I Tested 7 Winter Moisturizers: Best for Every Skin Type 2025

Winter skin is a whole different beast. As someone with oily, acne-prone, and occasionally sensitive skin, I know the struggle of finding moisturizers that hydrate without triggering breakouts. This winter, I tested seven popular moisturizersand I'm sharing my honest findings so you can find your perfect match.

The 7 Winter Moisturizers I Tested

Honest reviews with science-backed results. Find your perfect match today.

1. Hada Labo Moisture Cream ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best For: All skin types, glass skin lovers

This Japanese favorite completely surprised me. Your skin genuinely feels like glass after application plump, glowing, and smooth.

The Science: Contains multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, which means it hydrates at different skin depths for long-lasting moisture retention.

Why It Works: The multi-weight HA formula targets both surface hydration and deeper skin layers, giving you that glass skin effect without any heaviness or greasiness.

Skin Type: Truly suits everyone the rare unicorn product.

3. Estée Lauder DayWear ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Best For: Oily skin seeking hydration with control

Lightweight yet deeply hydrating with a soft-matte finish (not completely matte, but no shine either).

The Science: Contains antioxidants plus hyaluronic acid that protect against environmental stressors while delivering hydration.

Why It Works: Balances moisture without adding excess oil, so your skin feels comfortable all day without that tight feeling or midday shine.

Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone skin

2. COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best For: Normal-dry skin, or as a night cream

Rich, gel-like texture that delivers immediate glow and glass skin with just a pea-sized amount.

The Science: Contains 92% snail secretion filtrate packed with glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid. This powerful combo hydrates, repairs, and gently exfoliates simultaneously.

Why It Works: Snail mucin accelerates skin repair and moisture retention. If you wake up with dull winter skin, this delivers visible radiance and plumpness overnight.

My Usage: Too rich for my oily skin during the day, but perfection at night. Dry skin types can use morning and night.

Skin Type: Normal and dry for day use. All types for nighttime. a short description of this category

4. I'm From Yu Ja Niacin Brightening Sleeping Mask ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best For: Fighting winter dullness and dehydration

Super hydrating overnight mask with 82% yuzu extract and niacinamide. I included this because winters can cause serious dryness.

The Science: Niacinamide strengthens your skin barrier—which is exactly what gets compromised in cold weather. A strong barrier means less water loss and better protection against environmental damage.

Why It Works: The combination of brightening yuzu and barrier-strengthening niacinamide means you wake up with plump, glowing, even-toned skin. It's particularly amazing if winter makes your complexion look tired or uneven.

Usage: Apply 2-3 times per week as your final nighttime step, or every night if your skin is extremely dry.

6. Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best For: Sensitive and reactive skin

Hydrates and evens out skin tone while actively calming irritation. The "345" refers to its three core ingredients, four-free formula (no irritants), and five-layer moisture system.

The Science: Contains Centella Asiatica and madecassoside that are clinically proven to reduce inflammation and strengthen compromised skin barriers.

Why It Works: Even when winter triggers sensitivity, this cream soothes without ever stinging. The barrier-strengthening ingredients protect against harsh weather irritation while evening out redness and tone. It just... works, even on your worst skin days.

Skin Type: Sensitive, reactive, or compromised skin. All types welcome.

5. Kiehl's Hydro-Plumping Serum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best For: Dehydrated skin (all types)

Feels exactly like water, absorbs instantly, and delivers serious hydration without any oil. Perfect for dehydrated skin—even if you're oily like me.

The Science: Lightweight hydration formula with multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid that targets water deficiency rather than oil deficiency.

Why It Works: Hydrates at different skin depths without adding oil, so your skin gets the water it desperately needs in winter. Layer this before your moisturizer for an extra hydration boost that makes everything work better.

Skin Type: Everyone. This is for water, not oil

7. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best For: Normal to dry skin, extreme cold

This is Kiehl's best-seller for a reason. Creamy and substantial without feeling heavy, it creates a protective moisture barrier that shields skin in harsh conditions.

The Science: Contains squalane and glacial glycoprotein that work together to lock in moisture and protect against environmental stressors like wind and extreme cold.

Why It Works: The protective barrier is perfect for seriously cold climates or naturally dry skin. As someone with oily skin, this was a bit much for daily use, but on extremely cold, windy days? It was exactly what I needed to feel protected and comfortable.

Skin Type: Dry, normal, or oily in extreme weather.

The Bottom Line

There's a perfect winter moisturizer for every skin type and budget in this lineup. My personal favorite? Hada Labo for that glass skin effect with zero heaviness. But honestly, each of these solved a specific winter skin problem beautifully.

Your skin will thank you for the extra TLC this winter

Quick Rankings

🥇 Best Overall: Hada Labo Moisture Cream
🥇 Best for Oily/Acne-Prone: Estée Lauder DayWear
🥇 Best for Glow: COSRX Snail 92 Cream
🥇 Best for Dehydration: Kiehl's Hydro-Plumping Serum
🥇 Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream
🥇 Best Overnight Treatment: Yu Ja Niacin Sleeping Mask
🥇 Best for Extreme Cold: Kiehl's Ultra Facial CreamKiehl's Hydro-Plumping Serum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About me

I'm Chinyere Nzeigwe

Former Kiehl's Global Ambassador and Certified Gut Nutritionist with 10 years in beauty, working with global brands and helping clients one-on-one find their glow again. Growing up traveling through Asia taught me that the best beauty secrets blend ancestral rituals with modern science. My golden rule? If it doesn't save coins and add glow, I'm not recommending it

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Disclaimer

I tested all products myself and all opinions shared in this post are my own honest experience

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This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I've personally tested or that professionals genuinely use and trust a short text about your service. Highlight key benefits for potential clients.

Patch test disclaimer

Everyone's skin is different. What works for me or others may not work for you. Always patch test new products before full application, especially if you have sensitive skin or known allergies.

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