These Glow-Boosting Moisturizers Will Make Your Skin Radiant as Hell (2024)

It was hard to choose just one moisturizer to claim the top title—that was until I tested this shockingly affordable cream that makes my skin look like I just got a Hydrafacial after just one application. But my amazement didn't stop there—thanks to the rich blend of hydrating panthenol and skin-repairing madecassoside, I maintained a glow from day to night.

Plus, the SoonJung line from the brand Etude is backed by 30 years of sensitive skin research. This means that it's safe for irritation-prone skin due to being fragrance- and essential oil-free, as well as clear of any potentially icky ingredients.

• Key ingredient(s): Panthenol, madecassoside, sunflower seed oil, shea butter
• Skin type(s): All
  
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 2.02 oz.

Glowing Customer Review: "This cream is a game-changer for sensitive skin. Its minimalist formula soothes and hydrates effectively without irritation. The texture is lightweight yet deeply nourishing, leaving a non-greasy finish ideal for both day and night use. I noticed a significant improvement in my skin's moisture levels and resilience after consistent use. The absence of unnecessary additives makes it perfect for sensitive and reactive skin types."

K-beauty has revolved around skin health for generations. Think about it: The healthier your skin, the glowier and more glass-like it can be. Top-tier ingredients that have shown significant results have been passed down for centuries. One in particular that has probably popped on your socials as of late? Snail mucin, and more specifically, this incredibly popular snail mucin moisturizer.

While research is still limited on the benefits of snail mucin, it's believed to contain MVP hydrator, hyaluronic acid, as well as skin-plumpers, and cell-regenerative growth factors. The Amazon reviewers don't kid—when I applied this to my face, I was shocked by how radiant it looked without looking or feeling greasy whatsoever.

• Key ingredient(s): Snail mucin
• Skin type(s): All
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 3.52 oz.

Glowing Customer Review: "I am almost finished with my second jar of this and I LOVE IT! I ran out while on a trip and I feel like my skin was honestly craving it. It’s lightweight, doesn’t leave a greasy feeling but makes your skin lush and plump and moisturized."

Slept-on fact: Drugstore retinol can be just as good and, in some cases, better than more expensive options. Case in point: This tester-loved Neutrogena cream that combines heavy hitters like skin- brightening vitamin C, hydrating hylauronic acid, and ofc, the MVP, skin-firming retinol.

With consistent use over a few months, you'll notice your skin feels smoother, firmer, tighter, and less wrinkled. Make sure to use SPF in the AM, and apply sparingly if you're new to retinol, as too much can cause redness and irritation.

• Key ingredient(s): Retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid
• Skin type(s): Normal, sensitive skin types should work in slowly over a period of time
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 1.7 oz.

Glowing Customer Review: "I've been on the hunt for the perfect anti-aging moisturizer, and I've finally found it. This stuff is gold!First off, the fact that it's fragrance-free is a huge plus for me. The combination of retinol and hyaluronic acid in this moisturizer is like a one-two punch against fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. After just a few weeks of consistent use, I noticed a significant improvement in the overall texture and appearance of my skin. My fine lines appear diminished, my skin feels firmer, and those pesky dark spots are noticeably lighter."

When you have sensitive skin like mine, glowing skin can feel unattainable. Introducing a new product into your sensitive skin routine can easily result in dryness, irritation, and really pissed-off skin...which, ahem, is the opposite of glowing skin. However, when I find a product that doesn't need a slow introduction, I grasp on for dear life—I'm talkin' to you, Instant Angel. Filled with a rich blend of peptides and ceramides, this moisturizer is a barrier-supporting, firming, anti-irritation QUEEN.

• Key ingredient(s): Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, glycerin, vitamin E, lactic acid
• Skin type(s): Normal, dry, sensitive
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 1.7 oz., 3.3 oz.

Glowing Customer Review: "I've repurchased Instant Angel a few times since it was first released. I found the brand through TikTok and I love the science behind their formulations. I was a bit nervous because I do have pretty oily skin that is prone to hormonal acne and I have had bad experiences with a lot of popular moisturizers on the market. Despite my reservations, I found that my skin LOVES Instant Angel. Holy grail product."

