Best Overall

Sincerely Yours So Soft Daily Moisturizer

$26 at Sephora$26 at Sincerely-yours.com

Disclaimer: I’m not a teen, so I can’t speak exactly from the POV of teenage skin. However, the Sincerely Yours So Soft Daily Moisturizer truly blew me away, and that’s coming from someone who has spent years testing and writing about dozens of moisturizers. True to its name, it left my skin oh-so-soft, both immediately upon applying and hours later. It gets the stamp of approval from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D. “This gentle daily face moisturizer contains both hyaluronic acid and ceramides, so it helps to draw moisture in and support the skin barrier.” It’s also fragrance-free, so the scent-sensitive can enjoy it, too.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

$25

$18 at Amazon$26 at Ulta$26 at Target

Both Dr. Rambhia and Dr. Garshick recommend this ultra-nourishing moisturizer for teens. Teens often struggle with acne, and this cult-favorite moisturizer by La Roche-Posay is great for acne-prone skin. It’s oil-free and contains ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier. It’s also got niacinamide to soothe, “making it a great option for those with acne-prone skin as it helps to calm inflammation and can work to minimize irritation from acne-fighting ingredients,” explains Dr. Garshick. The formula’s moisturizing glycerin is super gentle and gives skin the hydration boost it needs without clogging pores.

Best Budget-Friendly

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

$14

$14 at Amazon$19 at Ulta$14 at Target

Vanicream has incredibly nourishing products available at the drugstore at a low cost, and their Daily Facial Moisturizer is no exception. Once again, both Dr. Rambhia and Dr. Garshick listed this pick as one of their favorites for teens, as it’s lightweight, oil-free, and sensitive skin- and eczema-prone-friendly. You’ll find hydrating hyaluronic acid and ceramides in the formula to help lock in moisture and support teens’ more delicate skin barrier.

Best Drugstore

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

$20

$16 at Amazon$20 at Ulta$17 at Target

One thing that won’t change, no matter your age, is the necessity of SPF in your skincare routine. Teenagers should absolutely use sunscreen daily, according to both of our experts, to protect and shield skin from harmful sun damage. This pick by CeraVe is a great option, thanks to its ultra-lightweight formula, which doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are the stars of the formula (aside from the SPF 30), locking in moisture and hydrating the skin. Best of all, it’s available at the drugstore.

Best for Oily Skin

No7 Derm Solutions Oily and Blemish Prone Skin Lightweight Hydrating Lotion

$20

$13 at Amazon$20 at Target$28 at No7beauty.com

If you’re a preteen or teen and struggle with oily skin, you’re certainly not alone. Thankfully, there are lots of moisturizers out there designed to temper oily skin, but we specifically love this one from No7. Dr. Garshick likes its lightweight feel, as well as its blend of ceramides, niacinamide, and adaptogens for skin barrier support.

Best Lightweight

Yes Day Whip Dream Moisturizer

$32 at Yesdayworld.com

Here’s another pick we love that a teen created. Yes Day was formulated by 13-year-old Coco Granderson, as well as the cosmetic chemist behind Hailey Bieber’s Rhode brand, Ron Robinson. The Whip Dream Moisturizer has a delectable whipped, airy gel consistency, as its name implies. Its key ingredients include coconut for hydration, Kiwano melon for bounce, vegan ceramides for nourishment and hydration, and the Yes Magic Complex, which comprises probiotics, antioxidants, and moisture magnets.

Best Gel

Byoma Moisturizing Gel Cream

$15

$8 at Amazon$16 at Ulta$15 at Target

There are a few gel creams on this list, but this one from Byoma is truly a standout. For starters, it’s available at the drugstore for under $20. Not to mention, it packs a powerful punch in terms of hydration and moisture with its tri-ceramide complex. Even more, the formula’s niacinamide and green tea helps soothe inflammation and irritation.

Best With SPF

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

$45

$43 at Amazon$45 at Target$45 at Sayn.com

“Establishing the habit of using a daily lotion with SPF 30+ early on provides long-term protective benefits and sets the foundation for healthy skin,” says Dr. Nicole Lee, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist. This dermatologist favorite offers broad-spectrum sun protection and hydration thanks to a powerful blend of zinc oxide and niacinamide. It’s nonirritating and has a silky formula that absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast. I’ve relied on this formula since my pre-teen years, and it’s still a staple in my routine. This is a great choice for your teen’s morning routine, but you’ll want to switch to a non-SPF moisturizer for bedtime to avoid clogging pores overnight.

Best for Dry Skin

Bubble Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer

$15 at Amazon$10 at Ulta$15 at Target

A fan-favorite among Gen Z, this affordable moisturizer gets a thumbs-up from dermatologist Dr. Sara Hogan, M.D. The lightweight and hydrating formula is packed with vitamin E, aloe vera, avocado oil, and hoya lacunosa flower extract—ingredients that fight free radicals, soothe irritation, nourish the skin, and promote a glowing complexion. This thirst-quenching pick works great for dry skin types and won’t leave a greasy residue. The adorable teal and orange packaging and hygienic pump are added perks. Just remember to layer on an SPF in the morning. 

Best for Sensitive Skin

Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer

$27

$20 at Amazon$27 at Ulta$20 at Target

Instantly soothe and nourish dry and dull skin with Aveeno’s oat gel moisturizer. The cushiony cream feels weightless on the skin and absorbs almost instantly. But this standout comes recommended for its oat- and glycerin-infused formula, which is a good option for sensitive skin types, as it soothes any flare-ups and supports optimal hydration while protecting against free radicals. Though a pump would be ideal for convenience and hygiene, this moisturizer’s lightweight, soothing texture makes it a solid choice. Use it in the morning with SPF and at night after cleansing to wake up to a smooth, plump base.