The best moisturiser is the skincare staple we all rely on and have done for an age. While face masks, peels and souped-up serums often steal the limelight, it’s moisturising face cream that we turn our face to last thing at night and first thing in the morning most, if not every, day. ‘They come in various shapes, sizes and formulations, but at their essence, they all work by reducing water loss from the outer layers of the skin, maintaining hydration,’ explains skincare expert and director of Joyful Skin Clinic, Dr Kemi Fabusiwa.
As we know, hydrated skin = happier, healthier skin. ‘For our skin to feel supple and smooth, the top layer needs to be at least 10% water, if the percentage falls below 10%, skin will feel dry, itchy, and begin to flake,’ explains Dr Fabusiwa. This is when our hydrating moisturising heroes come into play – helping to prevent water loss and restore the skin’s protective barrier.
And dry, sensitive skin types listen up. You need to pay particular attention that the skincare you are using is right for your skin. Use the wrong moisturiser and you could increase sensitivity and redness.
Talking of sensitivity, it’s no surprise that with the recent run of cold (read: baltic) weather, all of us are experiencing a skin battering. “Cold weather and winds can strip the skin of its natural protective barrier,” says consultant dermatologist Derrick Phillips. What he means is that cold weather can contribute to a compromised skin barrier. A what? If dryness, irritation and a feeling of tightness sound familiar, then it’s likely your skin barrier needs some love. Happily, we have the solution for the best moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin, too, and it’s already shaking up the internet.
Grazia's Best Moisturisers At A Glance:
Best new moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin: Cerave Advanced Repair Ointment, £14 on LookFantastic
Best all-rounder moisturiser: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Water Cream, £79 on Charlotte Tilbury
Best moisturiser for dry skin: Weleda Skin Food, £14.95 on LookFantastic
Best barrier repair moisturiser: Dermalogica Barrier Repair, £49 on Dermalogica
We know that finding your perfect moisturiser can depend on your skin type and the desired finish you want to see under your make-up. Regardless of whether you love wearing your go-to foundation, the best tinted moisturiser or keeping it natural with some bronzer, finding the best moisturiser to wear underneath is essential.
To find your perfect moisturising match, shop from our curated edit below for the best moisturisers to suit dry, oily, sensitive and combination skin, including some of the best cheap moisturisers to save some money.
SHOP: The Best Moisturiser For Your Skin Type
Best new moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin
www.lookfantastic.com
This miracle balm, as we’re calling it, has long been a high-street favourite in the States. It recently arrived in the UK, and our chapped lips and sore skin is singing its thanks. The rich balm is designed to hydrate, heal and protect – it’s a lifesaver for repairing the skin barrier.
Don’t be put off by the thick balm, it’s a little greasy to the touch, but it melts into skin and doesn’t leave any film. Plus, a heavy, emollient moisturiser is exactly what Dr Phillips recommends for dry, sensitive skin, especially during the winter months. Hyaluronic acid hydrates, ceramides preserve the barrier function and occlusives – in this case petrolatum – lock in moisture. That’s a triple threat.
Review by Verity Clark, Acting Beauty Director: This ultra-hydrating balm has become a handbag essential. I first used it on extremely cracked lips, when a lip balm just wouldn’t do. Overnight they were fixed – that’s why I call this the miracle balm. I’ve been using it on the parts of my face which are prone to sensitivity during the winter – nose, lips and chin and it’s really helped to get rid of those pesky flakes of dry skin. My boyfriend has even been using it post-running outside in the cold. A trusty family-friendly skincare staple. I’m stocking up before TikTok makes it sell out
Best all-rounder moisturiser
Charlotte Tilburywww.charlottetilbury.com
If you love Charlotte's original Magic Cream, give her new Magic Water Cream a whirl. This whipped, lightweight cream feels silky and luxurious on the skin yet leaves that iconic Tilbury glow. Ideal for both oily or dehydrated skin types, this cream floods the skin full of moisture and creates the ultimate base for make-up.
The gel-to-cream texture feels weightless on the skin. It also is full of skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide to calm redness, improve dark spots and banish texture.
Review by Georgia Scott, Beauty Commerce Writer: "I will always be a die-hard fan of Charlotte's original Magic Cream, so when this cream launched, I had to try it. This cream works wonders on my combination skin by solving my dry skin drama and keeping my skin feeling balanced. Much like the original, I love the glow it leaves on my skin that looks flawless with or without make-up."
Pros
- Works for oily and dry skin
- Fragrance-free
- Refillable packaging
Cons
- Bulky design but travel size product available
Best moisturiser for dry skin
Weledawww.lookfantastic.com
Loved by A-listers and beauty editors alike, Weleda Skin Food is an intensive moisturiser is a real treat for dry patches on the face and body. Expect 'your skin is glowing' compliments after use.
Only a small amount of product needs to be used, so can be applied sparingly. It works best to gently pat the product into the skin rather than massaging in. For the rest of the body, gently smooth the product into the skin until it has been absorbed.
Customer review: "Wasn’t sure on this to begin with as it feels sticky however once it’s soaked into the skin it feels amazing. Very hydrating and glowy on the skin. Perfect base for makeup. A little goes a long way just melt it with fingers before applying."