The best ingredients to achieve a radiant glow are those that reveal fresh, smooth skin, which is why dermatologist Sara Hogan recommends ingredients that promote cellular turnover. Chemical exfoliants are great options as they work by sloughing away dead skin cells without harsh abrasives.

This overnight moisturizer from one of my fav drugstore skincare brands, Bubble, contains the AHA mandelic acid, which is a gentler, slower-acting exfoliant great for reactive-prone skin types. It also includes skin-brightening niacinamide and kojic acid, and a slew of barrier boosting, protecting antioxidants and moisturizers.

• Key ingredient(s): Mandelic acid, niacinamide, kojic acid, sodium PCA, arnica
• Skin type(s): All
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 1.7 oz.

Glowing Customer Review: "I’ve been using it for a few weeks, and my skin feels so much softer and more hydrated in the morning. The texture is lightweight and not sticky at all, which is great because I don’t like heavy products on my face when I sleep. What I love most is how it gently exfoliates while I sleep. I wake up with my skin looking fresh and glowing, and any dry patches I have are gone. It’s super easy to use—just apply it as the last step in your nighttime routine, and let it work its magic overnight."

Dr. Hogan loves this wrinkle-reducing treatment cream from the French skincare brand Avène. This contains retinal (aka retinaldehyde), which is the middle step between retinol (a gentler form) and retinoid (a stronger, prescription-level form), explains Dr. Hogan.

Translation: It's a super effective over-the-counter treatment that is stronger than traditional retinol as it's one step closer to the highest form of retinol, retinoic acid. This guarantees anti-aging benefits if used consistently, over time. "Combined with Vitamin E and Avène’s signature thermal spring water, this moisturizer evens skin tone with less risk of irritation," she says.

• Key ingredient(s): Retinal, vitamin E
• Skin type(s): Normal, sensitive skin types should proceed with caution
• Fragrance free? Yes
  
• Size: 1.01 oz.

Glowing Customer Review: "I was skeptical purchasing this but as a lady in her thirties and realizing my 'teenage' skin routine was no longer working I needed to upgrade. I started to notice a visable difference in my skin after day 15 and have now been using this for 3+ months and purchased more than once. This will be a staple in my skin routine for sure! Acne scard are significantly lighted, eye and forehead wrinkles are softened and leaving. This is a quality product!"

I like to call this next cream a magical potion for people with all skin types and skin concerns. It comes as no surprise that it's a French beauty staple that has been a cult favorite since its development in 1950 (!!) Okay, gushing aside, let's get into the facts: The formulation works as a makeup primer, cleansing milk, makeup remover lotion, and ofc, a powerful moisturizer due to its rich blend of fatty acids and vitamins. Because of its ability to create plump, smooth, firm skin, it layers beautifully under makeup and other products, resulting in that glowing, radiant look.

• Key ingredient(s): Fatty acids, shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera, soy proteins
• Skin type(s): All
• Fragrance free? No
• Size: 1.01 oz., 2.54 oz.

Glowing Customer Review: "Not to be overly dramatic or anything, but this is just pure magic in a tube! There has only ever been one other cream to instantly help give my face the much needed moisture, especially living in a dry climate, and that's another French brand but it's super duper expensive. This one is not only MUCH more affordable, but it's so effective. Like instantly."

SPF is the most important skincare step, hands down. Sure, there are wonderful ingredients that can help treat damage caused by the sun, but when you can prevent said damage in the first place, why wouldn't you wear SPF every single day?? This is my holy grail sunscreen as it applies invisibly on all skin tones, works great under makeup, and leaves the most s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g glow upon application.

It also includes vitamin C, which will brighten your skin over time, as well as skin-identical ingredients that lock in water for all-day long moisture. Oh, and the SPF 50 protection prevents premature wrinkles, dark spots, and a whole slew of other skin problems.

• Key ingredient(s): SPF, vitamin C, niacinamide, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate
• Skin type(s): Combination, dry, sensitive
• Fragrance free? Yes
  
• Size: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.

