Finding the right moisturizers for menopausal skin can take some trial and error. You may want more hydration than you used to, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you want a heavy cream sitting on your face—or rolling off when you apply foundation.
I’m 45, and I’ve personally used all six moisturizers in this article. These recommendations come from my experience with mature skin, rather than a claim that I tested them specifically during menopause. I pay attention to how they feel, whether my skin stays comfortable, and how they work with the rest of my routine.
My first choice for very dry skin is IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream. Clinique Moisture Surge 100H is my second favorite on this list, especially when I want plenty of hydration without a rich, heavy finish.
The other options offer different textures and finishes. The best choice depends on what your skin needs today.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Why Your Moisturizer May Need to Change During Menopause
The American Academy of Dermatology explains that skin loses some ability to hold water during menopause, which can contribute to dryness. Its recommendations include mild cleansing and moisturizers containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. [1]
That helps explain why a product that once felt sufficient may stop keeping your skin comfortable. But choose by your current skin type, too. Very dry cheeks and an oily T-zone may call for different amounts or textures.
For noticeably dry skin, a cream is generally a better starting point than a lightweight gel. For oilier skin or a preference for a lighter finish, a gel may feel more comfortable. [2]
My Moisturizer Picks at a Glance
| Product | Why I included it | Texture | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream | My favorite here for very dry skin | Rich, thick cream | I would skip it for oily skin |
| Clinique Moisture Surge 100H | My second favorite; hydration without a greasy feel | Gel-cream | My pick when I want hydration with a lighter finish |
| Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel | Lightweight hydration that layers well for me | Gel | May not be enough for very dry skin |
| Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice | Thin texture with good hydration in my experience | Watery gel | Watermelon scent |
| L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power | Creamy option with skincare actives | Thick cream | Scented; too much caused pilling for me |
| Weleda Skin Food Face Care Nourishing Day Cream | A nourishing cream I’ve used and covered separately | Rich cream | Contains fragrance; choose the facial day cream |
For more options, explore my 10 Best Moisturizers for Mature Skin to find a formula that fits your skin’s needs and budget.
The 6 Best Moisturizers for Menopausal skin
1. IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream: My Pick for Very Dry Skin
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If your main concern is finding a moisturizer that keeps your skin from looking and feeling dry halfway through the day, this would be my first choice from the products here.
Confidence in a Cream is marketed as an anti-aging hydrating moisturizer. [3] What matters most to me is its rich texture and the way my skin looks while using it.
My Experience
I’ve used IT Cosmetics for many years. Readers who follow my articles already know I’m a huge fan of the brand, and this cream is no exception.
I often test something new, but once I’ve finished testing, I normally return to IT Cosmetics or Tatcha. Those are my two favorites.
Of the products on this list, Confidence in a Cream feels the thickest and most moisturizing to me. It keeps my skin comfortable throughout the day, and unwanted dryness and texture look less noticeable. With continued use, I’ve also noticed a more even-looking complexion and softer-looking fine lines and wrinkles.
Those are my personal observations, rather than a promise that everyone will have the same results.
How I Use It Under Makeup
A little goes a long way. I apply a small amount and give my skin a minute to absorb it before moving on to primer. I’m looking for comfortable skin, rather than a thick layer of cream underneath my makeup.
My take: This is my favorite on the list for very dry skin. If you have oily skin, I would skip it and consider one of the lighter options below.
2. Clinique Moisture Surge 100H: My Second Favorite
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Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is an oil-free gel-cream. Clinique describes it as fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types. [4]
For me, this is the middle ground between a lightweight gel and a richer cream.
My Experience
Moisture Surge feels like a step up in moisturizing power from Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. Its texture is almost like a gel and cream mixed together.
It is very moisturizing, but my skin still absorbs it well without a greasy feeling. I also appreciate that it’s fragrance-free.
One of the biggest positives for me is how it behaves underneath makeup. It didn’t leave me dealing with pilling when I applied the rest of my routine.
My take: This is my second favorite on the list. I would reach for it when I want plenty of hydration with a lighter finish than IT Cosmetics.
3. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel: My Lightweight Pick
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Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is an oil-free, fragrance-free formula that the brand recommends for combination-oily and oily skin. It is different from Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ and the cream version. [5]
My Experience
I really like this moisturizer. Because it’s a gel, it doesn’t feel super heavy, but it still moisturizes my skin well.
My skin absorbs it easily, and it doesn’t cause the products I apply afterward to pill. That makes it a useful option when I want hydration without a rich cream layered under everything else.
Although I enjoy it, I would choose IT Cosmetics or Moisture Surge first when I want more moisture.
My take: Consider this one if you prefer a lightweight texture or have oilier areas. For very dry skin, it may not provide the richness you’re looking for.
4. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice: My Watery-Gel Pick
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Glow Recipe describes Watermelon Glow Pink Juice as an oil-free moisturizer. Its formula includes hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract. [6]
My Experience
This has a thinner texture that feels like gel and water mixed together. But don’t assume that means it doesn’t moisturize well.
