Ever stare at the wall of moisturizers at Ulta, feeling completely lost? You’re not alone! Picking the perfect face moisturizer can feel like a treasure hunt, but without a map. So many brands, so many promises, and your skin deserves the best, right?
The struggle is real when you’re trying to find a moisturizer that won’t break you out, hydrate your dry patches, or help with oily spots. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices and wonder which one will actually work for your unique skin. You want something that feels good and makes your skin happy, but where do you even start?
This post is here to be your trusty guide. We’ll break down what to look for and highlight some amazing face moisturizers you can find at Ulta. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a moisturizer that your skin will love. Let’s find your perfect match!
Top Face Moisturizer At Ulta Recommendations
- DAILY HYDRATING MOISTURIZER: Our #1 face cream provides 72-hour hydration for all skin types. This formula helps to replenish moisture loss, repair skin barrier, and deeply hydrate skin. Tested in extreme conditions and safe for ezcema-prone skin.
- EFFECTIVE FORMULA: Formulated with Pro-Ceramides and Squalene, this formula is proven to reinforce skin's barrier strength and absorb easily into skin. These ingredients are shown to hydrate, smooth, and soften skin while strengthing the skin.
- PROVEN RESULTS: Our #1 Ultra Facial Cream is clinically proven to provide deep, lasting hydration. This product hydrates skin 15 layers deep, repairs skin barrier in 1 hour, and provides 72-hour hydration. **Results based on an instrumental study.
- ALL-DAY WEAR: Use twice daily, both day and night as the ultimate compliment to your skincare routine. Wear under makeup, or mix our hydrating face cream with your favorite foundation for sheer, glowy coverage.
- FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: This face moisturizer is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin (100% tested on sensitive skin in an instrumental study). Ultra Facial Cream has received the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, CREAMY FORMULA: This creamy yet lightweight daily moisturizer is enriched with vitamins and antioxidants to renew your skin, lock in essential moisture, and reveal a naturally radiant complexion.
- INFUSED WITH HYDRATING INGREDIENTS: This rich formula is infused with aloe vera to soothe and provide calming effects, jojoba oil to lock in moisture, and shea butter to nourish the skin, leaving it with a smooth finish.
- WHEN TO USE: Ideal for daily use, the formula absorbs easily to promote smoother, more supple skin that glows from within. Great for all skin types.
- BEAUTY TIP: Ideal for wearing under makeup to lock in moisture.
- VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: e.l.f. stands with every eye, lip, face, paw and fin. Proudly vegan, e.l.f. is double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA.
- RESTORES SKIN’S NATURAL MOISTURE BARRIER: EltaMD AM Restore Face Moisturizer helps restore your skin’s natural moisture levels and smoothes, hydrates, brightens, and tones while reducing signs of dry, damaged skin
- FOR DRY, SENSITIVE AND ACNE-PRONE SKIN: Ideal for sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin, this daily face moisturizer is oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, dye-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and won’t clog pores
- MADE WITH HYALURONIC ACID AND NIACINAMIDE: A targeted blend of Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and Willow Bark Extract helps improve moisture absorption and retention, enhancing long-lasting hydration for visibly smoother, more supple skin
- GREAT DAILY FACE MOISTURIZER: Apply this lightweight moisturizer in the morning to clean skin before your daily sunscreen; it layers comfortably under SPF and makeup, helping keep skin hydrated, soft, and balanced throughout the day without feeling greasy
- TRAVEL FRIENDLY SIZE: The 1.7 oz pump bottle is TSA-approved and designed for easy travel; it fits seamlessly into handbags, crossbody bags, and carry-ons so you can maintain consistent, dermatologist-trusted hydration on-the-go
- RESTORES MOISTURE OVERNIGHT: EltaMD PM Restore Night Face Moisturizer works overnight to replenish skin's moisture levels for a smooth and hydrated feel in the morning
- ENHANCE SKIN ELASTICITY: The vitamins and minerals in this face moisturizers formula stimulate the skin’s natural moisture barrier, improving hydration and elasticity for a smoother appearance
- SOOTHE DRY, DAMAGED SKIN: The overnight facial moisturizer uses ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide to help improve the appearance of dry skin overnight, resulting in smoother, more supple skin by morning
- SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: This nighttime moisturizer for face is oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for normal, dry, and sensitive skin types without clogging pores
- CONVENIENT NIGHTLY APPLICATION: Apply this face moisturizer every evening after applying serums to help your skin stay moisturized while you sleep
- Lightweight formula glides on easily with a silky feel.