Glowing Customer Review: "What can I say about these perfect dewy drops of sheer silkiness is that it glides on ever-so easily, fully hydrating your skin, whilst protecting it from harsh environments. It is absolutely worth every drop of your precious $...I am in love with this SPF, one the best that I've tried, and one that I will stick with for a long time to come. "

Dr. Hogan loves a ceramide-packed formulation for a glowy skin effect. "Ceramides are occlusives, meaning they seal in moisture and prevent water loss in our skin," she says. This one is filled with them, as well as other skin-identical ingredients like glycerin and amino acids for one powerful shot of hydration.

The formula is a rich cream that revives dry skin immediately upon application, restoring your moisture barrier in the process. Personally, I love to use this moisturizer when I'm incorporating a potentially drying ingredient into my skincare (s/o retinol) or during the colder months.

• Key ingredient(s): Ceramides, vitamin E, arginine, panthenol
• Skin type(s): Normal and dry
• Fragrance free? No* (*light natural honey fragrance)
  
• Size: 0.8 oz., 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.

Glowing Customer Review: "Ok hear me out for a second...if you're not convinced yet that this is the HG of all face cream, maybe this will help! First off, it goes on like BUTTER and I can feel my skin absorbing the cream and it just feels so amazing like it feels fresh and hydrated and my skin looks new!"

Hear me out: She's pricey, I know, but there are very few products I would drop this much money on, and this is one of them. The light-reflecting pearl pigments that impart a gorgeous glowing sheen upon application is just the beginning of the reasons I love this cream.

The second? It contains sodium hyaluronate—otherwise known as hyaluronic acid's just-as-effective cousin that binds up to 1000 times its weight in water. Translation: between the light-reflecting, pearlized pigments, and deeply hydrating ingredients, you're bound to have the glowiest skin ever.

• Key ingredient(s): Sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, squalane, vitamin E
• Skin type(s): Normal, dry, combo
• Fragrance free? Yes
  
• Size: 1.69 oz.

Glowing Customer Review: "This is so pretty on your skin. I wasn’t expecting much results but I was blown away by the amount of glow it gives!!" one tester writes. "I’ve always heard good things about Dr. Barbara Sturm's products and now I can confirm for myself. I absolutely adore this glow cream and may just repurchase it once I’m done with this tub. I noticed a difference right after one day of wearing it and I think that speaks volumes on its effectiveness," adds another.

News flash: People with oily skin still need moisturizer, especially if they want glowing skin that doesn't look like a greaseball. "The key is selecting the right type of moisturizer to avoid looking greasy and triggering acne breakouts," says Dr. Hogan. Her rec? Any moisturizer that is labeled "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free," like this one from La Roche-Posay.

Yes, this moisturizer reduces shine and large pores. However, it also contains skin-loving glycerin, which is a powerful hydrator. This results in a fresh skin look that calms your oil output while still offering adequate hydration. P.S. If you have oily skin, Dr. Hogan recommends switching up your moisturizer throughout the year: "In the summertime, use lightweight formulations, and in the wintertime, use heavier formulations."

• Key ingredient(s): Salicylic acid, glycerin
• Skin type(s): Oily
• Fragrance free? No
  
• Size: 1.35 oz.

Glowing Customer Review: "I've been using La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Moisturizer for quite some time now, and it has become my holy grail product for oily skin. This moisturizer has truly transformed the look and feel of my skin in the best possible way. I also appreciate that this moisturizer smooths skin texture, leaving my complexion looking more even and radiant. The non-comedogenic formula is gentle and doesn't clog pores, which is crucial for preventing breakouts."

As we age—starting in our twenties!—our skin barrier weakens. (Fun, right?!) This results in loss of elastin and collagen, leading to dryness and wrinkles. The best way to treat this is to wear SPF always and use ingredients that bring back some fullness and moisture that you may have lost.

Dr. Hogan loves this pick for all of the above from fan-favorite medical skincare brand SkinCeuticals. Noting that this is for dry and sensitive skin types, Dr. Hogan says the formula contains three lipids—ceramides, fatty acids and natural cholesterol, all of which work to "replenish moisture and give skin back its glow."