It hydrated my skin very well, and I noticed my larger pores looked tighter while I was using it. I’m describing the appearance I saw, rather than saying a moisturizer permanently shrinks pores.
I personally enjoy the watermelon smell. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, though, this would be one to skip.
My take: I like this for its light texture and fresh feel. If scent is a concern, one of the fragrance-free Clinique options would be my preference.
5. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power: A Rich Cream to Apply Sparingly
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L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer combines Pro-Retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. [7] I used the scented version, so don’t confuse my experience with the fragrance-free or SPF versions.
My Experience
This has a thick, creamy texture and does a good job moisturizing. However, I learned that applying too much could cause my makeup to pill.
A little goes a long way. I would start with a small amount instead of assuming that more cream will make my makeup look better.
The scent was another drawback for me. I wasn’t a fan of it, even though I liked the moisturizing feel.
My take: It’s worth considering if you like a creamy moisturizer, but it wasn’t one of my favorites because of the fragrance and the pilling I experienced when I used too much.
6. Weleda Skin Food Face Care Nourishing Day Cream: A Nourishing Option
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Weleda’s facial day cream contains squalane and shea butter, along with botanical extracts. It also contains fragrance. This is the Skin Food Face Care Nourishing Day Cream, rather than the original Skin Food cream in a tube. [8]
I’ve used this product and have already covered it in a separate article, so I’m keeping this section brief. It belongs here as another option for readers who prefer a nourishing cream texture.
My take: Read my full Weleda review for more detail before choosing it. If fragrance is something you avoid, start with the Clinique options instead.
Read more: Weleda Skin Food Review
How to Choose a Moisturizer for Menopausal Skin
Start With Your Biggest Concern
If your skin is very dry, my first pick from this list is IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream. If you want substantial hydration without that richness, my second choice is Clinique Moisture Surge.
If heaviness bothers you, consider Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel or Glow Recipe Pink Juice. The texture you enjoy matters because it makes the product easier to use consistently.
If you’re noticing changes in your skin before menopause, read my perimenopause skincare guide to learn more about those changes and how to adjust your routine.
Pay Attention to Fragrance
A scent I enjoy may be one you dislike. My experiences with Glow Recipe and L’Oréal are a good example: I enjoyed the watermelon fragrance but didn’t enjoy the Revitalift scent.
For dry or sensitive skin, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding fragrance that can irritate. [2] Both Clinique moisturizers here are fragrance-free. [4,5]
Think About Your Makeup Routine
For me, both Clinique options layered well. With IT Cosmetics, using a small amount and allowing it to absorb worked well. With L’Oréal, applying too much caused pilling.
If your routine starts rolling or flaking as you apply makeup, try reducing the amount of moisturizer and letting each layer settle. Your sunscreen, primer, and foundation combination can affect the finished result too.
A Simple Routine With These Moisturizers
Keep the routine manageable:
- Cleanse gently.
- Apply your usual serum, if you use one.
- Apply your chosen moisturizer according to its directions.
- In the morning, follow with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. [2]
- Let skincare settle before applying primer and makeup.
The moisturizers discussed here aren’t substitutes for a dedicated sunscreen. If you choose a different product version that includes SPF, check its label and directions.
For skin that remains painful, cracked, or persistently irritated despite moisturizing, ask a dermatologist for help. [2]
For an easy way to fit your moisturizer into your daily routine, read A Simple Morning and Evening Skincare Routine for Mature Skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is My Favorite Moisturizer for Menopausal Skin That Feels Very Dry?
From these personally used products, IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream is my choice for very dry skin. Clinique Moisture Surge is my second favorite when I want hydration with a lighter finish.
Can Mature Skin Use a Gel Moisturizer?
Yes—choose by your skin’s needs and how the product feels. I’ve enjoyed both Clinique gels and Glow Recipe Pink Juice. But if a gel leaves you feeling dry again quickly, I would consider a richer cream.
Does Moisturizers Get Rid of Wrinkles?
I’ve noticed softer-looking lines while using IT Cosmetics, but I wouldn’t describe a moisturizer as erasing wrinkles. My recommendation is based on the improvements I see in hydration and appearance.
Do I Need a Product Labeled Specifically for Menopause?
My approach is to choose by dryness, texture preference, fragrance tolerance, and makeup wear. None of my picks depends on having “menopause” printed on the jar.
Which One Would I Buy Again?
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream is my first choice for very dry skin. I’ve used it for years and keep returning to it because of how comfortable and moisturized my skin feels.
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H is my second favorite on this list. It gives me the hydration I want without a greasy finish and works well underneath my makeup.
If you’re deciding between the two, I’d choose IT Cosmetics for richness and Moisture Surge for a lighter gel-cream feel. The right moisturizer is the one that keeps your skin comfortable and fits into the routine you actually use.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology: Caring for your skin in menopause
- American Academy of Dermatology: How to pick the right moisturizer
- IT Cosmetics: Confidence in a Cream
- Clinique: Moisture Surge 100H
- Clinique: Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
- Glow Recipe: Watermelon Glow Pink Juice
- L’Oréal Paris: Revitalift Triple Power
- Weleda: Skin Food Face Care Day Cream
