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Using a good moisturizer might be one of the keys to healthy, hydrated, and happy skin. When it comes to choosing a good moisturizer, always take your skin type (oily, dry, combination, or sensitive) into consideration and whether or not you want some type of added benefit including organic ingredients.
Below are some moisturizer options from retinol, a rejuvenating eye cream (which is basically a highly concentrated moisturizer) that help to target the sensitive eye area, and a “complete” moisturizer that is meant to try and repair and protect both the face and body.
An amazing organic face oil with only four quality ingredients for skin, hair, face, and scalp and an antioxidant-heavy powerhouse round out our choices. No matter your skin type, color, or concern, with regular use, these moisturizers aim to help give you brighter, more hydrated, and healthier skin.
Our Favorite Moisturizers for Women of Color
ROVECTIN Moisturizer for Women of Color — Best Overall
The ROVECTIN Moisturizer for Women of Color is a vegan face moisturizer specially formulated for women of color. With a focus on clean beauty and natural ingredients, this gentle moisturizer provides hydration and enhances the appearance of your skin, making it an excellent choice for sensitive and dry skin. The key active ingredient in this cream is lotus water extract, which makes up 75% of the content. Lotus water extract is known for its remarkable self-purifying ability, allowing the lotus flower to bloom gracefully even in muddy environments.
In this moisturizer, the high concentration of lotus flower extract helps absorb damaging toxins from your skin, promoting a clearer and cleaner complexion. The addition of kaempferol, a well-known antioxidant, further restores balance and offers anti-aging properties. One of the standout features of this water cream is the brand’s commitment to clean beauty. The moisturizer is cruelty-free and does not contain parabens, artificial colors, artificial fragrances, mineral oil, steroids, or any other potentially harmful ingredients. It is safe for all ages and suitable for all skin types, allowing you to use it multiple times a day.
Pros
- Vegan face moisturizer
- Gentle and hydrating for sensitive and dry skin
- Contains lotus water extract for clearer complexion
Cons
- Individual results may vary
LilyAna Naturals Cream — Great Value
This cream is a Vitamin A formulation that uses the highest concentration of plant-based and active ingredients to try and deliver a healthier skin appearance. This formula might deliver the noticeable results of retinol (reduced fine lines and faded sun-damaged spots and acne scars) without irritation, redness, and dryness. In addition to retinol, this formula contains hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, green tea, and shea butter to help provide a balanced formula. For ideal results, this cream can be used in the morning and at night as your daily facial moisturizer.
Pros
- This cream leaves no oily residue, absorbs quickly, and won’t clog pores
Cons
- If you experience any dryness or have sensitive skin, use once per day or on alternate days
GLITCH Moisturizer for Women of Color — Best Night Routine
Experience the transformative power of GLITCH Moisturizer for Women of Color, specifically designed to address your unique skincare needs. This evening hybrid serum and moisturizer offer a simple, yet effective, solution to fight blemishes and prevent early signs of aging, all in one step. The velvety formula deeply hydrates your skin during the night, leaving it plump and restored by morning. Rest assured, GLITCH products are safe for sensitive skin. They have been clinically tested, dermatologist-approved, and proven to be gentle on even the most delicate skin types.
Key ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin A, and pink rock rose work diligently overnight to combat signs of aging, fatigue, and dehydration. The presence of flavonoids and polyphenols helps reduce redness and soothe signs of stress. Embrace a clean and effective skincare routine with GLITCH. The brand holds Leaping Bunny and Vegan Society certifications, ensuring cruelty-free practices. Moreover, this moisturizer is free from parabens, dyes, fragrances, phthalates, alcohol, and silicone. The fully recyclable packaging aligns with your commitment to sustainability.
Pros
- Simplified skincare routine with hybrid serum
- Fights blemishes
- Deeply hydrates the skin
Cons
- Results may vary depending on skin type and condition.
Christina Moss Naturals Moisturizer — Runner Up
Another great option for an all-around gentle moisturizer is this moisturizer which is certified organic and uses a proprietary manufacturing method that allows this formula to be free of any harmful, toxic petrochemicals. Great for all skin types, even sensitive, this concentrated cream can try to help in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles while deeply moisturizing the face, eye, neck, and decollete areas.
Pros
- With every purchase, you will receive a how-to guide for basic skincare which contains two DIY recipes for natural face masks
Cons
- This moisturizer contains a slight, chemical-free fragrance
Era Organics Cream — Honorable Mention
This face and body cream is filled with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. With potent ingredients including aloe vera, manuka honey cream, and blue-green algae, this natural moisturizer helps try to repair damaged cells while stimulating new cell growth and restoring your skin’s natural pH balance. Other benefits you might be able to enjoy include stimulation of collagen production, strengthened skin fibers, improved elasticity, and environmental protection.
