Which Skin Moisturizer Works Best

On a weekday morning when you want to wash your face, put one thing on, and leave, Cetaphil Tinted Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50 makes the most sense. We like it because it handles hydration and sun protection in the same daily step, and the maker says it is formulated with niacinamide and vitamin E to support the skin barrier. Compared with Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, this one wins when SPF matters, not just moisture. Compared with Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15, it gives you more sun protection. You do need to want a tinted product.

After a long day when your face feels warm and you want moisture without a creamy feel, Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is the one we would reach for. It is a refreshing, oil-free gel moisturizer, and the maker lists aloe bioferment and hyaluronic acid to help skin retain moisture. This is where it beats both Cetaphil picks if texture is your whole issue, because they are not pitched as gel moisturizers. It loses to Cetaphil Tinted Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50 and Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 when you want built-in SPF. You have to like a gel more than a creamier texture.

In a simple morning routine when your skin gets picky and you only need basic SPF, Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 keeps things uncomplicated. We like that it is lightweight and non-greasy, hydrates, and provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, with the maker saying it is formulated to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier. Compared with Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, this one adds sun protection instead of only hydration. Compared with Cetaphil Tinted Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50, it is the easier fit if you do not want tint. It only gives you SPF 15, so it is not the one when you need higher SPF.