Last Updated on: September 29, 2022
Did you know that black-skinned folks lose moisture quicker than fair-skinned individuals? The lack of moisture leaves their skin appearing ashy and dull and, in some cases, prone to white flakes, inflammation, redness, and acne.
Furthermore…,
Loss of moisture can help accentuate the wrinkles on your skin. Fortunately, there are ways you can use to address this issue, and one of the best solutions is using the best moisturizer for black skin on the market. And of course, that includes my top favorite — the Olay Complete Facial Moisturizer.
The Best Moisturizers for Black Skin Reviewed
1. Olay Complete Facial Moisturizer – Overall Best
For people with sensitive skin that can be easily irritated, picking the right moisturizer can be quite terrifying, and trying out a new product can be very scary! A foreign product can burn your skin after all. This story is quite common among folks with skin complexions that irritate easily.
As the best moisturizer for black skin, the Olay Complete Facial Moisturizer is here to give you peace of mind. Its exceptional fragrance-free formula guarantees you 8 hours of hydration while deeply nourishing your skin.
It comes with a SolaSheer-sensitive technology that helps shield your skin against the effects of UV rays.
The addition of Vitamin E and aloe helps improve your conditions. Another key advantage that I love about the Olay Complete Facial Moisturizer is the fact that it’s quick-absorbing and lightweight.
It is also non-greasy, highly moisturizing, and soothing. Even though it comes with SPF-15, it blends perfectly with this lightweight cream.
Pros
- Protection from the effects of the UV rays
- Soothing effect on your skin
- Non-greasy
- Keep your skin moisturized for 8 hours
- Ideal for folks with irritated and normal skin.
Cons
- Strong scent
Takeaway
The Olay Complete Facial Moisturizer is a perfect package for folks with sensitive skin who fear trying new products. In fact, it’s the perfect option for folks who fear trying new products; fortunately, this product is safe for them and can protect their skin from the effects of UV rays.
2. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Cream Moisturizer – Best for Oily Skin
If you have no problem with splurging some moisturizing skin cream on your oily skin, then you should try the Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Cream Moisturizer. Featuring an ultra-lightweight formula, this moisturizer will help hydrate your skin without leaving you feeling greasy or heavy.
As one of the best moisturizers for black skin, this product can reduce the wrinkles on your skin while leaving you with silky, hydrated skin. This is due to its formula that uses moisture from the atmosphere!
Personally, I love the fact that it’s composed of 30% hyaluronic acid and peptides that can help your skin lock in its moisture and prevent future environmental damage. The peptides also serve as anti-aging components; therefore, using this moisturizer will delay the onset of wrinkles. You should also expect some improvement in the appearance of the wrinkles and lines on your face.
The most important thing is that it can keep your skin moisturized for up to 72 hours, which is actually great news.
Plus, the fact that it is infused with hydrolyzed silk will leave the skin plump, smooth, and soft.
Pros
- Can moisturize your skin for over three days
- Leaves the skin smooth and soft
- Improve the appearance of wrinkles and lines
- Works perfectly with makeup
- Does leave your skin greasy
Cons
- Not ideal for skin with huge pores
Takeaway
The Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Cream Moisturizer is an exceptional product designed to keep your skin moisturized while improving the appearance of wrinkles. Plus, the fact that it can keep you moisturized for over 72 hours is a bonus.
3. Shea Moisture African Black Soap Moisturizer – Best for Dry Skin
If you’re looking for the best face moisturizer for African American skin that can do more than keep your skin hydrated, then you should try this Shea Moisture African Black Soap Moisturizer. This product contains an African black soap extract that is loved for its healing properties.
This shea butter moisturizer can help fade dark spots, combat acne, and keep your dry skin moisturized all day long.
Therefore, if you have a blemish and acne-prone dry skin, then this product is a must-have. Its unique formula soothes irritation, adds hydration, and balances oiliness. Its unique formula guarantees that your dark skin will absorb the shea butter mixture quickly, leaving it smooth, soft, and rarely greasy.
It has a wide range of moisturizing ingredients like willow bark extract, mango seed oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, and aloe vera that can keep your dry skin well-hydrated. This means that it can keep your dry skin moisturized and hydrated for an extended period. This moisturizer is ideal for folks with skin that gets irritated easily; it doesn’t feature sulfates, phthalates, and parabens.
Another thing that stands out is the fact that it was designed with dark skin tones in mind; therefore, it can keep your skin safe.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sulfates-free
- Parabens-free
- It’s ideal for folks with sensitive skin
- Rich in hydrating ingredients
- Soothes irritated skin
Cons
- Not ideal for oily skin
Takeaway
The Shea Moisture African Black Soap Moisturizer was formulated with safety in mind; therefore, it doesn’t include parabens, phthalates, or sulfates in its formula. Plus, the fact that it contains several hydrating ingredients is a bonus.
4. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream – Best Fragrance-Free
As one of the best creams for black skin, the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream has been a go-to facial moisturizer for millions of folks all over the globe. In fact, it has been referred to as one of the best facial creams by lots of publications, including Allure, Elle, and The Cut. Therefore, you’re guaranteed a reliable moisturizer that can do more than keep your skin hydrated.
Its unique infusion of niacinamide, amino peptides, and hyaluronic acid can deeply hydrate your skin while preventing symptoms of aging.
The formula will keep you hydrated for over 24 hours while increasing moisture retention by over 50%. But one of its key functions that stand out is the fact that it boosts cell regeneration and can leave you with a youthful skin complexion. This and some of its benefits make it one of the best-selling products under this brand.
It has everything needed to keep your skin healthy and young, which makes it ideal for women of color. It has also been proven to outperform some of the high-end options.
Pros
- Affordable
- Fragrance-free
- Ideal for different skin types
- Reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines on your face
- Strengthen your skin
Cons
- Contains parabens
Takeaway
As one of the most popular moisturizers on the market, the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream has safe ingredients and can keep your skin looking healthy and young. And the good thing about it is that it’s affordable.
5. Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 – Best All-Around
The Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 is an exceptional product designed for a wide range of skin, ranging from normal to dry skin types. It is made using some of the most gentle skincare ingredients that can even work for folks with acne-prone skin. Plus, its unique formula nourishes and hydrates the skin while strengthening it is what makes it the best lotion for black skin.
I love the fact that it’s super light and works perfectly with any skin type. Plus, it has been proven to improve your skin’s ability to retain some moisture with time.
This product comes with SPF 15 to protect your skin from UVB and UVA sun radiation.
The Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 has a cult-like following and has been praised by many folks for its gentle and effective formula. It doesn’t feature any irritating ingredients and has zero scents.
Therefore, it is the best option for acne-prone skin. Its unique formula is lightweight and fast-absorbing, paraben-free, and non-greasy; therefore, you shouldn’t worry about it clogging your skin pores.
Pros
- No irritating ingredient
- Paraben-free
- Fast-absorbing formula
- Long-lasting hydration
- Sun protection against the damaging effects of the UVB and UVA rays that can cause skin cancer.
Cons
- It is a bit oily
Takeaway
The Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 is an all-around skin moisturizer that works with a wide range of skin types. Plus, it does more than just keep your skin moisturized; this product will protect your skin from the damaging effects of the UV rays.
6. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer – Best for Daily Use
Do you have dark spots, uneven skin tone, or dull skin? The Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer is an oil-free product that can improve your skin texture and moisturize your skin while improving its complexion. In fact, it can improve your skin tone within 4 weeks.
This product comes with some clinically proven results for its efficacy when it comes to fixing dullness and lowering dark spots. Plus, it can be easily absorbed by our skin without leaving you feeling greasy.
It comes with a natural light diffuser that helps reflect light away from your skin, leaving it looking flawless and smooth all day long.
It is infused with soya that helps with treating pigmentation and finally reveals your brighter skin tone. And just like the Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15, it does come with SPF 15 that helps prevent skin damage from the UV rays. Plus, it is sensitive enough to be used on the most easily irritated skin type.
This product is hypoallergenic, which makes it ideal for folks with allergy issues.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Contains SPF 15
- Non-Comedogenic
- Clinically proven
Cons
- Strong fragrance
Takeaway
A skin moisturizer should be able to do more than hydrate your skin; it should also improve its complexion and protect you from the effects of UV rays. With the Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, you will be getting this and more plus the fact that it’s affordable is an added bonus!
7. Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream – Best for Flaky Skin
The best solution for folks with dry and flaky skin that soothes and moisturizes your skin is the Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream. It is a rich plant-based cream that can make your flaky skin more luminous. It will plump your skin using its exceptional plant formula.
Weleda cream’s formula is rich in hydrating ingredients like pansy, lavender, chamomile, and glycerin. These ingredients help moisturize your skin, leaving you with a healthy glow.
The fact that it’s plant-based is a bonus and very safe for your skin.
Therefore, if you’re into products with natural ingredients, then you should try the Weleda cream. This formula has no parabens, preservatives, mineral oil, or any other irritating ingredient. Its smell is also herbal and natural; unfortunately, some folks find it quite strong.
This formula is exceptional for dry, flaky skin, but if you have oily skin, you should stay away from this product. It may leave your skin feeling greasy, which is not ideal for folks with an oily complexion.
