21 best moisturisers in 2025, 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.
Let's face it: not all “self-proclaimed” best moisturisers are made equal. The best will leave your complexion feeling hydrated, balanced and comfortable. But the worst can clog your skin, cause breakouts or flare up redness or irritation. Basically, what works for your bestie may not work well for your skin type, so you need to know what suits your skin.
At its core, moisturiser is responsible for keeping our skin — er, moisturised — and looking after our delicate skin barrier. “Think of your skin like 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, general practitioner in medical aesthetics.
Yep, it's safe to say that a moisturiser is a vital spot in your skincare routine. But with so many moisturising must-haves on the market, where do you start?
Fret not, frens. To make things easy, we've broken down the best moisturisers by category, so you can find the perfect solution for oily skin and dry skin, salves that help reduce redness and hyperpigmentation, formulas infused with SPF or vitamin C, and a whole lot more.
And, having consulted with dermatologists and aestheticians, we've broken down all the do's and the don'ts that you need to know to maximise the benefits. Keep scrolling to meet your match…
Meet the experts:
- Dr Christine Hall, GMC registered, general practitioner in medical aesthetics.
- Dr Alexis Granite, Board certified, consultant dermatologist at CeraVe.
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 and types – from lightweight water-based moisturisers to richer creams for lasting hydration, as well as the best tinted moisturisers, best moisturisers for combination skin, multi-tasking moisturisers, skincare for teens, skincare gift sets, and Korean moisturisers.
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.
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Ahead, our full edit of the best moisturisers for all skin types…
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream
- Consistency: Thick cream.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, aloe vera, camellia oil, shea butter.
- Pros: Great to wear under makeup.
- Cons: Those who prefer lighter consistencies may find this too thick, not fragrance-free.
Why we love it: Some may find the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream a bit heavy for a daily moisturiser (although there's a lighter water cream rendition which we really rate), but for priming pre-makeup, evening out a patchy complexion or instantly feigning you've had eight hours sleep? Nothing beats it. The deeeeep quenching action has deservedly won an addicted fan following. 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.- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin type: Normal to dry skin.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Japanese purple rice, Okinawa algae, ginseng.
- 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 anti-inflammatory 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.
Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C-Tetra Cream
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin types: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: 7% vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E.
- Pros: Packs SPF 30, 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 brightening vitamin C, but also hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing vitamin E, as well as advanced UV filters to shield your skin. This is a perfect multi-hyphenate if you're looking to reduce hyperpigmentation. 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.Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin type: All skin types, particularly mature skin.
- Key ingredients: Mediterranean algae, ginkgo biloba, glycerin, shea butter, jojoba seed oil.
- Pros: Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that contains SPF 30.
- 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, plus it now comes infused with SPF30 for better protection. Offering up an impressive 24 hours of hydration, it taps up moisture-boosting marine and plant actives including Padina Pavonica, Chlorella and Ginkgo Biloba. Meanwhile the delicate floral scent was designed to soothe your mood as well as you skin. 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.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin type: Normal to dry skin.
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, vitamin E, niacinamide.
- Pros: Features SPF protection, affordable.
- Cons: Takes a while to absorb.
Why we love it: Developed by dermatologists with sensitive skin in mind, this day cream will address all of your skin needs. The affordable face moisturiser contains three essential ceramides that help restore your natural skin barrier. Beyond that, the stripped-back formula keeps things simple to avoid irritating sensitive skin. 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.Murad Restorative Hydro-Hyaluronic Cream
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin type: All skin types, especially dry and combination.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, shea butter, sunflower extract, coconut extract.
- Pros: Hydrates skin for up to 24 hours, restores the skin barrier, smooths, plumps, brightens.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: Searching for a hit of hydration? You've found it with this multi-functional staple from Murad. It's powered by Advanced Hydro-Hyaluronic Technology, which is hyaluronic acid at low, medium and high molecular weights to deliver deep hydration to the different layers of the skin, revealing a soft, smooth and supple complexion. Lessening the look of fine lines and wrinkles and uneven texture and tone, this powerhouse works hard to strengthen the skin barrier, reduce water loss and increase your natural radiance.
Vichy Minéral 89 72Hr Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane Moisture Boosting Cream
- Consistency: Lightweight.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamins B3 and E.
- Pros: Fast-absorbing, non-comedogenic.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: Vichy’s iconic Minéral 89 Serum now comes in cream format, and we couldn’t be happier. The cocooning day and/or night cream combines volcanic water with hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamin B3 and E to restore radiance, lock in moisture and strengthen the skin’s barrier for a healthier-looking complexion in a matter of weeks. It's so good, our readers crowned it “best moisturiser” at the GLAMOUR Beauty and Wellness Power List awards.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Anti-Breakout Corrective Gel Moisturiser
- Consistency: Lightweight gel-cream.
- Skin type: Acne-prone and oily skin types.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, zinc PCA, glycerin.
- Pros: Non-comedogenic, delivers 24-hour hydration, can also be used on the chest and back.
- Cons: Some reviews mention that you have to use it for a while to see a difference.
Why we love it: Bid a cheery farewell to pesky breakouts and post-acne pigmentation with this soothing gel-cream formula, brimming with kind-to-skin ingredients. Salicylic acid gently exfoliates to unblock congested pores and boost skin cell turnover, while zinc PCA works to control excess oil levels. But it's certainly not stripping, thanks to the addition of glycerin, which keeps your complexion hydrated for up to 24 hours.
