Best of
The best moisturisers
A moisturiser's job is simple: seal in water and protect your barrier. The trouble is that 'best' depends entirely on your skin, and a cream that saves dry skin will smother oily skin. So this list is sorted by who each one is for, not by a single winner.
All picks are chosen on formula, not on who paid. Prices route to whichever store ships to you.
Picked on barrier ingredients, texture and value across skin types. If you're not sure whether your skin is dry or just dehydrated, read the guide first. Read the guide →
1
Best for dry skin
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
A rich ceramide-and-hyaluronic-acid cream that genuinely repairs a dry, tight barrier, for the price of a sandwich. Thick enough for very dry skin at night, and the tub lasts months. The one to beat.
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2
Best for oily skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
A weightless gel that hydrates without a heavy, greasy layer, which is exactly what oily and combination skin wants. Absorbs in seconds and sits well under SPF or makeup. Skip if your skin is genuinely dry, it won't be enough.
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3
Best for a damaged barrier
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
Part moisturiser, part rescue balm. When skin is red, flaky or reacting to a new active, this panthenol-rich cream calms it down fast. Keep one in the drawer for barrier emergencies.
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4
Best for sensitive skin
Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream
Fragrance-free, ceramide-and-centella comfort for reactive skin that hates being provoked. Cushiony but not heavy, and calming without a long ingredient list to react to.
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5
Best lightweight K-beauty
Torriden Balanceful Cica Cream
A gel-cream with cica and hyaluronic acid that hydrates and soothes without any weight, aimed at oily and sensitive skin at once. The one if you want K-beauty comfort without a rich finish.
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