Ever walk into Ulta and feel a little overwhelmed by all the face moisturizers? It’s like a giant wall of creams, lotions, and gels, and you just want to find the one that makes your skin happy. We’ve all been there, staring at labels, wondering which one is truly the best for *our* skin.
Choosing the right moisturizer can feel like a treasure hunt with no map. Your skin might be oily, dry, sensitive, or somewhere in between. And Ulta has so many brands, from fancy ones to drugstore favorites! It’s easy to get confused or even pick something that doesn’t quite work, leaving your skin feeling sticky, tight, or even breaking out.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll feel much more confident about navigating the moisturizer aisle at Ulta. We’ll break down what to look for, highlight some popular picks, and help you discover the perfect moisturizer that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and glowing. Get ready to say goodbye to confusion and hello to happy skin!
Top Face Moisturizer At Ulta Recommendations
- DAILY HYDRATING MOISTURIZER: Our #1 face cream provides 72-hour hydration for all skin types. This formula helps to replenish moisture loss, repair skin barrier, and deeply hydrate skin. Tested in extreme conditions and safe for ezcema-prone skin.
- EFFECTIVE FORMULA: Formulated with Pro-Ceramides and Squalene, this formula is proven to reinforce skin's barrier strength and absorb easily into skin. These ingredients are shown to hydrate, smooth, and soften skin while strengthing the skin.
- PROVEN RESULTS: Our #1 Ultra Facial Cream is clinically proven to provide deep, lasting hydration. This product hydrates skin 15 layers deep, repairs skin barrier in 1 hour, and provides 72-hour hydration. **Results based on an instrumental study.
- ALL-DAY WEAR: Use twice daily, both day and night as the ultimate compliment to your skincare routine. Wear under makeup, or mix our hydrating face cream with your favorite foundation for sheer, glowy coverage.
- FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: This face moisturizer is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin (100% tested on sensitive skin in an instrumental study). Ultra Facial Cream has received the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance.
- Extra hydration: Lightweight Neutrogena gentle face moisturizer for sensitive skin strengthens the skin barrier in one use and helps soothe signs of reactive skin without clogging pores
- Smooth, soft, matte finish face moisturizer: This lightweight, noncomedogenic moisturizer replenishes skin without greasy residue; instantly absorbs into skin and doesn’t pill
- Recognized skin conditioners: Hydrating moisturizer with niacinamide and vitamin E to offset dryness caused by everyday aggressors; formulated with CICA
- Dermatologist-recommended brand: Daily moisturizer for face suitable for sensitive and reactive skin that can appear red, tight, dry, or uncomfortable; leaves dry skin feeling soothed and calm
- Gentle enough for daily use: Apply this face moisturizer evenly to face and neck after cleansing. Pair with Neutrogena Ultra Gentle foaming gel cleanser for the ultimate gentle regimen and hydrating glow
- RESTORES SKIN’S NATURAL MOISTURE BARRIER: EltaMD AM Restore Face Moisturizer helps restore your skin’s natural moisture levels and smoothes, hydrates, brightens, and tones while reducing signs of dry, damaged skin
- FOR DRY, SENSITIVE AND ACNE-PRONE SKIN: Ideal for sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin, this daily face moisturizer is oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, dye-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and won’t clog pores
- MADE WITH HYALURONIC ACID AND NIACINAMIDE: A targeted blend of Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and Willow Bark Extract helps improve moisture absorption and retention, enhancing long-lasting hydration for visibly smoother, more supple skin
- GREAT DAILY FACE MOISTURIZER: Apply this lightweight moisturizer in the morning to clean skin before your daily sunscreen; it layers comfortably under SPF and makeup, helping keep skin hydrated, soft, and balanced throughout the day without feeling greasy
- TRAVEL FRIENDLY SIZE: The 1.7 oz pump bottle is TSA-approved and designed for easy travel; it fits seamlessly into handbags, crossbody bags, and carry-ons so you can maintain consistent, dermatologist-trusted hydration on-the-go
- RESTORES MOISTURE OVERNIGHT: EltaMD PM Restore Night Face Moisturizer works overnight to replenish skin's moisture levels for a smooth and hydrated feel in the morning
- ENHANCE SKIN ELASTICITY: The vitamins and minerals in this face moisturizers formula stimulate the skin’s natural moisture barrier, improving hydration and elasticity for a smoother appearance
- SOOTHE DRY, DAMAGED SKIN: The overnight facial moisturizer uses ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide to help improve the appearance of dry skin overnight, resulting in smoother, more supple skin by morning
- SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: This nighttime moisturizer for face is oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for normal, dry, and sensitive skin types without clogging pores
- CONVENIENT NIGHTLY APPLICATION: Apply this face moisturizer every evening after applying serums to help your skin stay moisturized while you sleep
- EVERYDAY BASIC FACE MOISTURIZER: This face cream helps keep skin moisturized with 24-hour hydration. This daily moisturizer helps leave skin nourished with all-day hydration, and helps to soften and moisturize skin.
