11 Best Moisturizers For Darker Skin: Reviews And Buying Guide

While everyone’s skin structure is the same, darker skin is distinguished by melanin levels and barrier repair function. Accordingly, it also needs special care. Here, we have listed the best moisturizers for black people. These have received a good number of positive reviews on trusted online platforms. Some of these are also dermatologist-tested. When we think of dark(er) skin tones, our minds immediately conjure up images of African skin. On the other hand, African skin does not always imply a darker complexion. It can be both dark and white (1). In this article, we have also given a brief explanation of the skin kinds that darker complexion people have. Scroll down to know more.

Note: According to a study, dark African-American skin had a higher incidence of transepidermal water loss than lighter skin (2). As a result, moisturization is very important if you are an African.

11 Top-Rated Moisturizers For Darker Skin

1. Best Overall:Baebody Retinol Moisturizer Cream

4.3

Image: Baebody

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.95

Buy on Walmart

Key Ingredient(s): Retinol, Shea Butter, Vitamins B5 and E, Jojoba Oil, Green Tea

Retinol is an excellent ingredient for your skin if you are looking for an anti-aging cream. This moisturizing cream contains the ultimate hydrating ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil, along with antioxidants like green tea extract. This retinol in this moisturizer boosts the cell renewal process, gets rid of old skin cells, and promotes the growth of new skin cells. This helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes to impart a dewy glow.

Pro Tip

If you have sensitive skin then first apply a normal moisturizer on your face before applying the retinol moisturizer cream to prevent the risk of irritation.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The overwhelming 12,310 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.

2. Best For Sensitive Skin:CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Key Ingredient(s): Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid

This lightweight lotion is suitable for those who have normal to dry skin type. It can be used on the face and body. This lotion contains ceramides. It helps replenish the low ceramide levels in your skin and keeps it feeling soft and moisturized. It ensures your skin stays hydrated for 24 hours and helps restore the protective barrier with ceramides 1, 3, and 6 II. It is hypoallergenic, so even those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin can also use this lotion. Check out this video of a reviewer’s experience to better understand the functions of this product.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received over 9,086 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.

3. Best For Cracked Skin:E.ra Organics Daily Face And Body Cream

Key Ingredient(s): Aloe Vera and Manuka Honey

This face and body cream claims to keep your skin moisturized for 8-12 hours. It contains essential minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that keep your skin healthy. It helps treat severe skin issues, repair the damaged skin cells, stimulate cell growth, and restore the natural moisture barrier. The cream is made from a nourishing formula that also helps maintain the skin’s pH balance, stimulate collagen production, and improve elasticity. Here’s a personal review video detailing a tester’s experience to help you get a better understanding of the product.
Dr. Schwarzburg, MD, Cosmetic Dermatology suggests, “For creams designed for both the face and body, it is best to do a patch test beforehand as the sensitive skin on your face may be more sensitive than the skin that covers the rest of your body. This way you will know whether the product is right for you.”

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 6,252 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.

	Baebody Retinol Moisturizer Cream Best Overall	CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion Best For Sensitive Skin	E.ra Organics Daily Face And Body Cream Best For Cracked Skin
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Dimensions	2.99 x 2.4 x 2.4 inches	4 x 5 x 6 inches	3.1 x 3 x 2.5 inches
Weight	1.7 Ounces	0.01 Ounces	5.33 Ounces
Rating
Reviews	12,310	9,086	6,252
Price	$19.95	$11.34	$27.7

4. Best For Daily Use:Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer

Key Ingredient(s): Soy

This is a daily moisturizer with SPF and is clinically proven to improve skin texture and tone in four weeks. It contains a Total Soy Complex (processed soybeans) that helps treat uneven skin tone and retain the integrity of your skin. The natural light diffusers in the moisturizer reflect light to smooth skin imperfections. It is hypoallergenic and does not irritate your skin. Not to mention, the product also helps promote natural skin radiance for a glowing complexion.

Pro Tip

For better coverage apply generously and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure and continue to apply in every 2 hours.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 1,996 rave reviews on Amazon.

