The 10 best moisturisers to buy in the UK
Finding the best moisturiser can be difficult. There is a near-endless selection of products to choose from, all of which cater to different skin types and conditions, so knowing what moisturiser is best suited to your unique requirements is often a case of trial and error.
However, with a little bit of knowledge, it’s easy to understand what moisturizing products best suit your needs, so check out this handy buying guide for all the info you need.
What are moisturisers?
Moisturiser is a type of skincare product known as an emollient. Available in lotions, creams, and ointments, moisturisers are applied to the skin to provide protection and added moisture. In this way, the best moisturisers are mimicking the natural function of sebum in healthy skin.
Why should you buy a good moisturiser?
There is a common misconception that only people with dry skin need to use a moisturiser - almost anyone could and should use this skincare product! Our skin naturally dries throughout the day, whether after a hot shower or stepping into the cold outdoor weather, in which case a good moisturiser can rehydrate the skin to leave it looking and feeling better.
Moreover, regular use of quality moisturiser helps to combat signs of aging, with moisturised skin looking young and supple for longer, especially when it combined with an SPF to reduce UV damage. Also, people with sensitive skin conditions find great relief from moisturiser, which can help reduce itchiness, inflammation, and dry patches.
How to choose the right moisturiser in 2024?
Like any cosmetic product, finding the best moisturiser can take some time as there are simply so many options available. To help narrow the selection, here are some things to look for in a good moisturiser:
- Skin Type: Moisturisers cater to different skin types, with the formulas differing depending on what the skin needs, so always identify your skin type to ensure you choose a suitable product. For example, moisturiser for dry skin is usually much thicker to help alleviate dry patches, while people with oily skin benefit from moisturisers with low oil content.
- Area of Application: Always consider where you are using the moisturiser to ensure you buy an appropriate product. For instance, because facial skin is thinner and more sensitive to body skin it requires a different moisturiser than the rest of the body, so always think where need to use the moisturiser. It’s usually good to have a separate product for your face and body.
- Skin Conditions: If you have certain skin conditions then be mindful of what moisturiser you select. For example, people with acne or skin prone to breakouts should use lightweight products that feature fewer ingredients, such as a moisturizing lotion that contains hyaluronic acid.
What is the best kind of moisturiser in the UK?
Here are some of the main types of moisturiser currently available:
- Humectant Moisturiser: A great moisturiser for most skin types, humectant products work especially well on oily skin, with the formula being absorbed very quickly to the water in the skin for improved hydration.
- Emollient Moisturiser: Typically sold in cream form, emollient moisturisers are some of the most common and work by filling in gaps throughout the skin. It offers exceptional protection from dehydration, making it possibly the best moisturiser for dry skin.
- Occlusive Moisturiser: Most ointment moisturisers are occlusive, providing a thick protective layer across the skin, resulting in a thick and often oily residue when applied. It’s a great choice for aged skin but not suitable for sensitive skin.
Top 10 list of moisturisers in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their moisturisers. Which moisturiser is the best?
- For dry skin: The NIVEA body moisturiser is especially suitable for dry to very dry…
- How to apply: Apply the NIVEA lotion daily to the whole body and massage into the…
- Deep moisture: The moisturising lotion with Deep Moisture Serum, Natural Almond Oil,…
- The bottle for this facial moisturiser is made from 100% recycled plastic* and is…
- This Simple skin care product is PETA-Approved Vegan – we don’t test…
- This dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic moisturiser contains no artificial…
- Everyday use: Body cream for use with all skin types, whether that's oily, dry,…
- How to apply: Simply massage into the skin post-shower for maximum benefit; when…
- Light formula: NIVEA's moisturising lotion formula refreshes the skin with Vitamin…
- Product delivery: Neutrogena Deep Moisture Hypoallergenic Body Lotion (1x 400ml),…
- Application instructions: Apply Neutrogena Deep Moisture body lotion to the entire…
- Comfortable and soothing: The fragrance-free lotion has a non-greasy formula that…
- LEAPING BUNNY APPROVED by Cruelty Free International
- DERMATOLOGICALLY TESTED: Garnier Aloe Vera Body Lotion is dermatologically tested…
- NOURISHING: This Intensive 7 Days FORMULA is enriched with sustainably sourced aloe…
- Suitable for the whole family, including babies from 2 months.
- All day hydration: Patented CeraVe MVE delivery technology gives long-lasting 24…
- A face and body lotion containing 3 essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-11) to protect the…
- Suitable for the whole family, including babies from 2 months.
- Gentle on skin. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic body and face cream. For dry to…
- Formulated with CeraVe MVE Technology to lock in moisture, providing 24-hour hyd…
- E45 DAILY CREAM HAS EMMOLIENT INGREDIENTS TO KEEP SKIN HYDRATED - Light liquid paraffin…
- SUITABLE FOR EVERYDAY SKINCARE ON DRY & SENSITIVE SKIN – With its fast…
- FAST ABSORTION – The E45 lotion/cream is light and easy to apply to skin that…
- For dry skin: The NIVEA body moisturiser is especially suitable for normal to dry…
- How to apply: Apply the NIVEA lotion daily to the whole body and massage into the…
- Deep moisture: The moisturising lotion is made with Deep Moisture Serum and Sea Minerals…
- Snail mucin helps repair and soothes red, sensitized skin
- Helps to protect the skin from moisture loss
- Gives the skin nourishment and moisture without oiliness
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