12 Best Facial Creams for Women That Can Change Your Skincare Game

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Apr 08, 2024
Facial Creams for Women That Can Change Your Skin Care Game
Facial Creams for Women That Can Change Your Skin Care Game
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

A moisturizer is the last and final step of your skincare routine that protects the skin barrier, infuses hydration, replenishes skin, and makes the skin glow among other benefits. These best facial creams for women have indeed the potential to change the skincare game for you! Also, when it comes to anti-aging products, there can never be anything as good as a moisturizer that transforms your skin while you sleep.

Dr. Alexis Granite, a renowned certified dermatologist, explains her notion of skin cycling when it comes to infusing active ingredients into the skin through moisturizers. The dermatologist says, "The concept of skin cycling applies to a nighttime routine and involves using specific active ingredients only on certain days, followed by 'rest' days. The rest phase allows the skin to repair and reduce the risk of irritation. A four-day cycle is the most popular, so using an active ingredient for two nights, followed by two nights of rest, then repeat, and so on.”  She continued, "Anyone can benefit from skin cycling, but particularly those with sensitive skin. Cycling is a nice option when starting potentially irritating ingredients such as retinol and exfoliators.” So, now that you know how to incorporate products with active ingredients into your skin, take a look at these—

12 Best Facial Creams for Women

We are amazed at the multifaceted benefits this moisturizer by Murad offers to your skin. The state-of-the-art formula boasts a potent concentration of vitamin C, which invigorates your skin and catalyzes collagen production for a younger-looking complexion. It also contains antioxidant-rich ingredients such as ginkgo biloba, and vitamins A and E that protect your skin by battling free radical damage. Moreover, the rich humectants infused in this product make your skin feel so refreshed and hydrated that you’ll never go a day without applying it. Besides, our personal experience with this product left us drooling over it and we recommend it for all skin types!

Pros
  • Alcohol-free
  • Vegan formula
  • Brightens the complexion
  • Soothes inflamed skin areas
  • Broad-spectrum SPF 30
  • Revitalized photodamaged skin
  • No parabens or phthalates
  • A little goes a long way
  • Helps reduce dark spots
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Not for smell-sensitive people
  • Best for Mature Skin

    Olay Regenerist Micro-sculpting Cream

    Olay Regenerist Micro-sculpting Cream
  • Olay Regenerist Cream is a blessing in disguise for women with mature skin. This collagen-boosting cream is already making its way to the beauty stash of women who like to age gracefully. It is one of the best face creams for women over 40 to help them achieve bouncy, firm, and younger-looking skin. The powerful ingredients in the product visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while removing dead skin cells and helping the skin to turn over.

    Pros
    • Lifts the skin
    • Makes skin bouncy
    • Collagen infused
    • Best for dry skin
    • Reduces fine lines
    • Makes skin soft
    Cons
    • Overpowering smell
  • L'Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift Bright Reveal

    L'Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift Bright Reveal
  • The brightening moisturizer does more than you can imagine! Infused with glycolic acid, the moisturizer comes with SPF 30 which shields your skin from the Sun's harmful UV rays. It contains powerful ingredients like vitamin C and retinol that help in correcting uneven skin tone and reducing the appearance of wrinkles respectively (1), (2). This facial product for women replenishes your skin by boosting hydration and providing aging skin great support to remain youthful.

    Pros
    • Broad-spectrum SPF
    • Brightens skin
    • Provides moisturization
    • Removes dead skin cells
    • Reduces fine lines
    • Smoothens face
    Cons
    • Strong smell
  • Best Day Moisturizer

    Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer

    Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
  • Don’t underestimate the lightweight, whipped formula of this facial cream by Peter Thomas Roth as its hydration benefits are rather astounding. By leveraging its hero ingredient hyaluronic acid, the formula ensures that water penetrates deep through the layers of your skin and stays there to prevent dehydration or tightness and keep you feeling refreshed. To enhance this, the formula also contains essential ceramides and silicone that hold moisture in your skin and prevent transepidermal water loss. Moreover, we recommend this moisturizer for all skin types as it doesn’t make your skin greasy, irritate it, or cause any dryness. 

    Pros
    • Improves skin elasticity
    • Softens skin texture
    • No parabens or phthalates
    • Long-lasting hydration
    • Plumps up the skin
    • Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
    • Oil-free and fragrance-free
    Cons
    • Seems a bit watered down
    • Doesn’t absorb easily
  • RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Cream

    RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Cream
  • Infused with the goodness of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinol, the RoC retinol cream deeply hydrates the skin for 48 hours. Retinol, which is known to be the most powerful component for aging skin, removes the appearance of fine lines gently (2). The proven formula of the face moisturizer for women makes the skin soft, refreshes the complexion, and makes the skin supple. The anti-aging treatment is the best for those who are looking to reduce dark circles, crow’s feet, and uneven skin tone.

