The best face moisturizers in the UK 2023

Basic, but unavoidable in a beauty ritual, the moisturizing face cream is the guarantee of a radiant complexion, of a healthy and magnified skin. With the plethora of existing products, it is sometimes difficult to choose the best moisturizer for you. How to do in this case? We tell you everything in this buying guide.

Collistar Fresh Moisture Gel Cream 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Collistar Fresh Moisture Gel Cream

The best face moisturizer for any skin type

This gel cream promises optimal and continuous hydration for up to 72 hours. The skin will be toned, supple and youthful. Wrinkles will not succeed in finding their way onto your face.

28,79 £ on Marionnaud

A real revolution in the world of cosmetics, this moisturizing face cream comes in the form of a delicious pink jelly to be applied to cleansed skin. Despite this texture, the cream does not stick and it smoothes the skin like no other. Consumers who have already tested this jelly praise its sweet scent that caresses the nostrils.

Suitable for all skin types, this moisturizing face cream contains Idro-Attiva Complex technology, which releases microparticles gradually for up to 72 hours of continuous hydration. In addition, Italian peony is added to protect the skin, keeping it toned, supple and youthful. The formation of fine lines around the eyes and face will be delayed as much as possible; but if they are already present, they will be less visible.

Nuxe Crème fraîche de beauté 2
8/10

Best cheapest

Nuxe Crème fraîche de beauté

The best cheap face moisturizer

This inexpensive face moisturizer provides a protective barrier against various external aggressions. It is a smooth cream offering 48 hours of hydration.

13,59 £ on Marionnaud

You don't need to spend a fortune to have a moisturizing face cream with a long-lasting effect. In fact, a single application allows you to have a perfectly hydrated skin for 48 hours. This is due to the clever combination of plant milks and seaweed extracts found in this 30 ml tube. And the icing on the cake: this inexpensive face moisturizer contains 93.3% natural ingredients and is paraben and comedogenic free.

Not only does this face moisturizer provide long-lasting, continuous hydration to your skin, it also acts as an anti-pollution filter. This is how your face will stay fresh all day and intensely nourished. You would have understood it: it is a product recommended for the individuals having a dry skin. As for its use, this moisturizing face cream is applied once or twice a day, on the face and the neck.

SVR Laboratory DENSITIUM CREAM 3
9/10

Best premium

SVR Laboratory DENSITIUM CREAM

The best premium face moisturizer

Densitium Cream is for women over 30 years old. This moisturizing face cream firms the skin and helps to redefine the facial contour.

36,79 £ on Marionnaud

The reputation of the SVR laboratory in the world of cosmetics has been proven. This is why Densitium Cream is so popular with the public. In addition to effectively moisturizing your face and neck, this cream also firms your skin and prevents the sagging of tissues due to skin aging. It is suitable for all skin types: normal, dry, combination and oily.

The performance of Densitium Cream is explained by its duo of active ingredients. On the one hand, there is the ultra-fragmented hyaluronic acid that will give your face a new youthfulness, firmness and a pulpy look. On the other side, we have Bio-Calcium which will stimulate cell regeneration in the epidermis. This cream should be applied once a day, using circular movements on the face and up and down movements on the neck.

Estée Lauder DAYWEAR Matte Gel 4
8/10

Best mattifying cream

Estée Lauder DAYWEAR Matte Gel

The best mattifying face moisturizer

Optimal hydration without any shiny effect, that's what this matifying moisturizing face cream offers. It has a sebo-regulating effect to moderate sebum secretion.

27,99 £ on Marionnaud
Buying guide • November 2023

Best moisturizing face cream

Any specific needs?

