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Best Moisturisers 2026 — Expert Skincare Buying Guide

Find the perfect moisturiser for your skin type. AI-powered recommendations for dry, oily, sensitive, and combination skin.

What are the best moisturisers to buy right now?

Our top-rated moisturisers right now are the CeraVe Moisturising Cream (£12.5). These are our editor's picks based on value, performance, and user reviews.

AI RecommendedTop Rated-17%Best Seller

Dermatologist recommended

size454g

skin_typeAll skin types

key_ingredientsCeramides, Hyaluronic Acid

Dermatologist recommendedGreat value for size

Can feel heavy in summer

Best moisturiser for dry skin?

For dry skin, the CeraVe Moisturising Cream (£12.5) are top picks. Look for ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and rich textures that lock in moisture without irritation.

AI RecommendedTop Rated-17%Best Seller

Dermatologist recommended

size454g

skin_typeAll skin types

key_ingredientsCeramides, Hyaluronic Acid

Dermatologist recommendedGreat value for size

Can feel heavy in summer

Top Rated-5%

size50ml

skin_typeAll (anti-ageing)

key_ingredientsPeptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C

Luminous dewy finishGreat makeup base

Very expensive

Best moisturiser for oily skin?

For oily skin, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is ideal — it provides intense hydration with a lightweight gel texture that won't clog pores or feel greasy. The Ordinary NMF + HA is another excellent budget option.

Top Rated

size50ml

skin_typeOily/Combination

key_ingredientsHyaluronic Acid

Lightweight gel textureIntense hydration

Contains fragrance

size100ml

skin_typeAll skin types

key_ingredientsAmino Acids, HA, Ceramides

Incredible valueScience-backed formula

Basic texture

Is expensive moisturiser worth it?

Not always. The CeraVe Moisturising Cream (£12.50) performs as well as many luxury options for basic hydration. However, premium creams like Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream (£75) offer extras like a luminous finish and anti-ageing peptides. For sensitive skin, pharmacy brands (CeraVe, La Roche-Posay) are often the safest bet.

AI RecommendedTop Rated-17%Best Seller

Dermatologist recommended

size454g

skin_typeAll skin types

key_ingredientsCeramides, Hyaluronic Acid

Dermatologist recommendedGreat value for size

Can feel heavy in summer

Top Rated-5%

size50ml

skin_typeAll (anti-ageing)

key_ingredientsPeptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C

Luminous dewy finishGreat makeup base

Very expensive

What moisturiser is best for sensitive skin?

The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive is specifically designed for sensitive, redness-prone skin. Its prebiotic formula with niacinamide soothes irritation. CeraVe and The Ordinary NMF are also safe choices — all three are fragrance-free.

Top Rated-11%

size40ml

skin_typeSensitive

key_ingredientsPrebiotic Thermal Water, Niacinamide

Perfect for sensitive skinPrebiotic formula

Small size for price

AI RecommendedTop Rated-17%Best Seller

Dermatologist recommended

size454g

skin_typeAll skin types

key_ingredientsCeramides, Hyaluronic Acid

Dermatologist recommendedGreat value for size

Can feel heavy in summer

size100ml

skin_typeAll skin types

key_ingredientsAmino Acids, HA, Ceramides

Incredible valueScience-backed formula

Basic texture

Best budget moisturiser under £10?

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA at £8.90 is unbeatable value — 100ml of science-backed hydration with amino acids, HA, and ceramides. It's fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types.

size100ml

skin_typeAll skin types

key_ingredientsAmino Acids, HA, Ceramides

Incredible valueScience-backed formula

Basic texture

Have a more specific question? Ask our AI for a personalised recommendation.

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