29 best moisturisers of all time, according to our beauty editors who have tested thousands
Owning a reliable moisturiser is a no-brainer; a non-negotiable part of any solid skincare routine. You don’t just need very dry skin to reap the benefits. The best moisturiser should be like a cocooning, super-soft cashmere blankets for your skin during the colder months, and a lightweight linen cover-up in summer. It should hydrate your complexion, leave your skin feeling refreshed, and with some well-chosen ingredients, work with the serums, acids and mists you applied beforehand to fix a multitude of skin concerns.
Every skincare product applied prior to your face cream can be made practically redundant if you forget to ‘lock it all in’ with a healthy slick of your favourite lotion. Add to this the fact that, your makeup won’t sit as seamlessly unless you deal with those dry patches first, and you've got yourself a very solid case for investing in a high-quality moisturiser.
The question is: how on Earth do you go about finding the best moisturiser for you? Which moisturiser is best for your skin type? Which skincare ingredient should you prioritise? Do you crave a dose of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane?
Do you need a moisturiser with SPF? Should it be fragrance-free, oil-free and from the same skincare brand as your cleanser? Oh, and what moisturiser do celebs use? Here's everything you need to know, plus GLAMOUR's edit of the 29 best moisturisers of all time. Enjoy.
SKIP TO: What's the difference between moisturiser and serum? | When should I moisturise? | Which moisturiser is best for my skin type? | What is the best brand of moisturiser? | Full reviews.
Best moisturisers 2023 at a glance:
- Best daily moisturiser with SPF: Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect, £59, Medik8
- Best lightweight moisturiser: Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, £65, Tatcha UK
- Best with vitamin C: Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C Serum, £59, Medik8
- Best plumping moisturiser: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, £89, LookFantastic
- Best affordable moisturiser: CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion, WAS £14.40 NOW £11.25, Amazon
- Best with hyaluronic acid: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser, £12.99, Amazon
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 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.
Should I moisturise during the morning or night?
Both. 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 SPF sunscreen, though). At night, should should use your night cream to incorporate a collagen-boosting retinoid, which is renowned for its rejuvenating, youth-boosting benefits.
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.
How do I choose the best moisturiser for my skin type?
Consider texture. If your skin is usually oily, stick to a really light lotion or something gel-based. If your complexion is quite dry and you suffer from dehydrated skin, consider a generous slather of something thicker. And if you're looking to treat skin conditions such as eczema, you might want to try a moisturiser with emollients to soothe your skin (though do consult a professional first). We've got more specific guides for each skin type down below:
What is the best women's moisturiser to buy? What brand of moisturiser is best?
If you've got a little more money to spend, our vote goes to Medik8. The Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect is one of the best moisturisers with sun protection we've tried, lightweight and formulated with DNA Repair Enzymes to support the skin’s natural repair mechanisms after exposure to UV, while their Daily Radiance Vitamin C moisturiser has a cashmere texture and uses a lipid-soluble form of vitamin C to provide exceptional antioxidant protection from harmful free radicals.
For affordable hydration and UV protection, reach for CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion, which is supercharged with a blend of three ceramides to lock in moisture to create the look of softer, smoother skin. It's also infused with CeraVe's patented MultiVesicular Emulsion Technology, so it delivers rich hydration throughout the day for a replenished effect as well as UV protection.
Elsewhere, Weleda's Skin Food has five stars all round, hailing it as a 'harsh weather lifesaver' as well as a throng of celebrity fans including Victoria Beckham, who loves to use it as a hand cream, and Julia Roberts, who reportedly slathers the rich, buttery balm from top-to-toe. There's also Tatcha's cult-favourite The Dewy Skin Cream, which contains a sophisticated blend of blend of hyaluronic acid and Okinawa algae to deeply enrich skin and instantly plump, leaving skin glowing with health and hydration.
For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Ahead, our full edit of the best moisturisers that really, truly do the job…
1. Best moisturiser with SPF
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect, £59, Medik8
Why we love it: This youth-boosting moisturiser comes with SPF 50 as well as premium sun filters to help protect your delicate skin from harmful UV rays. Its formulation also contains helpful ingredients such as squalane and hyaluronic acid, which hydrate your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Best lightweight moisturiser
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, WAS £68.38 NOW £62.90, Amazon
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.
