A good moisturiser is like a great friend — reliable, comforting, and always there when your skin needs a little extra love. Whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, acne-prone or just generally moody, hydration is key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best types of moisturisers for every skin concern, what ingredients to look for, and a few product recommendations to help you find your hydration hero.
Outline
- Why Moisturising Matters
- How to Choose the Right Moisturiser
- Best Moisturisers by Skin Type & Concern
- Dry or Dehydrated Skin
- Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
- Sensitive or Reactive Skin
- Combination Skin
- Ageing or Mature Skin
- Hero Ingredients to Look For
- Moisturiser Myths — Busted
- Final Thoughts
Why Moisturising Matters
No matter your skin type, moisturising is essential. It helps:
- Lock in hydration
- Strengthen your skin’s natural barrier
- Prevent dryness, irritation and premature ageing
- Balance oil production (yes, even for oily skin)
Think of it as sealing in all the good work your cleanser, serum, or treatment just did.
How to Choose the Right Moisturiser
The perfect moisturiser should feel comfortable on your skin and suit your lifestyle. Consider:
- Texture: Do you prefer light gels or rich creams?
- Ingredients: Are you looking to treat a specific concern?
- Season: You might want a thicker cream in winter and something lighter in summer
- Skin reaction: Avoid heavily fragranced products if your skin is reactive
A moisturiser should leave your skin feeling hydrated — not greasy, sticky or tight.
Best Moisturisers by Skin Type & Concern
Dry or Dehydrated Skin
What it needs: Rich hydration and long-lasting moisture
Look for:
- Ceramides
- Shea butter
- Hyaluronic acid
- Squalane
Best textures: Creams, balms
Top Picks:
- CeraVe Moisturising Cream
- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
- The Inkey List Omega Water Cream (lightweight but effective)
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
What it needs: Hydration without clogging pores or adding shine
Look for:
- Oil-free formulas
- Niacinamide
- Gel textures
- Lightweight humectants (like glycerin)
Best textures: Gel-cream, water-based lotions
Top Picks:
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Avoid thick creams or anything with coconut oil on oily skin.
Sensitive or Reactive Skin
What it needs: Calm, soothing ingredients with minimal irritation risk
Look for:
- Fragrance-free formulas
- Oat extract
- Centella asiatica
- Panthenol
Best textures: Creams or lotions
Top Picks:
- Avene Tolerance Extreme Emulsion
- Bioderma Sensibio Light
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive
Always patch-test before introducing a new product if your skin is reactive.
Combination Skin
What it needs: Hydration where it’s dry, balance where it’s oily
Look for:
- Balancing ingredients like niacinamide
- Lightweight hydration (not oil-heavy)
Best textures: Lightweight creams, hydrating gels
Top Picks:
- Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
- Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
🌀 You can even spot-moisturise — heavier cream on cheeks, lighter on the T-zone.
Ageing or Mature Skin
What it needs: Deep hydration, firming, and barrier support
Look for:
- Peptides
- Ceramides
- Hyaluronic acid
- Antioxidants (vitamin C, E)
Best textures: Rich creams or anti-ageing formulas
Top Picks:
- Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
- Vichy Neovadiol Replenishing Cream
- Paula’s Choice Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer
Layer with a serum for extra benefit — moisturiser locks it in.
Hero Ingredients to Look For
| Ingredient | What It Does | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic Acid | Attracts moisture to skin | All skin types |
| Glycerin | Prevents dryness, improves hydration | All skin types |
| Ceramides | Strengthen skin barrier | Dry, sensitive, mature skin |
| Niacinamide | Reduces oil, improves tone | Oily, acne-prone, combo skin |
| Squalane | Nourishing and lightweight | Dry, sensitive, ageing skin |
| Panthenol | Calms and heals | Sensitive skin |
Moisturiser Myths — Busted
“Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser.”
→ It absolutely does. Dehydrated skin produces more oil to compensate.
“The thicker the better.”
→ Not always. Heavy doesn’t mean more effective. Match texture to your skin type.
“If it tingles, it’s working.”
→ No thanks! Tingling usually means irritation, not magic.
“Expensive = better.”
→ Not true. Many budget-friendly moisturisers are backed by science and perform brilliantly.
Final Thoughts
Moisturiser is the unsung hero of your skincare routine. It’s not flashy, but it’s fundamental. Choosing the right one means your skin stays:
- Smooth
- Supple
- Protected
- And oh-so-happy
No matter your skin type, there’s a hydration hero out there waiting for you.
