Face cream test: The 17 best products according to the editorial test, Stiftung Warentest and a doctor

Face cream test: These are the 17 best day creams for every skin type - tested by our editors

Not all face creams are the same, as there are some differences in terms of ingredients, effects and skin type. Test reports and comparisons from Stiftung Warentest, Öko-Test and Co. can be just as helpful when making your selection as your own experience with a face cream or the well-known elimination process. Because if you look at certain ingredients such asIf you are allergic or live a vegan lifestyle, certain creams are automatically excluded. But which face creams are the best in their category?

We have examined a wide variety of face creams for a wide variety of skin types. We not only tested it ourselves, but also interviewed an expert in the field. Dr. Roshini Raj has a skincare brand and is also a practicing gastroenterologist - she tells us what really matters and that one nobodycan do harm!

Our editors’ 5 face cream favorites – tried & tested

1. Best Moisturizing Face Cream: “Minéral 89 72H Moisture Boost Cream” from Vichy
2. Best Soothing Cream: “The Glow Revitalizing Face Cream” von This Place
3. Best face cream for a strong skin barrier: “Resist Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer” von Paula’s Choice
4. Best cream with lifting effect: “Resveratrol-Lift Lightweight Firming Cashmere Cream” von Caudalie
5. Best rich face cream:“The Cure Cream” von Doctor Babor

How do I find the best face cream for my skin type? An expert answers

The search for the right day cream for your own skin definitely doesn't fail because of the breadth of the range, but rather because you know what you can tolerate. That's why we have the founder of the skincare brand Tula and a gastroenterologistDr. Roshini Rajasked what matters. Her answer is: “Knowing your own skin type plays an important role. Do you tend to have oily or dry skin? Different creams have different levels of intensity and richness, which is important when it comes to how much moisture the skin needs. I would argue oursCore Moisturizer, the“Probiotics & Superfoods 24-7 Moisture”(learn more about this product below) seems to have a very universal appeal. It's light on the skin, so it doesn't deter people who don't want to use heavy products on their skin. It's definitely not greasy, but really provides the moisture that dry skin types prefer. So it works in both directions. In general, it should also be mentioned that it is important to be consistent. Whatever skincare product you find works well for you, make sure you use it consistently.”

Really good face creams: These active ingredients are what matter

The goal of a face cream is clear: it should care for the skin and provide it with moisture and active ingredients depending on your needs and age. In addition, the day cream or night cream should be free of harmful substances and not contain any ingredients that could pose a health risk. The list of substances that you should avoid if possible is long. Here's a brief overview:

• Fragrances (e.g. the artificial musk scent galaxolide, hydroxycitronellal, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamal)
• Mineral oils/aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOAH)
• Coloring and preservatives
• Parabens (especially butylparaben)
• Silicone
• Formaldehyd (z.B. Imidazolidinyl Urea)
• questionable UV filters (e.g. Homosalate)

Face cream: what else needs to be taken into account?

But you should not only pay attention to the type of ingredients when choosing a face cream, but also the quantity. Because the more of it a face cream has, the greater the likelihood that it won't necessarily do your skin any good. The general rule is that the product is on theis coordinated.

• Normal skinis uncomplicated, the ratio of fat to moisture is right. The selection of face creams is large. In addition, the skin is more forgiving of changing care experiments.
• has little own fat and needs one.
• Oily skinis caused by excessive sebum production and requires a cream that takes away the shine and/or refines the pores, but still provides sufficient moisture.
• Combination skinhas dry (cheeks) and oily (T-zone – forehead, nose, chin) areas. The face cream should be tailored to this.
• Sensitive skinresponds toand external influences quickly cause redness and skin irritation. Organic or natural cosmetics are best suited here.
• Acne-prone skin or skin affected by acneDoes not tolerate very rich formulations, so it is best to use gel-cream.

Tip: If you are not sure what skin type you have, you can have a skin analysis carried out at a dermatological practice or by a beautician.

For our selection of the best face creams, we used the results of Stiftung Warentest, Öko-Test as well as user reviews and our own experiences. ().

1. Best moisturizing face cream: “Minéral 89 72H Moisture Boost Cream” from Vichy

We are from Dr. As Raj has learned, every skin – regardless of whether it is dry, impure or sensitive – needs moisture. The “Minéral 89 72H Moisture Boost Cream” from Vichy is one of our favorites because it provides intensive moisture thanks to its active ingredient complex with thermal water, hyaluronic acid, squalane and minerals.