3. Best moisturiser with vitamin C
Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C Serum, £59, Medik8
Why we love it: Thanks to an antioxidant-rich formula that includes vitamin C and vitamin E, this daily moisturiser is ideal for both providing protection against environmental aggressors and giving you a radiant glow from within. Plus, did we mention that it also contains hyaluronic acid to keep your skin well-hydrated all day long?
4. Best plumping moisturiser
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, £89, LookFantastic
Why we love it: One of Elemis' best products. This face cream is fast-absorbing and lightweight, leaving your skin feeling plumper and smoother. Great for minimising the look of fine lines within just two weeks. A must-have for your skincare routine.
Enjoy extra saving when shopping for the best moisturisers using these LookFantastic discount codes.
5. Best affordable moisturiser
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion, WAS £14.40 NOW £11.25, Amazon
Why we love it: Developed by dermatologists to address all your skin needs. This affordable face moisturiser contains three essential ceramides that help restore your natural skin barrier, which consists of natural lipids.
6. Best gel moisturiser with hyaluronic acid
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser, £12.99, Boots
Why we love it: Effectively a giant glass of water for thirsty skin, the refreshing water-gel consistency contains a hyaluronic gel matrix that thoroughly moisturises skin and keeps it hydrated throughout the day. It’s lightweight, silky and perfect for layering under makeup.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser with these Boots discount codes.
7. Best calming moisturiser
Avène Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream Moisturiser, £19, Amazon
Why we love it: If you're feeling inflamed, itchy or just in need of a good watering, give this stuff a go. Calming, soothing and hydrating, use it on sensitive patches, post-sun or just when the daily grind has sucked the life out of your skin.
8. Best moisturiser for wearing under makeup
Clinique Moisture Surge 72 Hour Auto Replenishing Hydrator, WAS £40 NOW £30, LookFantastic
Why we love it: This hydrating cream is beloved by beauty editors for its ability to drench skin in plumping hydration, instantly relieving dryness and tightness.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser with these LookFantastic discount codes.
9. Best moisturiser for very dry skin
Weleda Skin Food Cream 75ml, WAS £14.95 NOW £11.21, Amazon
Why we love it: This face cream features extracts of gentle viola tricolor, calendula and chamomile, as well as a rich base of oils and beeswax. It's also incredibly versatile and can be used as a body cream, especially on dry areas like hands, feet and elbows.
10. Best-kept-secret moisturiser
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Nourishing Moisturiser, £17.99, Amazon
Why we love it: A best-seller since the 1950s and celeb secret weapon (we're looking at you Khloe Kardashian), this simple and soothing lotion is great for dry, oil, sensitive, troubled, young or old skin. A proper all-rounder for under £20? We'll take 5 please.
11. Best moisturiser for smoothing
Super Retinol (+ Vitamin C) Night Renewal Moisturiser, £80, Beauty Pie
Why we love it: This overnight formula has everything in it - retinol, antioxidants, shea butter, vitamins E and C AND ferulic and hyaluronic acids. It's super smoothing and hydrating, helping to tackle things like fine lines while brightening your skin.
Enjoy extra saving when shopping for the best moisturisers using these Beauty Pie discount codes.
12. Best moisturiser for big nights out
Charlotte's Magic Cream, £79, Charlotte Tilbury
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.
13. Best premium moisturiser
Augustinus Bader The Cream, £225, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: This cream might be one of the more expensive in our roundup but the results justify the price tag. The revolutionary face cream uses skin rejuvenating TFC8 (Trigger Factor Complex) technology, which unlocks the code to tissue repair, reducing signs of ageing and boosting radiance and firmness. It's no wonder it has so many A-list admirers.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
14. Best moisturiser with peptides
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream, WAS £57 NOW £49, LookFantastic
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.
Enjoy extra saving when shopping for the best moisturisers using these LookFantastic discount codes.
15. Best moisturiser for acne-prone skin
Byoma Moisturising Gel Cream 50ml, £11.99, Sephora
Why we love it: Gentle, yet effective. If your skin is prone to breakouts, this oil-free and fragrance-free moisturiser works to calm inflammation and redness, thanks to a tri-ceramide complex that contains ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids.
Get your hands on the best moisturisers at a lower price using these Sephora discount codes.
16. Best moisturiser for oily skin
Murad Clarifying Water Gel 48ml, £46, LookFantastic
Why we love it: This lightweight moisturiser has a highly breathable formula. It contains salicylic acid, which helps it act as a gentle exfoliator that buffs away at the surface of your skin, making it smoother. It also has hyaluronic acid, which is a humectant that helps your skin retain moisture better.
