Finding the right moisturizer comes down to two things: your skin type and your primary concern. A gel-cream for oily skin and a rich cream for dry skin are solving completely different problems. This guide breaks down the best moisturizers we carry at Cleanse, organized by who they're best for.
Browse the full moisturizers collection to see everything in one place.
For Acne-Prone and Oily Skin
Acne-prone skin needs lightweight hydration with zero pore-clogging ingredients. The biggest mistake acne clients make is skipping moisturizer entirely — stripped skin overproduces oil and makes breakouts worse.
Face Reality Clearderma Moisturizer — $33 Our most-recommended moisturizer for acne-prone skin. Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and formulated to be fully acne-safe down to the last ingredient. Contains green tea extract for oil control and anti-inflammatory support, plus lilac stem cells. Works morning and night without heaviness or greasiness. Available in full and travel size.
Face Reality Hydrabalance Gel — $34 A water-based gel moisturizer for very oily or congestion-prone skin. Provides hydration without any cream texture — sits on the skin like water and absorbs completely. A good option for clients who feel even lightweight lotions are too much.
Face Reality Cran-Peptide Cream — $37 A step up in richness from Clearderma — still fully acne-safe, but with a denser feel that works better for acne-prone skin that also trends dry. Cranberry extract brings antioxidant support; peptides support skin repair overnight. Best used as an evening moisturizer.
For Dry and Dehydrated Skin
Dry skin needs moisturizers with both humectants (to draw water in) and emollients (to seal it in). Gel formulas aren't enough — look for creams with ceramides, peptides, or plant lipids.
Skin Script Acai Berry Moisturizer — $37 Rich in acai berry antioxidants and deeply hydrating. One of the most popular moisturizers we carry for normal to dry skin — clients notice their skin feels plumper and more comfortable within the first week. Works well under makeup and doesn't pill.
Skin Script Barrier Balancing Moisturizer Specifically formulated to restore the skin barrier — ideal for dry, sensitized, or compromised skin. Barrier-repair ingredients help the skin hold onto moisture throughout the day rather than losing it to transepidermal water loss.
For Combination Skin
Combination skin needs balance — enough hydration for dry zones without triggering oil in the T-zone. Lightweight creams and fluid lotions are the sweet spot.
Face Reality Clearderma Moisturizer — $33 Works well for combination skin too — light enough not to overwhelm the T-zone, with enough hydration for drier cheek areas.
Skin Script Barrier Balancing Moisturizer A good all-zones option for combination skin that also has some sensitivity or reactivity.
For Aging and Mature Skin
Mature skin benefits from moisturizers that go beyond surface hydration — peptides, antioxidants, and barrier lipids that support collagen, elasticity, and overall skin quality.
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream — $145 More than a moisturizer — this is a retinoid treatment in cream form. AlphaRet technology delivers retinoid-level renewal while keeping the skin barrier hydrated and calm. Used nightly, it's one of the most effective anti-aging products available without a prescription.
Sorella Apothecary Sorella's moisturizer range uses professionally curated botanicals in esthetician-grade concentrations. A good choice for clients who want results from a more natural formulation philosophy.
For Sensitive and Reactive Skin
Sensitive skin needs the fewest ingredients possible — no fragrance, no harsh actives, no heavy emollients that sit on the skin and trigger reactions.
Hydrinity The Hydrinity line is built around barrier support for sensitive and compromised skin. Their moisturizers hydrate without loading the skin with unnecessary ingredients.
Face Reality Cran-Peptide Cream — $37 Also well-tolerated by sensitive skin that isn't acne-prone — the formula is calm, fragrance-free, and focused on barrier repair and antioxidant protection.
A Note on Application
Moisturizer absorbs better and works harder when applied to slightly damp skin — right after toner or a hydrating serum while the skin still has some moisture on it. This is true for gel and cream formulas alike. Applying to completely dry skin reduces absorption efficiency.
For most skin types, a pea-sized to nickel-sized amount is sufficient. More product doesn't mean more hydration — it usually means product sitting on the surface rather than absorbing.
Don't stop at your cheeks and forehead — lips need the same care and are often the most overlooked part of a skincare routine. See our Lip Care Product Guide for hydrators, treatments, and masks from Anfisa, Hydrinity, Skin Script, PCA Skin, and Sorella Apothecary.
Questions about which moisturizer fits your skin? Reach out to our team — we match clients to the right products every day.
— Lisa, Co-Founder, Licensed Esthetician & RN at Cleanse Face & Body Bar