Skin varies in type and texture for every person. But melanin-rich skin has unique needs. Because of those needs, discovering the right moisturizer for black skin can be tough. I’ve personally dealt with eczema most of my life, and it has been a struggle to identify the best products and remedies to relieve the symptoms and moisturize my sensitive skin.
Though all skin tones need moisture, darker skin tones can have issues most common to melanated skin. Conditions like skin discolorations, sensitive skin, dry skin, and acne all impact how we care for our skin.
Understanding your skin type, in addition to moisturizing correctly, is important to managing those conditions and keeping your skin healthy. For this post, I’ve curated a guide teaching you what to look for in a moisturizer to help you find the best moisturizer for your skin.
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full disclaimer here.
Keep going to learn more about some of the best ingredients for dark skin tones and challenges facing melanated skin. Then find out about nutrients and antioxidants that can assist with helping to heal those challenges and products with ingredients that help remedy the entire body.
Vital Ingredients for Moisturizing Darker Skin Tones
One of the greatest methods of moisturizing your skin is understanding what ingredients are the best for providing the nutrients needed to protect, soothe, and heal it. Equally, these ingredients provide important nutrients and are helpful in providing hydration, protection, prevention, and healing from some of the main aggressors impacting melanated skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
This powerful ingredient is a must-have in a moisturizer for melanated skin. You may have seen this ingredient pop up in everything from eye drops to sunscreen. This naturally occurring substance in the body, especially the eyes and joints, attracts and holds moisture. It’s known for helping to reduce scarring, and keeping the skin hydrated, soft, and flexible while also reducing wrinkles and lines.
Hyaluronic acid is beneficial for all skin types due to its ability to bind and retain water molecules. Furthermore providing hydration and contributes to the skin’s plumpness and smoothness. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it effective for moisturizing sensitive and eczema prone skin. Forming a protective natural moisture barrier skin’s surface, as it soothes and helps maintain a healthy skin texture.
Although Hyaluronic Acid absorbs moisture, for people with dry skin that use it on its own, it can dehydrate skin when it can’t get moisture from the environment. Because of this, it’s important to lock it in with a moisturizer. As a result of living in a dry climate, I use rose water and aloe vera when applying HA to my skin.
Finally, when looking for this ingredient in skin care products, it can appear in a few ways and not just listed as “hyaluronic acid.”
| Types of Hyaluronic acid ingredients | |
|---|---|
| Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid | Best for people who have oily or combination skin |
| Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate | Hydrates and plumps skin to improve skin elasticity, visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce environmental damage |
| Sodium Hyaluronate | A salt form of hyaluronic acid which penetrates the skin better and is more stable than regular HA |
Glycerin
Subsequently, glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture from the air and deeper levels of your skin and locks it into the outer layer of your skin. Derived from plant oils, like coconut or palm oil, or animal fats. It is a simple, colorless, and odorless compound that improves skin barrier function.
Its moisturizing properties are ideal for dry and ashy skin, especially melanated skin. In addition to its moisturizing properties, glycerin helps provide protection against skin irritants, helping to hydrate the skin and relieve dry skin.
On the other hand, it’s a better idea to use products that have glycerin rather than pure glycerin. Because glycerin pulls water from the lower levels of your skin, especially in low-humidity climates and conditions, pure undiluted glycerin can dehydrate your skin.
For this purpose, a therapeutic herb to consider diluting glycerin is Centella asiatica. Several years ago, a study was done on the positive effects of combining glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and Centella Asiatica extract to improve skin barrier function.
Ceramides
Ceramides are fatty acids and necessary lipids found in skin cells that improve your skin’s health. They help preserve moisture and protect against external allergens and irritants. Basically, for dry and sensitive skin, they can help improve moisture retention and overall skin health. Their moisture retention creates a barrier that prevents moisture from leaving the skin. Additionally, they protect the skin from infection-causing germs like bacteria and promote anti-aging by keeping a moist and supple skin appearance.
