Best Face Moisturizer for African American Skin: Top Moisturizers for Black Skin in 2021

Finding the best face moisturizer for African American skin can be a challenge.  However, it is so important to find the right moisturizer; a moisturizer for dark skin must be able to leave your skin hydrated and minimize fine lines.  Without the proper moisturizer, your black skin can become dry, itchy, and generally unhealthy.  We’ve put together some of our top recommendations for the best face moisturizer for black skin; check out our favorite products to select the one that will be the best match for your needs and skin type.

Best Face Moisturizer for African American Skin

Before we get into the details of our recommendations, here are top picks for best moisturizer for black skin:

• Best Face Lotion for African American Skin – Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer
• Natural Moisturizer for Black Skin – Sheamoisture Soothing Body Lotion for Troubled Skin
• Best Moisturizer for Oily Black Skin – Cetaphil Face Moisturizer
• Best Facial Moisturizer for Dry Black Skin – Paula’s Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Face Moisturizer
• Best Facial Moisturizer with SPF for Black Skin – CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
• Best Anti Aging Moisturizer for Black Skin – Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Lotion with SPF 15
• Best Cream for Dark Facial Skin – Baebody Retinol Moisturizer Cream
• Best Moisturizers for Black Men – Lubriderm Men’s 3-In-1 Unscented Lotion

Best Face Lotion for African American Skin

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer

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Moisturizer Highlights

• Daily moisturizer
• Oil-free
• Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
• SPF 15 protection
• Evens skin tone

Have you been wondering, “Is Aveeno good for African American skin?”  This Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer from Aveeno is our top pick for black skin for a number of reasons.  The moisturizer has an oil-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic formula; it won’t irritate skin or clog pores.  The formula is also designed to help even skin tone and improve the look of dark spots, which is a big plus for many African American users.  This is a daily moisturizer that offers SPF 15 protection.  It has been clinically proven to reveal radiant skin after just one week of use.  This African American lotion is also non-greasy, so you’ll be able to use it under your makeup.

Moisturizer Reviews

Many users would tell you this is hands-down the best face lotion for African American skin.  Many users have shared that it has helped to lighten their dark spots and leave their face feeling hydrated.  Individuals with sensitive skin also shared that they were able to use this lotion without worrying about a breakout.  While most users love this moisturizer for black skin, a few people said they couldn’t use it because it burned their area around their eyes.

Natural Moisturizer for Black Skin

Sheamoisture Soothing Body Lotion for Troubled Skin

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Moisturizer Highlights

• Soothes dry skin
• Formulated with African black soap, shea butter, and aloe vera
• Infused with oats and aloe
• Paraben-, phthalate-, mineral oil-, and sulfate-free
• Cruelty-free

This natural moisturizer for black skin from Sheamoisture features nourishing ingredients to soothe dry skin.  The lotion’s formula includes African black soap, fair trade shea butter, and aloe vera that help deliver hydration to dry skin.  Oats are also infused into the formula to deliver additional moisture and balance to skin.  The manufacturer suggests applying this face moisturizer for women of color to damp skin for the best results.  This lotion is also free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and sulfates.  The company does not test their products on animals.

Moisturizer Reviews

Most users are very impressed with how smooth and hydrated the Sheamoisture Soothing Body Lotion leaves their dry skin.  Many individuals also shared that the lotion for black skin has a very subtle and pleasant smell.  Some users shared that they think the lotion is overly thick and too hard to get out of the bottle.

Best Moisturizer for Oily Black Skin

Cetaphil Face Moisturizer

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Moisturizer Highlights

• Formula includes hyaluronic acids and humectants
• Can be used under makeup
• Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
• Dermatologist tested.

Is Cetaphil good for African American skin?  We certainly think that this Face Moisturizer from Cetaphil could be the perfect addition to your skincare routine.  This black skin moisturizer is oil-free and lightweight.  It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and humectants to deliver ultimate hydrate and lock in moisture all day.  The face moisturizer also gets absorbed by skin quickly for immediate, noticeable benefits.  This formula is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it is a good option for individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Moisturizer Reviews

Overwhelmingly, customers who have tried this moisturizer say it is the best moisturizer for oily black skin.  They love the lightweight and non-greasy formula that doesn’t clog their pores.  Some users with overly dry skin, however, were not impressed with the performance of this moisturizer. Not to worry, there are more on this page that might work for your skin!

Best Facial Moisturizer for Dry Black Skin

Paula’s Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Face Moisturizer

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Moisturizer Highlights

• Formulated with electrolytes
• Trains skin to maintain moisture
• Whipped texture
• Suitable for all skin types
• Fragrance- and paraben-free

If you’re looking for the best lotion for African American dry skin, consider Paula’s Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Face Moisturizer.  This moisturizer is formulated with electrolytes, calcium, magnesium, and potassium that work to deliver hydration to the skin while also training the skin to maintain an optimal balance and moisture levels.  The lotion has a pleasant whipped texture and can be used with all skin types.  This is a fragrance-free moisturizer that does not include any parabens.

Moisturizer Reviews

Many customers who have tried this face moisturizer for black skin are very happy they decided to try it.  They have shared that Paula’s Choice Moisturizer is the best face cream for dry and dark skin because of how hydrating and nourishing it is.  Some customers, however, feel that the moisturizer is too expensive compared to other options and didn’t deliver sufficient hydration for their skin.

Best Facial Moisturizer with SPF for Black Skin

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

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Moisturizer Highlights

• Absorbed quickly by skin
• Oil-free
• Formulated with hyaluronic acid a ceramides
• SPF 30 protection
• Suitable for all skin types

A moisturizer with SPF protection is a great choice for those looking for a daily product they can use to hydrate their skin and protect it from the sun’s rays at the same time.  CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion offers broad spectrum SPF 30 protection with a zinc oxide formula.  This moisturizer is easy to spread over the face and gets absorbed quickly.  The formula also includes hyaluronic acid to moisturize skin and ceramides to help lock in moisture and create a skin barrier.  This lotion for African American skin is also fragrance-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and paraben-free.  So, if you’ve been looking for the best ways to take care of your dark skin and asking, “Is CeraVe good for black skin,” we think the answer is a definite yes!

Moisturizer Reviews

In general, individuals who have tried CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion love the non-greasy formula and share that it is good for sensitive skin.  They also love that they are able to protect their skin from the sun while also moisturizing their face and enjoying the benefits of the ceramides and hyaluronic acid in this moisturizer.  However, some users are not a fan of the sunscreen-like consistency and smell of the lotion.

Best Anti Aging Moisturizer for Black Skin

Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Lotion with SPF 15

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Moisturizer Highlights

• Includes CoQ10 and vitamin E
• SPF 15 protection
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and gentle

Eurcerin’s Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Lotion is an optimal choice if you’re looking for the best anti aging moisturizer for black skin.  The formula includes CoQ10 and vitamin E to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after just five weeks of use.  This lotion also offers SPF15 protection against the sun.  The lotion is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and gentle enough to use on sensitive skin.

Moisturizer Reviews

Those who have used this face lotion for African American skin are very impressed with how smooth and hydrated their skin feels.  They like that the Eucerin moisturizer is very lightweight and easy to apply.  Some users, however, found that the formula was too greasy.

Best Cream for Black Skin Face

Baebody Retinol Moisturizer Cream

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Moisturizer Highlights

• Formulated with retinol to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Decreases hyperpigmentation and brightens skin
• Dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic

This Retinol Moisturizer Cream from Baebody is the best face cream for black skin and can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.  The moisturizer can also improve discoloration and hyperpigmentation of dark skin.  The vitamin A (retinol) in the formula facilitates the growth of new and healthy skin cells.  This face cream for black skin is non-irritating and hypoallergenic.

Moisturizer Reviews

Most users who have tried this Baebody moisturizer cream for black skin have been blown away by the results they’ve seen.  They have shared that their skin is so much smoother and that many of their dark spots have improved significantly.  A few users shared that they were sad that they didn’t see any noticeable changes to their skin.

Best Moisturizers for Black Men

Lubriderm Men’s 3-In-1 Unscented Lotion

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Moisturizer Highlights

• Use this lotion as a body lotion, face lotion, or after-shave moisturizer
• Formula is enriched with aloe, minerals, and essential moisturizers
• Non-greasy, fragrance-free formula
• Designed specifically for men

Lubriderm Men’s 3-in-1 Unscented Lotion is a top contender for the best face moisturizer for black men.  This body, face, and post-shave lotion is designed to deliver daily hydration with its soothing aloe formula.  The formula also contains minerals and other essential moisturizers to give black men healthy skin.  The lotion is non-greasy and fragrance-free.

Moisturizer Reviews

Black men who have tried this moisturizer love that the formula is non-greasy and very soothing on their face.  Some find that it burns a bit too much if they use it as a post-shave moisturizer.

What is a Good Face Moisturizer for Black African American Skin?

So, now you’re probably wondering, “What should I look for in a good moisturizer for black skin?”  The best facial moisturizers for dry black skin may be different from what would be best for other skin types.  Knowing how to care for your unique dark skin tone is important, and there are a number of features and factors you’ll want to consider as you shop for the right moisturizer for black skin.  Use our suggestions below to help you identify the moisturizer that will be an ideal fit for your needs.

Skin Type

Knowing your skin type is essential when choosing a face moisturizer for black skin.  You’ll want to look for moisturizers with specific ingredients based on whether you have acne-prone or oily skin, dry skin,  or sensitive skin.

