Moisturizer is an essential part of every skincare routine. Just like our bodies require hydration, so does our skin—and moisturizing your face regularly not only keeps your skin barrier strong and healthy, but also leaves your complexion looking smooth and radiant.  

Choosing the best moisturizer for your skin type can feel overwhelming, especially with the sheer number of products on the market.  The key is understanding your skin type, your environment, and your goals. 

Whether you are looking for a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula or a deeply hydration cream, this guide will help you navigate the decision. 

And if you’re still not sure? Our newest launch—BL+ The Cream Light—was created to offer targeted hydration with a weightless feel, especially for combination or oily skin.  

Read on to discover how to pick the perfect moisturizer for your unique needs.  

How to Identify Your Skin Type Before Choosing a Moisturizer

When choosing a face cream, the first step is to understand your skin type. The American Academy of Dermatology designates five main skin types: normal, combination, dry, oily, and sensitive—each of which has its specific characteristics and unique needs.  

 If you have dry skin, your skin naturally doesn’t produce enough oil. This means the skin’s moisture barrier can’t work as effectively as it needs to, allowing moisture to escape into the environment and causing your face to feel tight and uncomfortable and fine lines to appear more pronounced. In this case, a rich, fragrance-free face cream is necessary to replenish moisture and reinforce the skin barrier. Sensitive skin, which is skin that irritates easily, also needs to focus on barrier repair and avoid fragrance. BL+ The Cream ticks all the boxes with our BL+ COMPLEX, which works deep in the skin to strengthen the skin’s barrier as it intensely hydrates.  

Oily skin is the opposite in that it produces too much oil, which can cause blemishes, shininess, and congested pores. Oily skin types still need moisture, but should look for lightweight face creams that help balance out oil production, like the non-greasy and fast-absorbing BL+ The Light Cream.  

Combination skin typically displays two more defining characteristics—dry in some areas, oily in others (predominantly your T-zone), and while we’d argue that all skin is normal, in skincare, “normal” refers to skin that’s well-balanced and displays no persistent concerns. Choosing a face cream for these skin types usually comes down to personal preference on texture and feel, although people with combination skin may want to opt for a lighter cream if they struggle with greasiness and breakouts.  

Should You Change Moisturizer Based on Weather or Climate?

In addition to your skin type, climate and seasonal shifts can play a major role in determining the best face moisturizer for your routine. 

If you live in a cold, windy climate—like Iceland—your skin may need extra protection and moisture. In this case, a thicker, more nourishing cream like BL+ The Cream can help shield your skin from harsh environmental stressors. Formulated with shea butter and powered by BL+ COMPLEX and mineral-rich Blue Lagoon Seawater, this cream supports the skin barrier and locks in hydration. 

On the other hand, if you’re in a hot, humid climate, a heavy cream might feel too occlusive. Instead, opt for a lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturizer like BL+ The Cream Light, which provides essential hydration without weighing the skin down. Like its richer counterpart, it features BL+ COMPLEX, delivering scientifically backed results in a breathable texture. 

If your region experiences extreme seasonal changes—think freezing winters and sticky summers—it’s smart to have both formulas on hand, allowing you to switch based on the weather and your skin’s evolving needs. 

How Hormones Can Affect Your Skin's Moisturizer Needs

Hormonal changes—whether due to age, pregnancy, or other life changes—can significantly influence your skin’s needs and the type of moisturizer that’s most effective. 

For example, during pregnancy or perimenopause, many women experience increased sensitivity, breakouts, or melasma, often requiring a lighter, non-comedogenic moisturizer. In these cases, BL+ The Cream Light is an ideal choice. It’s powered by our proprietary BL+ COMPLEX and provides deep hydration in a lightweight formula that won’t clog pores. 

In contrast, post-menopause, the skin tends to become drier, thinner, and duller due to the natural drop in estrogen. At this stage, a richer, more nourishing face cream is key. BL+ The Cream delivers intense moisture and barrier support, thanks to its inclusion of shea butter and the clinically proven benefits of BL+ COMPLEX and geothermal Blue Lagoon Seawater, helping to restore firmness and radiance to mature skin. 

What Ingredients to Look For in a Face Moisturizer

Dermatologists agree that a good, well-balanced moisturizer is a cream that contains humectants, emollients, and occlusives.  

• Humectants, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, attract and transport water into the skin. 
• Emollients, such as ceramides, seal any holes in between the skin cells to keep the skin barrier intact and healthy. 
• Occlusives are like the cap on top, stopping water and natural moisture escaping into the environment. Occlusives can range from petrolatum and beeswax, to squalane and shea butter.  

All three ingredient categories are beneficial for every skin type. Although, depending on the formulation, certain occlusives can have a thick or heavy consistency and therefore cause congestion for people with oily or combination skin.  

For example, BL+ The Cream features shea butter for rich, long-lasting hydration—ideal for dry, dehydrated, or mature skin. It's also powered by our proprietary BL+ COMPLEX, a blend of patented Blue Lagoon Microalgae and Silica that work deep within the skin to boost collagen, restore firmness, and reinforce the skin barrier. 

On the other hand, BL+ The Cream Light is formulated with squalane, a lightweight, non-comedogenic emollient-occlusive that mimics natural oils in human skin and absorbs quickly—making it a better option for combination or oily skin. Like the original, it contains BL+ COMPLEX and electrolyte-rich Blue Lagoon Seawater, ensuring high-performance results without the weight. 

The Bottom Line

When it comes to choosing the best face moisturizer, there is  not a one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding your skin type, lifestyle, and environment can help you select the perfect formula. Whether you need a richer cream like BL+ The Cream or a lighter option like our  newBL+ The Cream Light, the right moisturizer is out there—and your glow starts with finding it.