Although our skin naturally has ceramides, as we age, our ceramide levels decrease, which will increase skin dryness over time. Also, keep in mind there are 12 types of ceramides, labeled 1 to 12, to be mindful of in skincare products. Because of their different binding properties, they will have different benefits to your skin based on your needs.
However, for black skin, if you aren’t already experiencing skin issues like atopic dermatitis (eczema), dry skin, and ichthyosis (dry and rough fish scale skin appearance), choosing the right products with ceramides based on your skin type and location can be a benefit or not work as well for your needs.
If you are experiencing skin challenges, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional before embarking on using ceramide skin care products to know the best products for your skin type.
Shea Butter
Only found on shea trees native to West Africa, shea butter is one of the most nutrient-rich ingredients for buttery soft skin. This body butter is a natural, nourishing ingredient that softens and acts as a delightful moisturizer for black skin.
It’s rich in vitamins like vitamins A, E, and F. Linoleic, palmitic, stearic, and oleic fatty acids help to balance oils in the skin, preventing oily skin. Triglycerides and cetyl esters help to provide nourishment, conditioning, and long-lasting hydration, healing dry skin while improving the skin’s moisture and tone. It includes antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage while also getting rid of dead skin cells and promoting cell regeneration.
This African miracle does a little of everything. Its moisturizing effects benefit dry skin and may help treat dandruff. It has a host of “anti” benefits like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal. When caring for your face, shea butter is great for oily skin and may help prevent acne. It can also be used to help soothe sunburns, insect bites, and promote wound healing.
When looking for shea butter products, raw, unrefined, labeled “grade A” and “fair trade” is the way to go as a moisturizer for black skin. Diluted and processed shea butter just dulls its amazing, natural properties. Also, by purchasing pure shea butter, you can help support West African communities that locally harvest and grow shea nuts.
Aloe Vera
Another widely used multi-use remedy to promote skin health is aloe vera. This gel-like herbal remedy is known for its soothing and cooling properties. The properties extend to its richness in vitamins A, C, E, and B12, enzymes, amino acids, minerals, and other enzymes that provide healing benefits for the skin.
Normally used as a topical gel, it protects the skin against oxidative stress. It also has the potential to benefit a wide range of skin damage and conditions like burns, sunburn, dry skin, cuts, and small abrasions. Its anti-inflammatory benefits can also help decreases eczema and psoriasis symptoms, and inflammatory forms of acne. For melanated skin, studies have also shown that it may reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Though you can find it in various products and OTC in gel or liquid form, it’s in its most potent form straight from the plant. Depending on where you live, you can find plants at garden stores, hardware stores that sell plans, grocery stores, and online. If you aren’t necessarily the green thumb type, you can also find just the leaves at some local and gourmet grocery stores.
This versatile plant is beneficial, but it may not be for everyone. Before using it as a treatment for any skin conditions, you should speak with a healthcare professional and ensure that you don’t have any allergies in advance of applying it to your skin.
Niacinamide
My new obsession is Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, and an essential ingredient for locking in moisture and preventing environmental damage. It’s a naturally derived vitamin in your body, but it should not be confused with niacin, which is a different type of vitamin B3. However, if you ingest an excessive amount of niacin, your body has the ability to convert it to niacinamide.
If you’ve been seeing this multifaceted vitamin pop up everywhere on TikTok, don’t hesitate to add it to your “TikTok made me buy it” list. It has a host of benefits, including building keratin to keep your skin firm. All of those ceramide benefits I told you about earlier, niacinamide helps grow a ceramide barrier. It’s anti-inflammatory and can help relieve redness from acne and eczema. Helps improve skin elasticity, minimize pore appearance, and even out skin tone. It’s a multipurpose skincare ingredient that is used to treat acne and hyperpigmentation. If you have oily skin, it regulates oil production.
Vitamin B3 can be found in food and supplements. For topical skincare, it mostly comes in the form of serums. Some products like toners, sunscreens, creams, and face masks also contain niacinamide.