Pros
- This non-greasy formula leaves no residue
Cons
- If you have acne-prone skin, another option might be better
InstaNatural Moisturizer — Excellent Quality
This Vitamin C moisturizer is formulated to help try to provide antioxidant defense and visibly reduce the common signs of aging in the skin including the appearance of lines and wrinkles and dark spots. Vitamin C’s powerful antioxidant protection might help to protect against environmental aggressors which are enhanced with niacinamide and hyaluronic plant extracts that support collagen production for continued firmness and elasticity. This is a lightweight moisturizer, ideal for all skin types, that can be used night and day or as needed.
Pros
- This moisturizer has high ingredient standards and is made without any unsafe preservatives, parabens, and synthetic dyes
Cons
- There is no SPF in this product
L'Oreal Paris Moisturizer — Also Consider
This moisturizer is targeted towards more mature skin types and uses nourishing ingredients that help to restore and revive the skin. This moisturizer is an intensely moisturizing day cream that contains ingredients that might help gently exfoliate dull, sallow skin and is enhanced with rosy pigments to try to instantly revive the skin’s natural pink tone. Although this is a rich moisturizer, it is non-greasy and should be used every morning as the last step in your skincare routine.
Pros
- This moisturizer can also double as a tinted moisturizer for those who prefer to go without makeup
Cons
- This product contains mineral oil
Buying Guide: Moisturizers for Women of Color
What Points Should Be On Your Mind While Buying Moisturizers for Women of Color?
Like choosing makeup, choosing the right moisturizer can be an overwhelming experience. You need to know your skin type, and the best moisturizers for women of color will be different for each person.
Skin type
Moisturizers for women of color can be tricky if you misuse them. When picking a moisturizer for your skin, you must begin with your skin type, which can be oily, normal, dry, or combination. There is an array of moisturizers for women of color made for different skin types and colors.
To keep your skin from becoming oily, look for moisturizers that contain natural plant oils and low levels of alcohol. Moisturizers that contain vitamin B3 and aloe vera are also suitable for all skin types. Moisturizers made with vitamin E are also good for your skin.
Oil-free
Look for an oil-free moisturizer as moisturizers with oil can keep the skin from breathing and make it more vulnerable to breakouts. Non-comedogenic moisturizers are good to choose from as they are free of oils and waxes that clog your pores.
SPF
Moisturizers for women of color should contain sunscreen. Their skin is more sensitive than any other skin type, so they should take special care of it. Moisturizers for women of color are not only lighter in texture, but they are also oil-free and SPF-inclusive.
A moisturizer with SPF is the better option, especially if you are outdoors most of the time.
Other necessary ingredients
Look for moisturizers containing lactic acid, retinol, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin. These ingredients restore natural moisture and add radiance. A moisturizer with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA) will help to slough away dead skin cells and make your skin smoother.
Keep your skin's needs in mind
When buying a moisturizer for women of color, it is essential to consider its ability to meet all your skincare needs. The product’s overall formulation, ingredients, and quality should be regarded to avoid future skin damage.
Why Should You Invest in Moisturizers for Women of Color?
Here are some simple features that prove that moisturizers for women of color are worth your investment.
Provides protection against the sunlight
Your skin can be prone to allergies, dryness, and damage from sun exposure. You must use high-quality sunscreens to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays. Moisturizers with SPF are a great choice for women of all skin tones.
Keeps the skin hydrated
One of the main reasons you should use moisturizers is that your skin could get really dry. When the skin is dry, it becomes more susceptible to cracks and wrinkles and prone to infections. Moisturizers bring moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.
What Are the Types of Moisturizers for Women?
There are different kinds of moisturizers for women of color.
Oil-free moisturizers
This type of moisturizer is a light lotion that goes on smoothly and absorbs well into the skin. It is excellent to use during the daytime under makeup because it doesn't leave you feeling greasy or oily. Because it is formulated for oily skin, this moisturizer is also perfect for acne-prone women.
Oil-based moisturizer
This type of moisturizer is meant to balance the skin. It is excellent for women with dry skin. It is also great for putting on before makeup. Oil-based moisturizers should be applied at night as they can make your face look shiny throughout the day.
Water-based moisturizers
They should be applied right after your skin is cleaned and before makeup. You should always apply moisturizer after washing your face, especially this one. These types of moisturizers are usually derived from petroleum or paraffin.
Natural moisturizers
Natural moisturizers like cocoa butter and shea butter are derived from plants. When rubbed in, it absorbs into the skin and keeps it soft.
What Is the Perfect Way to Maintain Moisturizers?
For people who have extra dry skin, moisturizing is essential for their beauty routine. But maintaining the same moisturizer for an extended period often becomes a problem for most people.
- The best way to avoid your moisturizer from being wasted is to use it as a night cream rather than a day cream.
- It would help if you also remembered to close the containers tightly after every use not to oxidize the content.
- A moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or more is a better option. It will not only help to protect your skin from UV rays but will also add moisture and hydration to your skin.
