As innovation abounds in the skincare space (largely, a brilliant thing), product options continue to multiply along with consumer confusion – information overload leaving many unsure of what to really invest in (and use until the last drop).
Take moisturiser, for example. Where these humble creams were once relied upon to simply hydrate and soften skin, there’s now a face cream that promises to deliver on any request, from fading lines to brightening hyperpigmentation and, our most abstract request of them all, making skin ‘glow’.
So, to clear up any confusion over what you really need from and in your moisturiser (and what you absolutely don’t), we spoke to consultant dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto. Once you’re armed with her common-sense knowledge, scroll through to see our verdict on the best moisturiser for every skin type, from the acne-prone to the ultra-sensitive.
Why moisturise?
According to Dr. Mahto, the purpose of moisturising is to “restore the elasticity and flexibility of the top part of your epidermis, also known as your stratum corneum, and restore its barrier function”.
From an aesthetic point of view, “moisturising helps restore the skin’s appearance to make it look soft and supple,” she adds.
Do all skin types need to moisturise?
While most of us will benefit from using a moisturiser, anyone with dry skin will find it truly essential. “Dry skin occurs when normal functioning of the skin is compromised. If the water content in your epidermis falls below 20 per cent for an extended period of time then it will manifest as dry skin: thinking flaking, scaling, or irritation,” says Dr. Mahto.
What are emollients, humectants and occlusives?
There are three basic categories of ingredients found in moisturisers: humectants, occlusives and emollients. As Dr. Mahto explains, most moisturisers will contain a combination of these in varying proportions.
“Humectants are molecules that attract and bind water from the deeper layers of the skin – or environment if ambient humidity is over 80 per cent. Occlusives create a barrier over the skin and prevent water loss from the surface. Finally, emollients work by filling in the gaps between skin cells and replacing skin lipids.”
Certain skincare ingredients claim to be more than one: for example, glycerin is both a humectant and emollient.
Does acne-prone skin need an oil-free moisturiser?
Some (though not all) oils rank highly on the comedogenic scale, meaning they have the ability to block the pores, thus spelling trouble for oily and acne-prone skin types. “In general terms, choosing an oil-free or 'non-comedogenic' moisturiser is beneficial for oily skin types,” says Dr. Mahto. “These types of moisturisers often contain additional actives to target blemish-prone skin such as salicylic acid, niacinamide and zinc. While the label is not a 100 per cent guarantee that the product will not block pores, it is still likely to be better than a product that does not carry the label.”
Where do face oils come in?
Face oils do not sit in the same category as your face cream, and so should not directly replace your moisturiser. However, they do have some welcome benefits as an add-on to your routine. “In short, oils are occlusive, meaning they’ll seal in anything you apply beneath (such as your moisturiser) helping it to absorb and work better, for longer,” explains Dr. Mahto.
Below, see the best moisturisers we've tried for dry skin, oily skin, and everything in-between – including the ones the Bazaar beauty editors keep permanently on their shelves.
The best moisturiser for every skin type
Augustinus Bader’s The Cream is a beauty behemoth worth the hype. Designed as a one-and-done day and night treatment for all skin types, it’ll help keep the skin healthy and resilient, reducing breakouts and irritation while maximising rejuvenation.
So well-rounded is it, there’s no need to layer anything above or beneath (apart from a good facial SPF, of course). The original formula is a true crowd-pleaser, but for those with extra-dry or sensitive skin, there's now the Ultimate Soothing Cream, which amps up the protection with rich, nourishing oils. Tackling breakouts? Try the oil-controlling Light Cream.
Pores are, of course, a crucial part of your skin’s make-up, but recent years have seen an unhealthy obsession with ‘pore-minimising’ come to the fore.
You can’t get rid of your pores (and nor should you want to), but there are some clever products you can employ if overzealous oil production has left yours looking congested or overly enlarged.
La Roche-Posay's classic Effaclar Duo moisturiser contains niacinamide, which studies have shown can reduce excess sebum production, thus stopping pores from appearing enlarged. Salicylic acid unclogs any congestion, while glycerin grabs moisture without sitting on the skin surface. The newest version even promises "visible results in just eight hours".
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Medik8 is built on the philosophy that all skin needs to be healthy and resilient is vitamin C, vitamin A, (also known as retinol) and SPF.
This daily cream is your dose of vitamin C: an antioxidant powerhouse that stops pollution particles from damaging your skin, while brightening sallow complexions. As for the hydration? There's glycerin as well as hyaluronic acid in there.
For the easiest, most effective skin regime, team this with the brand's equally good Crystal Retinal serum in the evenings.
Best moisturiser for using with actives
Shani Darden Skin Care Hydration Peptide Cream
When using a retinoid or acid-based product (or indeed, both) it's important to use a compatible moisturiser that won't negatively effect your routine. Shani Darden's ultra-gentle formula is designed specifically to be layered over actives: there's nothing in it that'll induce irritation or alter the actions of your serums.
That's not to suggest it's a basic salve though: in here you'll find fibroblast-feeding peptides and soothing humectants.
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This 3-in-1 cream from Trinny Woodall's eponymous line has a remarkably loyal fan base – and indeed, the make-up expert does seem to have thought of everything. The white cream hydrates without feeling sticky, delivers broad-spectrum SPF 30, and contains encapsulated pigments that burst on application, delivering a sheer, unifying tint.
We love many of Tacha's products but The Water Cream is the best choice for anyone whose skin is neither chronically dry nor excessively oily. The perfect middle ground, it's a watery, gel-like formula that feels intensely hydrating without tipping into 'suffocating' territory. A Japanese rose extract keeps pores refined, while the brand's signature Hadasei-3 nutrient complex feeds skin to keep the barrier calm and content.