Conclusion from Allegra, Beauty Editor:“I don't like seeing creams that contain fragrances in my bathroom. That's why it's a big plus point for me that the 'Vichy Minéral 89' smells of absolutely nothing when you open it. Even with the first dab I can feel my dry skin literally sucking in the moisture. I barely have time to massage in - the cream is absorbed in no time. It feels so ultra-light on my skin, like it's not even there. The feeling afterwards: extremely refreshing!”

• Allegra's skin type:Tends to be dry
• Special ingredients:Branded thermal water, hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamins B3 and E

The balanced formula and plant extracts contained in this cream are responsible for the skin-soothing effect and an anti-inflammatory effect. It is ideal for normal, oily and impure skin, but dry skin also gets its money's worth thanks to the rich formulation with hyaluronic acid.

Conclusion from Lena, Beauty Editor:“I've been using This Place's 'The Glow' day cream every day for several weeks. Since I often struggle with impurities, especially due to my cycle, I really wanted to try the cream with its anti-inflammatory effect. The zinc it contains is responsible for this effect. In addition, the skin gets a little more radiance and appears balanced. I also noticed the pleasant scent and the fact that it absorbs quickly. I tolerate the cream very well and have had very balanced skin and fewer inflamed areas and redness since using it, even in combination with other products. A disadvantage for me is that, in my opinion, it is compatible with few products or active ingredients, as I often have crumbly residue on my face (the well-known 'eraser lint'). Here you have to try things out and feel your way around to find the ideal combination for you.”

• Lena's skin type:Combination skin, prone to redness
• Special ingredients:CBD, zinc, cinnamon bark, hyaluronic acid, olive leaf extract

3. Best face cream for a strong skin barrier: “Resist Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer” by Paula's Choice

One should not underestimate how important it is to sufficiently strengthen the skin barrier. With the “Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer” from Paula's Choice, the name suggests that it does exactly that. Essential here are ceramides and cholesterol, which, as skin-identical substances, stimulate the skin's own ceramides to provide itself with moisture, which in turn allows the skin's protective barrier to work better.

Fazit von Alexandra, Deputy Head of Editorial Content / Digital Director:“The 'Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer' is pleasantly cooling and provides a lot of moisture without being too rich. There is no visible film left on the skin - just a glow (and who doesn't want that?). My skin, which is prone to tension and dry patches, especially in winter, feels soothed and sufficiently moisturized. Plus points from me for the subtle smell.”

• Alexandra's skin type:Sensitive
• Special ingredients:Ceramide, Cholesterol, Sheabutter, Squalan

4. Best cream with a lifting effect: “Resveratrol-Lift Lightweight Firming Cashmere Cream” from Caudalie

If you want a plant-based collagen boost, this is a good choice. The collagen in this cream, which is obtained from a plant, was mixed together into an effective formula from hyaluronic acid, resveratrol (which is obtained from grape vines) and a collagen booster, which is also vegan. The result is a feather-light day cream with a naturally matt finish that moisturizes and intensively hydrates the skin.

Conclusion from Leona, Affiliate Beauty Editor:“Anti-aging creams are such a thing. While some people think it's totally unnecessary, others recommend it from the early 20s. Personally, I'm of the opinion that a small lifting effect can't do any harm, and my main concern when it comes to facial care is that it doesn't irritate my skin . This version of the 'Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Cashmere Creme' with a lighter texture feels super comfortable on my sensitive skin and is absorbed ultra-quickly. Perfect for a multi-step, layered routine like I do every day.”

• Leona's skin type:Sensitive, prone to impurities
• Special ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, resveratrol, vegan collagen

The essence of this repairing cream are: Plants. More precisely, “The Cure Cream” contains the so-called Biogen Plant extract, which is intended to serve as a type of skin treatment for daily use. The complex consists of eight powerful plants, such as rosemary, ginseng and watercress. It also contains hydrolyzed lupine protein, which supports the skin's collagen synthesis and thus stimulates skin regeneration.