    Pros
    • Hydrates the skin
    • Fast absorbing
    • Clinically proven formula
    • Reduces fine lines
    • Oil-free
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Little tingling effect
  • Best for Dehydrated Skin

    Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

    Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
  • Quench the thirst of your dehydrated skin with this revolutionary product that every skincare enthusiast is talking about! The Hydro Boost Gel contains the powerful formula of hyaluronic acid which is known to be the most potent ingredient for hydration. The oil-free moisturizer leaves the skin smooth and supple while ensuring the additional amount of moisturization that other products fail to provide. This facial cream for women comes in a non-comedogenic formula that ensures hydration for 48 hours without leaving a trace.

    Pros
    • Moisturizes skin
    • Smoothens skin
    • Oil-free
    • Dye-free
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Fast-absorbing
    Cons
    • Strong scent
  • Best for Sensitive Skin

    La Roche-Posay Double Repair Moisturizer

    La Roche-Posay Double Repair Moisturizer
  • This dermatologist-tested facial moisturizer not only provides your skin with great hydration but also protects your skin from harmful UV rays. The product contains glycerin and niacinamide, prebiotic thermal water, and ceramide-3 that strengthen the skin barrier while ensuring a 48-hours of moisturization (3). The lightweight face cream has active ingredients like homosalate, octisalate, avobenzone, and octocrylene to provide you with the best of skincare.

    Pros
    • Contains SPF 30
    • Unscented
    • Oil-free
    • Protects skin
    • Best for sensitive skin
    • Dermatologist-tested
    Cons
    • May burn eyes
  • Best for Combination Skin

    CETAPHIL Daily Oil-free Hydrating Lotion

    CETAPHIL Daily Oil-free Hydrating Lotion
  • This is one of the best face moisturizers for women that goes really well for combination skin. The moisturizer claims to provide instant moisturization that lasts on your skin for more than 24 hours. With the powerful formula of hyaluronic acid, the clinically tested product is a fast-absorbing product that is gentle on your skin. The hypoallergenic product doesn’t clog pores and ensures it doesn’t facilitate acne in the long run. The unscented lotion is non-greasy and is formulated to be non-irritating.

    Pros
    • 24 hours of moisturization
    • Fast-absorbing
    • Non-greasy
    • Clinically tested
    • Works on sensitive skin
    • Non-irritating
    Cons
    • Expensive compared to the quantity
  • Best for Oily Skin

    belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

    belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
  • The Aqua Bomb moisturizer stands true to its name and adds a splash of hydration to your face. Rich in antioxidants, oat husk, and lady mantle, the moisturizer claims to minimize pores, one of the biggest concerns for oily skin people. Other than that, it leaves a comfortable protection barrier on your skin with the refreshing lightweight formula. This is one good facial cream that is clinically tested to smoothen out the skin's surface without making it greasy.

    Pros
    • Boosts hydration
    • Non-greasy
    • Clinically tested
    • Works on oily skin
    • Rich in antioxidants
    • Protects skin barrier
    Cons
    • Not cruelty-free
  • L'Oreal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler

    L'Oreal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler
  • The facial cream provides intense hydration with its lightweight formula that absorbs quickly into the skin. It provides younger-looking skin that stays nourished all day long without feeling greasy. With the goodness of collagen, the moisturizer helps in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and makes the skin plumper and smoother. Replenish your skin overnight and help it to stay healthy by providing essential ingredients that include shea butter, glycerine, and revolutionary acids.

    Pros
    • Fragrance-free
    • Lightweight
    • Non-greasy
    • Makes skin smoother
    • Nourishes skin
    • Requires little product
    Cons
    • Not for sensitive skin
  • REMEDIAL Day & Night Retinol & Collagen Moisturizer Face Cream

    REMEDIAL Day & Night Retinol & Collagen Moisturizer Face Cream
  • This Remedial facial moisturizer comes with a collagen-boosting formula that offers a perfect blend of everything, from restoring skin elasticity to cleansing pores to locking in moisture! The non-greasy texture of the cream feels amazing on the skin and the whole experience gets even better when the face feels moisturized for a long time. With the goodness of hyaluronic acid and retinol, this women's face cream provides all the necessary nutrients to your skin and blesses you with youthful skin.

