Best Moisturizers for Aging Skin

This article was written with help from AI and edited by Thrive Market’s talented team of human writers.

Our skin undergoes significant changes as we age, and one of the most noticeable is a decline in moisture (hello, dry skin). Proper hydration is essential to maintaining skin elasticity, smoothness, and overall health, and understanding the evolving moisture needs of our skin can help you adopt effective skincare routines tailored to different life stages.

Why Skin Moisture Declines with Age

Several factors contribute to the skin’s ability to retain moisture over time:

• Reduced Natural Oil Production: Sebum (natural oil) keeps skin supple and prevents water loss. As we age, our sebaceous glands produce less oil, making skin drier.
• Decreased Hyaluronic Acid Levels: This naturally occurring substance helps retain moisture, but its levels decline over time, leading to increased dryness and fine lines.
• Slower Cell Turnover: Aging slows down the process of shedding old skin cells and replacing them with new ones, making skin appear dull and flaky.
• Weakened Skin Barrier: The outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, becomes less effective at retaining moisture, leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
• Hormonal Changes: Declining estrogen levels in women, particularly during menopause, contribute to decreased collagen production and dryness.

Skin Moisture Needs by Age

In Your 20s: Prevention and Protection

Skin is at its peak in terms of hydration and elasticity, but external factors like sun exposure, pollution, and poor skincare habits can lead to premature aging and dry skin.

Moisture Tips:

• Use a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
• Apply sunscreen daily to prevent UV-induced moisture loss.
• Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet to support skin health.

In Your 30s: Early Signs of Moisture Loss

Fine lines may start appearing, and some people experience dryness, especially around the eyes and mouth. Skin may also lose its natural glow due to slower cell turnover.

Moisture Tips:

• Incorporate a richer moisturizer, especially at night.
• Use serums with humectants (water-based ingredients) like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
• Exfoliate gently to promote skin renewal and enhance product absorption.

In Your 40s: Increasing Hydration Needs

Collagen and elastin production slow down, leading to more pronounced wrinkles and drier skin. Hormonal shifts may also cause skin to become more sensitive in your 40s.

Moisture Tips:

• Opt for creams containing ceramides, peptides, and antioxidants.
• Consider facial oils to lock in hydration.
• Use a humidifier to maintain moisture levels in the environment.

In Your 50s and Beyond: Intensive Hydration and Repair

Menopause-related estrogen decline may lead to even more dryness and loss of firmness.

Moisture Tips:

• Choose deeply hydrating creams with ingredients like squalane, niacinamide, and shea butter.
• Apply hydrating masks weekly for extra nourishment.
• Reduce the use of harsh cleansers and opt for gentle, non-stripping formulas.

Lifestyle Habits to Support Hydrated Skin

Regardless of age, adopting these habits can help maintain optimal skin moisture:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink sufficient water daily to support skin hydration from within.
• Eat Healthy Fats: Reach for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and walnuts.
• Avoid Over-Washing: Excessive cleansing can strip natural oils, leading to dryness.
• Use Hydrating Skincare Products: Choose products with humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin), emollients (ceramides, fatty acids), and occlusives (shea butter, petrolatum) to lock in moisture.
• Protect Your Skin: Sunscreen is essential to prevent UV-induced dehydration and premature aging.

20 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin from Thrive Market

Here are the top face moisturizers, oils, and night creams to help you lock in hydration. 

Hydrating Facial Moisturizers

Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Moisturizer
A deeply hydrating moisturizer made with organic plant extracts for dry skin.

MyChelle Ultra Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum
A serum packed with hyaluronic acid to provide deep hydration.

Derma E Hydrating Night Cream
Moisturizing night cream infused with hyaluronic acid for intense hydration.

Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Beautiful Day Cream
Lightweight and soothing moisturizer with Alpine rose stem cells.

Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Beautiful Night Cream
Luxurious overnight cream with vitamin C.

Must-Have Facial Oils

f.a.e. by Thrive Market Organic Rosehip Oil
Lightweight facial oil packed with antioxidants and fatty acids.

f.a.e. by Thrive Market Vitamin E Oil
Deeply hydrates and supports skin elasticity.

f.a.e. by Thrive Market Organic Argan Oil
A multipurpose oil that hydrates without clogging pores.

Cocokind Organic Chia Seed Face Oil
Provides deep moisture while being lightweight.

The Essentials Moroccan Argan Oil
A versatile, fast-absorbing oil high in vitamin E and essential fatty acids.

Rich Night Creams

Andalou Naturals Deep Hydration Sleep Mask
Plumps your skin with collagen, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides overnight. 

ACURE Resurfacing Overnight Glycolic Treatment
Made with moonstone, hemp seed oil, true unicorn root, glycolic acid, and lactic acid.

ACURE Seriously Soothing Cloud Cream
A light yet ultra-hydrating night cream ideal for sensitive skin.

Mad Hippie Antioxidant Facial Oil
Blends 18 active botanicals designed to rejuvenate the skin overnight.

Mad HIppie Triple C Night Cream
Offers three forms of vitamin C, plus antioxidants and adaptogens. 

Additional Hydration Boosters

Andalou Naturals Brighten & Tighten Facial Sheet Mask
Combines plant-based ingredients like tamarind, vitamin C, and fruit stem cells.

Moon Juice Plump Jelly
Vegan moisturizer with silver ear, reishi, and hyaluronic acid. 

Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum
Strengthens the skin barrier while hydrating and reducing redness.

Earth Harbor Mermaid Milk
Lightweight, non-greasy, and packed with superfoods like spirulina and matcha. 

MyChelle Deep Repair Cream
A nighttime recovery cream that restores skin vitality with peptides and antioxidants.