, including oily skin. What changes is the texture and the ingredients. To choose a moisturizer, start with your skin type, then look at the ingredients and the finish you want, and decide whether you want sun protection built in.
This guide explains which moisturizer is best for oily skin, which suits dry skin, what combination and sensitive skin need, and how to use moisturizer so it actually works.
What a moisturizer does
A moisturizer helps keep the skin soft, comfortable and supple. It does this in three ways, and good formulas usually combine all three:
- Humectants such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and betaine help draw water into the outer layer of the skin.
- Emollients such as squalane and plant oils soften rough skin and fill in the gaps between surface cells.
- Barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides, niacinamide and panthenol help the skin hold on to water.
How to choose a moisturizer by skin type
| Skin type | Look for | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Oily | Lightweight, non-greasy gels or lotions; niacinamide; a matte finish | Heavy creams and rich oils all over |
| Dry | Creamier textures; ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane | Alcohol-heavy formulas and very light gels in winter |
| Combination | A light, non-greasy moisturizer all over, with a little more on dry areas | Using a heavy cream on the T-zone |
| Sensitive | Short ingredient lists, soothing ingredients, a patch test first | Strong fragrance and several new products at once |
| Normal | A light, comfortable daily moisturizer | Overcomplicating it |
Which moisturizer is best for oily skin?
A light, non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly. Oily skin can still be short of water, and skipping moisturizer can leave it dehydrated, which can make it feel tight and look oilier. Niacinamide is a helpful ingredient for oily skin because it supports the skin barrier and can help refine the look of pores over time. Use a coin-sized amount, not more.
Which moisturizer is best for dry skin?
One with a mix of humectants, emollients and barrier-supporting ingredients, in a texture rich enough to feel comfortable for hours. Apply it to slightly damp skin. In winter, many people with dry skin add a hydrating serum underneath; see our winter skincare routine for dry skin.
Combination and sensitive skin
Combination skin does well with one light moisturizer all over and a little more on the drier cheeks. Sensitive skin needs fewer, gentler ingredients and a patch test before anything new. Our guide to combination skin covers the balance in detail.
Moisturizer with SPF: when is it enough?
A moisturizer with SPF combines two steps, which makes it easier to protect your skin every day. On days you are mostly indoors, it can cover your daily protection. On days you will be outdoors for longer, use it as your moisturizer and apply a dedicated sunscreen on top, because most people apply less moisturizer than is needed to reach the SPF on the label. Our guide on moisturizer or sunscreen first explains the order.
The Skinolin moisturizer
The All-in-1 Moisturiser with SPF 30 is a light, non-greasy niacinamide moisturizer with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, betaine, D-panthenol, olive squalene and sweet almond oil, plus red clover, gotu kola and chamomile extracts. It suits dry, oily and combination skin, layers under makeup, and is labeled for morning and night use. For outdoor days, pair it with the Anhydrous Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++; the Hydra-locking duo brings the two together. See every option in the Moisturizers collection.
How to use moisturizer
- Cleanse, then tone or mist. Moisturizer goes on clean skin.
- Apply your serum first, if you use one, and let it absorb.
- Use the right amount. About a coin-sized amount for the face and neck; a little more for very dry skin.
- Apply to slightly damp skin. It helps the skin hold on to water.
- Massage in gently, with upward strokes on the face and down the neck.
- In the morning, finish with sunscreen if you will be outdoors, after the moisturizer has settled.
Not sure where moisturizer sits among your other products? See our skincare routine order.
Signs you have the wrong moisturizer
- Your skin feels tight or dry within a few hours: try a richer texture.
- Your skin looks greasy or makeup slides off: try a lighter one, or use less.
- You get new small bumps: check the texture and how much you use, and introduce one product at a time.
- Your skin stings or turns red: stop and choose something gentler.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right moisturizer?
Start with your skin type, then check the ingredients and the finish. Oily skin suits light, non-greasy formulas; dry skin suits creamier textures with hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients.
Which moisturizer is best for oily skin?
A lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer that absorbs quickly. Niacinamide is a useful ingredient for oily skin.
Which moisturizer is best for dry skin?
One that combines humectants such as hyaluronic acid with emollients and ceramides, applied to slightly damp skin.
Does oily skin need moisturizer?
Yes. Skipping it can leave oily skin dehydrated. Use a light formula and a small amount.
Can I use moisturizer with SPF instead of sunscreen?
On days you are mostly indoors, a moisturizer with SPF can cover daily protection. Outdoors, apply a dedicated sunscreen on top.
Should I apply moisturizer on wet or dry skin?
On slightly damp skin, straight after toning or your serum. It helps hold water in.
How much moisturizer should I use?
About a coin-sized amount for the face and neck. Use a little more on very dry skin and a little less on oily skin.
Can I use the same moisturizer day and night?
Yes, if it suits your skin and the label allows it. The All-in-1 Moisturiser with SPF 30 is labeled for morning and night use.
Should I change my moisturizer in winter?
Many people with dry or normal skin use a richer layer or add a hydrating serum in winter. If your skin stays comfortable, you do not need to change.
The short version
Choose a moisturizer by skin type: light and non-greasy for oily skin, creamier for dry skin, light with a little extra on dry areas for combination skin, and short and gentle for sensitive skin. Look for a mix of hydrating, softening and barrier-supporting ingredients, apply it to slightly damp skin, and use sunscreen on top outdoors.
Sources and further reading
Further reading from dermatology organizations and published research:
