Toss your 10-step routine, these multitasking moisturizers do it all

The first time I bought a face moisturizer (on a trip to Walgreens with my dad), all I needed to know was whether my skin was dry, oily, or a combination of the two. Now, it’s not that simple. While basic moisturizers aren’t going anywhere, multitasking products are giving them a run for their money. You can now brighten, promote collagen production, and fight acne, all while rubbing in a moisturizer.

“Creams and serums that are multifunctional are a must when you are a busy and efficient person who still wants to look good while on the go,” says Janelle Vega, MD, a Miami-based dermatologist and co-founder of BIA Life, a site that gives customers personalized skin care routines tailored by dermatologists.

Dr. Vega says these creams work best when they include ingredients you would use daily, instead of a topical you don’t use as often.

“Using a combination with antioxidants and peptides in your moisturizer—that’s a no brainer,” she says. “However, avoid combination creams with retinols and AHA or BHA, which you may need to layer in less often.” 

These are the best face moisturizers to speed up your beauty routine

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer, $68

This moisturizer is like a protein-packed cocktail for your face. (Protini. Get it?) Complete with amino acids, signal peptides, and synthetic growth factors, it makes your skin feel firmer, while brightening and evening out the texture.

Origins Clear Improvement Pore Clearing Moisturizer with Salicylic Acid, $34

If you’ve got acne-prone skin, this might become your new holy grail. The light-weight formula contains salicylic acid, one of the most effective acne-clearing ingredients, and bamboo charcoal, which is can absorb 100 times its weight in impurities.

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer, $46

Perfect for all skin types, this anti-aging moisturizer combines Fresh’s Super 7 Complex and maca root extract to help promote a radiant appearance. It works to combat dryness, dullness uneven texture, and fine and lines and wrinkles.

Alastin Skincare Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer with TriHex Technology, $70

This is Dr. Vega’s favorite multitasking moisturizer. “[It] contains ingredients to moisturize the skin,” Dr. Vega says. “But also contains antioxidants to protect your skin from damage, as well as TriHex technology to boost your skin’s endogenous collagen and elastin.”

Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30, $11

This oil-free product moisturizes while mattifying, making it perfect for oily skin. It’s great if you’re using an acne product, like Differin Gel ($11), that can dry out your skin.

Ole Henriksen C-Rush Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer, $45

This gel illuminates your skin while delivering an energizing burst of hydration. It’s safe for all skin types and helps with dullness and uneven texture, dryness, and fine lines and wrinkles.

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