Nivea Moisturizer Review
Our verdict
Nivea's face moisturizer holds a 4.7-star rating across 70,900 reviews, making it one of the most-reviewed and highest-rated drugstore moisturizers available. At $11.97 for a 16-unit size, it is an exceptional value with a track record that almost no other product at this price can match.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Dry and all skin types looking for a reliable, affordable daily moisturizer with a proven, mass-market track record and dimethicone-based barrier protection.
Skip if
You prefer fragrance-free products. This cream carries a scent, which could be a concern for very sensitive or reactive skin. Those seeking active-ingredient-forward formulas may also want to look elsewhere.
- Form Cream
- Skin type All, Dry
- Key ingredients Dimethicone
- Targets Dryness
- Size 16
- Scent Scented
- Priced 45% below the category median ($21.72 across 322 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.7/5
4.7 average across 70,900 owner ratings
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Popularity5.0/5
70,900 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Specifications
| Form | Cream |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All, Dry |
| Key ingredients | Dimethicone |
| Targets | Dryness |
| Size | 16 |
| Scent | Scented |
| Material | Natural, Vegan |
| Age range | Adult |
Overview
["Nivea is one of the oldest and most widely recognized skincare brands in the world, and this moisturizer reflects the brand's signature approach: a simple, effective formula at an accessible price. The key listed ingredient is dimethicone, a silicone-based emollient that forms a breathable protective layer on the skin surface to reduce moisture loss. Dimethicone is widely used in moisturizers because it is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and well-tolerated by most skin types.", 'The formula is listed as natural and vegan, targets dryness, and is suited for all and dry skin types. It comes in a 16-unit size and carries a scent, which is typical of classic Nivea products. The cream texture is a familiar format for the brand, and the straightforward formulation has remained consistent over many product cycles.', 'The review numbers for this product are simply extraordinary. At 70,900 reviews and 4.7 stars, this is the kind of track record that takes years to build and reflects genuine, sustained buyer satisfaction across an enormous sample. For shoppers who want the most crowd-validated option at a drugstore price, this is as strong a signal as the category offers.']
Pros
- 4.7-star average across 70,900 reviews, one of the most validated moisturizers at any price
- Dimethicone-based formula for lightweight barrier protection
- Natural and vegan formulation
- Outstanding value at $11.97
- Trusted global brand with decades of skincare history
Cons
- Contains a scent, which may not suit fragrance-sensitive users
- Dimethicone-forward formula is barrier-focused rather than active-ingredient-forward
- Limited publicly available ingredient detail beyond the primary active
Performance notes
Dimethicone works as an occlusive and emollient, sitting on the skin's surface to create a protective barrier that slows transepidermal water loss. It is one of the more reliable ingredients for addressing the look and feel of dryness because it provides immediate smoothing and does not evaporate the way water-based humectants can. For all skin types and especially dry skin, dimethicone-based creams offer consistent moisturization without requiring active ingredient build-up over time. The vegan formulation suggests the occlusive system relies on synthetic or plant-based rather than animal-derived ingredients.
What buyers say
70,900 reviews at 4.7 stars is an extraordinary signal. This is the kind of rating and volume that only builds through years of consistent repurchase and positive experience. Buyers across a wide range of skin types and demographics have weighed in, making this one of the most reliable crowd-validated products in the moisturizer category at any price point. Negative reviews at this scale are inevitable, but they clearly represent a small fraction of total experience.
More from Nivea
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Frequently asked questions
Is Nivea good for very dry or flaky skin?
Dimethicone, the key listed ingredient, is specifically effective for dry skin because it creates a barrier that helps prevent moisture from escaping the skin's surface. For very dry or flaky skin, a cream with strong occlusive properties like this one can provide immediate relief from the look and feel of tightness and roughness. Applying to slightly damp skin after cleansing helps lock in extra moisture.
Can Nivea face cream be used as a body moisturizer?
Many Nivea face and body creams share similar formulation principles, and some users do apply face cream to dry body areas. The 16-unit size for this product suggests it is packaged for face use rather than full-body application. For extended body use, a dedicated body cream in a larger size would typically be more economical, but small-area spot use on dry patches is a common practice.
Does Nivea moisturizer clog pores?
Dimethicone has a low comedogenicity rating, meaning it is generally considered unlikely to clog pores for most people. It sits on top of the skin rather than absorbing deeply, which reduces the likelihood of pore blockage. However, individual skin responses vary, and someone who is particularly prone to congestion may react differently. For oily or acne-prone skin, patch-testing before committing to daily full-face use is a practical step.