Pros
- Plant-based
- No preservative, mineral oil, or parabens
- Rejuvenate a dry, flaky skin
Cons
- Not ideal for oily skin
Takeaway
If you’re into plant-based skin barrier products and plan to take care of your skin with one, then you should try the Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream. It does have a strong smell, though, and could leave some users feeling a little greasy.
8. Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel by Clinique – Best Moisturizing Gel
Clinique is one of the world’s leading skincare products whose main goal has been to give folks glowing, healthy skin. Therefore, they have a 3-step customized routine that includes dramatically different moisturizing gels. The 3-steps include cleansers, exfoliators, and moisturizers which are designed to improve your skin.
The Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel by Clinique is ideal for folks with oily and a combination of other skin types.
The main function of this moisturizing cream is to balance the oilier part of your skin and keep you refreshed.
The cucumber, barley, and sunflower seed cake extracts can help strengthen your natural skin barrier. These exceptional ingredients can improve your skin’s moisture and resilience levels.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Vegan
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- Developed by dermatologists
Cons
- Strong scent
Takeaway
Being part of Clinique’s 3-step customized skincare system, you should expect the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel by Clinique to keep your skin moisturized. This moisturizing cream is ideal for a wide range of skin types, plus the fact that it’s vegan means that it is safe for both men and women.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Moisturizer for Black Skin
It’s known that we all have different skin types; plus, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to skincare products. Therefore, there are a few things you have to consider when purchasing the best lotion for black skin.
But if your skin is sensitive, you should be very careful when picking your skincare product and pay more attention to the ingredients. Therefore, you need to pick the most natural moisturizer for black skin. So here are a few things to consider when picking the right product for your skin:
Ingredient
The main function of any moisturizing product is to help the uppermost layer of your skin retain water and prevent dryness. Therefore, it’s crucial that you pick a product containing some humectants like Hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Other moisturizing ingredients that can help folks with dry skin include vitamins, African black soap, aloe, shea butter, and cocoa butter.
For dry skin, get products with ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone that can help attract water.
Other ingredients like mineral oil, propylene glycol, and lanolin can lock in moisture. The best solution for folks with irritable skin should also be hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
Dark skin also has a low amount of naturally occurring ceramides that can help keep your skin healthy. Therefore, you should also consider getting a product with ceramides.
Non-Comedogenic
If you have sensitive skin, the last things you’ll ever want from your skincare product are getting clogged pores. Plus, you already know that clogged pores can trigger uneven skin tone and acne, so you need to be very careful when looking for the right skin care product. This means looking for products featuring non-comedogenic formulas.
The non-comedogenic products can moisturize your sensitive skin without blocking the pores.
Understand Your Skin Type
Before you even pick any skincare product, you should first understand your skin; we all react differently to certain products. If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid oilier skin, and anything creamy or thick can be an issue. The best solution for folks with oily complexion is gel-based products.
If you have dry skin, then you should go for a thick and creamy formula. Oil-based products may not be a good idea and are only suitable for oily skin.
Fun Fact: Observing proper skincare and following some fool-proof skin care tips will help in maintaining your skin’s youthful glow!
Scent
Most folks with sensitive skin are inclined to avoid scented moisturizers, which isn’t a good idea. After all, not every scented moisturizer is harmful to your skin; some can even do wonders for your sensitive skin.
Remember: While alcohol-based or synthetic-based scents and perfumes may cause an allergic reaction, the natural fragrance and oils will less affect you.
Watch This!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use Just Any Moisturizer On Dark Skin?
No, you can’t. Dark skin is known for having more melanin and huge skin pores that can easily clog, especially when oily. Therefore, you need the right skin moisturizer designed for your specific skin type, but make sure you examine the ingredients before applying them to your skin.
When Looking for a Moisturizer for My Sensitive Skin, Which Chemicals Should I Watch Out For?
There are lots of ingredients that can trigger an allergic reaction or acne. Hence, some of the key ingredients to avoid are salicylic acid, retinol, and known allergens.
Which Skincare Ingredients Can Affect Acne-Prone Skin?
A wide range of skincare ingredients; therefore, you have to be careful when picking the right product for your skin. Some of the ingredients include parabens, lanolin, isopropyl palmitate, algae extract, and coconut oil.
Conclusion
Folks with dark skin can lose moisture faster than light-skinned individuals despite your skin type. Therefore, dark-skinned and light-skinned individuals cannot use the same moisturizer. Instead, you should try the above-proven products that can easily keep your skin healthy.
From our research, we have concluded that Olay Complete Facial Moisturizer is the best option available. This moisturizer has everything for folks with skin that gets irritated easily, and this includes their SolaSheer-sensitive technology that can protect your skin against sun damage.