Note: According to a study, dark African-American skin had a higher incidence of transepidermal water loss than lighter skin (2). As a result, moisturization is very important if you are an African.

11 Top-Rated Moisturizers For Darker Skin

1. Best Overall: Baebody Retinol Moisturizer Cream

Key Ingredient(s): Retinol, Shea Butter, Vitamins B5 and E, Jojoba Oil, Green Tea Retinol is an excellent ingredient for your skin if you are looking for an anti-aging cream. This moisturizing cream contains the ultimate hydrating ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil, along with antioxidants like green tea extract. This retinol in this moisturizer boosts the cell renewal process, gets rid of old skin cells, and promotes the growth of new skin cells. This helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes. Pros

Cruelty-free Paraben-free Phthalate-free Safe for all skin types Organic ingredients Improves skin texture

Cons

Packaging issues (dispenser may malfunction, and lid might break).

2. Best For Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Key Ingredient(s): Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid This lightweight lotion is suitable for those who have normal to dry skin. It can be used on the face and body. This lotion contains ceramides. It helps replenish the low ceramide levels in your skin and keeps it feeling soft and moisturized. It ensures your skin stays hydrated for 24 hours and helps restore the protective barrier with ceramides 1, 3, and 6 II. It is hypoallergenic, so even those with sensitive skin can also use this lotion. Check out this video to better understand the functions of this product. Pros

Non-comedogenic Hypoallergenic Gentle formula Approved by the National Eczema Association Fragrance-free Allergy-tested Can be used by those who have eczema and sensitive skin conditions.

Cons

The pump dispenser might break during shipping.

3. Best For Cracked Skin: E.ra Organics Daily Face And Body Cream

Key Ingredient(s): Aloe Vera and Manuka Honey This face and body cream claims to keep your skin moisturized for 8-12 hours. It contains essential minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that keep your skin healthy. It helps repair the damaged skin cells, stimulates cell growth, and restores the natural moisture barrier. The cream also helps maintain the skin’s pH balance, stimulate collagen production, and improve elasticity. Here’s a personal review video to help you get a better understanding of the product.Dr. Schwarzburg, MD, Cosmetic Dermatology suggests, “For creams designed for both the face and body, it is best to do a patch test beforehand as the sensitive skin on your face may be more sensitive than the skin that covers the rest of your body. This way you will know whether the product is right for you.” Pros

Hypoallergenic Non-oily Fragrance-free Alcohol-free Paraben-free Non-comedogenic No harmful chemicals Suitable for all skin types Non-greasy Gets absorbed fast

Cons

Some users may not like the thick consistency.

4. Best For Daily Use: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer

Key Ingredient(s): Soy This is a daily moisturizer with SPF and is clinically proven to improve skin texture and tone in four weeks. It contains a Total Soy Complex (processed soybeans) that helps to even out your skin tone and retain the integrity of your skin. The natural light diffusers in the moisturizer reflect light to smooth skin imperfections. It is hypoallergenic and does not irritate your skin. Pros

Non-comedogenic Contains SPF 15 Hypoallergenic No chemical solvents Oil-free Clinically proven

Cons

Strong fragrance Contains mica

5. Best For Dry Skin: Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue

Key Ingredient(s): Vitamin C and Fruit Water (antioxidant complex) This is an oil-free moisturizer that instantly locks in moisture. It contains vitamin C and a Fruit Water Antioxidant Complex that make your skin feel smooth, hydrated, and refreshed. This face lotion is suitable for all skin types. However, it is especially beneficial for dry skin. It claims to lock in moisture for 24 hours and protects your skin from stress and pollution. Pros

Oil-free Non-comedogenic Lightweight

Cons

Contains alcohol Contains artificial fragrance

6. Best Fragrance-Free: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

Key Ingredient(s): Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, and Vitamin B3 This moisturizing face cream is formulated with vitamin B3 and hyaluronic acid, two of the most hydrating and skin-nourishing ingredients. It is ultra-hydrating for your skin. It helps improve the rate of skin cell turnover and remove dead skin cells. This improves skin texture and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. This face cream gives you visibly firm and smooth skin with regular use. Pros

Fragrance-free Affordable Suitable for all skin types Strengthens the skin barrier Reduces the appearance of wrinkles

Cons

Contains parabens

7. Best Snail Cream: Seoul Ceuticals Multi-Function Anti-Aging Snail Repair Cream

Key Ingredient(s): Snail Extracts This snail cream contains the highest percentage (97.5%) of snail mucin. It is an extremely potent skin nourisher and moisturizer. It is ethically harvested, and no snails are harmed during the process. Apart from snail mucin, it contains aloe vera extract, jojoba oil, and shea butter. This cream helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles and keep your skin healthy. It is suitable for all skin types and works best for dry skin. Pros

97% naturally derived ingredients Cruelty-free Reduces puffy eyes Nice citrus fragrance Lightweight Gets absorbed quickly Suitable for all skin types Non-oily

