The 7 Best Moisturizers For Aging Skin That Lock In Hydration (2025)

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Forbes Vetted

ByKatherine Louie, Commerce Editor

I’ve been covering lifestyle content for over seven years.

Reviewed byJane Sung, Deputy Editor

The best moisturizers for aging skin work to hydrate and improve texture, tone and elasticity. When choosing the right formula, consider the key ingredients, your skin type and primary concerns. Our top pick the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore is an editor favorite that’s packed with antioxidants and essential lipids to boost hydration and restore skin elasticity.

Pay special attention to the active ingredients listed on the product. “Hydrators like peptides, ceramides, vitamin C, niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate are all beneficial,” says aesthetician Alexandra Wagner. And if your skin is sensitive, it’s ideal to avoid formulas with heavy fragrance, alcohol or parabens, which can aggravate the complexion and adversely cause dryness. Below, find the best moisturizers for sensitive skin that hydrate and nourish.

Best Moisturizer Overall For Aging Skin

A Nourishing Cream That Caters To All Skin Types

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

Key ingredients: Ceramides, fatty acids, vitamin E |Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, sensitive, oily |Size: 1.6 ounces |Price per fluid ounce: $97

The SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore is a dermatologist-recommended and editor-favorite emollient cream that helps repair a compromised skin barrier and soften the skin, keeping it healthy and strong. The formula features antioxidants, essential lipids and vitamin E to restore elasticity and radiance while protecting against free radical and environmental damage.

What our editors say: “The cream is rich and nourishing—I typically use it at night, but in the winter, I layer it over the brand’sC E Ferulic serum. It glides on smoothly, never pills and has helped prevent dry skin, especially during colder months,” says home and kitchen editorSholeen Damarwala. Another editor appreciates how fast-absorbing it is and its lightweight yet hydrating feel. “It has a nice plumping effect, which I find blurs the thin forehead lines I’m starting to develop with age,” says senior deals editorKara Cuzzone.

Best Value Moisturizer For Aging Skin

An Affordable Pick For Face And Body

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Key ingredients: Glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid |Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, sensitive, oily |Size: 16 ounces |Price per fluid ounce: $1.25

This tried-and-true drugstore favorite helps replenish the skin barrier thanks to three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid. The formula absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue and gives long-lasting hydration. It’s also fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, allergy-tested, and has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, so it’s a great option for those with sensitive skin.

Best Luxury Moisturizer For Aging Skin

A Fast-Absorbing Formula With A Smooth Finish

Yoé Ympossible Cream

Key ingredients: SynerGenius complex, squalane, hydrogenated jojoba oil,niacinamide, hyaluronic acid |Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, sensitive, oily |Size: 1 ounce | Price per fluid ounce: $185

This nourishing moisturizer targets multiple signs of aging—from fine lines to lack of firmness—and helps strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. The hero ingredient is the brand’s proprietary SynerGenius complex, a potent blend of botanical and bioengineered actives such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, red algae and timeout pepper (a lesser-known additive that can improve skin tone). It also doubles as an overnight treatment for severely dry, red or irritated skin. Another benefit? It has a velvety, almost matte finish.

What our editors say: “I find the formula calming and incredibly nourishing even when my skin is on the drier side,” says deputy editor Jane Sung, who has been using this as a daytime moisturizer for months. “I like how rich it is but how well it layers over skincare and under sunscreen or makeup without being greasy.”

Best Moisturizer For Dry, Aging Skin

A Plant-Based Formula Created By A Dermatologist

Doctor Rogers Face Cream

Key ingredients: Squalane, glycerin, shea butter,niacinamide, centella asiatica extract |Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, sensitive, oily |Size: 1.7 ounces |Price per fluid ounce: $45.88

If you have parched skin, this dermatologist-developed cream does an excellent job of hydrating, strengthening and plumping the complexion. Squalane, glycerin and shea butter provide all-day hydration, while niacinamide can help improve elasticity. It also contains centella asiatica extract, which is known for its soothing and healing properties (widely used in Korean skincare products). Due to its targeted ingredient list, customers with eczema and other skin conditions say it’s calming and doesn’t cause flare-ups.

What our editors say: “This is my winter face cream go-to and also what I use if my skin is irritated or especially dry,” says Sung. “It has a decadent, rich texture that makes it especially great for slathering on at night after applying your favorite retinol or active serums.”

