How to Choose a Moisturizer

A moisturizer does three things: it draws water in, it softens, and it seals. The best formulas do all three, which is why ingredient lists matter more than the words on the front of the jar.

Look for humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, emollients such as squalane, and barrier lipids such as ceramides. If a formula has all three, texture becomes a matter of preference rather than performance.

Oily skin still needs moisturizer. Skipping it often makes oil production worse, not better — choose a lighter texture rather than nothing at all.