The best face moisturizer for any skin type

The best cheap face moisturizer

The best premium face moisturizer

The best mattifying face moisturizer

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best face moisturizers

Top Inexpensive Top of the line Matifying
Collistar Fresh Moisture Gel Cream 5
9/10
Nuxe Crème fraîche de beauté 6
8/10
SVR Laboratory DENSITIUM CREAM 7
9/10
Estée Lauder DAYWEAR Matte Gel 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Collistar Fresh Moisture Gel Cream
Nuxe Crème fraîche de beauté
SVR Laboratory DENSITIUM CREAM
Estée Lauder DAYWEAR Matte Gel
This gel cream promises optimal and continuous hydration for up to 72 hours. The skin will be toned, supple and youthful. Wrinkles will not succeed in finding their way onto your face.
This inexpensive face moisturizer provides a protective barrier against various external aggressions. It is a smooth cream offering 48 hours of hydration.
Densitium Cream is for women over 30 years old. This moisturizing face cream firms the skin and helps to redefine the facial contour.
Optimal hydration without any shiny effect, that's what this matifying moisturizing face cream offers. It has a sebo-regulating effect to moderate sebum secretion.
Skin type
All skin types
Normal, combination, dry skin
All skin types
Oily skin
Type of cream
Moisturizing gel cream
Nourishing moisturizer
Aging Moisturizer
Matifying moisturizer
Age
All ages (except children)
All ages (except children)
From age 30
All ages
Usage
Face
Face and neck
Face and neck
Face and neck
Capacity
50 ml
30 ml
50 ml
30 ml

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Buying guide - moisturizing face cream

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How to choose your moisturizing face cream

A facial moisturizer is chosen according to a few parameters, including skin type, age, season, intended use and the amount contained in a bottle or tube.

#1 - The type of skin

As with any beauty product, choosing a face moisturizer starts with a skin diagnosis. How to recognize your skin type?

  • Normal skin will be free of pimples, acne and excess oil. Even under prolonged exposure to daylight, it will not become shiny. In this case, you need a classic face moisturizerIn this case, you need a cream that is neither too nourishing nor matifying in order to preserve the skin's suppleness.
  • Dry skin is easily recognized by its tightness and fragility, to the point where the cheeks can become cracked. In this case, you will need a nourishing face moisturizerIn this case, you will need a cream enriched with essential fatty acids to compensate for the lack of sebum and maintain good hydration.
  • Oily skin will produce a lot of sebum to the point that the pores will be dilated and the face will shine at the slightest exposure to heat. This type of skin is a breeding ground for blackheads and pimples. In this case, opt for a light and mattifying face moisturizerThis will help to maintain good hydration, but also to reduce excess sebum.
  • Combination skin can sometimes be hard to spot, but in general, you'll have excess oil on the T-zone of the face and dry or normal skin on the rest. In this case, use a mix of a nourishing and mattifying face moisturizer.

#2 - The age

In the world of beauty, the time factor plays a key role in choosing the right products. Of course, you should always choose according to your skin type, but also count on a face moisturizer that suits your age.

In your 20s and 30s, cells regenerate easily and quickly. Skin remains supple and plump, so it only needs light moisturizing. Around age 40, the skin becomes thinner and requires a nourishing cream with optimal hydration to delay the signs of aging. But if the wrinkles are already there, one will turn to an anti-aging moisturizer, recommended to attenuate the folds and the fine lines.

#3 - The season

A moisturizing cream face is chosen according to the season, more precisely to the temperature. In summer, choose a light cream that is not too nourishing, as this may increase sebum secretion, making your face too oily. You can even use a mattifying face moisturizer to prevent sweating. On the other hand, winter tends to dry out the skin, so it needs maximum hydration. A nourishing cream will be applied, provided that it is suitable for your skin type.

#4 - The use

Face moisturizers can be dedicated to specific uses. In addition to those that can be applied to the entire face, there are also moisturizing creams that are specific to the eye area and that prevent the appearance or reduce the effects of crow's feet. You will also find moisturizing creams for the lip contour. They make fine lines around the mouth less visible and they help lipstick stay on.

#5 - The quantity

Face moisturizers come in jars or tubes of various sizes. Certainly, when looking for a good quality/price ratio, we often turn to containers with a large capacity. Note, however, that after opening, the shelf life of a facial moisturizer is not unlimited.

How to apply the face moisturizer?

Before applying the face moisturizer, the skin must be cleansed and removed. Then, apply a small amount of cream on both cheeks and on the T-zone. For precision, this one joins the forehead, the nose and the chin.

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To instantly release the active ingredients of the face moisturizer, spread the hazelnuts in circular motions and lightly massage your face with your fingers. Starting from the inside out, this will stimulate blood circulation and plump your face.

Important note: Don't forget to moisturize the neck with your facial moisturizer. This time, massage from the top down; this will delay the formation of wrinkles in this area.

The application of the face moisturizer is done in the morning and evening, unless otherwise directed by your dermatologist. However, from time to time, give your skin a break!

The different types of face moisturizers

To distinguish between the types of facial moisturizers, you should refer to their main benefits.

