Melanin Beauty Awards 2025: Best Moisturizers, SPFs & Body Oils

As Jack Frost begins to nip at our noses and the sun sets earlier, it’s crucial that you have a moisturizer to rely on this season. 

Moisturizers are often the “slept on” step of the skin care routine, as it is often believed that they are not needed. In the dry, winter months, moisturizer is crucial. Not only does it provide a protective layer between your skin and the harsh winter air, but it also provides continuous hydration, helping to maintain the skin’s elasticity and softness, as well as preventing premature aging. 

While the cream element in moisturizers its ideal for providing moisture, its the active ingredients that moisturizers are formulated with that keep your skin plump and fresh. Moisturizer ingredients are typically categorized into three main types: humectants, which attract water; emollients, which smooth the skin; and occlusives, which form a protective barrier to seal in moisture. Some ingredients you should look for based on your skin type include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, shea butter, and dimethicone. 

Moisturizers work to draw water from the atmosphere to keep the skin hydrated, while also softening and smoothing the skin by filling in the cracks. Think of your moisturizer as the top coat of your skin care routine—it also seals in other products and works to ensure that all the good stuff continues to work underneath. 

Various moisturizers have different textures and layers of thickness. Gel moisturizers are ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin because of their non-comedogenic formulas that hydrate without clogging pores, while cream moisturizers are ideal for those with dry, cracked skin. Some moisturizers contain fragrance; however, it is recommended to opt for fragrance-free products, as…