- Helps to restore and hydrate skin while preserving the skin’s natural barrier while soothing irritation.
- TriHex Technology helps to support the production of new, healthy elastin and collagen with Tripeptide-1 and Hexapeptide-12 to promote smoother, more even skin.
- Helps restore and promote an optimal environment to improve the appearance of skin following a cosmetic treatment.
- May be used on sensitive or compromised skin - non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic.
- EVERYDAY BASIC FACE MOISTURIZER: This face cream helps keep skin moisturized with 24-hour hydration. This daily moisturizer helps leave skin nourished with all-day hydration, and helps to soften and moisturize skin.
- CLINICAL EXPERTISE: This everyday face moisturizer is paraben-free and fragrance-free.
- EFFECTIVE INGREDIENTS: This basic & lightweight daily facial moisturizer is formulated with Squalene & Glycerin. Squalene is known to help replenish skin barrier, & Glycerin, which is naturally occurring within skin, is known to help retain moisture.
- FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: This product is suitable for all skin types.
- HOW TO USE: After cleansing and toning, massage a small amount of daily facial moisturizer onto skin, avoiding the immediate eye area. Can be used morning and night and throughout the day as needed.
- This unique facial moisturizer absorbs easily into skin to help protect skin from sun damage which can cause early signs of aging.
- Hydrates skin while helping defend against skin-damaging UVA and UVB rays. Readily absorbs into skin leaving it soft, smooth and nurtured.
- HOW TO USE: Massage a small amount of Kiehl's facial moisturizer with SPF 30 onto skin. For sunscreen use: Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every 2 hours. Use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
- Infused with Squalane, a highly-refined botanical lipid derived from olives. With an exceptional affinity to skin, Squalane absorbs easily and is known to help replenish skin’s barrier keeping it soft, supple and moisturized.
- For all skin types.
- HYDRATION BOOST: This hydrating face moisturizer delivers essential moisture to dry, flaky, dehydrated skin. The oil-free facial moisturizer leaves skin silky smooth without greasy residue.
- REDNESS RELIEF: Soothe sensitive skin with this sensitive skin face moisturizer. It reduces redness using hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients like Squalane, providing a facial moisturizer for sensitive skin.
- AGE-DEFYING FORMULA: Minimize signs of aging with our facial creams & moisturizers. This face cream locks in moisture, offering softer skin and a more supple look.
- PATENTED SKIN REPAIR: The EltaMD AAComplex formula in this facial lotion includes a patented combination of three amino acids that help repair the skin barrier, promotes skin repair, and protects sensitive skin.
- NIGHT AND DAY USE: Use this face moisturizer for dry skin both day and night. This dry skin face moisturizer offers pH-balanced moisture, rehydrating and repairing skin barrier damage.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Face Moisturizer at Ulta
Finding the right face moisturizer can feel like a treasure hunt. Ulta has so many options! This guide will help you pick the best one for your skin.
1. Key Features to Look For
- Hydration Level: Does your skin feel dry or oily? Moisturizers offer different levels of hydration. Some are light and watery, perfect for oily skin. Others are richer and creamier, best for dry skin. Look for words like “lightweight,” “rich,” or “intense hydration.”
- Skin Type Specifics: Many moisturizers are made for certain skin types. You’ll see labels for “oily,” “dry,” “combination,” “sensitive,” or “acne-prone” skin. Choosing one made for your skin type helps it work better.
