Moisturizing is one skincare step that you simply cannot miss. In fact, every skin type requires to be moisturized regularly. However, the key question here is, are you using the right moisturizer?





Irrespective of the changing seasons or your skin type, it is essential that you keep your skin nourished and hydrated always. And for this crucial step, getting your hand at a moisturizer that caters to your skin's needs is necessary.





By the way, do you think that all moisturizers are the same and you can pick any for your skin? If your answer is yes, then you are wrong. Moisturizers come in different consistencies and made from different ingredients to tackle different skin issues. Here, I would say that t he best daily moisturizers are those, that are formulated to tackle specific requirements of the skin like dryness, oiliness, acne, sensitivity or a combination of these skin concerns.



But, for buying the right moisturizer, knowing your skin type is necessary.



In order to make it easier for you all, I have given below a short description on identifying your skin type and the best moisturizers in India, catering to these types of skin. After all, your skin deserves the best. Isn't it?





Best Moisturizers for Normal Skin:



Is your skin type normal? How do you know it? The right way to categorise a skin as normal, would be when the skin looks and feels healthy and balanced (i.e. it is neither too dry or too oily). Normal skin produces enough sebum (natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin) to keep the skin nourished. Additionally, normal skin may or may not have a few imperfections. Slight dryness or oiliness, with barely visible pores are other characteristics of this skin.



Since normal skin is typically healthy, using a moisturizer that is light and that suits your skin's needs is vital.



1. Nivea Soft Light Moisturising Cream









Treat your skin to a light-weight, creamy formula from world's trusted skincare brand, Nivea. A quick absorbing moisturizer, Nivea Soft Light Moisturising Cream is enriched with Vitamin E and jojoba oil, to keep your skin soft, oil-free and supple throughout the day.



This moisturizer is non-greasy, has a mild sweet fragrance and is budget-friendly. Though suited for all skin types, Nivea Soft Light Moisturising Cream is best suited for people with normal to dry skin.





2. Lakme Peach Milk Soft Crème













One of the most popular moisturizers for people with normal to dry skin type is Lakme Peach Milk Soft Crème . This highly nourishing, light moisturising cream is infused with the goodness of milk and peaches and has a mild soothing fragrance to it. Its 24-hr moisture lock ability, makes this product a perfect daily use day cream. Do give this a try!





Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin:

Dry skin is one of the most common skin types seen in the world. Affecting more women than men, identifying this skin type is also quite easy.



If your skin looks dull, feels tight and taut (especially after cleansing your face) and / or has scales, roughness or flakiness in patches, then they indicate that your skin is dry. To keep this skin type regularly nourished and lock in moisture as much as possible, choose a moisturizer that soothes dryness and with hydrating and moisturising ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid in them.



3. Cetaphil DAM Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion









This ultra hydrating lotion for dry, very dry and sensitive skin type, comes from one of dermatologists' recommended skincare brands, Cetaphil. A non-comedogenic and fragrance-free product, Cetaphil DAM Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion contains ERC-5, a specialized combination of 5 important ingredients that helps protect dry and sensitive skin, as well as suitably hydrates it to give the skin a soft, healthy and nourished feel. Its easy application, quick absorbing ability and long lasting hydration has garnered many positive reviews online.



A definite go-to product during winters.





4. Plum E-Luminence Deep Moisturizing Crème









A 100% vegan and cruelty-free product, Plum E-Luminence Deep Moisturizing Crème , enriched with Vitamin E and 12 potent plant ingredients, promises to be an intensely moisturizing day and night cream. This slightly thick moisturizing cream, claims to provide unmatched nourishment and hydration to dry, normal as well as damaged skin and leaves it hydrated, supple and naturally radiant for a long period of time.





Though the cost of this product is slightly on the higher side (Rs. 575 for 50 ml), users claim that it is worth the price, viewing how effectively it keeps dry skin symptoms at bay.