Nourishing Facial Moisturizer

Often confused, moisturizing face cream and nourishing face cream can be combined in the same container. Note, however, that a nourishing cream can also be moisturizing, but a merely moisturizing cream cannot nourish the face. However, when the two are combined, you gain a perfect day cream for those with dry skin.

Labeled as an emollient cream, the nourishing moisturizer will help the skin to be more supple, toned and glowing. The name already suggests its nourishing aspect; in fact, it often contains omega 3 and vitamins, elements known to enhance skin tone.

Who is it for?

This type of moisturizing face cream is recommended for anyone with dry or combination skin. However, in winter, it is also suitable for those with normal skin and those with oily skin, but using it in small quantities.

When to apply it?

The moisturizing face cream, when it is nourishing, is used like a day cream. Maximize its benefits by applying it to cleansed skin, using circular motions with your fingers.

Matifying Facial Moisturizer

Matte face moisturizer is on the rise in the cosmetic world, simply because the matte finish appeals to so many. To put it simply, it contains active ingredients that act like sponges to buffer the excess sebum that oily skin secretes.

Contrary to popular belief, a mattifying moisturizer does not produce a tanning effect. Its functions are limited to the absorption of excess sebum. In the long term, the zinc, copper and all the other trace elements that make up the mattifying moisturizer will help the skin to reduce sebum secretion.

Who is it for?

The matifying moisturizing cream is recommended for any person having an oily skin. Not very nutritious, it is also recommended in summer, even for those who have a normal skin, especially for the hectic evenings where one risks to perspire much.

When to apply it?

This type of moisturizing face cream should be applied at the beginning of the day or early evening if you are going out. On the other hand, at night, when you go to bed, you will have to remove your makeup well, because the active ingredients that serve as a sponge may clog the epidermis and cause peeling.

Aging Facial Moisturizer

The world of cosmetics may have developed, but we cannot totally avoid the appearance of the signs of time on the skin. That's where the anti-aging face moisturizer comes in: thanks to its active ingredients, it helps diminish fine lines and moisturize the skin to restore its suppleness, firmness and youthful glow.

To do this, it contains many elements: hyaluronic acid that moisturizes and plumps the skin; collagen, glycerol or urea for continuous hydration; antioxidants that delay the appearance of wrinkles as much as possible; retinol for cell regeneration; glycolic acid to smooth the skin; and anti-UV filters to protect your face against skin aging.

Who is it for?

The anti-aging face moisturizer can be used from the age of 30. The goal here is to delay the consequences of time as much as possible. Also, one will turn to creams integrating antioxidants: vitamin C and vitamin E. After the age of 40, you should use a moisturizing face cream rich in fruit acids, which is well known for illuminating the complexion or for obtaining a peeling effect.

When to apply it?

The anti-aging face moisturizer should be applied morning and night to clean, makeup-free skin. However, remember to let the skin rest regularly, even though many dermatologists recommend a 2 to 3 month treatment.

Oil or face moisturizer?

Should you choose oil or face moisturizer? This question is on everyone's mind in the world of cosmetics and both schools have strong arguments. Let's unravel!

Face oil

To understand how facial oil works, you need to know that our skin naturally produces fatty matter that is commonly called sebum. On the other hand, the makeup that we apply also contains it. When we remove our makeup or wash our face, all these oils disappear and in the long term, this will tend to dry out the skin.

Contrary to what you might think, oil does not add fat to the face. On the contrary, it eliminates the bad fats secreted by makeup and other aggressions (perspiration, UV, etc.) to retain only the good ones and help them stay on the surface to trap water in the epidermis. In this way, in addition to nourishing the face, it also hydrates the skin.

Moisturizing face cream

Although the adjective "moisturizing" is used in everyday language, a moisturizing face cream is primarily defined as an emollient cream. In other words, in addition to moisturizing, it also nourishes thanks to other active ingredients. In fact, although it is composed of 60-70% water, it also contains 20-25% oil, emulsifiers to marry these two elements, moisturizing agents that transport and maintain water to and on the epidermis, fragrance and preservative.

In simple terms, the moisturizing face cream transports the water contained in the cream itself and in the hydrolipidic film to the epidermis and ensures that it remains there. This increases the comfort and suppleness of the skin, making it more radiant and less dry. Of course, this induces on the delay of the appearance of wrinkles or attenuates them if they are already there.