- Added Benefits: Some moisturizers do more than just moisturize. They might have sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. Others can help fight wrinkles or brighten your complexion. Think about what else you want your moisturizer to do.
- Ingredients: What’s inside matters! We’ll talk more about this next.
2. Important Materials (Ingredients)
Good moisturizers use ingredients that help your skin.
Humectants
These ingredients pull water into your skin. Think of them like tiny sponges. Common humectants include:
- Hyaluronic Acid: This is a superstar ingredient. It holds a lot of water.
- Glycerin: A classic moisturizer that keeps skin soft.
- Squalane: It’s similar to the natural oils in your skin.
Emollients
These smooth out your skin. They fill in the gaps between skin cells. This makes your skin feel soft and smooth. Examples include:
- Shea Butter: Very rich and great for dry skin.
- Ceramides: These are natural fats in your skin. They help your skin barrier stay strong.
- Oils (like Jojoba or Sunflower Oil): These can be very nourishing.
Occlusives
These form a barrier on your skin. They stop water from escaping. They are good for very dry skin. Examples are:
- Petrolatum (Vaseline): A strong barrier.
- Dimethicone: A silicone that feels smooth.
3. Factors That Affect Quality
What makes a moisturizer great or not so great?
What Makes it Better
- Fragrance-Free: If you have sensitive skin, fragrance can cause irritation.
- Dermatologist-Tested: This means experts have checked it.
- Non-Comedogenic: This means it won’t clog your pores. This is important if you get pimples.
- Good Reviews: What do other people say? Real user experiences can be very helpful.
What Can Make it Worse
- Harsh Alcohols: Some alcohols can dry out your skin. Look for “fatty alcohols” like cetyl alcohol, which are actually good for your skin.
- Irritating Fragrances: As mentioned, these can be a problem.
- Too Heavy for Your Skin Type: Using a thick cream on oily skin can make breakouts worse.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your moisturizer and how it feels are important.
When to Use It
You should use moisturizer every day. You can use it in the morning and at night. After washing your face is the best time. This helps lock in moisture. If your moisturizer has sunscreen, it’s great for daytime use.
How it Feels
A good moisturizer should feel comfortable on your skin. It shouldn’t feel greasy or sticky. It should absorb nicely. Your skin should feel soft and hydrated. If it stings or burns, it’s probably not the right one for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Face Moisturizers at Ulta
Q: What is the most important thing to look for in a face moisturizer?
A: The most important thing is to match the moisturizer to your specific skin type and its needs, like hydration level and whether you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Q: Are expensive moisturizers always better?
A: Not always! Many affordable moisturizers at Ulta use excellent ingredients and work just as well as pricier ones. It’s more about the ingredients and how they suit your skin.
Q: Can I use a moisturizer for oily skin if I have combination skin?
A: You might be able to, especially if you apply it only to your oily areas. However, a moisturizer designed for combination skin is usually a better choice because it balances different skin needs.
Q: What does “non-comedogenic” mean?
A: It means the product is less likely to clog your pores, which is important for preventing pimples and breakouts.
Q: Should I use a moisturizer with SPF every day?
A: Yes, it’s highly recommended! Sunscreen protects your skin from sun damage, which can cause wrinkles and dark spots. Many people use a separate sunscreen over their regular moisturizer.
Q: My skin is sensitive. What should I avoid?
A: You should avoid products with strong fragrances and harsh alcohols. Look for “fragrance-free” and “hypoallergenic” labels.
Q: How much moisturizer should I use?
A: You only need a small amount, about the size of a pea. Too much can feel heavy and might not absorb well.
Q: Can I use a body lotion on my face?
A: It’s best not to. Face moisturizers are made with gentler ingredients and are formulated for the delicate skin on your face.
Q: What if a moisturizer makes my skin break out?
A: Stop using it right away. It’s likely not the right formula for your skin. Try to find a “non-comedogenic” option next time.
Q: Where can I get help finding a moisturizer at Ulta?
A: Ulta has beauty advisors who can help you! You can also look at the product descriptions and reviews online or in the store.