• Acne-prone and oily skin:  If you already have oily skin, you’ll want to steer clear of moisturizers that include oil.  Non-comedogenic moisturizers won’t clog your pores and are a much better option for individuals with acne-prone or oily skin.  You can also look for moisturizers with AHAs.  AHAs are alpha-hydroxy acids which are derived from plants and animals.  They also have anti-aging benefits.
• Dry skin:  Dry skin needs hydration.  Choosing a moisturizer for dark skin with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, dimethicone, and propylene glycol can help attract water to your skin and deliver the hydration it needs.  Lanolin in a moisturizer can help lock in the moisture to keep your skin hydrated for longer.
• Sensitive skin:  Sensitive skin is more prone to breakouts.  If you have sensitive skin you’ll want to look for moisturizers that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free as these options will be less likely to cause a reaction with your skin.  You can also look for a face moisturizer for black women that is dermatologist-tested.

Moisturizer Consistency

The way your skin feels can help you identify the optimal consistency for a face moisturizer for black women.  Thicker creams may be the ideal choice for dry or itchy skin, while a thinner lotion or cream should be sufficient for normal skin.  If you have oily skin, look for a water-based lotion with a thinner consistency.

SPF

Even though black skin is darker and may not show a burn as easily, it can still be damaged by the UV rays from the sun.  The UV rays can cause pigmentation, spots, or more serious problems.  If you’re looking for a moisturizer for dark skin for daytime use, seek out one that offers SPF protection.  This will allow your moisturizer to double as a sunscreen and keep your face protected.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants can help protect the skin from free radical damage.  They reduce inflammation and can stimulate collagen production.  Chamomile, pomegranate extracts, licorice root, and green tea are a few examples of antioxidants to look for in the best moisturizers for black skin.

Ceramides

Ceramides are another important ingredient to look for in a good skin moisturizer for black skin.  Ceramides are naturally found in the epidermis.  They are lips (fats) that create a barrier on the skin to help keep moisture in.  Choosing a moisturizer with ceramides can help make sure your body’s level of ceramides is replenished so they can do their job and lock in moisture to keep your skin hydrated.  This is especially important for black skin since darker skin tones have a lower percentage of ceramides than lighter skin tones.

Scent

Finally, consider whether you’d prefer a scented or unscented moisturizer.  If you have sensitive skin, an unscented moisturizer is less likely to cause irritation.  If your skin is not overly sensitive, you may want to choose a moisturizer with a pleasant scent that you’ll enjoy.

How Do You Moisturize Dry Black Skin?

Now that you have some ideas for what to look for in a moisturizer and you’ve read through our list of recommended moisturizers for African American Skin, use these tips to help you moisturize for black skin.

• Use a gentle cleanser:  Using too harsh of a cleanser on your skin can strip away moisture.  Choose something more gentle, and even consider a non-comedogenic cleanser that won’t clog your pores.  When cleansing your skin, use your fingertips to massage it into your skin, then rinse with warm water and gently pat your skin to dry it.
• Apply your moisturizer after bathing:  Reach for your moisturizer right after taking a shower or a bath.  Your skin still has more moisture at these times and applying a moisturizer for dark skin immediately can help seal in the moisture for maximum benefits.
• Moisturize multiple times a day:  Applying a moisturizer to your skin should not be a once-a-day only occurrence.  Reapplying your skin can help prevent it from getting the opportunity to get dried out.  It can keep it better hydrated.
• Layer moisturizers:  If your skin care routine includes multiple moisturizers and creams, don’t want for one to dry before applying the next one.  Layering them on top of one another when your skin is still a bit damp can also help lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated for longer.
• Wear sunscreen:  Choose a moisturizer with SPF or apply a separate sunscreen.  While skin cancer may be less likely (but still not unheard of) for black skin, the sun’s UV rays can still damage your darker skin tone.  The sun can lead to new dark spots on your skin and can make the spots you already have darker.  Using a broad spectrum sunscreen that offers at least SPF 30 protection can protect your skin from damage from the sun.
• Eat a balanced diet:  In addition to taking care of your skin from the outside, you’ll want to eat a proper diet to take care of it from the inside.  Choose foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and healthy oil, such as nuts, fish, and olive oil.  These foods can help your skin produce more collagen to leave it feeling smoother and reduce premature wrinkles.
• Drink plenty of water:  Drinking plenty of water is also essential for moisturizing black skin.  Staying hydrated helps bring moisture to your organs.  Your skin is the largest organ of your body, so the extra hydration will definitely benefit it.  Aim for at least eight glasses of water each day.

Best Face Moisturizer for African American Skin: Nourish that Melanin!

Learning the best tips for caring for dark skin and choosing the best moisturizer for black skin should help you see a big improvement in the overall health and hydration of your skin.

If you have dry black skin, setting up the best skin care routine for your dry skin will also be essential in preventing it from staying dried out or even cracking.

Don’t forget to also take care of your hair by choosing the best oil for low porosity hair and selecting the best blow-dryer for natural hair.