13 best moisturisers of all time, tried & tested by GLAMOUR editors
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.
Ask any dermatologist and they'll tell you that choosing the best moisturiser for your exact skin type is paramount for long-term skin health. The tricky part? Given just how oversaturated the skincare industry is, finding the right formula can often feel similar to spotting a needle in a haystack.
But, no matter how tedious the decision-making process can be, moisturisers are the key puzzle piece to nailing any skincare regimen for a reason. After all, they're the ones responsible for keeping our skin hydrated and looking after our delicate skin barrier, making them a necessity for all skin types.
“Think of your skin like a pavement or a brick wall with cement in between the blocks. If you don’t look after it, the cement cracks and the wall leaks letting moisture out and pollution and other negative things in,” says Dr Christine Hall, GMC registered, general practitioner in medical aesthetics.
Best moisturisers at a glance, reviewed:
- Best moisturiser overall: Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
- Best moisturiser for mature skin: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
- Best moisturiser with vitamin C: Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C-Tetra Cream
- Best daily moisturiser with SPF: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50
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The best early Black Friday deals — at a glance:
- Clinique Moisture Surge, LookFantastic — WAS £42, NOW £31.50
- Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturising Cream, Liberty — WAS £60, NOW £48
- La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Rich, LookFantastic — WAS £22.50, NOW £16.88
Meet the experts:
- Dr Christine Hall, GMC registered, general practitioner in medical aesthetics.
- Dr Alexis Granite, Board Certified, Consultant Dermatologist at CeraVe.
As a beauty writer, I'm no stranger to dealing with a damaged skin barrier. Whether it comes to overwhelming my skin with too many actives, triggering my rosacea and drying out my skin with powerful retinoids, I've always steadily relied on quality moisturisers to revive, nourish and soothe my skin through it all. I'm also well aware that today's market is inundated with all types of skincare formulations – be it face serums, exfoliants and toners – and to make your life easier, I've put together an edit of the best GLAMOUR-approved moisturisers that come tried-and-tested by yours truly.
Whether you're looking for a specific moisturiser to help reduce redness, hyperpigmentation or protect your skin from those harmful UV rays with added SPF protection, fear not, because below, you will find all the best formulas that work for every skin type. Having consulted with dermatologists and aestheticians, I've also broken down all the do's and the don'ts that you need to know to maximise the benefits. You're welcome.
How we test the best moisturisers
Over the years, the GLAMOUR beauty team has collectively tested over a hundred moisturisers on a variety of skin tones – from lightweight water-based formulas to richer creams for lasting hydration. We've judged all formulas – including classics as well as new products – based on consistency and whether they managed to lock in the moisture for a long period of time, all while keeping in mind conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Find out how we test here.
Ahead, our full edit of the best moisturisers for all skin types…
Best moisturiser overall: Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin type: Normal to dry skin.
- Pros: Dewy finish, hydrating feel.
- Cons: Expensive.
Why we love it: This rich, moisturising cream from Tatcha works to plump and hydrate the skin – in fact, it's easily one of the best. Formulated with a blend of hyaluronic acid and Okinawa algae, it even contains antioxidant-rich Japanese purple rice to help protect your delicate skin against environmental aggressors like pollution. “My complexion soaks up the Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream like a dream, resulting in the dewiest and glowiest skin that peeks through my makeup,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Tester's skin type: dry and sensitive.
Testing time: 6 months.
Save when shopping for best moisturisers using these Sephora discount codes.
Best moisturiser with vitamin C: Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C-Tetra Cream
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin types: All skin types.
- Pros: Packs SPF30, non-greasy feel, has brightening properties.
- Cons: Expensive.
Why we love it: On the lookout for a brightening moisturiser for dewy skin? It really doesn't get better than Medik8's Daily Radiance Cream, which not only features a stable, effective and low-irritation form of vitamin C but also hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, as well as advanced UV filters to shield your skin. Personally, we looove how this facial cream feels on our skin and how well it pairs with other Medik8 products.
Tester: Fiona Ward, GLAMOUR's Acting Website Director.
Tester's skin type: combination.
Testing time: 2 months.
Best moisturiser to wear under makeup: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream
- Consistency: Thick cream.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Pros: Great to wear under makeup.
- Cons: Those who prefer lighter consistencies may find this too thick, not fragrance-free.
