Glow Definition
A moisturizer is a topical skincare product that delivers hydration and helps maintain the skin’s barrier function. It’s considered a core step in most routines — formulated to keep the complexion soft, smooth, and resilient across a range of skin types and needs.
Most moisturizers contain humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to draw in water, along with emollients to soften, and occlusives to seal moisture in. While often used as the final step in a routine, moisturizers can also be followed by a face oil for added cushion or swapped for a night cream when deeper replenishment is needed.
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Why It Matters
Moisturizers do more than just feel good — they help maintain skin’s balance by preventing transepidermal water loss, sealing in hydration, and supporting the skin barrier. In a world of potent serums and multi-step routines, this step acts as both the protector and the perfector. The right moisturizer cushions your skin against environmental stressors while creating a smooth, dewy canvas for makeup or bare glow.
From barrier repair blends to weightless hydrators, it’s the step that makes every product before it work harder — and every glow last longer.
GLOW TIP Try using a moisturizer with ingredients like glycerin, polyglutamic acid, or squalane to lock moisture in without greasiness — especially if your SPF has a matte finish.
Why We Love It For Glow
Moisturizer is where skincare becomes a little bit ritual — a final, feel-good layer that doesn’t just hydrate, but anchors your entire routine. Whether you’re chasing glassy dew or pillowy softness, the right moisturizer helps everything underneath shine a little brighter.
A moisturizer in skincare is the quiet-glow MVP: versatile, always necessary, and endlessly customizable based on your texture mood or seasonal needs.
Reach for Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream — a plush, rich-textured moisturizer that envelops skin in deep hydration and a radiant finish.
From its silk-like texture to the iconic lavender jar, every detail of this formula leans into glow. It layers like a dream under SPF or makeup, giving skin that bouncy, just-moisturized look that lingers well beyond the morning. Ideal for dry, normal, or glow-chasers year-round.
FAQ
Can I skip moisturizer if my skin feels oily?
Only if you’re using something else that replenishes hydration. Moisturizer isn’t just about adding moisture — it’s about sealing in the hydration and active care already in your routine.
What’s the difference between a moisturizer and a cream?
It often comes down to texture. “Moisturizer” is a broad category, while “cream” usually refers to thicker, richer options best suited for drier skin or nighttime routines.
Do I need a different moisturizer for morning and night?
Not necessarily. But many prefer something lightweight and fast-absorbing for day, and something richer or more comforting at night — especially if layering actives.
Featured in our: 5 Best Moisturizers for Layering in Summer: Formulas That Won’t Weigh You Down — where we share breathable hydrators that play well under SPF, serums, and everything in between. From featherlight creams to glow-locking gels, these picks prove you don’t have to sacrifice moisture for comfort — even in peak heat.