Call it the matriarch of all skincare lotions and potions: moisturiser has been a mainstay in our beauty routines for decades.
And while an array of serums, essences and mists have followed in its wake – and frequently stolen its limelight – when you find the best moisturiser for you, it truly usurps every other product in your arsenal.
“Even if your skin is oily and often breaks out, it’s a myth that you should skip the moisturiser step. The key is just to ensure you are using a well-formulated product, which performs the protective function without clogging pores.” Sturnham suggests those who are really oily look for a water-based product in both a serum and a moisturiser. ‘Aqua, water, deionised water’ should be the top three ingredients on the label.
Top 10 best moisturiser in UK 2021
Here are top 10 best moisturiser in UK 2021. Read on for the best facial moisturizers to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
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1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost
Ideal for oily complexions, this moisturizer absorbs almost instantly so that your skin feels softer, nourished, and not at all greasy.
The gel-cream consistency spreads evenly, but feels more like a liquid once applied. It is also one of the least-expensive moisturizers on this list, and has close to 5,000 five-star Amazon reviews.
2. Avene Hydrance Aqua Gel
Deploying the brand’s famously soothing thermal spring water, this aqua-gel moisturiser is ultra kind to all skin types, working really well on dry, sensitive and reactive types in particular.
Skin will feel refreshed too, thanks to the gel consistency – pop it in the fridge for a super-charged cooling effect.
3. Shiseido SKN BNF WRI SMO DAY
You can always rely on Shiseido to deliver cutting-edge skincare technology in the most luxurious of ways and the new Benefiance range is no different.
It *casually* uses the principles of neuroscience to improve skin cells’ ability to communicate, optimising the benefits of each nourishing and age-defying ingredient.
4. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Once you try this anti-aging drugstore face cream, it’ll be hard to go back to using anything else. And that’s simply because it works really, really well—addressing the appearance of wrinkles from day one, and we’re not kidding around about that.
Thank the hyaluronic acid-, amino-peptide complex II- and niacinamide- rich formula for that, which corrects signs of aging and reveals a more youthful-looking complexion. When Byrdie contributing writer Bianca Lambert tried this product, she was impressed with how soft and hydrated her skin felt.
5. DR. JART+ Cicapair Calming Gel Cream
Extremely lightweight in texture and feel, Dr. Jart’s Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream contains glycerin, niacinamide, cica, and the brand’s proprietary microbiome complex to not only moisturize skin and soothe irritation, but strengthen your skin’s defensive abilities as well.
Dr. Jart’s Cicapair line is a favorite among skin-care enthusiasts, but the Calming Gel Cream takes the cake in terms of no-fuss, daytime moisturizers, which is why it won a 2020 Allure Best of Beauty Award.
6. Paula’s Choice Resist Anti Aging Light Tinted Moisturiser
If you’re looking to avoid layering too many products each morning, this moisturiser and SPF from the ever-reliable Paula Begoun is ideal. It contains salicylic acid and liquorice to brighten and clarify, as well as trustworthy broad-spectrum SFP50 protection.
This nourishing formula will suit most skin, but if you are especially oily, Kiehl’s gel-textured Daily UV Defense is a lighter alternative.
7. La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra Creme
This is one of the best moisturiser that we picked!
Sensitive, riled and sore skin will immediately benefit from the combination of soothing spring water, hydrating glyerin and neurosensine – a peptide that can block pain sensations and make your face feel immediately more comfortable.
8. Clinique dramatically different hydrating jelly
This is the lightweight gel version of Clinique’s signature “dramatically different” moisturiser. We love the space age look of this clear formula in its silver packaging. Described as “water-jelly”, it does feel as if you’re applying nothing more than water to your face.
The “clean-shield technology” acts as a filter against pollution to protect the skin’s barrier, while hyaluronic acid and glycerin combine to attract and retain moisture, both immediately and for 24 hours after applying. The oil-free formulation made us feel we weren’t wearing moisturiser at all and yet kept our skin comfortable all day.
9. Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Night Cream
As we age, “using gentle products made from high-quality ingredients with less irritants, fragrances, and additives becomes more important,” explains Diakow. This moisturizer from Cetaphil, a brand you can find on the physical (or virtual) shelves of many retailers, came recommended as one of the gentlest you can buy.
It will “hydrate skin without clogging pores, can be used year-round, and is tolerated well by almost all skin types,” says Dr. Francesca Fusco. King agrees: It’s noncomedogenic and packed with hydrating ingredients, including moisturizing glycerin and hyaluronic acid, skin-softening glyceryl stearate and sweet almond oil, and vitamin E, an antioxidant that fights UV damage.
10. No7 Hydraluminous Water Surge Gel Cream
Formulated for dry skin and suitable for sensitive skin, we found that this Good Housekeeping Seal-holder leaves skin feeling nourished and hydrated for 72 hours. It glides onto skin and instantly absorbs and hydrates, leaving visibly fresh and glowing skin.
The lightweight gel also received high scores for feeling lightweight, non-sticky, and making skin feel instantly hydrated. “It immediately relieves that tight, dry feeling and truly does last up to 72 hours!,” raves one reviewer.
How to choose the best moisturiser?
Here are the ingredients our experts say makes a powerhouse body lotion that’ll actually hydrate skin:
Emollients
Dr. Kraffert says these hydrating agents are a must in lotion for dry skin, since they prevent hydration loss while smoothing and softening skin. They come in the form of oils (plant, mineral, or animal), butters (like shea and cocoa), or fatty acids.
Humectants
By attracting water to the skin, humectants help increase the skin’s moisture content over time. Our experts love glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water and “creates a barrier for the skin, locking in moisture and improving texture,” says Dr. Engelman.
Ceramides
Your skin’s lipid layer that locks in moisture and acts as a barrier against pollution, bacteria, and signs of aging depletes as you age. “Ceramides help to restore the skin’s barrier by holding the cells together,” says Dr. Engelman. “As a result, skin feels smoother, plumper and more moisturized.” Look for skincare with ceramides or niacinamide, which helps skin increase natural lipid production.
Occlusives
While emollients and humectants hydrate, occlusives sit atop the skin and create a barrier to prevent further moisture loss and act as a shield against the hydration-robbing elements like wind and cold air. They come in the form of waxy or oily ingredients like petroleum, candelilla or carnauba wax, beeswax, and cocoa butter.
Conclusion
Moisturising is like the finale in your skincare symphony. It’s the last kiss of hydration your face gets before you step out the door and face the day. And, as each of us have entirely unique faces, ideally it’s in sync with your skin’s needs. Whether it’s finding a moisturiser for combination skin, helping balance oily skin whilst keeping moisturised, preparing and protect or even soothing dry, sensitive skin.
We hope that with our suggestion, you can choose the best moisturiser for your skin!