    Pros
    • No fragrance
    • Anti-wrinkle formula
    • Reduces fine lines
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Restores skin elasticity
    • No nasty chemicals or preservatives
    Cons
    • Hard to get out of container
  • Burt's Bees Firming Moisturizing Cream

    Burt's Bees Firming Moisturizing Cream
  • The firming face cream reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while brightening your face for a natural glow. With exotic natural ingredients like bakuchiol, squalane, cica, and active ingredients like lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and ceramide, the retinol-based cream feels gentle on your skin, effectively improves the skin barrier, and reduces dullness. This clinically-shown top-rated facial cream for women provides a radiance to your skin, makes skin hydrated, and works as a great anti-aging source to mature skin.

    Pros
    • Reduces wrinkles
    • Improves firmness
    • Provides glow
    • Hydrates skin
    • No parabens
    • Non-SLS
    Cons
    • Takes time to absorb

    How to Choose the Best Face Cream for Women?

    Let us guide you on how you can choose the best face cream for your face-

    a) Skin type- If you apply the moisturizer which suits your skin type, you are already halfway there! For oily acne-prone skin, it is advisable to go for non-comedogenic creams that won’t clog pores while people with dry skin can go with oil-based creams that will boost further moisturization into their skin. For sensitive skin, it will be wise to go with creams that are dermatologist-approved.

    b) Texture-  Texture plays a great role when it comes to picking the right product. A heavier texture is best for people with flaky and dry skin, while the gel-based and non-greasy texture is preferred by oily skin beauties.

    c) Scent- Sensitive skin beauties should stay away from scented products as they may cause irritated skin! Furthermore, people who are sensitive to smell should not invest in a product with an artificial scent that may trigger their senses.

    d) SPF- If you are looking for a daytime moisturizer, look for SPF for that extra protection from the harmful rays of the sun. However, it is always recommended to use an added layer of sunscreen even if your moisturizer contains SPF.

    e) Ingredients- A moisturizer is an investment for your skin! So you must ensure that in the name of providing great care and addressing your skin concerns, you are not infusing any nasty chemicals like SLS and phthalates or harmful preservatives. Say adios to moisturizers with these harmful ingredients!

    How to Use the Best Face Cream for Women?

    a) Always start with a clean face. If you have applied makeup, take an oil cleanser or a facial wipe to remove it first.

    b) After that, take a gentle cleanser and apply it all over the face to clean properly before washing it off.

    c) Pat your face dry and apply a mist or toner to balance the pH of your skin.

    d) Take your favorite serum and apply it all over the face and massage gently with the tip of your fingers.

    e) Now, take the moisturizer and apply a coin-sized amount to your face, and spread it all over the face by massaging gently.

    f) If it is daytime, don’t forget to apply sunscreen even if your moisturizer contains SPF.

    So which product made its way into your cart? These best facial creams for women are indeed a great investment for the health of your skin in the long run. They are carefully curated, top-rated in the beauty industry, and loved by skincare enthusiasts all over the world. Do a favor to your facial skin and do not think twice to grab them.

    FAQ's

    What is the right way to apply face cream?
    It is always advisable to apply the face cream on your damp face so that the moisture gets absorbed better. However, in the case of retinol-based cream, it is advised the opposite. Apply a coin-sized amount to your face and gently massage the face outward.
    How long should cream stay on your face?
    Night cream should be left overnight to see the significant difference in your skin. Day cream too should be left all day to protect skin from the sun as most of the day creams these days contain SPF.
    How do you apply face cream to prevent wrinkles?
    Face cream should be applied to the face gently without tugging or pulling so that no fine lines or wrinkles can appear in the long run.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Skincare aficionado Anoushka says that facial creams are an essential part of any skincare routine – they nourish and rejuvenate the skin. While picking a cream, she suggests that you look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins, minerals, and botanical extracts. After extensively testing all 10 of the products, she fell in love with Olay’s Regenerist Micro-sculpting Cream. Infused with collagen, it made her skin feel firm and bouncy while also getting rid of dead skin cells. Plus, it also left her parched skin feeling supple and hydrated.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    1. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health-

     https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/8/866

    2. Improvement of Naturally Aged Skin With Vitamin A (Retinol)- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/412795

    3. An in vitro evaluation of a niacinamide-panthenol-glycerin complex on skin barrier function, hydration, and neuroinflammation- https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(22)01146-X/fulltext

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More