Verdict

Without making the skin greasy, facial oil provides the necessary nutrients to the skin while drawing on the water reserves contained in the hydrolipidic film to moisturize it. The moisturizing face cream, on the other hand, provides additional water while also mobilizing the water in our skin reserves.

Why buy a good face moisturizer?

If the application of a moisturizing face cream begins the rituals of care and make-up, it is because this product contains many virtues.

Moisturizing face cream: to keep the skin healthy

It is enough to understand the functioning of the moisturizing face cream and the epidermis to understand the major role of this cream on the skin. Basically, it directs the water contained in the hydrolipidic film to the skin's surface while providing more water to ensure continuous and optimal hydration. In addition, the moisturizer stimulates and accelerates cell regeneration. In short, it helps skin stay young, supple and healthy.

Moisturizing face cream: to protect against external elements

Wind, dust, sunlight, cold, air pollution; so many elements attack the skin on a daily basis. Thanks to the water, oil and moisturizing agents it contains, the moisturizing cream supports the hydrolipidic film, our natural barrier against these elements, to form an additional protective layer to preserve the epidermis.

Moisturizing face cream: to delay the appearance of wrinkles or reduce them

As you know, wrinkles are the result of skin aging due to time, but also to prolonged exposure to external elements. A moisturizing face cream forms a protective barrier to minimize the effects of these elements and time on the skin.

If you opt for an anti-aging face moisturizer, you'll get antioxidants that stimulate cell regeneration and smooth the skin. Of course, time will always take its toll on the skin, but with a healthy lifestyle and a good face moisturizer, that time will be delayed as long as possible.

Moisturizing face cream: to bring out the makeup

When it's time to put on makeup, after cleansing with a lotion, apply a moisturizing face cream to keep your skin in tip-top shape. Some youtubers even recommend mixing foundation and face moisturizer for better hold and optimal hydration.

Face moisturizer: for supple, plump skin

Facial moisturizers contain many components that smooth the skin and help it stay firm and plump. These benefits are highlighted in anti-aging face moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid, collagen, antioxidants, retinol, glycolic acid and even UV filters.

The best brands of face moisturizers

In our opinion, the best brands of face moisturizers in 2022 are :

Laboratoire SVR
Nuxe Paris
Gallinée
Estée Lauder
Collistar

Since 1962, the French dermocosmetic laboratory SVR has established itself as a reference in dermatological and cosmetic products. Consumers are clamoring for this brand's moisturizing face creams, which are not likely to disappoint.

Nuxe Paris ranks3rd among the top-selling cosmetic brands in the UK. Now present in about 50 countries, Nuxe Paris designs facial moisturizers, pharmaceutical and parapharmaceutical products that deserve our full attention.

Gallinée Microbiome Skincare specializes in designing beauty, wellness and health products. It is a young brand that is already playing in the big league. The positive reviews garnered by its facial moisturizers are proof of that.

It is one of the largest American companies specializing in the production and sale of perfumery, cosmetics and dermatological products. The brand's moisturizers are considered top-of-the-line.

Makeup products, facial moisturizers, and any other cosmetic product: the Collistar brand has potential to spare. One is quick to trust this very famous brand on sites specializing in beauty, body and face care products.

What is the price for a moisturizing face cream

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
15 £ to 30 £
Mid-range
30 £ to 40 £
High-end
more than 40 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Running out of face moisturizer? Don't panic!

Even without a facial moisturizer, you can still moisturize your skin with a few ingredients. You can already spread a layer of olive oil on the face, it moisturizes without greasing. Otherwise, you can improvise a cream with half a yogurt and a tablespoon of honey. After 10 minutes, rinse your face with clean water, the hydration should last a whole day.

Change your face moisturizer regularly.

Certainly, we often tend to stay loyal to one brand, to one particular face moisturizer. However, by changing moisturizers regularly, you ensure that your face receives an array of active ingredients that will benefit it. However, respect your skin type to avoid undesirable effects.

Massage your face while applying your face moisturizer.

Why not combine business with pleasure and add a little moment of relaxation to your skincare ritual? When applying your facial moisturizer, perform a small massage to spread it out: make slow and gentle circular movements going from the inside to the outside. This will stimulate blood circulation in your face and release the cream's active ingredients quickly.

Hydrate your face with a natural moisturizing mask.

When you're not applying a face moisturizer, you can choose a natural mask instead. To do this, mix heavy fresh cream with a few drops of lemon and sweet almond oil. Apply this mask for about 20 minutes, then rinse with clear water.