Enjoy extra saving when shopping for the best moisturisers using these LookFantastic discount codes.
17. Best moisturiser with antioxidants
Estee Lauder DayWear, WAS £49 NOW £41.70, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Tick off your SPF sun protection and pollution protection in one handy application. Full of antioxidants, this day cream hydrates whilst shielding your skin from the elements.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser with these LookFantastic discount codes.
18. Best moisturiser for mature skin
La Mer Moisturising Cream, £265, Space NK
Why we love it: The original super cream, and one we'll always come back to. Full of a secret 'Miracle Broth' it even things, brightens things, betters things. Being a traditional cream, it's luscious and rich and a teeny-tiny bit goes a long way. Which basically makes it a bargain. Almost.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser with these Space NK discount codes.
19. Best do-it-all moisturiser
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, £32, Kiehl's
Why we love it: Formulated to hold moisture in the upper layers of your skin, this keeps things hydrated for much longer than most, but without any greasiness. If you're a 'one product and go' sort of person, make it this.
20. Best firming moisturiser
ReVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream, £50, Net-A-Porter
Why we love it: Created by a renowned plastic surgeon who realised more and more potential patients just needed to improve their skincare rather than go under the knife, this stuff is super science-y, resulting in mega results. Amazing for mature or stressed skin, it plumps, smooths, firms and brightens. And all while you sleep.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
21. Best moisturiser for sensitive skin
Votary Super Seed Nutrient Cream, £70, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Their Super Seed Oil has been a skincare hero since its launch, harnessing the soothing and rebuilding properties of natural ingredients such chia and rosehip without the strong scents of essential oil based products. This cream version is perfect for those with an aversion to (or just plain scared of) oils.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
22. Best moisturiser with vitamin E
Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturiser, £42, Amazon
Why we love it: This Farmacy Honey Halo Ceramide Face Moisturiser Cream will hydrate and nourish your skin, lock in the moisture (thanks to the included ceramides) and plump up your skin, leaving it smoother than ever. Not to mention, it's easily one of the most popular beauty products on Amazon.
Enjoy big savings using these Amazon discount codes.
23. Best priming moisturiser
Glossier Priming Moisturiser, £20, Glossier
Why we love it: This lightweight priming moisturiser is great for breathing back into stressed skin by giving it a dewy finish. It has a non-greasy and buildable formula too, which means you can layer it as needed.
24. Best intensive moisturiser
Why we love it: This potent moisturiser contains three different forms of hyaluronic acid to help keep your skin plump and tight. It's suitable for all skin types and is free from oil, parabens and fragrances.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser with these LookFantastic discount codes.
25. Best moisturiser for young skin
Origins GinZing Ultra-Hydrating Energy Boosting Cream, £28.85, Sephora
Why we love it: This not only revives and adds a glow to dull skin, but it also smells like chocolate orange, which makes it our number one of 'creams to use on a hangover'. Especially great for late-teens and early-20s.
Get your hands on the best moisturisers at a lower price using these Sephora discount codes.
26. Best moisturiser for rejuvenation
Caudalie Premier Cru The Rich Cream, £92, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: This rich cream is particularly hard-working, providing no less than eight benefits to skin including softening, reducing fine lines, brightening dark spots, increasing radiance, boosting elasticity and hydrating on every level.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
27. Best vegan moisturiser
The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream, £26, The Body Shop
Why we love it: This might have been your first-ever skincare purchase as a pre-teen, but there's no reason it shouldn't be your last, too. Buttery soft, non-irritating and packed full of goodness it's a no brainer. Especially for the price.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser with these The Body Shop discount codes.
28. Best moisturiser for redness
Nip + Fab Renew Anti-Redness SPF 30 Moisturiser, WAS £29.95 NOW £17, Amazon
Why we love it: Thanks to a clever blend of niacinamide and Butterfly Bush Extract, this moisturiser is able to calm the appearance of redness, boost hydration and protect against blue light all at the same time.
29. Best overnight moisturiser
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream, £55, Dr. Barbara Sturm
Why we love it: A calming moisturiser that reduces signs of irritation and helps make your skin feel more refreshed. Great for keeping your skin well-hydrated throughout the day and night. Did we mention that it also contains SPF50?