Why we love it: We find this a bit heavy for a daily moisturiser. But for priming pre-makeup, evening out a patchy complexion or instantly feigning you've had 8 hours sleep? Nothing beats it. Keep it in your desk drawer for any last minute meetings or surprise hot dates. Slather it on every morning before you apply your favourite makeup look – trust us, your skin will thank you for it.
Tester: Lian Brooks, GLAMOUR's Senior Audience Development Manager.
Tester's skin type: oily.
Testing time: 4 weeks.
Best moisturiser for mature skin: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin type: All skin types, particularly mature skin.
- Pros: Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula.
- Cons: More expensive than other options.
Why we love it: This Elemis bestseller is a classic in its own right. It has a lightweight, fast-absorbing and deeply hydrating formula that leaves your skin feeling noticeably smoother and plumper within a few weeks of consistent use. One of our favourites at the GLAMOUR office and an absolute must-have for your skincare routine.
Tester: Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor.
Tester's skin type: combination.
Testing time: 4 months.
Best everyday moisturiser with SPF: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin type: Normal to dry skin.
- Pros: Features SPF protection, affordable.
- Cons: Takes a while to absorb.
Why we love it: Developed by dermatologists, this day cream will address all of your skin needs. This affordable face moisturiser contains three essential ceramides that help restore your natural skin barrier, which consists of natural lipids. After all, it has over 70% of 5 star ratings on Amazon for a reason.
Tester: Shaunelle Harrydass-Clark, GLAMOUR's Intern.
Tester's skin type: sensitive.
Testing time: 4 weeks.
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1/10Best moisturiser for sensitive skin: Sculpted By Aimee CloudCream
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin type: Dry and sensitive skin.
- Pros: Soothing and hydrating, reasonably priced.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: Whether you're dealing with a damaged skin barrier or if you're trying to soothe your flare-ups, the CloudCream from Sculpted By Aimee is truly one of the best moisturisers that the beauty space has to offer. Packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides and shea butter, this deeply nourishing formula is a must for dry and sensitive skin types. We loved the lightweight consistency as well as its reasonable price tag and, of course, the adorable packaging.
- 2/10
Best moisturiser for dry skin: Farmacy Beauty Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturiser
- Consistency: Rich cream.
- Skin type: All skin types, particularly dry and sensitive skin.
- Pros: Soothing and deeply nourishing.
- Cons: On the more expensive side.
Why we love it: This rich cream features soothing properties, thanks to the included buckwheat honey blend – ideal for dry, sensitive and dehydrated skin types. Its rich formula will soothe dry patches like a dream, thanks to a handful of nourishing ingredients and occlusives such as vitamin E and shea butter to replenish the skin barrier, retain moisture and prevent water loss. Easily one of the best moisturisers around. “This moisturiser has been a favourite of mine for about two years now. It's helped me repair my moisture barrier after it had been damaged as a result of high concentration active ingredients. I enjoyed how smoothly it glides on and how nourishing it feels on my skin for a whole day. One downside? The slightly more expensive price tag,” – Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Save when shopping for best moisturisers using these Sephora discount codes.
- 3/10
Best plumping moisturiser: The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin type: All skin types, particularly dry skin.
- Pros: plumping formula, smoothes fine lines and wrinkles over time.
- Cons: nothing of note.
Why we love it: Made with several bio-active ceramides, this face cream from The INKEY List is designed to help restore your skin's elasticity and boost your natural skin barrier, especially when it comes to dehydrated skn. Incredibly hydrating and available for a relatively modest price. “During the colder months, my dull and dry skin loves nothing more than a replenishing and plumping moisturiser, and the Inkey List's latest innovation is exactly that. Almost immediately upon application, my skin feels bouncy and visibly hydrated. I've also noticed that over the two months that I've used it, my smile lines became less evident and my redness was a lot calmer, resulting in a more even skin tone.”
- 4/10
Best moisturiser for oily skin: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Pros: Lightweight feel, lasting hydration.
- Cons: Expensive.
Why we love it: This peptide-powered face cream from Drunk Elephant is perfect for firming your skin while also smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains amino acids and soybean folic acid and is ideal for everyday use. “This lightweight moisturiser has an incredibly refreshing gel-like texture that's perfect for everyday wear and keeps my sensitive skin nice and soothed throughout the whole day.” – Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Enjoy extra saving when shopping for the best moisturisers using these LookFantastic discount codes.
- 5/10
Best affordable moisturiser: Weleda Skin Food Cream
- Consistency: Rich cream.
- Skin type: Dry and very dry skin.