I personally use niacinamide morning and night, layered with hyaluronic acid, but I apply it before I moisturize. The time of day you use it is up to you and what’s best for your skin type. Overall, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional to understand how to best pair it with any multi-layered skincare routine, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Concerns and Challenges Facing Melanated Skin
As a sufferer of eczema flare-ups, concerns and challenges facing black skin can range from irritating to painful. Lack of educational awareness about black skin care, health disparities in dermatology, and melanin-producing cells being more susceptible to inflammation and injury can add to the frustrations we experience when caring for our skin.
Here’s a look at some of the challenges most prevalent with black skin and a few tips on how to heal them.
Hyperpigmentation
Melanated skin is more prone to dark spots and patches, also known as hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone. For dark skin tones, triggers like skin injuries, insect bites, acne, and rashes cause an overproduction of pigment in the skin, and it settles in the spot that was damaged. Though melanin offers some natural protection from the sun’s rays, hyperpigmentation can worsen after sun exposure.
Moisturizers that include vitamin C and niacinamide, or even using them together as serums to brighten skin can help cell metabolism and protects skin from further damage. No matter what you choose, just be sure to use sunscreen to help prevent increased hyperpigmentation and sun damage.
Dryness and Dehydration (ashy skin)
I do not leave my house without checking my bag to make sure I have lotion to keep my skin moisturized. As a black woman, it has been ingrained in my brain since I was a child that my skin is prone to dryness, and I don’t need to look “ashy.” Because black skin has lower ceramides than less melanated ethnic groups, it’s more susceptible to transepidermal water loss, making it more prone to dry skin.
Consequently, moisturizers like shea butter and cocoa butter can help keep skin supple and hydrated. Face and body moisturizers that include hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera are essential for reducing the effects of dry skin and lessening additional damage like scaling and cracking.
Eczema
Though 1 in 10 Americans will develop eczema prone skin, it’s most commonly seen with black skin. When my son was a baby, he had eczema from head to toe. The itching, dryness, inflammation, flaking, and scarring were tough for me to manage as an adult; just imagine how it can be for a child.
Because of our thicker collagen and dermis skin layer, eczema can cause our skin to be bumpier as well as more of a dark gray color rather than just redness. Hyperpigmentation, skin thickening, and deeper creases around the eyes can also form due to the effects of eczema. Free radicals, irritants, allergens, pollution, hard water, and dust are all environmental factors that can aggravate this skin concern.
Taking vitamin D (after speaking with your doctor), using a humidifier, minimizing exfoliation, and not using soap in areas where there are flare-ups can also help with managing eczema.
Overall, using moisturizers designed for sensitive skin with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or colloidal oatmeal can help alleviate symptoms. Additionally, humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol help hold in water. Furthermore, emollients like butters, oils, and ceramides can help relieve itchiness, dry skin, and scaling. When applying any moisturizer, it’s beneficial to apply it to damp skin after a shower or bathing. You should also apply as often as possible to help keep your skin hydrated.
Sensitivity and Irritation
No matter how much melanin enriches your skin, skin sensitivity is a universal common disorder. Our melanin-rich cells provide us with higher photoprotection but are also more susceptible to trauma, inflammation, and injury. The reason for this varies. There are studies related to transepidermal water loss being greater in black skin than in other ethnic groups. Other studies point to lessened ceramide levels in black skin. What’s known for sure is sensitive skin is common in darker skin types.
Our sensitive skin can be more reactive to heat and skin conditions like melasma and keloids, dry skin, razor bumps, allergic reactions, infections, psoriasis, and more.
When looking for products that can help protect your sensitive skin, look for all-natural moisturizers that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic to reduce the chance of irritation and inflammation.
Acne and Acne Scars
Acne is a pesky annoyance that can wreak havoc on our skin, often leaving behind unsightly scars. Various factors like excess oily skin production, clogged pores, bacteria, and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to creating those stubborn blemishes. It can be irritating, but there are solutions to managing acne prone skin.
