11 Best Moisturizers to Use in Your 30s for Dangerously Smooth Skin

Hydrated skin is on the rise with these moisturizers. We promise!

As you age, your skincare routine needs to change, and there’s no denying that in your 30s, your skin starts to show fine lines and signs of being a sun-lover, aka dark spots. As your skin begins to reflect the mistakes you made in your 20s, your daily routine should change as well, and starting with a non-negotiable step (hey, moisturizer) is a fantastic idea. To help you make the right decision, we’ve gathered the best moisturizers for your 30s that are formulated to really make a difference.

What ingredients do I need in a moisturizer for my 30s?
The best moisturizers for 30s should contain active ingredients that target your specific concerns, such as fine lines, dark spots or dehydration, while adding plenty of moisture without clogging pores or feeling heavy. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you should look for a lightweight, water-based formula, while for dry, chapped skin, a thick cream with restorative ingredients works best. In a nutshell, these are the ingredients you should look for in a moisturizer as you reach your 30s:

Retinol: is your best friend because it promotes cell renewal and boosts collagen production, reducing fine lines and dark spots. If you can’t tolerate retinol, try a retinol substitute, such as retinyl propionate.
Vitamin C: Another skin hero for collagen production and brightening, in addition to its antioxidant properties.
Peptides, ceramides, amino acids and fatty acids: You need all these compounds to accelerate skin repair and maintain more elastic, plump skin.
Niacinamide: It helps build proteins and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier against environmental stressors.
Humectants: The best moisturizer for your 30s should contain humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid so your skin stays elastic, firm and supple.

The best moisturizer for your 30s
If your moisturizer has only been for hydration so far, it’s time to add something extra from now on. That means ingredients that target fine lines, uneven skin tone, dullness and lack of radiance. These are the best moisturizers you can use in your 30s to leave your skin glowing, plumped and full.

   

Best overall:

Ole Henriksen C-Rush Brightening Double Cream
Inspired by freshly squeezed juice, Ole Henriksen C-Rush Brightening Double Crème provides both moisturizing and brightening benefits. It is one of the best moisturizers of the 30’s because it has a clean yet effective formula that works amazingly well on all skin types. Notable ingredients are three stable forms of vitamin C for added radiance and antioxidant benefits, plus glycerin, hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate for skin hydration, and shea butter to lock in moisture.

Best for damaged barriers:
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipopeptide Cream
If you’re experiencing a broken barrier or dehydration in your 30s, use Skinfix Barrier+. It’s loaded with a formula of replenishing and repairing ingredients designed to restore the barrier and provide deep hydration. Specifically, a triple lipid complex of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids and a peptide blend support skin structure and protect the skin from environmental aggressors, while shea butter and vitamin E lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss. We also love that it’s vegan and fragrance-free.

Best for oily skin:
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer
If you have oily skin, this is the best moisturizer for your 30s because it provides a lot of moisture without clogging pores or feeling heavy. The oil-free formula is infused with two forms of salicylic acid to help unclog pores and balance oil, while glycerin binds water molecules to the skin for added hydration. You’ll love this lightweight formula that absorbs immediately without making skin sticky, while ensuring a matte appearance, ideal for oily skin.

Best for dry skin:
Drunk Elephant Lara Vintage Whipped Moisturizer
Drunk Elephant Whipped Moisturizer is a rich formula enriched with three plant-derived ceramides and six African oils to nourish and repair your skin for immediate absorption. This is ideal if you are struggling with fine lines, loss of firmness, dryness or a weakened barrier. Apply the cream to your forehead, cheeks, chin and neck, gently massage into your skin and call it a day. Or one night.

Best for sensitive skin:
First Aid Beauty Super Restorative Facial Moisturizer
This is a popular moisturizer for people with easily reactive skin because it replenishes moisture while calming and softening the skin thanks to colloidal oatmeal, squalane, ceramides and shea butter. In addition, the formula contains glycerin and urea, two humectants that draw moisture from the environment to provide long-lasting hydration. Once massaged into the skin, the silky formula delivers a soft and hydrated look while ensuring plenty of moisture and the perfect makeup prep – sounds like the best moisturizer for those who want to tackle dull, sensitive skin in their 30s.

Best for anti-aging:
Paula’s Choice Anti-Aging Repair Cream
Paula’s Choice Intense Repair Cream is the MVP for addressing the signs of aging because it’s made with retinol, the most studied anti-aging agent that promotes cell renewal and collagen production. In addition, the formula includes peptides, adenosine, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate and multiple sources of antioxidants. This is an ideal blend of active ingredients for skin that craves hydration and repair and needs strong defenses against external enemies. So if your complexion is showing the first signs of aging, whether it’s dark spots or fine lines, this is the perfect moisturizer for your 30s.

Best for uneven tone:
Kate Somerville Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer
This fan-favorite moisturizer has been popular for some time now, and for good reason. First, it’s infused with retinol and vitamin C, both of which work to eliminate wrinkles and dark spots. Second, vitamins B5 and E, adenosine and hyaluronic acid bring moisture and lock in moisture in a rich formula that absorbs instantly into your complexion. MUST MENTION: It has a generous amount of fragrance, so if your skin falls into the easily reactive category, you should use this moisturizer with caution.

Best paired with retinol:
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
This one is undoubtedly the most popular and one of the best sellers of Murad products. In addition to providing fast-acting retinoids for immediate firming and slow-release retinoids for sustained results, it uses retinol boosters for more dramatic results. Other noteworthy ingredients in this award-winning formula are yeast extract, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, vitamin E and glycerin. This is the ideal formula to address initial fine lines and skin discoloration.

Best for night:
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream contains all the great ingredients to moisturize, protect and renew skin, including a complex of peptides, ceramides and shea butter. There is also Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid to add moisture and reinforce the protective barrier. It’s the perfect potent repair formula that works synergistically with your skin’s recovery process while you take Zzz – no wonder it’s considered the best nighttime moisturizer of the ’30s.

Best for budgets:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrogel
With Neutrogena Hydro Boost, you get the plumping and hydrating benefits of glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, without any oils or alcohol. The lightweight formula is designed to quench your skin’s thirst and can be used by everyone, including those with oily skin and those prone to acne, as it does not cause acne and does not feel greasy. In addition, it is a velvety primer that creates a smooth canvas for makeup.

Best Splurge:
La Mer Aquamarine
If you’re willing to splurge on a high-end moisturizer in your 30s, you should consider Crème de la Mer. Rich in an algae extract base and packed with revitalizing internal miracle essences (rich in vitamins and botanical extracts to strengthen skin), this formula is extremely rich and never feels heavy or sticky. Use this moisturizer in your daily skincare routine to give you the baby-soft complexion you’ve always dreamed of and to constantly work to regenerate and nourish your skin.