5. Olay Moisturizing Skin Cream





Currently, Olay Moisturizing Cream is easily one of the best moisturizing creams for dry and very dry skin. Available in a sturdy tub packaging, this thick light-pink coloured moisturizer is formulated with a special complex of VitaNiacin and antioxidants, that work together to fight the 7 signs of ageing and give you a younger looking skin. Despite its consistency, Olay Moisturizing Cream blends easily and gets absorbed in the skin pretty quickly. Its ability to keep the skin moisturized for long hours, its non-oily effect on the skin and economical price are other pros of this product.





6. VLCC Honey Moisturiser













A light weight cream, VLCC Honey Moisturiser comprises of a natural humectant like honey, extracts of fenugreek and essential oils of Almond, Jojoba and Olive to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. This budget-friendly moisturizer claims to actively rectify the skin's natural moisture balance and thereby help in keeping it supple, soft and hydrated all day long.





This moisturizer, targeting both men and women, works very well for people with dry, normal as well as combination skin type.





Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin or Acne-Prone Skin:



When I say oily skin, I can think of so many people being worried about their shiny face and/or the visibly enlarged pores. However, the most common complaint from people with oily skin is the regular appearance of pimples, blackheads and other blemishes on their face. But the burning question here is - if you already have oily skin, then why do you need a moisturizer?





A hydrated skin is healthy. There is no doubt about it. However, oily skin doesn't imply that it is hydrated too. Try not to get confused between oil and hydration (water) here. Oily skin is primarily because the sebaceous glands in the skin produce too much natural oil or sebum. This makes the face look oily or shiny. Meanwhile to counter this, what do you do? Cleanse your face more than couple of times a day and/or wipe your face whenever possible? If your answer is yes, then this is not good either. Over-washing your face or wiping it in excess can actually dehydrate the skin, resulting in a vicious cycle, were the skin tries to overproduce sebum for the loss of it.



Well, if this is not enough, then this sebum is a magnet for dirt, dust and other pollutants. When your skin comes in contact with daily external factors like pollution, weather, harsh beauty products and UV rays, sebum very naturally attracts these, resulting in clogged pores and increasing risk of break outs. This again is not a good scenario. To counter this, it is vital for a person with oily skin type to use a moisturizer that is light-weight and water-based. Look for words like 'oil-free' and 'non comedogenic' (won't clog pores) on the product when picking a moisturizer for oily skin type.



7. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel













N eutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is regarded as o ne of the best moisturizers available for oily skin. This product is a light-weight, thin, water-gel formula that is also non-comedogenic, 100% alcohol-free and dermatologist tested. It is comprised of 3 powerful ingredients - glycerin, olive extracts formula and purified and condensed hyaluronic acid and is specially designed to moisturize your skin and provide intense hydration all day long. A non-greasy gel moisturizer, the one major complaint about this product from real users is its high price (50g costs Rs. 849/-).





8. Plum Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer









Plum Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer has the goodness of green tea extracts (rich in antioxidants) and glycolic acid. These key ingredients work well in tightening pores, help in skin renewal and thwart build up of unnecessary skin debris, that are one of the root causes of acne. This product is light-weight and free from parabens, SLS, phthalates, silicone and other harmful ingredients that are usually found in skincare products. Wow! A second product from the PETA-certified vegan and cruelty free brand Plum has made to my list of best moisturizers in India. Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin has the goodness of green tea extracts (rich in antioxidants) and glycolic acid. These key ingredients work well inhelp in skin renewal and thwart build up of unnecessary skin debris, that are one of the root causes of acne. This product is light-weight and free from parabens, SLS, phthalates, silicone and other harmful ingredients that are usually found in skincare products.





9. Ponds Light Moisturiser













Ponds Light Moisturiser is a non-oily, 80% water-based light-weight moisturizer from the world-famous brand Ponds. This quick-absorbing, clinically proven formula, claims to keep your face, hands and body nourished and improve the skin's softness, health and radiance with everyday use. Enriched with Vitamin E, Glycerine and glutamic acid, this hydrating moisturizer makes for a perfect day cream. What is all the more advantageous about this product is its affordable price, easy availability and a sun protection of SPF 15.