- CLINICAL EXPERTISE: This everyday face moisturizer is paraben-free and fragrance-free.
- EFFECTIVE INGREDIENTS: This basic & lightweight daily facial moisturizer is formulated with Squalene & Glycerin. Squalene is known to help replenish skin barrier, & Glycerin, which is naturally occurring within skin, is known to help retain moisture.
- FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: This product is suitable for all skin types.
- HOW TO USE: After cleansing and toning, massage a small amount of daily facial moisturizer onto skin, avoiding the immediate eye area. Can be used morning and night and throughout the day as needed.
- Lightweight formula glides on easily with a silky feel.
- Helps to restore and hydrate skin while preserving the skin’s natural barrier while soothing irritation.
- TriHex Technology helps to support the production of new, healthy elastin and collagen with Tripeptide-1 and Hexapeptide-12 to promote smoother, more even skin.
- Helps restore and promote an optimal environment to improve the appearance of skin following a cosmetic treatment.
- May be used on sensitive or compromised skin - non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic.
- This unique facial moisturizer absorbs easily into skin to help protect skin from sun damage which can cause early signs of aging.
- Hydrates skin while helping defend against skin-damaging UVA and UVB rays. Readily absorbs into skin leaving it soft, smooth and nurtured.
- HOW TO USE: Massage a small amount of Kiehl's facial moisturizer with SPF 30 onto skin. For sunscreen use: Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every 2 hours. Use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
- Infused with Squalane, a highly-refined botanical lipid derived from olives. With an exceptional affinity to skin, Squalane absorbs easily and is known to help replenish skin’s barrier keeping it soft, supple and moisturized.
- For all skin types.
- HYDRATION BOOST: This hydrating face moisturizer delivers essential moisture to dry, flaky, dehydrated skin. The oil-free facial moisturizer leaves skin silky smooth without greasy residue.
- REDNESS RELIEF: Soothe sensitive skin with this sensitive skin face moisturizer. It reduces redness using hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients like Squalane, providing a facial moisturizer for sensitive skin.
- AGE-DEFYING FORMULA: Minimize signs of aging with our facial creams & moisturizers. This face cream locks in moisture, offering softer skin and a more supple look.
- PATENTED SKIN REPAIR: The EltaMD AAComplex formula in this facial lotion includes a patented combination of three amino acids that help repair the skin barrier, promotes skin repair, and protects sensitive skin.
- NIGHT AND DAY USE: Use this face moisturizer for dry skin both day and night. This dry skin face moisturizer offers pH-balanced moisture, rehydrating and repairing skin barrier damage.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Face Moisturizer at Ulta
Choosing the right face moisturizer can feel like a big decision. Ulta has so many options! This guide will help you find the perfect one for your skin. We’ll cover what to look for, what’s inside, what makes a moisturizer great (or not so great), and how you’ll use it.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re browsing Ulta’s moisturizer aisle, keep these important features in mind:
- Hydration Level: Does your skin feel dry, oily, or somewhere in between? Moisturizers offer different levels of hydration. Look for terms like “lightweight,” “rich,” “hydrating,” or “oil-free.”
- Skin Type Specificity: Many moisturizers are made for certain skin types. This is super important! You’ll find options for oily, dry, sensitive, acne-prone, and combination skin.
- Added Benefits: Some moisturizers do more than just moisturize. They might have SPF to protect you from the sun, anti-aging ingredients, or ingredients to help with redness.
- Texture: Do you like a thick cream, a light gel, or a lotion? The texture affects how it feels on your skin and how well it absorbs.
