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Even if you only dabble in skin care, you’ve probably heard a lot of opinions about what you should—and shouldn’t—put on your face. But we can assure you that three steps aren’t up for debate: Cleanse, wear sunscreen, and moisturize.
That last one is why we’re here: to bring you the very best moisturizers and eye creams we tested for the SELF 2024 Healthy Beauty Awards. Who’s “we”? Dozens of people with a variety of skin types, tones, and concerns. Because that’s the thing about moisturizers: They’re not one-formula-fits-all. One person’s holy grail hydrator is another person’s greasy fail. What makes one face glow makes another break out. Extra perks like brightening or smoothing may be the main selling point for some, and not worth the money for others. You get the point.
Considering the overwhelming number of options out there, hunting for “the one” can be tedious (and expensive), which is why we saved you the trouble and conducted rigorous face testing on your behalf.
The best choice for you will depend on your unique needs, of course, but we’re confident that this curated list has something for everyone and, honestly, we’re feeling a little emotional about it—not a dry (under)eye in the house.
Be sure to check out the rest of SELF’s 2024 Healthy Beauty Award winners here.
Why we love it: Not only can this comforting cream even out skin tone by calming irritation, but it feels light, hydrating, and refreshing. We like to think of it as spa water for your face.
Bonus points, per the experts: Thanks to the addition of calendula extract, this moisturizer can minimize inflammation and redness.
One tester said: “It has a gelatinous, bouncy texture and feels soothing and slightly cooling on my face. It absorbs quickly but doesn’t completely disappear into my skin, and once it sinks in, it doesn’t leave any residue or look oily at all.”
Why we love it: Our testers reported that this multitasking moisturizer sank in fast, didn’t feel heavy, and worked well under makeup. It also lived up to its name by delivering an overall brightening effect.
Bonus points, per the experts: This formula contains niacinamide and vitamin C, two ingredients known to fade hyperpigmentation.
One tester said: “My skin felt hydrated and smooth, without the tackiness I’ve noticed with other moisturizers. Even without any kind of tint over it, my face still looked better—more even and, yes, a little glowy.”
Just so you know: While the scent is subtle, this moisturizer does have added fragrance, which can be irritating for some people.
Why we love it: Price doesn’t always reflect quality in the skin care aisle, and this cute little blue jar is proof. It’s packed with ingredients that deliver lightweight, lasting moisture—for a reasonable $12.
Bonus points, per the experts: Squalane (a type of fat) won’t weigh your face down, but it does some heavy lifting here on the hydration front.
One tester said: “It feels like an instant facial. I kept mine cool in the fridge and I felt like I was at a spa when I applied it in the evenings. I have very sensitive skin, and this stuff left it feeling moisturized, plump, and not at all irritated.”
Just so you know: Gel-based formulas might not be hydrating enough for people with particularly dry skin.
Why we love it: Reviewers praised the airy feel of this soothing cream—and noted that it’s particularly great for hydrating normal, oily, and combination skin.
Bonus points, per the experts: Hyaluronic acid makes this winner a moisture magnet: The derm-approved ingredient attracts water to your skin—and keeps it there.
One tester said: “I deal with some dryness and sensitivity around my eyes, but my face often gets oily throughout the day, and this was just the perfect texture. It layered nicely over serum, didn’t pill under sunscreen, and prevented irritation when I applied it with my prescription retinoid (adapalene). It just made my face look and feel so good. I didn’t think I’d be running to repurchase a $48 cream, but here I am!”
Why we love it: CeraVe products may have simple packaging, but they work (just ask the brand’s enormous dermatologist fan club), and this “ultra-light,” oil-free formula is no exception. It’s gentle, moisturizing, and won’t leave you feeling greasy—a not-shining star in our book.
Bonus points, per the experts: Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are the hydration heroes here, while niacinamide can reduce the production of sebum (the skin’s natural oil).
One tester said: “This moisturizer leaves my skin feeling extremely soft. It has essentially no smell and you don’t need to wash it off your hands since it absorbs so quickly. Once it dries, it’s not heavy at all—I feel like I have nothing on my face.”
Why we love it: This elegant green bottle contains a mattifying formula that sinks in fast, leaves zero greasy residue, and has extra perks for acne-prone folks.
Bonus points, per the experts: The lactic acid here can unclog pores without causing irritation.
One tester said: “It made my skin look like itself on its very best day, rather than shiny or greasy. It’s the perfect pre-makeup daytime moisturizer, and I was genuinely excited to use it every morning. Plus, it looks beautiful on my bathroom sink. A workhorse and a hero.”
Why we love it: It’s all fun and games until retinol makes your face freak out. This cream strikes just the right balance between potent and gentle—the ideal scenario for sensitive skin types or retinol first-timers—and comes in a sanitary push-top container that dispenses the perfect amount.
Bonus points, per the experts: This formula includes ceramides, which can help support your skin barrier—and protect it from strong actives (like, yep, retinol).
One tester said: “I was a little nervous to try this cream because I have sensitive skin and have never used retinol every day, but it worked GREAT. I noticed that my dark spots from acne faded significantly after using it consistently for a month, and it gave me an overall glow without making my face look too dewy or greasy (which often happens with products that contain ceramides for me).”
Just so you know: Retinoids (including retinol) are most dermatologists’ number-one pick for minimizing wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, but they may require an adjustment period, especially if you have reactive skin.