- Pros: Rich, nourishing formula.
- Cons: Might feel greasy on oily skin.
Why we love it: If you're prone to seasonal damage, whether it's caused by the heat or the cold, this face cream can help keep your skin from getting too cracked and chapped. Powered by extracts of calendula, chamomile and viola tricolour, as well as a base of oils and beeswax, this affordable product also doubles as a body cream and can be used on areas that are especially prone to dryness, including your hands, feet and elbows.
- 6/10
Best nourishing moisturiser: Glossier Priming Moisturizer
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Pros: Convenient packaging, nourishing formula.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: We're big fans of anything that can help simplify our morning routines, so naturally, this primer/moisturiser hybrid makes the cut. Specially formulated to create an even base for your makeup, its nourishing blend of ingredients helps reduce redness, blemishes, hyperpigmentation and even enlarged pores. Lightweight, buildable, cruelty-free and so, so easy to bring with you everywhere you go.
Should I use moisturiser or a serum?
Moisturisers fortify the top layer of your skin, increasing hydration at the surface, while facial serums use active ingredients such as salicylic acid to penetrate the skin more deeply and target specific skincare concerns (like brightness, dark spots, skin tone or anti-ageing).
Moisturisers and serums are the main way we can treat our skin to an injection of potent ingredients, and using both will only maximise the benefits. Plus, moisturisers are a must-have if you tend to use exfoliating products too.
In which order should I layer my moisturiser?
“The most important thing is that your SPF will always come last. Following this rule, in general you should apply your skincare in order of consistency - starting with the thinnest and working up to the thickest which will usually be your moisturiser,” suggests Dr Christine.
Dr Christine advises to follow the rough order of toner first, then facial essences/serums, followed by a moisturiser and a dedicated sunscreen for face. “The only exception to that rule is if you use a facial oil in which case that comes after the moisturiser to occlude or seal everything underneath it in.”
After you’ve massaged in your moisturiser, don’t forget to gently dab on some eye cream (a caffeine eye cream, if you fancy), and use one of the best silk pillowcases while you sleep to complete your truly comprehensive skincare regime. Just remember: everyone's skin concerns will differ slightly, so it's worth working out what your skin loves to sip on, taking into account seasonal or hormonal changes.
Looking to upgrade your skincare routine? Read up on our guides on best cleansers, best face serums and more.
For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Which moisturisers are best for each skin type?
- Best moisturiser for oily skin/acne-prone skin – “As a general rule it is better to look for a lighter, water-based, oil-free moisturisers, like a gel moisturiser if you already have very oily skin,” says Dr Christine Hall. “Moisturising ingredients and humectants such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, ceramides and glycerin are all well suited to oily skin,” shares Dr Alexis Granite. “Other actives to consider include retinol, salicylic acid and niacinamide, all of which are especially good if you are prone to breakouts in addition to oily skin.” Dr Alexis also advises to avoid occlusives, “including petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil and paraffin.”
- Best moisturiser for mature skin & best moisturiser for dry skin – “As we age, we produce less oil and our skin becomes drier. Look for richer cream moisturisers that contain ceramides and lips to really nourish the skin barrier and prevent further moisture loss,” shares Dr Christine. According to Dr Alexis, you may also benefit from layering a hyaluronic acid serum underneath “to help combat dryness.”
- Best moisturiser for sensitive skin - Dr Christine Hall advises to “look for fragrance and paraben-free, hypoallergenic formulations to avoid any unnecessary irritation.” You might also want to consider formulas with ceramides, emollients and aloe vera to help repair your skin's moisture barrier.
How often should I moisturise?
According to Dr Christine, “for those with very oily skin moisturising with a light product once daily may be enough. Others might require a richer heavier cream that will they might even need to reapply throughout the day.” The truth is, dermatologists agree that constant hydration can benefit every skin type (yep, even oily and acne-prone). “Skin oil (sebum) and skin hydration are two separate things and just because the skin is oily does not mean it is well hydrated,” shares board-certified dermatologist Alexis Granite.
For a day moisturiser, you should try and get some antioxidant action (vitamins A, B3, C or E) from your moisturiser so it's always a good idea to look out for potent plant extracts such as resveratrol, as well as some level of SPF (you still need to apply an actual sunscreen, though – something with at least SPF 30 should suffice). At night, should should use your night cream to incorporate a collagen-boosting retinoid, which is renowned for its rejuvenating, youth-boosting benefits.
