The 10 Best Face Creams for Daily Use in 2026; Day and Night Creams

Face creams or moisturizers are an essential part of your skincare routine. Your face cream should do three jobs properly. Hydrate, protect your skin barrier, and make you feel good daily.

Most people quit products for one reason. They feel heavy, sting, clog pores, or pill under sunscreen.

Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin type. Your choice of facial moisturizer varies based on your skin type. Moisturizers come in different varieties, including daytime creams that come with SPF, nighttime creams for anti-aging, and ultra-lightweight.

Irrespective of the one you choose, there is one thing in common; excellent at providing our skin with hydration.

In this article, you will learn the key ingredients to look out for when choosing a facial moisturizer, the best face moisturizers, and the skin types they are suitable for.

NOTE: This article is mainly for educational purposes.

Portrait of a young beautiful woman with moisturizing cream – Frepik

What to Look For in a Daily Face Cream

A good daily face cream should do three things:

• Moisturize without feeling heavy.
• Help your skin hold water.
• Layer well with sunscreen and makeup.

Key ingredients that help most skin types

When choosing a face cream that is beneficial to most skin types. Look for the formulations that contain a balance of;

• Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that draws water into the skin to provide deep hydration and a plumping effect.
• Ceramides: Helps support the skin’s barrier. Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that help to prevent moisture loss and defend against irritants.
• Glycerin: A humectant that attracts and retains moisture within the skin, thereby enhancing the skin barrier function.
• Niacinamide: Also known as Vitamin B3. A versatile ingredient that helps to reduce redness and inflammation, improve uneven skin tone, balance oil production, and minimize pores.
• Antioxidants (C and E): Vitamin C helps to brighten the skin complexion and support collagen production, while Vitamin E contains emollient properties that support the skin barrier.

Best Face Creams for Daily Use in 2026

How do I pick the best moisturizer? I focused on positive customer reviews, in-depth research, and simple formulas (which means a low risk of irritation).

Best Day Face Creams

1. Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser

Helps soften and smooth the skin. It is suitable for sensitive skin. It contains Glycerin as one of its purest ingredients.

Best for: All skin types

2. Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer

This affordable face moisturizer is formulated with a vitamin-rich blend of Vitamin E, B5, and Niacinamide. This lightweight yet ultra-hydrating moisturizer helps even skin tone and texture while smoothing and softening for a healthy, glowing skin.

Best for: All skin types.

3. Beauty Formulas Vitamin C Daily Moisturiser

Actively formulated with a Vitamin Complex that includes vitamins B, C & E to provide the goodness your skin needs to thrive, looking bright, fresh, and invigorated.

Best for: Normal skin

4. Cerave Moisturising Cream For Dry to Very Dry Skin

It contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides (3 essential), suitable for the body and face. Moisturises and maintains a protective skin barrier.

Best for: Sensitive skin and eczema-prone skin

5. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel 1.7oz

Formulated with hyaluronic acid. It is an ultra-lightweight gel that absorbs quickly and instantly refreshes and cools skin.

Best for: Normal, oily, and combination skin types.

Also suitable for Nighttime

Best Night Face Creams

1. Face Facts Bright + Clear Face Cream

This facial cream blends a balanced combination of soothing niacinamide, kojic acid, and tranexamic acid to promote a bright, radiant, hydrated finish.

It is suitable for both night and day cream.

Best for: All skin types

2. Face Facts Aloe Vera Hydrating Night Cream

Lightweight, fast-absorbing, hydrates, and helps reduce redness overnight. Enriched with Glycerin and 6 skin-smoothing emollients.

Best for: All skin types

3. Face Facts The Glow Routine – Hyaluronic Hydra Gel Cream

This face cream contains antioxidant-rich Blackberry, Oat, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin E extracts that help soothe skin & lock in moisture all day long. It is good for both day and night.

Best for: All skin types.

4. Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream 200 ml

This is one of the best Korean face creams, offering deep hydration and soothing effects for dry, itching skin while restoring a healthier skin barrier. It melts into the skin, leaving it moisturized and softer.

Best for: Sensitive and dry skin

How to Choose the Best Face Moisturizer for Your Skin Type

1. If you have dry skin, choose creams rich in ceramide and hyaluronic acid.
2. If you have oily skin, choose oil-free gels rich in niacinamide.
3. If you have combination skin, choose a balanced formula rich in glycerin.
4. Finally, if you have sensitive skin, as you’ve always known — choose a fragrance-free formula.
5. For acne-prone skin, choose gel-cream formulas and non-greasy textures.

How to Use Face Cream Daily for Glowing Skin

Morning skin care routine

1. Cleanse using a mild or gentle cleanser

2. Pat your face dry with a towel, but leave it damp

3. While serum is optional. If required, you can choose vitamin C serums.

4. Face moisturizer– Take a pea-sized amount, rub on your hands, and apply on the face towards the neck

5. SPF: Always finish your morning routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Night skincare routine

1. Cleanse

2. Treatments (optional) — If you have night serums (Niacinamide, retinol)

3. Apply a richer nourishing facial moisturizer or night cream to lock in moisture.

Safety Tips Before You Switch Creams

• Perform a patch test on your jawline for at least 2 days.
• Stop use if burning or swelling happens.
• See a dermatologist for ongoing rashes or severe acne.

Wrapping Up

The best face cream is the one you can use daily. Match the texture to your skin type first, and watch how your skin adjusts to it.

FAQ

Q: What are the best face creams for daily use suitable for Nigerian skin?

A: There are quite a number of the best face creams suitable for Nigerian skin. They include: Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer, Simple Replenishing Moisturizer, Face Facts Ceramide Oil Control Gel Cream, and Neutrogena Hydro Boost.

Q: Which face creams are recommended for daily hydration and sun protection?

A: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50 PA++++ is one face cream we can recommend.

Q: Can you suggest affordable face creams for everyday use?

A: Simple kind to skin replenishing moisturiser, Simple hydrating moisturiser, face fact face cream are affordable facial moisturizers you can get.

Q: Where can I buy top-rated daily face creams online in Nigeria?

A: You can get affordable and top-rated daily face creams from the Girly Essentials online store.