𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝟭𝟬𝟭: 𝗠𝗼𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗿𝘀

Unsure which lotion to try? Here’s what I look for: • Basics: Humectants, emollients, and occlusive ingredients are what I look for on a moisturizer INCI list. From bouncy gel-creams to lotions, I try to tick off the three boxes- balms too! CeraVe Healing Ointment ticks these three categories, my dry skin hero. • Diversity: “Peptides are great, and ceramides, antioxidants, fatty acids, colloidal oatmeal, allantoin, bisabolol, anddd…” I avoid exfoliants or retinol in my daily creams, but I love when a lotion goes beyond the basics to incorporate antioxidants and/or soothing ingredients! Opt for “active” creams if you like a short routine. • Texture: If you have oily skin or layer many products, you may prefer a silky lotion or bouncy gel-cream, which soak in a bit quicker. If you have drier skin or want a rich night moisturizer, opt for thick creams and/or creamy balms. Regardless of skin type: Experiment! Some lotions may have a thin texture but pack a hydrating punch and some creams soak in so much lighter than you’d expect. • Packaging: I prefer pump jars/tubes for their hygienic value and protecting included antioxidants from air. I’m not a huge fan of tubes with bottom pumps, as gravity can hinder the mechanism if I leave it upside down. Squeeze-tubes are reliable and enjoyable- you can cut them open to get the last bit of product out! I don’t like sticking my fingers into products, or leaving them open to the air if they contain antioxidants, but a lot of budget moisturizers are in plain jars so they can be more economical. • Price: You’re probably gonna be using the lotion 1-2x per day, so make sure the price to value ratio fits your budget! I don’t mind splurging on rich creams like Lala Retro and RegimenLab CREAM, as my skin loves the formulas, but The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer is a great pick and Naturium’s Niacinamide Gel-Cream is amazingly lightweight. Larger sizes may present a better value, like the Ordinary 100mL NMF + HA moisturizer. Look at where you’re willing to pay more: actives, packaging, dispenser type, texture, cruelty-free, small business, brand ethos, etc.