5 Best Travel-Friendly Moisturizer for Glowy Globetrotters
ShoppingSkin care doesn't stop at the security line.By Adrian Clark and Owen GoughMay 14, 2025Photographs: La Mer, Kiehl's, Amazon, Narcyss, Nordstrom; Collage: Sarah CassutoSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.Featured in this articleBest Lightweight MoisturizerDr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream LightRead more$240 NordstromBest Day and Night CreamNarcyss AMPMRead more$20 NarcyssBest Natural MoisturizerWeleda Skin FoodRead more$8 AmazonShow more3 / 5Summer is here: It's almost time to pack your suitcase, get excited, and double-check you're stocked up on the best travel-friendly moisturizer. (While you're at it, you should make sure you've packed all the tools you need to take care of your skin's health while you're away, as well.) A break from work is no excuse for a break from your skincare routine, so packing a travel-friendly moisturizer is, in our opinion, essential packing.Of course, we're all familiar with flight restrictions on liquids, so aside from a product's dermatological capabilities, it's worth exploring options that will save you the headache of chucking away entire unopened bottles when checking in. We've sought out expert guidance to help us find the ultimate moisturizers you can pop in your backpack for your next trip.Best Lightweight Moisturizer1/5Dr. Barbara SturmFace Cream Light$240 NordstromSkin Type: Normal to oilyPowered by: Purslane extract, bisabolol, hyaluronic acid, ginger root extract and panthenolSize: 20mlThis ultra-lightweight formula, which follows the success of Dr. Sturm’s signature Face Cream and Face Cream Rich, has been purposefully designed to hydrate and protect oilier complexions; it’s also perfect for the summer months and more humid breaks away. Informed by her daily work in the field of molecular medicine, it quickly absorbs into the deepest surface layers of the skin and deeply moisturizes, 24/7. I tested this for a fortnight (during a hot summer) and found that it was just as effective as the signature Face Cream, but with the added benefit of a super-fine texture that evaporates into the skin without residue. Powered with Purslane extract, it is enriched with potent antioxidants, such as bisabolol and panthenol, that soothe and calm any irritation, but also strengthen the sensitive skin membrane against free radicals, like pollution or UV. If I were going somewhere really hot, this would be my go-to – topped up with an SPF mist, of course.
All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Summer is here: It's almost time to pack your suitcase, get excited, and double-check you're stocked up on the best travel-friendly moisturizer. (While you're at it, you should make sure you've packed all the tools you need to take care of your skin's health while you're away, as well.) A break from work is no excuse for a break from your skincare routine, so packing a travel-friendly moisturizer is, in our opinion, essential packing.
Of course, we're all familiar with flight restrictions on liquids, so aside from a product's dermatological capabilities, it's worth exploring options that will save you the headache of chucking away entire unopened bottles when checking in. We've sought out expert guidance to help us find the ultimate moisturizers you can pop in your backpack for your next trip.
Best Lightweight Moisturizer
- Skin Type: Normal to oily
- Powered by: Purslane extract, bisabolol, hyaluronic acid, ginger root extract and panthenol
- Size: 20ml
This ultra-lightweight formula, which follows the success of Dr. Sturm’s signature Face Cream and Face Cream Rich, has been purposefully designed to hydrate and protect oilier complexions; it’s also perfect for the summer months and more humid breaks away. Informed by her daily work in the field of molecular medicine, it quickly absorbs into the deepest surface layers of the skin and deeply moisturizes, 24/7. I tested this for a fortnight (during a hot summer) and found that it was just as effective as the signature Face Cream, but with the added benefit of a super-fine texture that evaporates into the skin without residue. Powered with Purslane extract, it is enriched with potent antioxidants, such as bisabolol and panthenol, that soothe and calm any irritation, but also strengthen the sensitive skin membrane against free radicals, like pollution or UV. If I were going somewhere really hot, this would be my go-to – topped up with an SPF mist, of course.