5. Best For Dry Skin:Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue

Key Ingredient(s): Vitamin C and Fruit Water (antioxidant complex)

This oil-free moisturizer can be an excellent choice for instantly locking in moisture. It contains vitamin C and a Fruit Water Antioxidant Complex that make your skin feel smooth, hydrated, and refreshed. This face lotion is suitable for all skin types. However, it is especially beneficial for ashy skin. It claims to lock in moisture for 24 hours and protects your skin from stress and pollution.

6. Best Fragrance-Free:Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

Key Ingredient(s): Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, and Vitamin B3

This moisturizing face cream is formulated with vitamin B3 and hyaluronic acid, two of the most hydrating and skin-nourishing ingredients. It is ultra-hydrating for your skin and aids in skin barrier repair. It helps improve the rate of skin cell turnover and remove dead skin cells. This improves skin texture and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. This face cream gives you visibly firm and smooth skin with regular use along with a healthy glow.

Trivia

Olay provides 3 versions of this product: the original Micro-Sculpting cream, Fragrance Free, and SPF 30.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

A whopping 10,715 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.

7. Best Snail Cream:Seoul Ceuticals Multi-Function Anti-Aging Snail Repair Cream

Key Ingredient(s): Snail Extracts

This snail cream contains the highest percentage (97.5%) of snail mucin. It is an extremely potent skin nourisher and moisturizer. It is ethically harvested, and no snails are harmed during the process. Apart from snail mucin, it contains aloe vera extract, jojoba oil, and shea butter. This cream helps fight off signs of premature aging by reducing age spots, fine lines and wrinkles and keeping your skin healthy. It is suitable for all skin types and works best for dry and flaky skin.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received 2,632 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.

8. Best Moisturizer For Oily Skin:L’Oreal Paris Skincare Hydra Genius

Key Ingredient(s): Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Water

If you have oily skin, this water-based lightweight lotion is the ideal moisturizer for you. Dr. Schwarzburg, MD, Cosmetic Dermatology says, “Lightweight creams are great for most skin types as they are not oily or too dry.” This cream contains hyaluronic acid and the skin-soothing aloe water that keeps your skin moisturized for up to 72 hours without making it feel greasy. It gets absorbed quickly and has a gel-like consistency. Hence,  it does not feel heavy on your skin.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has received 7,350 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.

9. Best Moisturizing Gel:Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

Key Ingredient(s): Hyaluronic Acid, Sunflower Seed Cake, and Cucumber Extracts

This product is an excellent choice for your skincare regime. It is a part of the 3-step customized skin care system by Clinique. This moisturizing gel is developed for those with oily and combination skin types. It is primarily for balancing the oilier parts of the skin and keep it refreshed. The sunflower seed cake, barley, and cucumber extracts help in strengthening the natural barrier of the skin. These ingredients help improve skin resilience and moisture levels and impart a healthy glow!

10. Best For Blemish-Control:SheaMoisture African Black Soap Balancing Moisturizer

Key Ingredient(s): Shea Butter, African Black Soap, Tamarind Oil Extract

This facial moisturizer is meant for those with dry skin type. However, it also works for combination and oily skin types. It is a lightweight lotion that contains shea butter and African black soap. It also contains tamarind extract and tea tree oil that help fight blemishes and keep your skin clear.

11. Best Overall:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula

Key Ingredient(s): Retinol, Peptide Complex, Shea Butter, and Aloe Vera

This cream contains retinol and peptides that have numerous benefits in helping the skin regenerate while you are sleeping. This restorative moisturizer is rich in antioxidants and cocoa butter that keep your skin soft and smooth. It contains plant-based ingredients and is safe for sensitive skin.

There is a wide color variability in African skin – it includes both white and dark-skinned people. The variation in color is mostly due to the geographic distribution of UV rays. The darker-skinned individuals stay close to the equator.  Leslie Baumann, the American dermatologist, introduced four parameters for characterizing the skin type accurately (1):

• Dry or Oily (D/O)
• Sensitive or Resistant (S/R)
• Pigmented or Non-Pigmented (P/N)
• Wrinkled or Unwrinkled (W/T)

Out of these, dark-skinned people often have the P/T type (Pigmented or Unwrinkled skin). Depending on your skin concerns and skin type, here are a few parameters you can consider while picking a moisturizer.

