moisturizer

IPA/ˈmɔɪstʃəraɪzə(r)/
KK[mˈɔɪstʃɚˌaɪzɚ]IPA/ˈmɔɪstʃəraɪzər/

moisturizer — noun

  • moisturizersingular
  • moisturizersplural

1. A cream, lotion, or similar skin product that you spread on your face or body to

1.nounB1
Definition

A cream, lotion, or similar skin product that you spread on your face or body to keep the skin soft and stop it from drying out.

Example

Abigail rubbed moisturizer onto her cheeks after washing her face.

pattern: rub moisturizer onto + body part

After the pool, Felipe used a light moisturizer on his dry shoulders.

Common collocations
  • apply moisturizer
  • daily moisturizer
  • face moisturizer
  • fragrance-free moisturizer
  • moisturizer for sensitive skin
Synonyms
  • lotion

    Usually suggests a lighter, more liquid product that spreads easily.

  • cream

    Often refers to a thicker product for drier skin or richer care.

  • ointment

    A heavier, oilier product, often used for very dry or damaged skin.

Grammar Patterns

apply moisturizer

put moisturizer on + body part

moisturizer for + skin type

Usage Note

Use 'moisturizer' countably for one product, as in 'a daily moisturizer,' and uncountably for the substance in general, as in 'put on some moisturizer.'

Common Mistakes

I put moisturizer in my face.
I put moisturizer on my face.
Use 'on' before the skin area that receives the product.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Moisturizer is the broad everyday word for a skin-care product that adds moisture and helps prevent dryness. Lotion often suggests a lighter, more liquid product that spreads easily over large areas such as the arms or legs. Cream usually sounds thicker and richer, so people often choose it for dry patches or for use at night. Ointment is heavier still and often has a more medical feel, especially for cracked or irritated skin. In a shop, ask for a moisturizer if you mean the general product type. If you want something lighter, choose a lotion; if your skin feels very dry, a cream or ointment may suit you better.

lotion ↗cream ↗ointment ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • face moisturizer
  • body moisturizer
  • night moisturizer

Phrases

  • apply moisturizer
  • put moisturizer on your face
  • use moisturizer every day

Prepositions

  • moisturizer for dry skin
  • moisturizer for sensitive skin

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word comes from moisture, which reached English through French from Latin roots connected with wetness. The ending -izer shows that it names something that adds or provides moisture.

First known use

1957

1957, in the meaning defined above