Cons None

8. Best Moisturizer For Oily Skin: L’Oreal Paris Skincare Hydra Genius

Key Ingredient(s): Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Water If you have oily skin, this water-based lightweight lotion is the perfect moisturizer for you. Dr. Schwarzburg, MD, Cosmetic Dermatology says, “Lightweight creams are great for most skin types as they are not oily or too dry.” This cream contains hyaluronic acid and the skin-soothing aloe water that keeps your skin moisturized for up to 72 hours without making it feel greasy. It gets absorbed quickly and has a gel-like consistency. Hence,  it does not feel heavy on your skin. Pros

Oil-free Reduces shine Quickly absorbed Lightweight Suitable for sensitive skin Non-greasy Feels refreshing (especially during warmer days)

Cons

The fragrance might be strong for some users.

9. Best Moisturizing Gel: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

Key Ingredient(s): Hyaluronic Acid, Sunflower Seed Cake, and Cucumber Extracts This product is a part of the 3-step customized skin care system by Clinique. This moisturizing gel is developed for those with oily and combination skin types. It is primarily for balancing the oilier parts of the skin and keep it refreshed. The sunflower seed cake, barley, and cucumber extracts help in strengthening the natural barrier of the skin. These ingredients help improve skin resilience and moisture levels. Pros

Dermatologist-developed Oil-free Paraben-free Phthalate-free Vegan

Cons None

10. Best For Blemish-Control: SheaMoisture African Black Soap Balancing Moisturizer

Key Ingredient(s): Shea Butter, African Black Soap, Tamarind Oil Extract This facial moisturizer is meant for those with dry skin. However, it also works for combination and oily skin types. It is a lightweight lotion that contains shea butter and African black soap. It also contains tamarind extract and tea tree oil that help fight blemishes and keep your skin clear. Pros

Paraben-free Phthalate-free Mineral oil-free Sulfate-free No animal testing

Cons

Unpleasant fragrance

11. Best Overall: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula

Key Ingredient(s): Retinol, Peptide Complex, Shea Butter, and Aloe Vera This cream contains retinol and peptides that can help the skin regenerate while you are sleeping. This moisturizer is rich in antioxidants and cocoa butter that keep your skin soft and smooth. It contains plant-based ingredients and is safe for sensitive skin. Pros

Paraben-free No animal testing Non-comedogenic Non-greasy Gets absorbed easily Pleasant fragrance

Cons

The flowery fragrance might be overpowering for some people.

There is a wide color variability in African skin – it includes both white and dark-skinned people. The variation in color is mostly due to the geographic distribution of UV rays. The darker-skinned individuals stay close to the equator.  Leslie Baumann, the American dermatologist, introduced four parameters for characterizing the skin type accurately (1):

Dry or Oily (D/O) Sensitive or Resistant (S/R) Pigmented or Non-Pigmented (P/N) Wrinkled or Unwrinkled (W/T)

Out of these, dark-skinned people often have the P/T type (Pigmented or Unwrinkled skin). Depending on your skin type, here are a few parameters you can consider while picking a moisturizer.

How To Pick The Best Moisturizer For Dark Skin

For dry skin, look for ingredients like dimethicone, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and propylene glycol as they help attract water. Ingredients like lanolin, mineral oil, etc. help to lock in moisture. For oily and acne-prone skin, look for moisturizers that contain AHAs and are non-comedogenic. AHAs also have anti-aging benefits. For sensitive skin, check for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic Look for antioxidants (for all skin types) like chamomile, green tea, licorice root, and pomegranate extracts to keep the skin healthy and reduce free radical damage. Check for ceramides. Dark skin tends to have the lowest percentage of naturally occurring ceramides in the skin (2). Fortifying your skin with ceramide moisturizers can keep it healthy.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborty, is a certified skin care coach. Her expertise lies in understanding skin needs at a cellular level. Her opinion is based on scientific research and user reviews on various online platforms. This list of the best moisturizers caters to the requirements of dark skin. Shiboli carefully selected products that offer hydration and keep the skin glowing and youthful. These moisturizers are formulated with safe and effective ingredients. Do dark skin people need a moisturizer? Yes. People with dark skin are more prone to the drying effects of the weather. They experience transepidermal water loss at a greater rate than people with medium to fair skin. So, wearing a moisturizer that contains humectants is very essential. Does moisturizer make the skin darker? No. Moisturizer does not make your skin darker, rather it hydrates your skin and makes it appear supple. On the other hand, excessive sun exposure can make your skin darker, so to avoid tanning, generously apply sunscreen to your skin. Is Cerave moisturizer good for African American skin? Yes, the CeraVe moisturizer is good for African American skin. It replenishes the low ceramide level of your skin and keeps it moisturized throughout the day. This product is toxin-free, making it suitable for hypersensitive African American skin.

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