Best Moisturizer For Sensitive, Aging Skin

Rich Texture And Clinically Tested

La Roche-Posay Substiane Riche

Key ingredients: Pro-Xylane, glycerin, shea butter, silica, dimethicone, prebiotic thermal spring water |Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, sensitive, oily |Size: 1.35 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $44

This allergy- and dermatologist-tested product deeply moisturizes, boosts radiance and helps the skin feel firmer after just a few uses. Glycerin and shea butter hydrate, while the brand’s selenium-rich thermal spring water provides antioxidants to protect against free radical damage. It has a thick texture but glides on smoothly and doesn’t cause breakouts or irritation, even for those with the most sensitive skin. Reviewers note this product works just as well, if not better, than more expensive brands—making their skin noticeably firmer and brighter with each use.

Best Brightening Moisturizer For Aging Skin

Contains Mushroom Extracts To Brighten And Smooth

A.P. Chem MicroDose Moisturizer

Key ingredients: Mushroom complex, polyglutamic acid, GABA (amino acid), hyaluronic acid, baicalin |Skin type: Normal, combination, dry |Size: 1.7 ounces |Price per fluid ounce: $44

Formulated to brighten, hydrate, smooth and protect, this unique moisturizer is infused with a proprietary blend of eight different mushroom extracts. It also contains GABA, a naturally occurring neuropeptide that targets fine lines and wrinkles, while polyglutamic acid prevents moisture loss for plump, hydrated skin year-round. It’s also fragrance- and dye-free, dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested and cruelty-free. Reviewers say it absorbs nicely with no greasy or oily residue and feels refreshing.

Best Moisturizer For Aging Skin With SPF

A Multitasking Formula With Sun Protection

MOST POPULAR

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery

Key ingredients: Polypeptide blend, white tea extract, squalane |Skin type: Normal, dry, combination |Size: 1.7 ounces, 3.4 ounces |Price per fluid ounce:$23

Choosing a moisturizer with SPF eliminates the need to use two separate products. “Sunscreen is by far the most important anti-aging ingredient you can use,” saysDr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It is your primary line of defense against UV exposure, which is the biggest cause of premature skin aging,” We recommend this pick because of its multitasking formula that hydrates, stimulates collagen and supports the skin barrier. Plus, it has a silky texture that melts into the skin and provides an excellent base for makeup.

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Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched and written dozens of skincare stories, including roundups of the best face moisturizers, vitamin C serums, hyaluronic acid serums and more.

  • Author of this story Katherine Louie is a lifestyle commerce editor with over seven years of firsthand experience testing skincare, makeup, haircare and more.
  • This story was assigned and edited by deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the beauty and grooming category and has over two decades of experience covering everything from anti-aging devices to hair removal tools.
  • We gathered key insight and guidance from Alexandra Wagner, an aesthetician in Venice, California, and Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

How We Chose The Best Moisturizers For Aging Skin

To narrow down our options for the best moisturizers for aging skin, we tapped into our deep market knowledge and extensive testing experience, highlighting products and brands that offer nourishing, effective formulas.

  • We evaluated the key ingredients in our top picks to ensure they cater to various skin types and preferences.
  • Our experts made recommendations based on their professional experience, while customer reviews were examined for standout product traits. As everyone’s budget looks slightly different, we included a wide range of prices.
  • In addition to Louie’s personal experience with these brands, our staffers shared their firsthand experience with some picks. Sung considers the Yoé Ympossible Cream and the Doctor Rogers Face Cream favorites, while editors Sholeen Damarwala and Kara Cuzzone are fans of the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2.

What To Consider In A Moisturizer For Aging Skin

There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best moisturizers for aging skin. After consulting with two experts, here’s what to keep in mind.

Skin Type

As with most skincare products, you should first consider your skin type since it can vary even as you age. If you have dry skin, consider a thicker cream like the Doctor Rogers Face Cream, which contains hydrating actives like squalane, glycerin and shea butter. On the other hand, the A.P. Chem MicroDose Moisturizer has a gel-like consistency and might work better for those with oily complexions.

Ingredients

Our experts agree that certain ingredients are most beneficial in a moisturizer for aging skin. Hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the body, is a popular active that’s good at retaining water—and thus good at keeping your skin hydrated. “Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which acts like a sponge to pull in hydration to the outer skin layer,” says Zeichner. Other ingredients to look out for include peptides, ceramides, vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol and alpha hydroxy acids to target a brighter and more youthful appearance.

Formula

Skin can become drier with age, but that doesn’t necessarily mean thicker formulas are better. The right texture—from a lotion to a heavier cream—can be key to delivering the best combination of ingredients. The climate where you live and the current season can also determine the best formula for your skin. For example, you might need a heavier moisturizer in the colder months to combat the dry, windy conditions.

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The 7 Best Moisturizers For Aging Skin That Lock In Hydration (2025)

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