Asking any one person which moisturiser is ‘the best’ is like asking them to single out ‘the best’ Friends episode of all time. It all depends on their criteria. Some people prefer Ross and Rachel romantic storylines, some are solely Phoebe fans, and others only consider it a classic if there’s a Monica high school flashback involved; everyone’s looking for something different.
So whether you favour an oil-eliminating finish, want to streamline with a skin care-primer hybrid or you’re solely after a super silky formula, we’ve narrowed down an edit of ten moisturisers we think are definitely worthy of a ‘best of’ roundup (and we’re not alone either; our members rate them too).
But nobody knows your skin better than you, so now you just need to choose which of our recommendations sounds like it would be best for you. Luckily we’ve broken it down by what’s in it, what it does and why we love it to make the process a total cinch.
Happy deliberating – let us know which one wins, will you?
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Lanolips
Lanolips Face Base Vitamin E Day Cream
What’s in it: Lanolin (an effective emollient) and vitamin E (an inflammation easer)
What it does: Leaves skin super soft on the surface whilst deeply hydrating below it
Why we love it: It streamlines your pre-makeup routine by acting as moisturiser and primer in one. Its texture is also as velvety as a velour cushion, so applying it feels amazing.
Why our members love it: “This cream works better than most primers I have ever tried. The makeup glides on over the top and really sticks to it all day long.” – Umbrella Girl
Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Moisture Cream
What’s in it: Sunflower oil (a skin smoother) and avocado oil (a nourishing protector)
What it does: Boosts collagen and imparts glow
Why we love it: It’s somehow luxurious and lightweight, boasting all the goodness of a really rich cream (the fluffy feel and the deep nourishment) without overwhelming sensitive skin types or triggering breakouts.
Why our members love it: “This is a very nourishing cream. It smells nice and flowery too. My skin feels softer and hydrated after using this and it lasts for a few hours” – jazlovestoskate
Clarins
Clarins HydraQuench Rich Cream
What’s in it: Hyaluronic acid (for optimal hydration) and arctic blueberry oil (a rejuvenating strengthener)
What it does: Provides intense comfort and limits water loss
Why we love it: We know we harp on about hyaluronic a lot, but this formula features a particularly powerful dose of it, offering a protective film against surface dryness whilst acting as a water reservoir deep in the skin.
Why our members love it: “I found this to be light and nourishing leaving my skin feeling so hydrated with a real boost of extra needed moisture. After using this my skin felt extremely soft, supple and no longer dry.” – Becstar
Skin Nutrient
Skin Nutrient Goat’s Milk Magic Moment
What’s in it: Goat’s milk (a superstar soother) and propanediol (a dewiness booster)
What it does: Fades pigmentation, smoothes fine lines and cools your complexion
Why we love it: You know that feeling when you dive into the water on a hot day and your face is hit with an instant hit of cooling relief? This is that in topical form – the fact that it rejuvenates and refreshes skin doesn’t hurt one bit either.
Why our members love it: “You hardly have to use much at all, so it lasts a long time. It is extremely nourishing and hydrates the skin so effectively. It creates a coating over the skin to lock in moisture.” – Pixiedust92
Elizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Firm and Reflect Moisturizer
What’s in it: Mushroom extract (an irritation healer) and diamond powder (a blurring illuminator)
What it does: Provides skin with a light-reflecting finish whilst evening skin tone
Why we love it: It works like a smoothing, illuminating filter for your real-life face, blurring pores and brightening up any dullness, so your mug really doesn’t require anything but moisturiser.
Why our members love it: “My skin feels lovely and soft and plump when I wake up in the morning. I think this moisturiser would be suitable for ladies with very dry skin.” – Rose_P
Natio
Natio Acne Clear Day Daily Repair Oil Free Moisturiser
What’s in it: Tamanu (a blemish buster) and chamomile (an anti-inflammatory acne-soother)
What it does: Mattifies oily or acne-prone skin and tightens pores
Why we love it: It’s a moisturiser that hydrates and helps to clear acne, aiding your skin on its journey to becoming balanced and blemish-free.
Why our members love it: “This is great for underneath my foundation, as it stops my pores from looking oily for most of the day. I feel this product has prevented breakouts, and has also kept my skin moisturised.” – ModernSnowWhite
The Body Shop
The Body Shop Oils Of Life™ Intensely Revitalising Cream
What’s in it: Black cumin seed oil (a pore clearer) and camellia seed oil (a smoothing hydrator)
What it does: Energises and hydrates skin whilst boosting natural glow
Why we love it: It puts a serious pep in your skin’s step, evening tone and smoothing texture so that all you’re left with is a glorious glow that screams ‘well-nourished’.
Why our members love it: “It makes your skin so silky and soft. The smell is to die for! It doesn’t make your skin sticky or oily. It literally hydrates your face and neck throughout the night. This is cream is definitely a must.” – Mayy
Avène
Avène Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream
What’s in it: Mineral oil (a moisture retainer) and shea butter (an anti-ageing nourisher)
What it does: Provides long-lasting hydration and alleviates any sensations of irritation
Why we love it: It’s formulated specifically for sensitive skin, so there’s no need to worry about tightness, tingling, inflammation or itching – it simply softens, smoothes and soothes.