Important Materials (Ingredients)
The stuff inside your moisturizer makes all the difference. Here are some common and beneficial ingredients:
- Hyaluronic Acid: This is a superstar ingredient! It pulls moisture from the air and locks it into your skin. It makes your skin feel plump and smooth.
- Glycerin: Another great humectant, glycerin draws water to your skin’s surface, keeping it hydrated.
- Ceramides: These are natural fats in your skin. They help create a barrier to keep moisture in and irritants out.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This ingredient can help calm redness, improve skin texture, and even help with oil control.
- Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter: These are rich emollients that deeply moisturize dry skin.
- Oils (like Jojoba, Squalane): These can mimic your skin’s natural oils and provide nourishment.
- SPF (Sun Protection Factor): If you’re looking for daytime protection, make sure your moisturizer has SPF 30 or higher.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a moisturizer excellent? What can make it not-so-great?
- Improves Quality:
- Well-Formulated Ingredients: When beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides are present in good amounts, the moisturizer works better.
- Non-Comedogenic: This means it won’t clog your pores, which is great for preventing breakouts.
- Dermatologist Tested: This often means it’s been tested for safety and effectiveness.
- Fragrance-Free (for sensitive skin): Artificial fragrances can irritate some people’s skin.
- Reduces Quality:
- Harsh Alcohols: Some alcohols can dry out your skin over time.
- Irritating Fragrances/Dyes: These can cause redness, itching, or breakouts.
- Heavy, Greasy Formulas (for oily skin): If you have oily skin, a heavy moisturizer will just make you feel greasier.
- Ingredients that Don’t Match Your Skin Type: Using the wrong product for your skin type will not give you the results you want.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your moisturizer, and what will it feel like?
- Morning Routine: Many people use a lighter moisturizer in the morning, especially if it has SPF. This helps your skin feel fresh and protected throughout the day. It’s a great base for makeup.
- Evening Routine: At night, you might opt for a richer, more repairing moisturizer. This is when your skin does its best work repairing itself.
- Specific Concerns:
- Dry Skin: Look for thick creams with shea butter or ceramides.
- Oily Skin: Gel or lotion formulas that are oil-free are best.
- Sensitive Skin: Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options are key.
- Acne-Prone Skin: Choose oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas with ingredients like niacinamide.
- Feel on Skin: A good moisturizer should feel comfortable. It shouldn’t be too sticky, greasy, or leave a tight feeling. It should absorb well and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Face Moisturizers at Ulta
Q: What is the most important thing to look for in a face moisturizer?
A: The most important thing is to choose a moisturizer that matches your specific skin type (oily, dry, sensitive, etc.). This ensures it will provide the right benefits without causing problems.
Q: Are expensive moisturizers always better?
A: Not necessarily. Many affordable moisturizers at Ulta contain excellent ingredients and work just as well as pricier ones. It’s more about the ingredients and how they suit your skin.
Q: Can I use a body lotion on my face?
A: It’s generally not recommended. Face moisturizers are formulated with gentler ingredients and are designed for the delicate skin on your face, which is thinner and more prone to issues like clogged pores.
Q: What does “non-comedogenic” mean?
A: It means a product is formulated not to clog your pores. This is important if you are prone to acne or breakouts.
Q: Should I use a moisturizer with SPF every day?
A: Yes, especially if you go outside. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause premature aging and increase your risk of skin cancer.
Q: My skin feels tight after washing. What kind of moisturizer should I use?
A: Your skin is likely dry. Look for a richer, cream-based moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides.
Q: My T-zone gets oily, but my cheeks are dry. What should I do?
A: This is called combination skin. You can use a lighter, oil-free moisturizer on your T-zone and a slightly richer one on your dry areas, or find a good balancing moisturizer.
Q: How much moisturizer should I use?
A: A pea-sized amount is usually enough for your entire face. You can always add a little more if your skin feels like it needs it.
Q: How often should I apply face moisturizer?
A: Most people should apply moisturizer at least twice a day: once in the morning and once at night, after cleansing.
Q: Can I use a moisturizer if I have sensitive skin?
A: Absolutely! Look for moisturizers labeled “fragrance-free,” “hypoallergenic,” or “for sensitive skin.” These are made to be gentle and avoid common irritants.