First and foremost, when managing acne prone skin, establish a consistent skincare routine. Make sure to incorporate gentle, non-comedogenic products designed to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize without clogging pores. Opt for ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil to target acne-causing bacteria and help unclog those congested pores. But, be mindful that salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide should not be used together, or it will cause excessive drying.
Remember, beauty starts from within, so don’t underestimate the power of a healthy diet and proper hydration—both can significantly impact your acne prone skin and its appearance.
Acne Scars
The unfortunate after-effect of acne is acne scarring, which occurs more prominently in dark skin tones primarily due to the skin’s increased melanin production. When acne triggers inflammation, the skin releases more melanin, leading to dark spots known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Furthermore, darker skin tones may be more susceptible to keloid or hypertrophic scarring, which results from an overproduction of collagen during the healing process.
When it comes to tackling acne scars, think of retinol and glycolic acid as your dynamic duo. These powerful ingredients work together, fading the marks left behind by acne and revealing the radiant skin beneath. Retinol encourages cell turnover and collagen production, smoothing out your complexion, while glycolic acid acts like an exfoliator, sloughing away dead skin cells. Pair these treatments with sun protection and professional advice to ensure the best results for your unique skin tone.
Antioxidants That Protect the Skin
Challenges like hyperpigmentation and dryness can be a struggle, but no matter your skin tone, universally, our skin requires the necessary antioxidants to protect it from the slow cell damage caused by free radicals. As the body processes food and reacts to the environment, cells produce waste substances called free radicals.
Free radicals can be produced in the body from both internal factors, like inflammation, and external factors, like pollution, cigarette smoke, and UV exposure. You can find antioxidants in natural substances like fruits and vegetables or synthetic, from supplements containing vitamins and minerals.
Antioxidants play a useful role in preventing skin conditions. Here are some valuable ones that provide protection and help with skin aging.
| Vitamin C | maintains healthy skin aids in collagen production helps keep skin hydrated helps brighten the skin reduces the appearance of dark spots evens out skin tone |
| Vitamin E | Keeps skin healthy and maintains hydration protects the skin’s moisture barrier helps reduce inflammation soothes cracked skins improve the skin’s natural moisturizing factors supports aging skin by improving elasticity and promoting a smooth, soft texture |
| Green Tea Extract | Helps reduce inflammation soothes irritation promote skin hydration can improve skin texture combats dark spots protects the skin’s natural barrier from environmental stressors |
| Resveratrol | Found in grapes, berries, and other plant sources helps protect the skin from environmental damage promotes a healthy glow can help reduce dark spots evens out skin tone improves skin texture |
| Ferulic Acid | Works synergistically with other antioxidants like Vitamin C and E to enhance their effects helps improve skin hydration reduces the appearance of dark spots promotes an even skin tone |
The Top Moisturizers For Black Skin Care
Now that you know more about the ingredients, skin concerns, and antioxidants that benefit your skin. I’ve researched and experienced a few of the best moisturizers that help with these skin concerns and include ingredients and antioxidants that support healthier skin.
| Best For | Moisturizer For Black Skin |
|---|---|
| Lightweight Facial Moisturizer | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel | Jump to review |
| Night-Time Facial Moisturizer | CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion | jump to review |
| African Black Soap Facial Moisturizer | SheaMoisture Balancing Moisturizer for Dry Skin African Black Soap with Shea Butter | Jump to review |
| Combination to Oily Skin Facial Moisturizer | Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel | jump to review |
| Dry Skin Facial Moisturizer | La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer | jump to review |
| Itchy Skin Body Moisturizer | La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Cream | jump to review |
| Eczema Care Body Moisturizer | CeraVe Moisturizing Cream | jump to review |
| Coconut Oil Body Moisturizer | Naturewell Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Moisturizing | jump to review |
| Affordable Body Moisturizer | Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Daily Skin Therapy Cocoa Butter Body Lotion | jump to review |
| Most Hydrating Body butter | Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil | jump to review |
Best Face Moisturizers For Black Skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
If you are looking for a solid drugstore moisturizer that could hydrate your kin without feeling heavy or greasy, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer is the ideal moisturizer for your black skin. Averaging a 4.6 rating on Amazon, this lightweight water-based gel includes essential ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, and Dimethicone.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Essential Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin |
| Antioxidants | Vitamin E |
| Skin Concerns it Benefits | Dry skin, Sensitive Skin |
Users of this gel moisturizer touted its comfort, scent, moisturizing benefits, sensitive skin support, and quick absorption. Oily skin types and acne prone sufferers mentioned its hydrating benefits, especially when paired with drying acne medication without causing breakouts. The low cost and adaptability to the needs of all skin types – from oily to combination, and even dry skin it is one of the best facial moisturizers on the market.
