15 Best Moisturizers For Black Skin (For The Face & Body)

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Looking for the best moisturizers for black skin that actually work? Try one of these 15 great facial and body moisturizers for all skin concerns!

Ladies (and men) with darker skin require different products as they tend to have different skin concerns. Those who were blessed in the melanin department are prone to hyperpigmentation, melasma, and ashy-looking skin on the elbows or anywhere else that can become dry. In order to combat any ashiness, anyone with darker skin should have a skincare routine that’s targeted to hydrate their skin.

But in addition to having a handy dandy face moisturizer, a product that’s designed specifically for the body is important too. The face moisturizer should be applied in the morning and evening, whereas the body moisturizer should be generously applied after stepping out of the shower. This will lock in any of the moisture left on your skin from the water.

Best moisturizers for black skin in 2022

Because black skin tends to lose moisture quicker than other shades, products that contain hyaluronic acid are definitely the best option. Hyaluronic acid will help your skin hold onto moisture for dear life. It’s also wise to opt for products that don’t contain a lot of fragrances as this can cause irritation.

To help you become a hydrated queen, we’ve found 15 of the best body and face moisturizers for black skin that will lock in hydration and soothe your skin. And since we are all created differently, we’ve included moisturizers that are safe for every kind of skin type.

The Best Face Moisturizers For Black Skin

1. CeraVe AM Face Moisturizer

Best facial moisturizer for black skin: cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

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We thought it would be best to start this list off with a moisturizer that’s safe for all black skin types. Whether you have oily skin, acne-prone skin, dry skin, sensitive, or combination-skin, the CeraVe AM Face Moisturizer is a wonderful option for you.

This moisturizer contains several ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, which will ensure that your beautiful face doesn’t lose all of its hydration. It’s meant to be applied in the morning as it contains an SPF of 30, which is still very important for folks with dark skin, even if you never experience sunburns.

Using a daily moisturizer with an SPF will help prevent skin cancer and melasma. It’s also free of oil and fragrances to avoid any breakouts or irritation. The CeraVe AM Face Moisturizer retails for around $14 at Walmart.

2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer for black skin

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Once you try the Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer from Neutrogena, we promise that you’ll never go back to your old moisturizers. It’s incredibly lightweight and absorbs quickly, which makes it perfect for ladies with oily complexions or acne-prone skin.

The formula, created with hyaluronic acid, will instantly quench your skin and replenish any moisture that’s been lost. It’s non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores) and because it’s so lightweight, it can be comfortably worn under makeup without caking or creasing.

However, it doesn’t contain any SPF so be sure to apply sunscreen if you’re going to be exposed to the sun. This holy grail moisturizer can be purchased from Walmart for around $18.

3. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

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If you consider yourself a baller on a budget, you’re likely familiar with the skincare brand The Ordinary. This amazing moisturizer clocks in at $5.80, making it one of the best budget-friendly moisturizers for black skin – ideal for ladies who don’t want to drain their bank accounts for some results!

It has a vegan formula that’s made with dermal lipids, fatty acids, ceramides, glycerides, saccharides, and hyaluronic acid. All of these ingredients will keep your face looking plump and hydrated.

It’s suitable for black women and men of all skin types and is made without parabens or sulfates, reducing the chance of any irritation. The Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA moisturizer can be applied any time of day, whenever your skin is feeling dry and thirsty.

4. Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream for Face

Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream for Face 

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Cetaphil, like CeraVe, is another no-B.S. skincare brand as it’s affordable and uses minimal ingredients to create maximal results. This face moisturizer is perfect for ladies with normal, dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin as its formula is non-greasy and fast-absorbing so it won’t clog pores.

It contains hyaluronic acid, pro-Vitamin Complex, and olive extract, which will hydrate your skin and strengthen its natural barrier. This face moisturizer from Cetaphil is also non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, making it safe for ladies with eczema-prone or extra sensitive skin. It can be purchased at drug stores or Walmart for just under $15.

5. CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic acid serum

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While this isn’t entirely considered a moisturizer, it’s one of our all-time favorite products when our skin is feeling tight and dry.

This serum provides 24-hour hydration and uses ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide to restore your damaged and flakey skin. It’s free of parabens or fragrances, which makes it perfectly suitable for men and women with sensitive skin or skin that’s prone to blemishes and clogged pores.

It can be layered under other moisturizers (with an SPF!) or worn on its own. Because it doesn’t contain an SPF, it can be applied after washing your face before bedtime as well. The CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum costs $19.99.

6. Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Lotion

Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Lotion Moisturizer

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This is a heavy-duty moisturizer hidden within a lightweight formula. It’s the best of both worlds. Because it contains nutri-peptides, lipids, and hyaluronic acid, it’s suitable for aging skin as it can work to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

While restoring your skin’s hydration, the moisturizer will visibly repair the barrier of your skin, replacing any dullness with a healthy glow. It should be applied after cleansing your face in the morning and evening. The Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Lotion Moisturizer can be purchased at Sephora for $40.

7. Pond’s Dark Spot Corrector B3 Moisturizer

Pond's Dark Spot Corrector Clarant B3 Moisturizer

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This is one of the best budget moisturizers for black skin with hyperpigmentation, and it costs just under $8 at Walmart. The moisturizer uses vitamin B3 to improve the appearance of any discoloration and dark spots, which many black women struggle with. The cream promises a visible difference with use for four weeks and is suitable for those with dry and normal skin types.

