Don’t worry—we’re here to help dispel the confusion, starting with a simple explanation of what moisturizer is and whether it’s different from lotion. We’ll also offer practical tips for choosing the right moisturizer for your needs along with product recommendations for different skin types.

A moisturizer is a product that helps improve the skin’s hydration. Moisturizers typically contain humectants that draw water into the deeper layers of skin, emollients which smooth and soften the skin, and/or occlusives that lock moisture into the skin by forming a protective barrier on the surface. There are several different categories of moisturizer, and lotion is one of them.

Here’s a quick overview of some different types of moisturizer:

• Lotion - Lightweight moisturizers that have a higher water content and absorb easily; good for normal to slightly dry skin.
• Cream - Thicker moisturizers that have a richer texture and contain more emollients; ideal for dry and dehydrated skin.
• Ointment - Intensely hydrating moisturizers rich in occlusive ingredients; best for very dry, dehydrated, or damaged skin.
• Gel - Non-greasy, fast-absorbing moisturizers that don’t clog pores; good for oily and acne-prone skin.
• Serums - Concentrated formulations that often contain humectants to draw moisture deep into the skin.

To summarize, moisturizer is a broad category of products that help hydrate and protect the skin. Lotion is a type of product within the moisturizer category, as is cream, ointment, and gel. There’s a great deal of variety within each of these sub-categories, so choosing the right product usually depends on your individual needs.

Because moisturizer is an umbrella term for a broad range of products, you’ll need to narrow down the options to find your perfect fit. There are a few different factors to consider when choosing a moisturizer, such as your skin type, level of dryness, desired application, and any additional skin concerns you may have.

Whether you’re looking for a lightweight daily moisturizer or an intensive treatment to repair dry skin, one of our preferred products could be the perfect fit. To help you decide, we’ve gathered our top recommendations for different skin types and common skin concerns.

Level of Dryness

If you’re simply seeking to maintain your skin’s current level of hydration, you might choose a different product than if you’re looking to restore moisture loss and rebuild your skin’s protective barrier. Assessing your skin’s current level of dryness can help you decide between lotion and other types of moisturizer.

Lightweight moisturizers like lotions and gels are ideal for slightly to moderately dry skin. They have a higher water content than creams and ointments, so they absorb quickly instead of sitting on top of the skin. For everyday moisturizing, try CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion delivers long-lasting hydration and supports skin barrier health.

Severely dry or dehydrated skin might need more intense hydration as well as protection from moisture loss. This is where emollient-rich creams and ointments made with occlusive ingredients can come in handy. If you want skin-tightening and -smoothing benefits on top of intense hydration, consider Neocutis BIO CREAM FIRM RICHE.

Your Skin Type

Another simple way to choose the right type of moisturizer is to consider your skin type. If you only experience occasional dryness but have otherwise-normal skin, a lightweight lotion like La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lotion could be the ideal pick. For skin that’s frequently dry, a more intensely hydrating lotion like ISDIN Uradin Lotion 10 could be more appropriate.

For people with combination or oily skin, the wrong moisturizer can clog your pores and leave you with a greasy feeling. A non-comedogenic formula like SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer may be a good choice. And if you struggle with acne, redness, or skin sensitivity, a gentle, hypoallergenic formula like CLn Dermatologics Facial Moisturizer might be an appropriate pick.

Desired Use

Some moisturizers are specifically formulated for facial skin while others are appropriate for full-body use. How and where you plan to use your moisturizer may determine what kind of product you pick.

For full-body moisturization with skin-firming and toning benefits, consider SkinMedica’s Firm & Tone Body Lotion. If you’re looking for a facial moisturizer with plumping benefits, Obagi ELASTIderm Lift Up & Sculpt Moisturizer could be a good fit.

You may also need to adjust your moisturizing routine following a procedure or during periods of increased sensitivity. In this case, a moisturizer formulated to support skin barrier repair and recovery like Medature PSL Repair Moisturizer II might be an appropriate choice.

Additional Skin Concerns

Once you’ve narrowed down your options based on your skin type and level of dryness, it’s worth considering whether you have any additional skin concerns. There are plenty of moisturizers infused with active ingredients designed to repair sun damage, reduce the visible signs of aging, correct hyperpigmentation, and more.

If you’re looking for a lightweight moisturizer to help strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier and protect against environmental aggressors, try EltaMD’s Skin Recovery Light Moisturizer. And if you want to combat the visible signs of aging with a gentle exfoliation, try Obagi-C FX System C-Exfoliating Day Lotion.

For more advanced correction of age-related skin concerns, a multi-corrective moisturizing treatment like SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced might be the perfect pick.

Achieving healthy and glowing skin shouldn’t feel like an impossible goal. If you’re not ready to start a multi-step skincare program, a simple daily routine of cleansing and moisturizing could make a difference. Choosing a moisturizer that suits your skin type and addresses your individual skin concerns is the best place to start.

Here at Exclusive Beauty Club, we make it easy to find your perfect fit. Browse the whole collection of moisturizers or narrow your search by product type. We offer a wide range of facial moisturizers, body lotions, moisturizing masks, and more.

And don’t forget to sign up for Exclusive Beauty Rewards. With your free account, you’ll earn points on every purchase that can be redeemed for future discounts.