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- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, peptides, vitamin C, niacinamide.
- Pros: Fast-absorbing, non-comedogenic.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: 15 years in the making, No7’s Future Renew Night Cream is refreshingly lightweight considering it is loaded with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and niacinamide. But the stars of the show are the peptides in the formula, which boost your skin’s self-repair mechanisms and send messages to your cells to produce more collagen. It gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘beauty sleep’, plus it won “best night cream” at the GLAMOUR Beauty and Wellness Power List awards.
Trinny London See The Light SPF50 Moisturiser
- Consistency: Silky and lightweight.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: White tea leaf extract, raspberry leaf extract, glycerin, SPF.
- Pros: High SPF level, absorbs instantly, protects against premature ageing.
- Cons: Pretty expensive.
Why we love it: Looking to prevent signs of premature skin ageing? Say no more – this broad-spectrum moisturiser protects you against both UVA and UVB rays, helping stop the unwanted formation of sun damage, dryness, fine lines, pigmentation, blemishes, dark circles and dark spots dead in their tracks. Silky in texture and totally weightless, it absorbs instantly, and will sit beneath your make-up completely undetected.
- Consistency: Lightweight and non-greasy.
- Skin type: All skin types, but particularly oily.
- Key ingredients: Tri-ceramides, niacinamide, green tea.
- Pros: Lightweight feel, lasting hydration.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: This deeply hydrates thirsty skin (and provides lasting moisture) but without feeling remotely heavy, cloggy or greasy. The gel-like texture sinks in in seconds and reinforces the skin barrier with its tri-ceramide complex and blend of antioxidants like green tea and niacinamide.
Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Smoothing Night Cream
- Consistency: Rich and nourishing.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: 0.2% retinol, vitamin E, dragon fruit extract.
- Pros: Contains retinol to smooth skin.
- Cons: Pretty expensive.
Why we love it: Given that a moisturiser's job is to nourish skin and boost skin barriers, it can feel counterintuitive to include retinol when the potent ingredient is associated with weakening skin barriers. This formula however delicately balances an slow-release encapsulated 0.2% retinol to smooth and brighten skin, alongside nourishing and barrier-restoring antioxidants, including vitamin E.
Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream
- Consistency: Rich but comfortable
- Skin type: Sensitive and sensitised skin
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, shea butter, glycerin, peptides.
- Pros: Ultra soothing and cocooning
- Cons: Pretty expensive.
Why we love it: This was specifically developed (and clinically tested) with sensitive and sensitised skin in mind. Ceramides and peptides calm and soften irritable skin and help to rebuild compromised skin barriers. "This is ultra-nourishing but it doesn’t feel claustrophobic and it’s my go-to if my face is having a proper mare, feels extra sensitive, or when I get dry patches that refuse to budge," – Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Skin Perfecting Daily Moisturiser
- Consistency: Nourishing cream.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane, a botanical blurring complex.
- Pros: Fast-absorbing, non-comedogenic.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: If you're after a fool-proof daily moisturiser, look no further than the iconic Eight Hour HydraPlay Skin Perfecting formula by Elizabeth Arden. Not only does it do an outstanding job at retaining moisture throughout the day, but it also helps visibly brighten your complexion, control sebum production and refine pores if used consistently. Infused with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane and the brand's signature botanical blurring complex, this cream is also non-comedogenic, vegan and is suitable for all skin types. An absolute must.
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin type: Dry and sensitive skin.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, shea butter, ceramides.
- 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.
Farmacy Beauty Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturiser
- Consistency: Rich cream.
- Skin type: All skin types, particularly dry and sensitive skin.
- Key ingredients: Buckwheat honey, vitamin E, ceramides, shea butter.
- 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.
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Sisleya L'Integral Anti-Age Fresh Gel Cream
- Consistency: Lightweight but deeply quenching.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, white willow leaf extract, a soy protein complex, a blend of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and amino acids.
- Pros: Works all year round, lasting hydration.
- Cons: It's an investment.
Why we love it: "I love the texture of this cream. It's instantly cooling in summer but also really leaves my skin feeling hydrated in winter – something I was surprised about as I normally switch from water to richer oil-based creams in winter. It never feels cloying or greasy and plays brilliantly under makeup," – Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director.
The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin type: All skin types, particularly dry skin.
- Key ingredients: Bio-active ceramides, shea butter, gransil blur.
- Pros: Plumping formula, smooths 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 skin. 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.” – Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: Peptides, amino acids, glycerin, soybean folic acid ferment extract.
- 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.
- Consistency: Rich cream.
- Skin type: Dry and very dry skin.
- Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, beeswax, glycerin.
- 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.
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe leaf juice, an anti-redness complex.
- 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.
Where in my skincare routine should I apply 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.
Which moisturisers are best for each skin type?
If you're looking for the best moisturiser for oily skin or acne-prone skin, Dr Christine shares that it's better to look for a lighter, water-based, oil-free moisturiser. “Moisturising ingredients and humectants such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, ceramides and glycerin are all well suited to oily skin,” adds 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,” she continues.
Dr Alexis also advises to avoid occlusives that will block your pores, “including petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil and paraffin.”
How about the best moisturiser for mature skin and the 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 lipids 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.”
And if you want the best moisturiser for sensitive skin, Dr Christine 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 they might 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 Dr Alexis.
For a day moisturiser, you should try and get some antioxidants (vitamins A, B3, C or E), 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.
Looking to upgrade your skincare routine? Read up on our guides on best cleansers, best face serums and more.