How To Pick The Best Moisturizer For Dark Skin

1. Consistency: If your skin feels itchy and dry, pick a moisturizer that has a thick consistency. For normal skin, creams with thinner consistency are fine. For oily skin, you can pick light lotions that are water-based.
2. Ingredients: Choosing the right skin moisturizer is all about picking the right ingredients.

• • For dry ashy skin, look for ingredients like dimethicone, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and propylene glycol as they help attract water. Ingredients like lanolin, mineral oil, etc. help to lock in moisture.
  • For oily and acne-prone skin, look for moisturizers that contain AHAs and are non-comedogenic. AHAs also have anti-aging benefits.
  • For sensitive skin, check for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
  • Look for antioxidants (for all skin types) like chamomile, green tea, licorice root, and pomegranate extracts to keep the skin healthy and reduce free radical damage.
  • Check for ceramides. Dark skin tends to have the lowest percentage of naturally occurring ceramides in the skin (2). Fortifying your skin with ceramide moisturizers can keep it healthy. It is always recommended to do a patch test before using any new moisturizer on the skin to avoid allergic reactions from any ingredients you may be allergic to.

3. SPF: If you are picking a moisturizer for the daytime, make sure it has SPF. It is a myth that dark-skinned people do not need sun protection. While the high melanin content makes dark skin less prone to sun damage, it does not rule out the possibilities of skin damage by the UV rays. The damages may be less noticeable (like dark spots, pigmentation, and melasma). Dark and distressed skin is equally vulnerable to the sun, so never forget the SPF. In addition to these, pick a moisturizer that is of professional grade with proven efficacy for the best results against environmental damage as well.

Infographic: Choosing A Moisturizer For Black Skin

It is not difficult to choose moisturizers for darker skin tones if you know what to look for. While there are many available on the market, certain aspects like ingredients, skin type, and consistency separate these options from one another. Check out our infographic below for more information.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dark skin people need a moisturizer?

Yes. People with dark skin are more prone to the drying effects of the weather. They experience transepidermal water loss at a greater rate than people with medium to fair skin. So, wearing a moisturizer that contains humectants is very essential.

Does moisturizer make the skin darker?

No. Moisturizer does not make your skin darker, rather it hydrates your skin and makes it appear supple. On the other hand, excessive sun exposure can make your skin darker, so to avoid tanning, generously apply sunscreen to your skin.

Is Cerave moisturizer good for African American skin?

Yes, the CeraVe moisturizer is good for African American skin. It replenishes the low ceramide level of your skin and keeps it moisturized throughout the day. This product is toxin-free, making it suitable for hypersensitive African American skin.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborty, is a certified skin care coach. Her expertise lies in understanding skin needs at a cellular level. Her opinion is based on scientific research and user reviews on various online platforms. This list of the best moisturizers caters to the requirements of dark skin. Shiboli carefully selected products that offer hydration and keep the skin glowing and youthful. These moisturizers are formulated with safe and effective ingredients.

Recommended Articles:

• 15 Best BB Creams (2024) For Dark Skin – Your Buying Guide
• Top 12 Skin Lightening Creams, Serums, And Gels – 2024
• 15 Of The Best Face Creams For Women

The following two tabs change content below.

• Reviewer
• Author
• Editor
• Fact-checker

Dr. Schwarzburg MD

 

Dr. Schwarzburg is a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City. He is an Ivy League school graduate with 7 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and regenerative medicine. His authority is widely recognized, and his expert opinion has been sought by many prestigious publications, including Forbes, Glamour, Good Morning America,...more

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

 

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content. She loves reviewing skin care and hair care products and constantly endeavors to provide...more

Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor

Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products. She has previously worked as a scriptwriter for an educational technology company and...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more