FACE MOISTURISERS & CREAMS

Face creams and moisturisers work to support the skin moisture barrier responsible for blocking potential irritants from irritating the skin. Helping to serve as a skin “shield” from moisture loss, moisturiser helps to minimise trans-epidermal water loss, breakouts, dehydration and skin irritation. The most important attribute of any moisturiser is its hydrating properties, used to enhance the skin’s ability to retain moisture within the skin cells.

Moisturisers come in the form of a cream or lotion and are usually applied at the end of your skincare routine. A moisturising ingredient, however, can come in many forms:

• Night creams: Thicker in consistency and formulated with ingredients that deeply nourish the skin to support the skin’s restorative function overnight.
• Day creams: A more lightweight formula that absorbs and locks in moisture to support the skin’s protective moisture barrier that prevents environmental aggressors and irritants from penetrating the skin.
• Gels: Have a much lighter consistency that soaks into the skin much faster than other creams, allowing the ingredients to be better absorbed. Gels might have a stickier texture and feel a lot less heavy on the skin.
• Serums: A very lightweight product formulated with certain active ingredients. Moisturising serums contain humectants like hyaluronic acid that can more effectively penetrate the skin to enhance the skin benefits.
• Eye Creams: Eye creams and eye serums are specialised moisturisers for the delicate skin around the eyes.

The best moisturiser for your skin type will depend on the ingredients, the consistency and specific formulation. All skin types should choose a moisturiser with a humectant like hyaluronic acid, but the best formula will differ skin type to skin type.

Best Face Moisturisers for oily skin

For the best moisturiser for oily skin, look for formulas containing mild chemical exfoliants and mattifying formulas to manage excess oil production. Look for non-comedogenic, lightweight moisturisers containing humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to hydrate without clogging pores. For oily skin types, we recommend the Effaclar Matte Anti-Shine Moisturiser.

Best Facial Moisturisers for dry skin

If you have dry skin, look for moisturisers that provide extra nourishment and seal in moisture all day. Richer creams are best for dry skin types as they offer more hydration to lighter lotions. In addition to hyaluronic acid and ceramides, look for moisturisers containing emollients like shea butter and squalene, and skin soothing ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin B5. For dry skin, we recommend the Toleriane Dermallergo Light Creme Hydrating Moisturiser.

Best Face Cream for combination skin

Combination skin should look for moisturisers that hydrate without being too heavy on the skin. They can also use a lightweight moisturiser that targets skin issues like blackheads and imperfections that are common in combination skin. Exfoliating ingredients and antioxidants can help prevent enlarged pores from clogging with dead skin cells and irritants. Try the Effaclar K (+) Anti Blackhead Moisturiser to purify the skin without compromising the moisture barrier.

Best Moisturisers for sensitive skin

Sensitive skin types should look for fragrance-free, paraben-free moisturisers that have been allergy-tested to minimise the chances of skin irritation. To address redness and irritation, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, squalane, shea butter, and niacinamide. The Toleriane Sensitive Prebiotic Cream is suitable for very sensitive skin types prone to irritation and redness.

Best Moisturiser for mature skin

Mature skin benefits from moisturisers with very rich hydrating formulas to help restore facial volume and fill in wrinkles and lines. Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 blends go a long way in maintaining a youthful-looking appearance. If you want to target ageing skin concerns like dry, sagging skin, skin elasticity and suppleness, we recommend the Hyalu B5 Anti-Ageing Moisturiser to visibly reduce the signs of ageing.

Best Moisturisers for male skin

Men's skin is more likely to have large pores and increased oil production, which is why moisturiser for oily skin is best. Look for moisturisers with chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid to help unclog pores, combined with hydrating ingredients like squalane, glycerin and panthenol (vitamin B5). For oily men’s skin, we recommend the Effaclar H Isobiome Moisturiser. For oily skin types prone to allergy, Toleriane Dermallergo Fluid Lightweight Moisturiser is a better option.

Use moisturiser twice a day, morning and night. Moisturiser should be applied after cleanser and serums to seal in products and ensure all-day hydration. You should be including your face, neck and decolletage area and should use as much face cream as required to cover this full surface area.

Yes, face moisturisers help blemish-prone skin. At times, dry, dehydrated or overly oily skin can lead to blemish-prone skin. By using the right non-comedogenic moisturiser, you support the skin’s natural moisture barrier that protects the skin from irritants that lead to unwanted breakouts.

Yes, moisturising is very important for sensitive and redness-prone skin. Face creams support the skin’s natural moisture barrier which can defend against potential irritants that may lead to facial redness or irritation. Moisturiser helps improve the skin’s ability to regulate itself. All of our moisturisers have been tested for optimal efficacy and tolerance on sensitive skin.