Best Day and Night Cream
- Skin Type: Suitable for all
- Powered by: Menthyl oxalate, betaine, green tea extract and aloe vera juice
- Size: 30ml
This unique formula, designed to be used both day and night, promotes healthy aging (as opposed to anti-aging) and helps rejuvenate dull or fatigued skin. A vegan-friendly, multi-purpose moisturizer that is rich in antioxidants, it’s one of the best-sellers from this innovative (relatively new) skin care line for men. Two things stand out when using it; the first being its lightweight, sheer texture (so perfect for more humid weather), which isn’t greasy or sticky, and absorbs without any trace. The second is its energizing scent, which clears the cobwebs and leaves your skin feeling (and smelling) fresh. Formulated with a potent combination of active ingredients (menthyl oxalate, betaine, green tea extract, and aloe vera juice) it boosts collagen production, helps reduce any sensitivity or inflammation, and strengthens your skin’s natural barrier function. A budget-friendly solution (it's even cheaper if you buy it on subscription) that will leave your complexion feeling healthy, hydrated, and protected when you are away from home.
Best Natural Moisturizer
- Skin Type: Dry/Dehydrated
- Powered by: Biodynamic calendula, organic chamomile, wild pansy, rosemary, sunflower seed and sweet almond oils, lanolin and beeswax
- Size: 30ml
The rich-balmy texture of Weleda’s original Skin Food moisturizer is salvation for severely dry skin. An intensive and iconic formula (one sells every 10 seconds), it’s still considered one of the beauty industry’s best-kept secrets and an essential SOS to have at hand whenever you are away from home. What I particularly love about this product (which has been in my grooming arsenal for many years) is its multi-functional versatility.
Made with pure plant oils, protective waxes and therapeutic botanical extracts, it can be used daily as a dry-skin moisturizer for both the face and the body, a rich repair cream (I use it on my elbows, hands and feet), or a restorative face mask.
Certified natural and organic, it is infused with biodynamic calendula, harvested from Weleda’s medicinal herb garden, organic chamomile, rosemary (which stimulates circulation), sunflower seed and sweet almond oils (to deeply nourish), soothing wild pansy, beeswax, and skin-softening lanolin.
Best 24-Hour Hydrating Moisturizer
- Skin Type: Suitable for all, including sensitive
- Powered by: Glacial glycoprotein and squalane
- Size: 28ml
Tested in extreme environments (from Mount Everest to Greenland), Ultra Facial Cream is the ultimate “adventure” holiday moisturizer, made for frill seekers who choose to take fewer risks when it comes to protecting their complexion. Kiehl’s #1 bestselling moisturizer globally (1 pot is sold every minute), it delivers up to 24 hours of lasting protection, continuous comfort and moisture replenishment throughout the day.
I’ve used this (on and off) for the best part of 20 years because it is trustworthy and reliable. Powered with glacial glycoprotein, originally sourced from Antarctic sea glaciers, it maintains moisture balance and is intensely hydrating. Enriched with natural squalane (a signature Kiehl’s ingredient), it’s also gentle enough for sensitive skin types, is fast-absorbing, non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t inhibit or block the pores) and fragrance-free. The only criticism I would make is that, unlike the full-size version, which offers a variant with SPF 30 protection included, the travel-friendly spin-off offers no defense from UV rays.
The Best Skin-Repairing Moisturizer
- Skin Type: Balanced to dry
- Powered by: Miracle Broth and lime tea concentrate
- Size: 15ml
La Mer’s scientists have discovered that Miracle Broth, the brand’s hero and proprietary ingredient, is a catalyst for energized, youthful-looking and enriched skin. Made from a blend of fermented sea kelp, vitamins, minerals, citrus oil, eucalyptus, sunflower, wheatgerm, and alfalfa, this unique and exclusive concentrate is the magic behind the newly-reformulated Moisturizing Soft Cream. Supporting the skin’s barrier lipids, it helps reverse and resist the aging process, delivered through multi-graduated-sized moisture spheres (a brand-new micro-technology) to penetrate skin with targeted precision and deliver the Miracle Broth where it is most needed.
Having used both the original face cream and this reformulation (for two weeks), I noticed advanced benefits with the 2.0 formula; strengthening my moisture barrier, soothing irritation, and further diminishing the appearance of my pores and wrinkles. The only drawback is the hefty price tag—it may have to be a holiday romance rather than a permanent fixture in your grooming regimen.
How We Tested
You know you have a tough job when you have to test out the best moisturizers to fit into your backpack for traveling. We're happy guinea pigs, though, and are happy to assess as many options as possible to help equip you for any upcoming trips to keep your skin hydrated and protected from the sun's rays. To help us out, though, we sought out the advice from a proper expert in skincare. Adrian Clark is a regular contributor to GQ's grooming content and has worked in the industry for many years, lending him plenty of experience hunting out the best moisturizer for your travels.