Prefer face moisturizers in a tube than a jar!

Did you know that face moisturizers in tubes contain fewer preservatives than those sold in jars? Indeed, as soon as you open the jar, the cream is totally exposed to bacteria and external agents. This means that its packaging requires more preservatives. With a tube, this problem does not arise, because there is only a very small opening. The risks of contamination are lower.

FAQ

How to moisturize your face without cream?

There are many tricks you can use tomoisturize your skin without using a facial moisturizer. You can concoct a moisturizing mask with cream, lemon and sweet almond, or moisturize your face with a few drops of olive oil. The only rule of thumb: choose ingredients that suit your skin type.

How to make your own moisturizer?

You can make your own moisturizer by mixing vegetable oil and beeswax in two pans over a double boiler on one side, and water on the other. You whisk it all together, add some grapefruit seed and you have a homemade face moisturizer. You'll save a lot more time choosing one directly from what we've tested and suggested.

How to find a good moisturizer?

To find a good face moisturizer, consider these few criteria: your skin type, age, season, the part of your face you'll be spreading it on, and the capacity of the tube or jar. All of these criteria will help you determine the best moisturizer for your face as well as the complementary products you'll need to use.

When should you use a moisturizer?

A face moisturizer is applied during the day and evening, after removing makeup and washing your face. As for the age to start, know that around the twenties, the use of the cream is already recommended on a weekly basis, unless the person uses makeup daily. From the age of thirty, an anti-aging face moisturizer is recommended, in addition to your usual cream.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. 5 Tips to Choose the Right Facial Moisturizer - Skin Care, garnierusa.com
  2. Skin Care: How to Choose a Moisturizer, webmd.com
  3. 10 tips on how to choose the right moisturizer for your skin, alchimie-forever.com
  4. Choosing a Healthy Facial Moisturizer, healthline.com
  5. How to Find the Right Skin Moisturizer, everydayhealth.com
  6. How to Choose a Moisturizer, kravebeauty.com
  7. Choosing The Right Moisturizer For Your Skin: What To Look For And What To Avoid, michderm.com
  8. How To Choose The Best Moisturizers, refinery29.com
  9. Moisturizing Creams - Buying Guide, quechoisir.org
  10. Different Types Of Creams For Different Skin Types, noovomoi.ca
  11. Beauty: Questions We Ask About Our Day Cream, topsante.com
  12. Aging Moisturizer: Why Go For It?, journaldesfemmes.fr
  13. Moisturizing cream: the secret to beautiful skin, grazia.fr
  14. Moisturizing cream or oil, marielaureviguier.com
  15. Three tips for moisturizing your skin when you've forgotten your cream, lexpress.fr
  16. The 10 best facial moisturizers in 2021, beaute-du-visage.fr
  17. The best facial moisturizers, doctissimo.fr
  18. Moisturizing cream - Best moisturizers for the ..., easyparapharmacie.com
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  21. Comparative Moisturizing Creams - UFC-Que Choisir, quechoisir.org
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  24. The 7 Best Moisturizing Face Creams - Test ..., ecomparatif.fr
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  27. 10 Homemade Moisturizing Cream Recipes - Le Journal des ..., journaldesfemmes.fr
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  30. Moisturizing Face Treatments - Moisturizing Face Cream - Dr. ...., ricaud.com
  31. The best face creams | Moisturizing face cream ..., notino.fr
  32. Moisturizing face cream for dry and sensitive skin | The ..., laroche-posay.fr
  33. Amazon.co.uk : moisturizing face cream, amazon.co.uk
  34. Soothing Moisturizing face cream | Gallinée Microbiome ..., gallinee.com
  35. Face care - Yves Rocher, m.yves-rocher.fr
  36. 120 Organic Moisturizing Creams and Organic Face Creams, moncornerb.com
  37. Certified Organic Moisturizing Face Cream, laboratoires-biarritz.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Collistar Fresh Moisture Gel Cream 9
Collistar Fresh Moisture Gel Cream
Nuxe Crème fraîche de beauté 10
Nuxe Crème fraîche de beauté
SVR Laboratory DENSITIUM CREAM 11
SVR Laboratory DENSITIUM CREAM
Estée Lauder DAYWEAR Matte Gel 12
Estée Lauder DAYWEAR Matte Gel

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