Conclusion from Zuzanna Sztefic, SEO Manager:“Doctor Babor's 'The Cure Cream' is very rich and rich and offers perfect protection for the cold winter air or dry summer skin. It provides extreme moisture, forms a protective film and creates a glowy finish. Immediately after application, my skin looks firm and cared for.”

• Zuzanna's skin type:Combination skin
• Special ingredients:Ginseng, Panthenol, hydrolysiertes Lupinenprotein

6. Best face cream according to Stiftung Warentest:“Hydro Boost Aqua Gel” from Neutrogena

This moisturizing cream from Neutrogena is the winner of the latest Stiftung Warentest from 2024. It is ideal if you want to save some money but still don't want to miss out on all the benefits of a gel-like aqua cream. This refreshing formula delivers moisture whenever skin needs it without clogging pores.

• Skin type:Combination skin and dry skin
• Special ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, amino acids, electrolytes

“Hydro Boost Aqua Cream” from Neutrogena

7. Best Face Cream for All Skin Types:“Probiotics & Superfood 24-7 Moisture” von Tula

Skincare innovation the way we love it: Tula is the skincare innovation and has just arrived in Germany (and Austria and Switzerland). What's special about the products: They contain probiotic extracts and therefore act like superfoods for the skin. This face cream from the brand's Core line provides 24/7 moisture and can be used day or night.

• Skin type:All skin types
• Special ingredients:Pro- and prebiotics, camellia seeds, sea buckthorn berries, argan oil

“Probiotics & Superfood 24-7 Moisture” von Tula

8. Best Drugstore Face Cream:“Natural Balance” von Nivea

The “Natural Balance” face cream from Nivea is onetheChoices when we talk about the drugstore segment. With aloe vera and other ingredients that are 99 percent natural in origin, it gently nourishes and pampers the skin. It also contains jojoba and almond oil, which effectively provide moisture.

• Skin type:Normal and combination skin
• Special ingredients:Organic aloe vera, jojoba oil, almond oil

Nivea “Natural Balance” face cream

9. Best natural cosmetic face cream:“Rose Day Cream” by Dr. Hauschka

For example, the “Rose Day Cream” from Dr. falls into the “certified natural cosmetics” category. Hauschka. In the Öko-Test study, the face cream received the rating “very good”. It is one of the popular cosmetic classics from Dr. Hauschka and optimally balances the skin's fat-moisture balance.

• Skin type:Sensitive skin, dry skin, mature skin
• Special ingredients:Extracts from rose petals and wild rose fruits, shea butter, rose petal wax, avocado oil, marshmallow, St. John's wort

“Rose Day Cream” by Dr. Hauschka

10. Best Face Cream for Sensitive Skin:“Toleriane Sensitive Creme” from La Roche-Posay

Sensitive skin types know how difficult it is to find the right products. We can recommend this cream to you because your skin reacts to pretty much everything you put into it. La Roche-Posay's cream is specially formulated for sensitive skin, bringing its microbiome back into balance and soothing it at the same time. This “Sensitive Cream” is even suitable for delicate baby skin.

• Skin type:Sensitive skin
• Special ingredients:Thermal water, nicotinamide, squalane

“Toleriane Sensitive Creme” from La Roche-Posay

11. Best Face Cream for Dry Skin:“Cold Creme” von Avène

When your skin cries out for help, such as redness, feelings of tension or irritation, this SOS help comes in handy in the form of a rich day care product. The “Cold Cream” from Avène has a calming effect that develops within a very short time and is moisturizing - a real classic, known for many years.

• Skin type:Sensitive, dry
• Special ingredients:White beeswax, thermal water

12. Best Face Cream for Combination Skin:“Aquasource Cream” from Biotherm

The “Aquasource Cream” from Biotherm works – as the name suggests – with the power of water, or rather the sea. The “Life Plankton” in highly concentrated form, which is known for the brand, is primarily responsible for the moisturizing effect. It is particularly suitable for combination skin as it is richly formulated and yet does not feel too heavy on the skin - which is due to the light gel texture.

• Skin type:Normal to combination skin
• Special ingredients:“Life Plankton”, Mannose, Sheabutter

“Aquasource Cream” from Biotherm

13. Best face cream for blemished skin:“Aknederm® Creme”

No question, if you have acne you should go to the doctor. However, there are also products in the pharmacy that do not require a prescription and have a great effect, such as this cream from Acnederm. It contains clarifying active ingredients, including zinc oxide and kaolin, making it a helpful tool for impurities. The naturally mattifying skin finish ensures that you theoretically no longer need to wear foundation over it and still look soft.

• Skin types:Impure, acne-prone skin
• Special ingredients:Oil shale oil from the Alpine region, zinc oxide

14. Best cheap face cream under 5 euros:“Hydra Active 3” from L’Oréal Paris

The “Hydra Active 3” from L'Oréal Paris is a favorite among the drugstore products. This cream effectively protects the skin from dryness and also includes UV protection. This means: If you forget the sunscreen or want to use fewer layers of skincare every now and then, that's no problem.

• Skin type:Dry and sensitive skin
• Special ingredients:Ceramide, Vitamin B5, Glycerin

“Hydra Active 3” from L’Oréal Paris

15. Best Luxury Face Cream:“Vital Perfection Concentrated Supreme Cream” von Shiseido

Mature skin is particularly pleased with this rich cream from Shiseido, which is enriched with the patented SafflowerRed™ and, according to the manufacturer, makes the skin appear firmer and more defined after just a few days. Particularly practical: When you have used up the cream, you can order a refill pack from Shiseido.

• Skin type:Normal and mature skin
• Special ingredients:SafflowerRed™, Glycerin, Burnet-Extrakt

“Vital Perfection Concentrated Supreme Cream” von Shiseido

16. Best Night Face Cream:“Rejuvenating Night Cream” von La Mer

You probably know the “Moisturizing Cream” from La Mer, which Kim Kardashian and Co. swear by, right? But do you already know the brand's latest launch, a night cream? It starts where a lot of moisture is lost - at night. The formula protects against the skin's loss of moisture at night and moisturizes it intensively.

• Skin type:All skin types
• Special ingredients:Miracle Broth™

“The Rejuvenating Night Cream” von La Mer

17. Best face cream according to Öko-Test:“Wildrose Smoothing Day Care” from Weleda

The “Wildrose Smoothing Day Cream” from Weleda was specially developed for mature skin, which smoothes the skin and preserves its freshness and elasticity. In the Öko-Test comparison, it received the rating “very good” in terms of ingredients and also scored points with a clean beauty seal and the subtle scent of Damask rose.

• Skin type:Combination skin, normal skin, oily skin
• Special ingredients:Extracts of Sedum Purpureum, Horsetail and Myrrh

“Wildrose Smoothing Day Care” from Weleda

Use face cream correctly - here's how

The best face cream is of little use if it is not applied correctly. It is important that the cream - regardless of whether it is a day cream or– always applied as soon as possible after facial cleansing. At this point, the pores are not only clean, but also sufficiently open to absorb the full care power. When it comes to quantity, the following also applies to face cream: less is more. A hazelnut-sized portion is sufficient for most formulations. Plus: the less product you use to adequately nourish your face, the better. It speaks for the formula.

Then massage outwards starting from the middle of the face. By the way, that's one toofor facial care, so massage the excess cream into your neck afterwards. The following also applies: never use creams after their expiry date and switch to a lighter face cream in summer. And then, of course, age also plays a role when choosing the right face cream, because our skin and the rest of our body are constantly changing. This also affects the needs. At 20 or 30, these usually look different than at 40, 50 or 60. However, what is always the rule, even under 20, is sunscreen.

However, one thing should be clear: even the best face cream for mature skin canetc. don't let them disappear overnight. Regular and early use of such facial creams can at least reduce the formation of wrinkles and keep the skin fresh and healthy.

• Face cream for skin over 20:Skin aging should now be slowly prevented – through moisturizer, vitamin E, aloe vera and sun protection.
• Face cream for skin over 30:The skin on the face becomes thinner and loses elasticity and moisture. Face creams with antioxidants such as vitamin C in combination with sun protection are a must here. Plus: Retinol and collagen-stimulating active ingredients are particularly recommended.
• Face cream for skin over 40:Dieslowly sag (sagging) and the wrinkles become deeper. Reason: The collagen breaks down more and more (possibly also due to the menopause). Stilland firming peptides should now be the main active ingredients in your face cream.
• Face cream for skin over 50:The skin on the face becomes visibly sagging and requires awith retinol, vitamin C and vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and hyaluronic acid.

Even more on the subject of facial cream and care: