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The 10 best moisturisers to buy in the UK

Picture of a moisturiser

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?

Another picture of a moisturiser

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?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of CeraVe MB112700 moisturiser
CeraVe Moisturising Face and Body Cream with Hyaluronic Acid and 3…
  • 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…
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TOP 2
Image of NIVEA 4005900440891 moisturiser
NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Lotion (400ml), NIVEA Moisturiser for Dry…
  • CARE BEYOND SKIN: This moisturising NIVEA lotion cares for your skin and the planet…
  • HOW TO APPLY: Apply the NIVEA lotion daily to the whole body and massage into the…
  • EXTRA NOURISHMENT: Some areas of skin dry out quicker than others, so it’s…
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TOP 3
Image of L’Oréal Paris men expert AA194400 moisturiser
L'Oreal Men Expert Anti-Fatigue Moisturiser, Hydra Energetic…
  • Contents: 1 x L'Oréal Paris Men Expert 24h anti-fatigue moisturiser for…
  • Formula enriched with Vitamin C* and proteins. Fast absorbing care formula without…
  • Apply the face cream in the morning (as a day cream) and in the evening (as a night…
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Offer TOP 4
Image of Neutrogena NEUTDM4S moisturiser
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Deep Moisture Hypoallergenic Body Lotion…
  • 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…
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TOP 5
Image of L'Oreal Paris 3600523363186 moisturiser
L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Aloe Water, Intense Hydration…
  • For normal to combination skin
  • Instantly refreshes
  • Enriched with aloe water and hyaluronic acid
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TOP 6
Image of Elizabeth Arden COSELI012A moisturiser
Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex…
  • Diminishes the appearance of fine lines
  • Improves clarity, tone and texture
  • Moisturizes for softer, smoother skin
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TOP 7
Image of NIVEA 5025970004761 moisturiser
NIVEA Soft Moisturising Cream (500ml), A Moisturising Cream for Face,…
  • HOW TO APPLY: Simply massage into the skin post-shower for maximum benefit; when…
  • QUICK ABSORPTION: NIVEA's moisturising lotion formula refreshes the skin with…
  • ALL PURPOSE: This moisturiser for women is a combined face, hand and body moisturiser,…
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TOP 8
Image of Aveeno 90267600 moisturiser
Aveeno Face Calm+Restore Oat Gel Moisturiser (1x 50ml), Face Moisturiser…
  • Product details: Aveeno Face Calm+Restore Oat Gel Moisturiser (1x 50ml), lightweight…
  • Application instructions: Massage into face until fully absorbed. Use it twice a…
  • Suitable for sensitive skin: The Oat Gel Moisturiser for sensitive skin is dermatologist-tested,…
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TOP 9
Image of Simple 003991 moisturiser
Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser Skin Care Product…
  • 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…
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TOP 10
Image of L'Oreal Paris 3600520297262 moisturiser
L'Oréal Men Expert Anti-Fatigue Moisturiser, Hydra Energetic…
  • Contents:1 x L'Oréal Paris Men Expert 24h anti-fatigue moisturiser for…
  • Formula enriched with Vitamin C* and proteins. Fast absorbing care formula without…
  • Apply the face cream in the morning (as a day cream) and in the evening (as a night…
BUY NOW
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We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2024/12/21.