Pros
- Leaves a glowy finish
- Instantly moisturises
Cons
- Some reviews say product is quite thick
Best barrier repair moisturiser
Dermalogica www.dermalogica.co.uk
If you've gone too hard on the retinoids and actives, treat your skin to some TLC with this velvety moisturiser from Dermalogica. Oat and botanical actives help calm and soothe skin, while vitamins C and E restore a healthy barrier function.
Using this moisturiser twice daily will allow you to feel the full benefits. Only use a small amount to apply to the face and neck in an upward motion, after cleansing and toning your skin.
Customer review: "I love this barrier repair cream, I have rosacea and wrinkles to boot and it really helps. It is VERY expensive for such a small tube but it is a super product."
Pros
- Designed for sensitive skin
- Can be used twice daily
Cons
- Some reviews say it works better in winter
Best lightweight moisturiser
On sale
Kiehl'swww.lookfantastic.com
A cult classic, use this expertly formulated cream from Kiehl both morning and night to protect skin and retain moisture with squalane and glacial glycoprotein.
For full hydration, use the moisturiser twice daily as part of your skincare routine - applying it after the use of a cleanser and toner.
Customer review: "This is a lovely product. I am a bit of a skincare floozie hopping from product to product, and sometimes this upsets my skin. I hasten back to this product to soothe and calm. It has a lovely texture with no pilling and no white cast. A lovely base for make-up too. Gorgeous clean smell. I have dry skin and my skin barrier sometimes suffers with my product hopping ways. I highly recommend."
Pros
- Great base for make-up
- Retains moisture in the skin
Cons
- Not ideal for an oilier skin type
Best ceramide moisturiser
Ole Henriksenwww.sephora.co.uk
If you're looking for a moisturiser that promises to strengthen, firm, and deeply hydrate the skin over time - look no further than the Strength Trainer Moisturiser from Ole Henriksen.
This moisturiser is full of peptides, ceramides, collagen and hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate. It's suitable for all skin types and ideal after use of AHAs and BHAs.
Customer review: "I absolutely adore this moisturiser. I tried this in a mini’s set and after five days of using it, I got the full size. The texture is like a soft cleansing balm - it absolutely melts onto the skin leaving the most incredible glow to it. It has absolutely transformed the feel and texture of my skin - I have been using this for 8 months and couldn’t be more impressed with it. Highly recommend!"
Pros
- Whipped formula
- Feels luxurious on the skin
Cons
- Glass jar not ideal for travel
Best oil-free moisturiser
On Sale
Kate Somerville www.spacenk.com
This lightweight, oil-free moisturiser from Kate Somerville is ideal for those with combination to oily skin types. This barrier-cream moisturiser keeps the skin feeling balanced and hydrated whilst controlling any excess oil production.
This fragrance-free formula works to comfort and soothe oily and blemished-prone skin without causing any further disturbance.
Customer review: "My favourite moisturiser, by far! Super hydrating and it being oil-free helps with my sensitive skin. So thankful this product exists."
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Great under make-up
Cons
- Hard to see when product has ran out
Best whipped moisturiser
On Sale
Drunk Elephantwww.lookfantastic.com
If you weren't caught up in the rush to buy Drunk Elephant's Babyfacial as soon as it landed in the UK, another iconic product from the cult skincare favourite is the Lala Retro Whipped Cream, an ultra-lightweight but rich cream, packed with antioxidants and rejuvenating oils.
Used as an everyday cream, the soft whipped formula melts into the skin so can be layered with any Drunk Elephant serum or oil for doubled-up hydration.
Customer review: "My daughter wanted this as she had read some reviews and seen it online great price from looks fantastic so got it for her birthday she loves it leaves her skin moisturised and has no breakouts she had quite sensitive skin and this is working great so far."
Pros
- Great for dry skin
- Feels lightweight
Cons
- Hard to tell when product has finished
What Ingredients Are Typically Found In Moisturiser?
• Water – the first and most vital ingredient in every moisturiser.
• Humectants – ingredients that draw in water like a sponge from the lower layer of the skin (the dermis) to the upper layer (the epidermis). They include glycerol, urea and hyaluronic acid.
• Occlusives – are paired with humectants and trap the moisture in.
• Emollients – fill in the spaces between our skin cells, helping our skin feel softer and smoother. They're often fatty acids such as stearic, linoleic and oleic.
• Other ingredients – including vitamins (A, C and E) whose antioxidant properties rejuvenate the skin, sunscreens to protect against UVA/UVB rays and preservatives such as parabens to extend the shelf life, are often found in moisturisers.
When Should You Apply Moisturiser?
‘You should cleanse, tone and add your essence or serum before applying moisturiser on top,’ instructs Dr Fabusiwa. ‘The moisturiser will help keep the lighter elements of your serums and essences locked nicely into your skin.’ Following moisturiser, in your daytime routine, you should always, always apply a broad-spectrum SPF. ‘As SPF is often a physical barrier – it’s important that it’s the final step so its protective actions aren’t blocked.’
Should You Apply Moisturiser After Eye Cream?
Finding the best eyecream is equally as important as finding the right moisturiser for your skin. We would recommend applying moisturiser after applying your go-to eye cream to intensely treat your main under-eye concerns.