Why we love it: Retinol may be the skin-smoothing queen, but we like to think of this extra-gentle, yet still powerful alternative as a princess—it graces your face with hydration and leaves you glowing.
Bonus points, per the experts: While bakuchiol isn’t as potent or well-studied as retinol and other retinoids, evidence suggests that it can reduce fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
One tester said: “I love the floral smell and the bling of the sparkly, purple-topped jar—it’s nostalgic and reminds me of my mom’s old dresser. I dot the moisturizer around my face before blending it in, and the creamy texture goes on effortlessly and makes my skin feel so soft. I’ve noticed my lines look less pronounced too.”
Why we love it: We’re here for any product that works its butt off while we rest. This tireless moisturizer is rich without feeling heavy and helps the skin barrier stay healthy and hydrated. In other words, it gives more expensive night creams a run for their money.
Bonus points, per the experts: The gentle, fragrance-free formula is packed with calming (and moisturizing) hyaluronic acid, a friend to reactive skin.
One tester said: “This cream gets in all the cracks and creases of my wrinkles without caking, and I appreciate that it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. It feels like a luxury product—without the luxury cost.”
Why we love it: We’re not ones to instantly fall for a fancy container, but in this case, it’s what’s on the inside that counts: This luxe-looking jar is filled with a silky, soothing, National Eczema Association–approved moisturizer that feels like a face hug.
Bonus points, per the experts: Colloidal oatmeal can minimize irritation and redness, and squalane is a known skin barrier supporter.
One tester said: “Anytime I felt like my face was looking dry and red, I’d slather this stuff on and wake up with skin that felt hydrated and balanced. It also played nice with various serums, layered well with other creams, and didn’t get all weird under my sunscreen. I’ve used up more than half the jar, and I might have to repurchase it—if my wallet can withstand the hit.”
Why we love it: If lying back with cucumber slices over your eyes is a luxury you don’t have time for, this little tube is the next best thing (especially on busy mornings). It calms, brightens, and depuffs in a matter of seconds.
Bonus points, per the experts: This formula contains peptides—known to promote collagen production and have a plumping, firming effect.
One tester said: “The gel itself is smooth and fast-absorbing, and the sensation of the metal rollerball applicator is pretty great—it cools my skin and feels like a gentle massage. It gave my under-eyes a bit of a glow and made them look less dark even after one application.”
Why we love it: Puffy, tired eyes deserve some serious support, and TruSkin’s silky Longevity Eye Cream is here to help: It can reduce swelling in the short-term and smooth skin in the long-term.
Bonus points, per the experts: Bakuchiol does double duty here: It’s been shown to minimize fine lines and make skin firmer over time.
One tester said: “Some eye creams cause your makeup to look clumpy, but my concealer went on so smoothly over this one. The results weren’t immediate, but once the cream was absorbed, it gradually worked its depuffing magic, which lasted about eight hours.”
Why we love it: We didn’t realize eye balms were a thing, to be honest, but if they’re all like this one, consider us fans. Along with smoothing lines and fading dark spots, she’s gentle and seriously hydrating—a star is born.
Bonus points, per the experts: With consistent use, the retinoids in this small but mighty jar can minimize fine lines and even out discoloration.
One tester said: “As someone with incredibly dry skin, this works wonders for keeping my eye area moisturized, and the hydration lasts the entire day! It’s also a solid primer for eye makeup. I plan to continue using it after the testing period—it’s giving me a glow I never had before.”
Just so you know: While the retinoids in this balm are relatively mild, you may still want to start slow, especially since the skin around your eyes is particularly delicate.
Why we love it: If your under eyes have (perhaps literally) been burned before by a potent retinol cream, this one from First Aid Beauty will make it up to you. It employs derm-favorite moisturizers to keep things calm (and hydrated) while it does its thing.
Bonus points, per the experts: The squalane and ceramides in this rich formula help offset the dehydrating effect of retinol.
One tester said: “The little tube dispenses just the right amount—not too much in one squeeze, but enough that I don’t have to fight to get more out—and the cream itself is lightweight. The best thing, though, is that it’s not drying! I’ve tried a couple of other retinol eye creams over the past year or two but they made my under-eye area red and flaky.”
Why we love it: Cetaphil’s famous gentle cleanser isn’t the only star in its lineup. This sensitive skin-friendly serum is soothing and smoothing—and under $30.
Bonus points, per the experts: Peptides help this winner minimize wrinkles, while niacinamide can calm irritation and brighten skin tone.
One tester said: “My under eyes get extremely dry, and the presence of fine lines has done nothing but increase since I turned 30. While nothing is going to reverse the clock, this eye serum is the next best thing. It left my skin feeling plump and hydrated, and my fine lines greatly diminished.”
Why we love it: If you think your under eyes don’t need their own dedicated sunscreen, you probably haven’t tried this little guy. It protects against UV damage, evens skin tone, and offers serious hydration.
Bonus points, per the experts: Since it includes vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant), this SPF may help minimize damage from the sun’s rays.
One tester said: “The formula is lightweight (it reminds me of my liquid foundation), the tint gives me a little coverage during outdoor activities and exercise (I live in Colorado), and I’ve had no issues with it irritating my eyelids or running into my eyes after sweating.”