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
I pamper my skin nightly with CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. It has been a consistent moisturizer regardless of what phase my skin is in during the month. Quite a few others agree, with a 4.7 rating on Amazon.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Essential Ingredients | Ceramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid |
| Antioxidants | None |
| Skin Concerns It Benefits | Eczema, Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin |
The secret behind this moisturizer’s extraordinary effectiveness lies in its powerhouse ingredients. This cost-effective product is crafted for normal to oily skin and combination skin types. Users love its lightweight feel, versatility, smoothness, and quick absorption, making it an ultimate moisturizer for black skin.
SheaMoisture Balancing Moisturizer for Dry Skin African Black Soap with Shea Butter
SheaMoisture Balancing Moisturizer for Dry Skin African Black Soap with Shea Butter offers satisfying hydration. A powerhouse moisturizer brimming with vitamins and fatty acids also promotes a more even skin tone.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Essential Ingredients | African Black Soap, Shea Butter |
| Antioxidants | None |
| Skin Conditions It Benefits | Dry Skin, Acne, Sensitive Skin |
Now, let’s dive deeper. Why is this moisturizer so compatible with dark skin types experiencing dryness? The secret lies in its nourishing and soothing qualities, which address the unique needs of melanated skin. Users mention its moisturizing capabilities, support for oily skin, and hydration for dry skin.
On the flip side, there are recent reports from some long-term customers that the formula may have changed. Though a little goes a long way, its small package size doesn’t match the value. Even with a few minor cons, this balancing cream can still be a go-to moisturizer for black skin.
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel offers hydration without the greasy aftermath. This oil-free wonder includes a cocktail of natural moisturizing factors and a nourishing blend of barley, sunflower, and cucumber.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Essential Ingredients | Natural Moisturizing Factors, Blend of Barley, Sunflower, Cucumber |
| Antioxidants | None |
| Skin Concerns It Benefits | Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin |
Catering specifically to combination and oily skin types (Type 3, 4). It replenishes the skin’s oil-water balance and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, ensuring a healthy, radiant glow and making it perfect for dark skin.
This gel’s lightweight texture delivers a whopping 8 hours of hydration, without feeling heavy or clogging pores. Loyalists love its fragrant-free, lightweight gel cream formula, with many proclaiming use for over a decade.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
I was able to put this cream to the test on a few dry patches that appeared due to allergy season. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer didn’t disappoint and could be your solution for extreme hydration during dry weather months. This potent moisturizer delivers powerful ingredients such as ceramide-3, glycerin, and niacinamide to rescue your skin from distress and soothe and visibly fade discolorations.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Essential Ingredients | Ceramide-3, Glycerin, Niacinamide |
| Antioxidants | La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water |
| Skin Concerns It Benefits | Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin, Hyperpigmentation |
What sets this moisturizer apart is La Roche-Posay’s Prebiotic Thermal Water, a unique antioxidant-rich ingredient that adds an extra layer of protection for your precious skin. This moisturizer works its magic on all skin types, even the most sensitive ones, providing up to 48 hours of hydration.
Coming in on the pricier end, you don’t need to use much to reap the benefits of this recommended moisturizer for black skin. Users praise how it helped their acne prone skin, its hydration of dry skin, and their ability to use it under sunblock or daily makeup. I mixed it with a couple of drops of vitamin c serum and Supergoop Sunscreen for a light and breathable burst of brightness to my skin and effective coverage from UV rays.