The Dark Spot Corrector Clarant B3 Moisturizer has been tested by dermatologists and is hypoallergenic, making it safe for those with sensitive skin as well. Because it comes in a small jar, we suggest using a Q-tip to retrieve the cream that you’ll be applying to your face. Repeatedly using your fingers to remove the cream from the jar can lead to bacteria build-up.

8. Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

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Drunk Elephant’s ever-so-popular moisturizing cream uses peptides, growth factors, amino acids, and pygmy water lily to restore your skin’s hydration and improve firmness.

This cream is suitable for ladies with acne-prone, eczema-prone, and sensitive skin as it’s free of the “suspicious 6”. These are the six ingredients that the skincare brand believes cause every skin issue: silicones, chemical sunscreens, SLS, dyes and fragrances, alcohols, and essential oils. It can be purchased at Ulta Beauty for $68.

Best Body Moisturizers For Black Skin

Best For Dry Skin: Eucerin Advanced Repair

Best body moisturizers for dry black skin: Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Lotion

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If your skin is screaming “SOS”, you must purchase Eucerin’s Advanced Repair Body Lotion as soon as possible. The lotion provides immediate relief to dry and cracked skin, locking in moisture for up to 48 hours. It’s made with natural moisturizing factors, amino acids, and ceramides, and is safe for sensitive skin as it is free of fragrances, parabens, and dyes that can cause irritation.

Despite appearing thick and creamy, it’s a lightweight formula that will be immediately absorbed by your thirsty skin. It can also be used on cracked hands or feet. The Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Lotion retails for just under $10.

Best for eczema-prone skin:
Aveeno Skin Relief Lotion

Best body moisturizers for black eczema-prone skin: Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion

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Do you have skin that’s prone to irritation and eczema? If so, we highly recommend Aveeno’s Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion. The fragrance-free moisturizer will work tirelessly to nourish and repair damaged skin without causing any eczema flare-ups.

What makes this lotion therapeutic and soothing is its formula with natural shea butter and the brand’s signature Triple Oat Complex. The lotion is also free of steroids and has been a product recommended by dermatologists for several decades. After just one application, you’ll notice that your skin is much softer and appears healthier. A decently sized bottle retails for under $9.

Best For Aging Skin:
Augustinus Bader The Body Cream

Augustinus Bader The Body Cream with TFC8® Moisturizer

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With its price of $180, this body lotion is not for the faint of heart but if you’re willing to make the splurge, you’ll definitely be pleased with the results. This body cream is great for ladies who have experienced loss of firmness, dark spots, dullness, and uneven skin texture on their bodies.

Ingredients like bisabolol, shea butter, and the skincare brand’s signature TFC8® work to minimize the appearance of cellulite, pigmentation, and even stretch marks. The cream is intensely hydrating and should be applied after showering in the morning and evening. For the best results, apply the lotion in strong, circular motions.

Best For sensitive skin:
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion Ounce Body Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid

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If you’re struggling with sensitive skin, the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion can really turn things around for you. It was created with dermatologists to ensure that it’s comfortable, non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and lightweight while providing your entire body with much-needed hydration.

It contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid. This moisturizer should be applied after getting out of the bath or shower and you should wait for 10 to 15 minutes after application before getting dressed. It can be purchased for under $18.

Best For Men:
Vaseline Advanced Repair Lotion

Best body moisturizers for black men's skin: Vaseline Intensive Care hand and body lotion Advanced Repair

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When it comes to men’s skincare, they tend to gravitate toward affordable and fuss-free products. The Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion is really as simple and effective as it gets.

It contains microdroplets of vaseline jelly and other deeply moisturizing ingredients to provide your significant other, friend, or family member with smooth and healthy skin. For those with cracked skin, expect a full recovery after using this lotion for five days straight.

Optimal results will be achieved if the lotion is applied in the morning and in the evening. A bottle costs just under $9.

For budget-conscious ladies:
NIVEA Essentially Enriched Body Lotion

NIVEA Essentially Enriched Body Lotion for Dry Skin

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This body lotion costs a whopping $5.48, which means that it’s perfectly suitable for ladies who follow a strict budget when it comes to skincare products. We wish we had that kind of restraint!

NIVEA’s Essentially Enriched Body Lotion for Dry Skin provides your skin with deep nourishment for up to 48 hours and it can also be used on your hands and feet. It contains super hydrating ingredients like almond oil and glycerin and is safe for sensitive skin as it’s been dermatologically tested.

For the best results, apply it to your entire body every morning and evening.

Best for dry patches & ashy elbows:
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Skin Protectant

Best body moisturizers for black skin: Aquaphor Healing Ointment Skin Protectant

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For many ladies, this is a product that they simply cannot live without and since it’s small, it can be easily carried in your handbag or kept in your makeup bag. This healing ointment is formulated with a skin protectant called petrolatum, provitamin B5, bisabolol, lanolin, and glycerin.

These ingredients create a protective barrier, shielding your skin from the elements that cause dryness. It can be used to restore the skin on your elbows, heels, hands, lips, and anywhere else you think is in need of some intense moisture. The ointment is free of parabens, fragrances, and water, which makes it a safe option for people with any skin type.

We hope you enjoyed our round-up of the best facial and body moisturizers for black skin! Did we miss anything?

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