10. Mamaearth Oil-Free Moisturizer for Face with Apple Cider Vinegar











Mamaearth Oil-Free Face Moisturizer is presently one of the best moisturizers available for oily and acne prone skin. This product is a non-greasy, non-comedogenic formula, that feels light on the face on application. A moisturizing cream that is enriched with apple cider vinegar, its water repellent properties help a great deal in hydrating the skin effectively for longer time. If this was not all, this product is also free from SLS, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petroleum, silicone and other toxic chemicals, which is a great plus.





Best Moisturizers for Combination Skin:



For people with combination skin, finding the right moisturizer is quite tricky. That's because people with combination skin have some areas of their face - dry, while some areas (particularly the T-zone) that is oily. Hence, finding a moisturizer that is not heavy and that works well in tackling both the dry and oily areas of a face is slightly difficult. Here, a moisturizer that is light-weight, non-comedogenic and oil-free is ideal for combination skin.



11. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Combination Skin













By far one of the best dermatologically tested, allergy-tested and non-comedogenic moisturizer available for combination skin type is Neutrogena Oil-free Moisture Combination Skin . Ideal for daily use, this alcohol and fragrance free product works extremely well in moisturizing all the dry areas of the skin, without leaving it sticky or greasy while effectively controlling shine in the oily T-zone area. Since this is a light weight lotion, it also gets quickly absorbed by the skin to leave it soft and smooth post application. Furthermore, this product can also be used before applying makeup.

12. Lacto Calamine Daily Face Care Lotion Oil Balance













Another moisturizer that is immensely loved by people with combination skin is Lacto Calamine Daily Face Care Lotion Oil Balance for Combination to Normal Skin . A water-based lotion, this product claims to have a 3-way action for offering oil balance for up to 8 hours. This product comprises of kaolin clay - that removes excess oil while retaining the essential oils in your face, glycerin - that prevents excess drying and hydrates skin and zinc oxide - for tightening the pores and cutting down the formation of pimples and blackheads. A quick absorbing lotion, this product also makes for a good makeup base.





13. Biotique Morning Nectar Visibly Flawless Skin Moisturizer









Though suitable for all skin types, Biotique Morning Nectar Visibly Flawless Skin Moisturizer is most suited for people with combination and dry skin. A nourishing and lightening lotion, this easily absorbable, paraben-free formula is enriched with pure honey, wheatgerm, seaweed, aloe, methi and ankurit gehun. Thick in consistency, mild and refreshing fragrance and its ability to give you a healthy and glowing skin, are other features enlisted by users.



A highly recommended product for winters.





Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin:





People generally categorize as their skin to be sensitive, when they experience irritation, rashes, redness, tightness or bumps when their skin comes in contact with a beauty product or due to some ingredient/s present in them. Hence, when looking for a good moisturizer for sensitive skin, make sure to read the ingredient list. Check for common irritants like sulfates, parabens, alcohol, fragrance and mineral oil and see which of these are actually making your skin uncomfortable.



I deally, when looking for moisturizers for sensitive skin, go for ones that are light-weight, gentle and fragrance-free.





14. Kama Ayurveda Sensitive Skin Day Cream







A high-priced daily moisturizer, Kama Ayurveda Sensitive Day Cream is a perfect soothing and restorative product for people with sensitive skin. This cream is enriched with calendula oil, safflower oil, pure sandalwood oil, natural cornstarch and beetroot extracts. A rich and ultra-hydrating natural moisturizer, this product claims to nourish, rejuvenate and restore sensitive skin, reduce redness and breakouts if any and cool and calm the skin, while leaving it soft and comfortable throughout the day.





15. Sebamed Moisturising Cream