Best Body Moisturizers For Black Skin
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Cream
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Cream is a rich and comforting body moisturizer that holds a distinguished spot among the best moisturizers for black skin.
| FEatures | |
|---|---|
| Essential Ingredients | Ceramides, Shea Butter, Glycerin, Niacinamide |
| Antioxidants | La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water |
| Skin Concerns It Benefits | Dry Skin, Eczema, Sensitive Skin, Hyperpigmentation |
This highly-rated body moisturizer contains powerhouse ingredients ceramides, shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide that work together to create a wealth of hydration for your dark skin. A thick and creamy texture, it left the roughest and scarred areas of my body supple and extremely hydrated.
What sets La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Cream apart from the rest is its antioxidant-rich La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water. This unique ingredient, infused with antioxidants, defends against environmental stressors that could potentially cause damage.
Fans of the body moisturizer praise it for relieving dry itchy skin and how it moisturizes scars and skin conditions, especially for those suffering from eczema. Its benefits are worth the cost, which is on the higher side, but at 400mL / 13.52 fl Oz you don’t need much for each use. Making this a worthy investment that lasts quite a while even with the higher price tag.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
For those looking for a moisturizer that has all the essential ingredients to cater to the unique needs of dark skin CeraVe Moisturizing Cream may be close to your best bet. I discovered this body moisturizer a few years ago, and I’ve been a power user ever since. It has been a godsend for controlling my eczema flare-ups while hydrating my skin. Quite a few Amazon customers agree with me, boasting a 4.8 rating.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Essential Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Glycerin |
| Antioxidants | None |
| Skin Conditions It Benefits | Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin, Eczema |
It’s fragrance-free, paraben free, and non-comedogenic, packed with a powerful trio of ingredients that work to keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and glowing. Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin work in conjunction to leave it feeling soft and smooth, ensuring that your skin remains plump and supple.
Compared to the other body moisturizers on the list, it doesn’t leave my skin as soft as I would like. Hydrated, fresh, and light, definitely. But I don’t get that non-stop touchable skin I prefer during a special night out. Overall, it doesn’t take away from the daily moisturizing benefits this lotion exhibits.
While CeraVe Moisturizing Cream may not boast an array of antioxidants, it still stands as a powerful moisturizer for black skin. Its allergy-tested, oil-free formula makes it an ideal choice for all skin types.
NatureWell Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Moisturizing
NatureWell Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Moisturizing is a moisturizing marvel designed for dark skin and its unique needs. Many on Amazon love this body moisturizer, its scent, ability to even skin and minimize stretch marks.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Essential Ingredients | Coconut Oil, Glycerin, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil |
| Antioxidants | Vitamin A, C, and E |
| Skin Conditions It Benefits | Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin |
I’m normally not a huge fan of coconut oil. I tend to feel like I’m oiling myself down in preparation to be barbecued. But this is more of a cream, and though there was some initial slight greasiness when I first applied it to my skin, it evened out once it was fully absorbed. Ingredients like Glycerin, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, and Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil provide deep nourishment and intense moisture to keep your skin smooth, supple, and touchable.
This body lotion isn’t just about hydration; it’s also packed with powerful antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, protecting your skin and resulting in a more radiant, resilient complexion.
The ultimate treat for dry or sensitive skin types, its gentle, dermatologist-tested formula is perfect for all skin types.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Daily Skin Therapy Cocoa Butter Body Lotion
Growing up, we always had a fresh jar or bottle of cocoa butter in the house. This lotion still creeps its way back into my bathroom cabinet. For generations, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Daily Skin Therapy Body Lotion has been a staple as the best moisturizer for black skin. Highly rated, inexpensive, and inclusive of two powerful ingredients: cocoa butter and vitamin E, it’s one of the best body lotions for delicate skin while keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Essential Ingredients | Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E |
| Antioxidants | None |
| Skin Conditions It Benefits | Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin, Eczema, Hyperpigmentation |
This daily body moisturizer comes highly recommended by dermatologists and users for being suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive eczema-prone skin. During the winter, it offers awesome protection for me and my son’s skin. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and free of parabens and phthalates, so you can trust that it’s as gentle as it is effective.
