Moisturizer, the matriarch of all skincare lotions and potions, has been a staple 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.
“It’s a myth that you should skip the moisturiser step if your skin is oily and prone to breakouts.” The key is to use a well-formulated product that performs the protective function without clogging pores.” Sturnham recommends that those with extremely oily skin look for a water-based product in both a serum and a moisturiser. The first three ingredients on the label should be ‘aqua, water, deionised water.’
Here are the top ten best moisturisers in the UK in 2022. Continue reading to learn about the best facial moisturisers for keeping your skin healthy and hydrated.
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This moisturiser absorbs almost instantly, making your skin feel softer, nourished, and not at all greasy. It is ideal for oily complexions.
The gel-cream consistency spreads evenly, but once applied, it feels more like a liquid. It is also one of the most affordable moisturisers on this list, with nearly 5,000 five-star Amazon reviews.
This aqua-gel moisturiser, which uses the brand’s famously soothing thermal spring water, is extremely gentle on all skin types, particularly dry, sensitive, and reactive skin.
Because of the gel consistency, your skin will feel refreshed as well – place it in the fridge for a supercharged cooling effect.
Shiseido is known for delivering cutting-edge skincare technology in the most luxurious of ways, and the new Benefiance range is no exception.
It *casually* employs neuroscience principles to improve skin cells’ ability to communicate, maximising the benefits of each nourishing and age-defying ingredient.
It will be difficult to go back to using anything else after trying this anti-aging drugstore face cream. And that’s simply because it works extremely well—addressing the appearance of wrinkles from day one, and we’re not kidding.
That’s thanks to the formula’s hyaluronic acid, amino-peptide complex II, and niacinamide content, which corrects signs of ageing and reveals a more youthful-looking complexion. Bianca Lambert, a Byrdie contributor, was impressed with how soft and hydrated her skin felt after using this product.
Dr. Jart’s Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream is extremely lightweight in texture and feel, containing glycerin, niacinamide, cica, and the brand’s proprietary microbiome complex to not only moisturise and soothe irritation, but also to strengthen your skin’s defensive abilities.
Dr. Jart’s Cicapair line is popular among skin-care enthusiasts, but the Calming Gel Cream takes the cake for no-fuss, daytime moisturisers, earning it a 2020 Allure Best of Beauty Award.
If you want to avoid layering too many products in the morning, this moisturiser and SPF from Paula Begoun is ideal. It contains salicylic acid and liquorice to brighten and clarify the skin, as well as the reliable broad-spectrum SFP50 protection.
This nourishing formula is suitable for most skin types, but if you have oily skin, Kiehl’s gel-textured Daily UV Defense is a lighter option.
This is one of the best moisturisers we found!
Sensitive, riled, and sore skin will benefit immediately from the combination of soothing spring water, hydrating glyerin, and neurosensine – a peptide that can block pain sensations and make your face feel more comfortable right away.
This is Clinique’s signature “dramatically different” moisturiser in lightweight gel form. This clear formula in silver packaging has a futuristic look to it that we adore. It’s described as “water-jelly,” and it does feel like you’re applying nothing but water to your face.
The “clean-shield technology” acts as a pollution filter to protect the skin’s barrier, while hyaluronic acid and glycerin work together to attract and retain moisture immediately and for up to 24 hours after application. The oil-free formulation made us forget we were wearing moisturiser while keeping our skin comfortable all day.
Diakow explains that as we age, “using gentle products made from high-quality ingredients with fewer irritants, fragrances, and additives becomes more important.” Cetaphil’s moisturiser, which can be found on the physical (or virtual) shelves of many retailers, was recommended as one of the gentlest on the market.
According to Dr. Francesca Fusco, it will “hydrate skin without clogging pores, can be used year-round, and is tolerated well by almost all skin types.” King concurs: It’s noncomedogenic and hydrating, with moisturising glycerin and hyaluronic acid, skin-softening glyceryl stearate and sweet almond oil, and vitamin E, an antioxidant that fights UV damage.
This Good Housekeeping Seal-holder, designed for dry skin and suitable for sensitive skin, leaves skin feeling nourished and hydrated for 72 hours. It glides onto the skin and instantly absorbs and hydrates, leaving skin looking visibly fresh and glowing.
The lightweight gel also received high marks for being lightweight, non-sticky, and instantly hydrating the skin. “It immediately relieves that tight, dry feeling and truly lasts up to 72 hours!” exclaims one reviewer.
Here are the ingredients that our experts believe make a powerful body lotion that actually hydrates 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.
Moisturising is the coda to your skincare symphony. It’s the last hydration kiss your face receives before you step out the door and face the day. And, because each of us has a unique face, it should be in sync with your skin’s requirements. Whether it’s finding a moisturiser for combination skin, balancing oily skin while keeping it moisturised, preparing and protecting, or even soothing dry, sensitive skin.
We hope that by following our advice, you will be able to select the best moisturiser for your skin!
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