Why our members love it: “This is a wonderful creme. This crème is a little different as it is part of the Hydrance Riche range which is all about maximum hydration without compromising the texture. This creme is light and still super super hydrating” – GigiandBobbi
Lellure
Lellure Illumination Jelly Cream
What’s in it: Kakadu plum (a detoxifying brightener) and vitamin C (an effective illuminator)
What it does: Protects skin from the effects of stress and environmental damage
Why we love it: The texture is jelly. Need we say more? Okay, we will. It also uses dual water-lock technology to trap moisture in your skin (which sounds scary, but trust us, it’s a very good thing).
Why our members love it: “The Illumination Jelly Cream is just the type of moisturiser I like to use; it isn’t heavy, doesn’t feel greasy and just soaks into the skin quickly and without residue.” – rhian38
Jurlique
Jurlique Moisture Plus Rare Rose Cream
What’s in it: Rose extract (a calming antiseptic) and rosehip oil (a moisturising brightener)
What it does: Strengthens, nourishes and restores moisture to skin to leave it with visible hydration and lust-worthy luminosity.
Why we love it: It’s hydrating without feeling heavy, and the rose-scented radiance it imparts is next level. If your face needs an instant pick-me-up, this is the way to go.
Why our members love it: “I have been using this morning and night together with the rare rose serum and less than a week after I have started using this cream my skin feels and looks less dry/dehydrated and a lot of the redness has gone.” – Jess328
Elucent Anti Ageing Day Moisturiser SPF 50+
Elucent Anti Ageing Day Moisturiser SPF 50+
What’s in it: Glycolic acid (a brightness-boosting exfoliant) and vitamin E (a complexion-calming hydrator)
What it does: Refreshes and gently resurfaces skin to refine texture and tone while also adding in moisture as it works.
Why we love it: It’s a gift to any face in need of a pick-me-up, offering increased brightness, smoothness and hydration in one streamline hit.
Why our members love it: “This is a lightweight and non-greasy moisturiser which hydrates pretty well. I used this while in quite humid temperatures and it did not clog my pores of feel at all heavy. I loved that this has SPF50 and does not leave any white cast or shine. It also wore pretty well underneath foundation, though I did need to powder during the day to keep the foundation lasting through the day.” – Eskimo82
CEMOY Lumen The Cream
What’s in it: Ceramide 3 (an elasticity enhancer) and shea butter (a velvety skin-softener)
What it does: Locks in deep hydration, guards against environmental stressors and gets skin feeling outrageously soft and smooth.
Why we love it: It retails for less than $60 but feels like you’re slathering on something worth a million bucks; you’ll come for the experience, and stay for the efficacy.
Why our members love it: “The cream is luxurious and feels like satin when you are applying it. It absorbs relatively quickly and after using it my face felt really nourished.
Highly recommend this one!” – CoconutRough
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
What’s in it: Hylauronic acid (a hydration heavy-hitter) and ceramides (the ultimate skin-strengtheners)
What it does: Moisturises, nourishes and restores the skin barrier to take even the thirstiest of complexions into happy and hydrated town.
Why we love it: It’s a dermatologist-developed blend designed for skin types that run sensitive and it can be used on either the face or the body; hello, versatility.
Why our members love it: “It contains hyaulronic acid and ceramides which are proven ingredients that help skin and for the price and quantity, I find this to be superior to almost all other moisturisers on the market. It always leaves my skin feeling hydrated and moisturised, it is a thick cream but it spreads easily and is absorbed well.” – Mikki29
Azclear Day Moisturiser SPF 30
Azclear Day Moisturiser SPF 30
What’s in it: Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoy (an impossible-to-pronounce-but-powerful-anti-inflammatory) and bemotrizino (an anti-ageing sun protectant)
What it does: Protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays while also keeping it balanced, clear and hydrated.
Why we love it: It’s a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that won’t leave your face looking or feeling greasy, but will add some extra moisture and sun protection into your daily routine.
Why our members love it: “The day moisturiser is a perfect accompaniment to my morning skincare/ makeup routine. I’ve been putting it under my makeup and it seems to absorb and blend well. I love how it is oil free and specially formulated for acne skin because I get super worried that whatever I use might agitate my already sensitive skin.” – bettina44
The Jurlique Rare Rose Cream sounds so nice. I like the brand
I love the sound of the Body Shop moisturiser, very luxuriant and nourishing for winter skin!
I've only tried one or two on this list but personally I prefer gel based moisturisers
iv used the Natio clear skin range as i have super oily skin, great product , mattifys well
I’ve tried the goat’s milk one and I find it off putting it has a grainy texture for a moisturiser. I ended up using it as a body lotion for a few days to use it up.
I'm a sucker for rose scents so the Jurlique one sounds lovely; comes at a price though. The Body Shop one sounds nice too and would be more budget-friendly
I'm currently using the Lanolips Face Base Vitamin E Day Cream, it's quite thick and hydrating, probably more suitable for normal to dry skin types. Unfortunately I can no longer review this product on BeautyHeaven, looks like it's been removed.
Here are some great products featured! Thanks BH!
Great info in this article!
I tried Lanolips face base vitamin E day cream a couple of years ago, the scent was so beautiful!
I like the Avene moisturiser the best