This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
SheFinds receives commissions for purchases made through the links in this post.
No skincare routine is complete without a moisturizer. The important face product is responsible for replenishing your skin’s moisture levels, helping to keep it strong and healthy in return. This is especially true if you’re over 30, a milestone age for the skin that brings new concerns that need to be addressed. “You have to get a full-body skin exam by a dermatologist by the time you turn 30. It’s important to have expert eyes take a look at any moles you may have and be able to follow them for changes in the future,” Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., tells Byrdie.
Where To Find The Best Moisturizers For Over 30
Looking for the best moisturizers for over 30? Dermatologists say that finding the perfect face cream requires understanding your specific skin type and the ingredients that work with it as opposed to against it. Keep scrolling to find six dermatologist-approved moisturizers that can help promote healthier, more radiant-looking skin:
1. Best Dermatologist-Recommended Drugstore Moisturizer
TRY IT: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer ($19.99)
What It Does:
-Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of everything from fine lines and wrinkles to dark spots and age spots.
-Hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated and plump.
-Uses retinol SA to promote cellular turnover and deliver a brighter, younger-looking complexion.
Why Dermatologists Love It:
"This is one of the best retinol creams available over the counter," Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology in NYC says. "It's inexpensive and effective for minimizing superficial wrinkles and fine lines. Plus, the silver container blocks light and allows it to remain stable longer."
Promising Review:
"I will be 80 next month and am told I don't look my age at all. I have been using this product for 6 years now and am very satisfied." - Nancy M. Greenwaldt
2. Best Dermatologist-Recommended Face Moisturizer With SPF
TRY IT: Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 40 PA+++ ($38)
What It Does:
-Provides intense moisture with its super-hydrating, whipped, lightweight formula.
-Acts as your daily dose of sunscreen using SPF 40 to protect your skin from UV rays, blue light, and pollution.
-Leaves skin with a natural, dewy look and perfectly prepped for makeup.
Why Dermatologists Love It:
"90 percent of the signs of aging come from unprotected UV exposure," explains Dr. Mona Gohara, associate clinical professor, Yale School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology. "A daily moisturizer with SPF kills two birds with one stone and keeps you looking younger longer."
Promising Review:
"Best sunscreen I have ever tried. Having dark skin it is really difficult to find a sunscreen that does not have a white cast or a tint that doesn’t match your skin in a reasonable price range. I have been dropping $60 on a sunscreen that does not have the added benefit of also being a moisturizer. Another thing I love about this moisturizer is that it has PA which is what you want in sunscreen if you are looking to diminish hyperpigmentation. It feels and performs like a luxury cream without the price tag." - ShobhaBeauty
3. Best Dermatologist-Recommended Face Moisturizer For Combination Skin
TRY IT: belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb ($38)
What It Does:
-Ultra-lightweight, oil-free gel-cream formula deeply hydrates skin without clogging pores.
-Instantly cools and refreshes skin using a blend of antioxidant-rich apothecary herbs and other hydrating ingredients.
-Helps neutralize skin-damaging free radicals, improve skin elasticity, and minimize the appearances of pores.
Why Dermatologists Love It:
"Moisturizing but not too greasy, this product is suitable for combination skin in particular. It is both paraben- and fragrance-free, and contains glycerin and macadamia seed oil, which help to provide hydration," notes Debra Jaliman, M.D., a dermatologist in the New York City area.
Promising Review:
"I've been a regular Clinque Dramatically Different Gel user for YEARS. I would always go back to it after trying new products but it always loses it's luster through certain parts of the year but the regular lotion is too rich. When I came across this and saw the reviews, I decided to give it a try....oh man. This stuff is ammaazzingg. Perfect if you have sensitive combination skin. I've been using it for 2 weeks and haven't had any issues and it's extremely moisturizing without feeling goopy. I love it and would highly recommend :)" - vng88
4. Best Dermatologist-Recommended Face Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin
TRY IT: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer ($13.99)
What It Does:
-Helps calm and soothe dry, sensitive skin while delivering lasting hydration.
-Rebalances and reduces the appearance of redness and irritated, dry skin using ingredients like feverfew and oat.
-Provides broad-spectrum SPF 15 UVA and UVB protection.
Why Dermatologists Love It:
"Feverfew is a botanical extract that helps calm inflammation,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, noting that the fragrance-free formula “can be used on people who have sensitive skin, facial redness, or even rosacea.”
Promising Review:
"My daughter (20) and I (60) both use this product as daily moisturizer. I have redness and this does keep my skin very calm. We both really like the way it makes our skin feel and have had no reactions to it. I've used make-up for 45+ years and my daughter is almost an expert with it, so we've experienced lots of cosmetics items (name brand and drugstore) and have found this to be one that works for us as a moisturizer. The price varies at different stores and this one seems to be a good price at current cost of $12.39. I rarely do reviews but thought I should convey our opinion of this product, as we have used this for a few years now, and it's a mainstay for us." - CLAW
5. Best Dermatologist-Recommended Face Moisturizer For Dry Skin
TRY IT: Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb The Antioxidant Super Moisturizer ($10.44)
What It Does:
-Gives skin instant hydration and leaves it looking healthier and more youthful.
-Hyaluronic acid works to promote moisturized skin by rebuilding the natural moisture barrier and plumping up dry lines.
-Formulated with vitamins C + E and antioxidant-rich goji berry and pomegranate to promote hydrated skin that is soft, fresh. and smooth.
Why Dermatologists Love It:
"[Hyaluronic acid is a humectant] and they draw water up from the dermis (the inner layer of skin) to the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) and absorb moisture from the air,” Dr. Yoram Harth, MD, San Francisco-based dermatologist and co-founder of MDacne, says of the moisturizer's hydrating ingredients.
Promising Review:
"I bought this after Laura Lee on YouTube suggested it. I have extremely dry skin that typically gets greasy with lotion. This has changed my skin tremendously. Even mid-winter, I don’t have any noticeable dry patches. Runs into the skin beautifully, and makeup applied seamlessly on top. Almost done with my first jar and will absolutely repurchase." - Mia Currier
6. Best Dermatologist-Recommended Face Moisturizer For Acne-Prone Skin
TRY IT: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Face Moisturizer ($31.99)
What It Does:
-Oil-free formula is designed to mattify skin and refine pores while providing healthy hydration.
-Uses the brand's Sebulyse Technology to target excess oil from clogging pores.
-Lipo-Hydroxy Acid (LHA) provides exfoliation to help visibly tighten enlarged pores while refining skin texture while Zinc Pidolate neutralizes shine.
Why Dermatologists Love It:
"I often recommend Effaclar Mat by La Roche-Posay because it mattifies skin and refines pores," explains Tamara Lazic Strugar, M.D., F.A.A.D., Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "It’s also oil-free and non-comedogenic, which is great for acne-prone skin types."
Promising Review:
"5/5 ALL THE WAY! I have acne-prone VERY oily skin! When I first applied this. It wasn't sticky at all and takes about 1-2 min to completely absorb into my skin! But once it dries down. It is MATTE! Believe me when I say this is GREAT. I have tried over 10 different moisturizers from drugstore to 60 dollars ones and all seems to be too sticky or leave my skin very oily! This is a miracle! Although I wish I would get more products because I can imagine I'd be running out of this in just 1 month. If you have oily skin and is acne prone. This is going a MIRACLE WORKER for you. This is my 1st week of using this moisturizer and it has not broken me out yet which is another plus! TOTALLY RECOMMEND to any of my oily skin gals out there!" - Crazy Alpaca Sugar Mama