• Key ingredient(s): Ceramides, natural cholesterol, fatty acids
• Skin type(s): Dry, sensitive, mature
• Fragrance free? Yes* (*though it does contain essential oils)
  
• Size: 1.6 oz.

Glowing Customer Review: "I am a 54 year old woman with incredibly dry skin. I was layering three lotions at night after my serums in order to create a thick layer of moisture while I slept. This product has been a game changer. With this lotion there is no need to layer lotions—it hydrates my skin perfectly! I put it on after my Hyaluric Serum at night and when I wake up my skin is literally glowing, soft, plump and so hydrated that lines and wrinkles are not visible."

If you haven't been intro'd to the newest 'It' ingredient on the block, growth factors, you're sorely missing out. Growth factors are one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients out there thanks to their ability to regenerate your skin on a cellular level. This results in damage repair and collagen and elastin production.

I particularly love this formula from dermatologist-founded brand ZO Skin Health. Its velvety-smooth formula applies to my skin like a dream when I put it on at night, and I find that it provides enough moisture, so I can use it as the last step in my skincare routine.

• Key ingredient(s): Dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate (anti-wrinkle peptide)
• Skin type(s): Normal, dry, combo
• Fragrance free? No
  
• Size: 1 oz.

Glowing Customer Review: "The difference Growth Factor Serum makes is hard to describe- my skin is plumper, smoother, and has a glow. I tried going without it for a month thinking it might be my imagination but as soon as I started using it again friends and colleagues commented how great my skin looked, how rested I looked or asked if I’d had something done.

This next pick feels like a facial in a tub. This moisture cream from luxe skincare brand, Eve Lom combos a weightless feel with an extremely hydrating formula. The culprit? A modified version of one of our favorite ingredients, hyaluronic acid.

This modified molecule of the super humectant works by creating super small "anchors" that attach the HA molecule to your skin. In simpler terms, this creates a longer-lasting result, meaning more hydration and even better elasticity.

• Key ingredient(s): Sodium acetylated hyaluronate, vitamin E
• Skin type(s): Normal, dry, combo
• Fragrance free? No
  
• Size: 1 oz.

Glowing Customer Review: "A very lovely moisture cream that feels both watery and creamy. Hydrates the skin quite well and is soothing. Glides easily across the face and absorbs rather quickly. Though it leaves the skin feeling well moisturized, it does not leave oily or greasy residuals behind. I've found that this moisture cream makes my skin feel very soft and smooth. Lasts all day long.When I use this moisture cream, my face looks quite good. There's a healthy glow and lines are diminished. Even the deeper lines are softened. "

Evaluate the ingredients

Board-certified dermatologist Sara Hogan, MD, breaks down the key ingredients (and their functions!) that you should look for while choosing a moisturizer for glowing skin:

• Retinol: The vitamin A derivative that is the gold standard in addressing skin texture and tone. When applied to your skin, retinols are converted in the skin through a two-step process into retinoic acid, or retinoid. Retinol has perhaps the most clinical data to support its properties for anti-aging, unclogging pores, improving hyperpigmentation, producing collagen, and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
• Lactic acid: Formed when foods rich in sugar or bacteria go through fermentation, lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid. It increases skin cell turnover and is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment into your skin.
• Ceramides: Lipids, or fatty molecules, present in large amounts in our skin. They act as a waxy seal between the skin cells in our stratum corneum (outermost layer). Ceramides are occlusives, meaning they seal in moisture and prevent water loss in our skin.
• Vitamin C: An antioxidant that buffers free radicals in the skin from external stressors like the environment, pollution, and UV radiation. It brightens dark spots, smooths fine lines, and can even induce collagen with long-term use.

Understand that glowy skin is a product of your lifestyle

I hate to break it to you, but you can slather on every $$$ skincare product with the highest-rated reviews in pursuit of radiant skin, but if you're not taking care of yourself from a health perspective, your skin is likely to still suffer. "Glowing skin is not only determined by a great skincare routine, says Dr. Hogan, adding that a healthy lifestyle is equally as important. "Regularly getting good rest, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking, all contribute to achieving glowing skin."

• Sara Hogan, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist based in Washington, D.C. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor in Dermatology at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.