Incredible at protecting the skin’s natural barrier, this highly-rated body lotion forms a triple threat against dryness, ensuring your dark skin stays radiant and healthy. I love its light and intoxicating chocolate scent. Reviewers also compliment its hydration longevity, relief of cracked skin, reduction of scars and stretch marks, and texture. If you are looking to save some money with a moisturizer that keeps your skin healthy, this body lotion is a must-have.
Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil
I originally planned on writing about Josie Maran’s 100% Argan Oil, but after discovering Josie Maran’s Whipped Argan Oil, I had no choice but to immediately pivot. This delectable body butter left my skin in state of pure refreshment. When you normally think of body butter, they are usually thicker and richer in texture. But this surprisingly light, fluffy, super absorbent whipped butter provided a softness I had missed out on since moving to a much dryer climate. Rave customer reviews on Amazon and Josie Maran’s site agree, touting the butter’s sheerness, softness, and moisturizing qualities.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Essential Ingredients | Argan Oil, Sunflower Oil, Glycerin, Shea Butter Aloe Vera, Avocado Oil, Green Tea Leaf |
| Antioxidants | Vitamins A and E, Omega 3, 6, 9 fatty acids, White Tea Extract |
| Skin Conditions It Benefits | Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin |
What makes this body moisturizer so extraordinary? It’s all about the essential ingredients – a mix of argan oil, shea butter, aloe vera, sunflower oil, avocado oil and packed with vitamins A and E, as well as omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. The nutrients and antioxidants work together to rejuvenate and nourish your skin. I used it immediately post shower and it left my skin firm and smooth. Your complexion will showcase why this is a marvelous moisturizer for black skin with pure, organic, and natural ingredients, making it perfect for all skin types.
One caveat, if you’re sensitive to smells, is the scent. In addition to unscented, the butter comes in 7 different scents. I ended up using the sweet citrus scent, which was light and not overbearing. But there is an audience who prefers unscented compared to the other scents available. If you’re unsure if you will like the scent, I would go with unscented. This is also due to it being luxurious in function but also in price. For those on a budget, you do not want to feel like you wasted your money because you didn’t like how it smelled, especially with a cost of around $38 for a 240 mL / 8 fl oz bottle. But, if you are making the investment, a little can go a long way.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to moisturizers for black skin, it’s important to understand the different vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that support your skin type and care for any skin conditions you may be experiencing. There are a wide variety of options available. Whether you are in need of dry or sensitive skin relief, hyperpigmentation, acne, eczema, and more, this guide serves as a resource so you can choose the best product that caters to your individual dark skin needs.
Testing these products, my favorite facial moisturizer shifted from CeraVe to La Roche-Posay. It hydrated my face which is going through a dry skin phase, didn’t clog pores, and balanced my natural oils. When it came to body lotion, my philosophy used to be the thicker, the better. Now after experiencing how buttery soft my skin was after using Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil, I realize light and absorbent is what works best for me now when searching for the best moisturizer for black skin. The key is finding the right combination of essential ingredients and antioxidants that will work best for your nourishment and as you hydrate your dark skin.
I’ve covered some of the most recommended and top-rated moisturizers from gels from Neutrogena and Clinique that help with oily skin. All the way to creams from La Roche and CeraVe, and moisturizing oils from Naturewell and Josie Maran. Whether it’s a body lotion or facial moisturizer understanding your skin’s unique needs will help you experience the joys of having soft, supple skin all day long.
Now that you’ve delved deep into the world of this ultimate guide to the best moisturizers for black skin, it’s time to embark on your own skincare adventure, embracing the right moisturizers that will not only quench your skin’s thirst but also amplify the beauty of your natural glow.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not providing medical advice, is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A qualified physician should make a decision based on each person’s medical history and current prescriptions. Always seek the advice of your physician.