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The Bazaar beauty team are all in agreement here: Kate Somerville's SOS face cream is the best moisturiser for complexions in distress.
Specifically designed to calm sensitised and stressed-out skin, it's ideal for cosseting your complexion through life's challenges. It's a brilliant choice if you've overdone it with an exfoliating acid, are starting a retinoid journey, or struggle with redness on a daily basis.
This day cream by Sarah Chapman – one of the most revered skincare brains in the business – is much more than a moisturiser. The Icon Day cream packs peptides, two potent forms of vitamin A and SPF20, making it a superior anti-ager as much as a hero hydrator.
The formula’s yellow-tinted hue also helps impart instant radiance, turning around a lacklustre complexion in seconds.
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Best refillable moisturiser
Noble Panacea The Brilliant Radiant Resilience Moisturizer
Refillable beauty might be big news, but the skincare category is lagging behind due to the added challenges surrounding formula potency and hygiene.
Noble Panacea, however, has mastered it. The Brilliant moisturiser arrives in single-dose sachets (which can be recycled via the brand's free-post scheme) nestled within a keepsake sugar-cane derived box. Use up the 30 day supply, then refill your box with a fresh top-up.
Not just an eco hero, the formula is outstanding too. It's packed with antioxidants specially designed to release into the skin throughout the day, delivering non-stop pollution protection. Plus, the single-dose concept means it stays potent without preservatives.
Best natural moisturiser that's essential-oil free
By Sarah Maven Daily Moisturiser
Now 30% Off
“The key with choosing a moisturiser for sensitive skin is to look for one that is fragrance and essential-oil free,” says Dr. Mahto.
By Sarah's barrier-boosting formula takes things further with a prebiotic complex combined with vitamin E, chamomile, squalane, mango butter, apricot and jojoba oil to actively increase skin resilience.
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Look to this if you have an on-the-brink skin barrier. Part of 111 Skin's legendary Reparative line, the silky cream is formulated with NAC: a precursor to antioxidant glutathione, which stimulates repair in the skin's cells. Studies have shown it to have promise in treating acne and dermatitis (both manifestations of a broken skin barrier) and we can vouch for its effectivity. After testing loyally for a fortnight, we've seen redness and breakouts always fade away.
This one might look cutesy, but the science behind the formula is weighty. Faace's first moisturiser contains neurophroline, which studies have found is able to break down the stress hormone cortisol when produced by the skin cells, stopping it from increasing oil production and breaking down collagen.
The texture is rich and balmy, and the jasmine essential oil makes for a truly soothing fragrance. A good one to call on after the longest of days.
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Products designed specifically for eczema-prone skin are few and far between, which is why Murad's dermatologist-backed launch was a welcome addition to the shelves.
The Exasoothe family contains a non-foaming cleanser, SOS balm, and this: the most soothing daily cream for extreme dryness and sensitivities. It's (of course) fragrance free, and feels more akin to a whipped balm than a cream. Early reviews are glowing, so if you're struggling to manage the flare-ups, this could be a new favourite.
Best moisturiser for rosacea-prone skin
Beauty Pie Happy Face Extreme Relief Cica Moisture Cream
Now 76% Off
When you're dealing with rosacea, psoriasis or simply easily irritated skin, breaking the seal on a new product can be anxiety-sparking.
Beauty Pie has really triumphed with this simple yet effective cream, which is rich enough to soothe and rebuild a damaged skin barrier, yet won't cause redness to rear its head. With centella asiatica, hyaluronic aid and ceramides, it's a well thought-out option for easily upset complexions.
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REN makes many reliable products for the sensitive-skinned, and the new Everhydrate line is sure to please anyone after an everyday cream that doesn't leave skin feeling parched after a few hours.
Striking the perfect texture balance – it's not too light, nor suffocatingly rich – this algae-packed cream fortifies the skin barrier, reducing water loss and dehydration.
Best moisturiser for mature skin
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Day Cream
As skin ages, its ability to retain moisture decreases, which can cause feathery lines to come to the fore. From Elizabeth Arden's much-loved Ceramide line, this moisturiser is just the thing to replenish lost hydration, quenching dry and dull skin for as long as you need it to. The 'lifting' claims may be a little overzealous, but the plumping, glow-inducing powers are clear to see.
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Best moisturiser for acne-prone skin
Dr Barbara Sturm Microbiotic Balancing Face Cream
Dr. Sturm formulated this gentle moisturiser with turbulent teenage skin in mind, but it's really ideal for anyone struggling with acne and breakouts. The humectant base is fortified with pre- and probiotics, as well as calming tiger grass. There are no acids, so it's ideal for adding a calming layer of hydration after a salicylic-acid serum or spot treatment.
Clarins' latest launch thoughtfully comes in an extra-rich version for use during the menopause. At this time, it's normal to notice changes in your skin: as oestrogen levels drop, dehydration and sensitivity can come to the fore.
This cocooning cream contains plant extracts said to kick collagen production into gear, squalene for barrier replenishment, and antioxidants to shield from pollution. For that instant satisfaction, there's an innovative 'line-filling pearl' that smoothes the outermost layer of the skin, making everything look bright and even.
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Sisley's long-loved Black Rose line is best suited to those with more mature, dry skin. A highlight from the collection, this indulgent moisturiser is packed with a cocktail of precious rose oils and extracts, alongside heavy-duty emollients that'll leave your skin feeling incredibly soft. Trust it to see you through the coldest months with ease.
At the other end of the budget scale you'll find CeraVe's brilliant offering. Containing ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this daily moisturiser packs in ways more than its price tag would suggest.
Consultant dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips tells us "dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can be managed using moisturisers formulated with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and urea, and emollients such as ceramides and shea butter, to repair and replenish the skin barrier". If that sounds like what you need, make this your first port of call.