There's Barely a Moisturiser Out There I Haven't Tried—Nothing Compares to These 17 Hardworking Creams

Best for: Anyone and everyone

Key ingredients: Ceramides, fatty acids, sugarcane-derived squalane, hyaluronic acid

This moisturiser is, hands down, one of the most underrated skincare products around—but those who know know. Packed with barrier-protecting and restoring ingredients such as ceramides and squalane, it is a no-fuss moisturiser that delivers the essential hydration that skin needs. Beauty director, Shannon Lawlor considers it one of her most cherished skincare products. "The texture of this cream is decadent without being too thick or rich—it glides over the skin and sinks in to leave a suitably plumped, happy, hydrated complexion," she says.

Best for: Oily skin

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and ceramides

This is my go-to moisturiser in the summer months when my skin feels a little oilier. If you have an oily skin type all year round, you need this product on your radar. The lightweight texture is infused with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to nourish the skin, and the fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula helps to minimise shine.

While I wouldn't use this in the evening (I prefer applying a richer cream before bed), I love using this in the morning before applying my makeup. It sinks into the skin in seconds and creates a smooth base for my foundation. For just £17 I couldn't recommend this enough.

Best for: Dull skin

Key ingredients: Japanese botanicals and hyaluronic acid

When my skin is feeling a little dull and lacklustre, this is the moisturiser I rely on to give me that much-needed glow. I wouldn't recommend this for oily skin types, but those of you with drier and dull skin will love the dewy formula.

With hyaluronic acid, skin barrier-boosting Okinawa algae blend and antioxidant-packed Japanese purple rice, this moisturiser is infused with key ingredients to keep thirsty complexions suitably quenched. Although it does have a thicker texture compared to the moisturiser above, it still works really well under makeup as it adds a radiant finish to the skin. That being said, I also apply it at night to let it work its magic while I sleep.

Best for: Sensitive skin

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid

Cetaphil is my go-to brand when my skin is feeling sensitive. The cleansers and moisturisers never irritate my complexion, and this daily hydrating option is a failsafe formula that my bathroom cabinet is never without.

Packed with hyaluronic acid, this moisturiser is fragrance-free and designed to not clog pores, so it's ideal for pretty much any skin type. That being said, if you have super dry skin then this lightweight formula might be better suited to your morning skincare routine, whereas in the evening you might want to use something a little richer. What I love about it is that it sinks into the skin in seconds and hydrates my complexion without that dreaded greasy feeling that some moisturisers can leave behind.

Best for: Combination skin

Key ingredients: Aloe vera, organic grape water and hyaluronic acid

Anyone with combination skin will know the struggle of finding a hydrating moisturiser that doesn't feel greasy or clog pores. Enter, Caudalie's Vinohydra Gel Moisturiser. This moisturiser landed on my desk a few months ago and I've been hooked ever since.

I've been using this as part of my morning skincare routine as it has a super refreshing, gel-like texture that really awakens my complexion after a long night's sleep. Plus, it sits beautifully under makeup. In true Caudalie style, it contains organic grape water and aloe vera to soothe the skin, alongside hyaluronic acid to hydrate. I wouldn't reach for this in the evenings as I prefer a rich cream at night, but this has become a morning staple for me.

Best for: Dry skin

Key ingredients: African oils and plant ceramide complex

Speaking of rich moisturisers, let me introduce you to the Lala Retro Whipped Cream from Drunk Elephant. I've been using this for the last few months and have noticed such a difference in my dull, winter skin.

Now, this is a thicker consistency, so it might not be best for oily or blemish-prone skin types. But, if you have really dry skin, then this could be the formula for you. Not only does it hydrate the complexion thanks to six different African oils and a plant ceramide complex, but it also helps to nourish the skin barrier and protect the skin against environmental stressors. It comes in a fun pump format that dispenses the exact amount of product every single time, and a little really does go a long way.

Best for: Pre-makeup skin prep

Key ingredients: Vitamin E, vitamin C, shea butter, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid

This moisturiser has somewhat of a cult following, and after trying it out myself, I can totally see why. Interestingly enough this product was actually born backstage and was designed to revive models' complexions and prep their skin for makeup.

The formula itself is incredibly hydrating and feels silky soft once applied to the skin. It creates a flawless base for makeup and also adds a beautiful glow. It really is like magic in a jar for dry skin types and I always make sure to have a tub in my skincare stash for the winter months.

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Best for: Mature skin

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and antioxidants

You didn't think I'd do this roundup and not include this Beauty Pie moisturiser, did you? We've written a lot about this hydrating cream on Who What Wear UK, and for good reason. I like to thing of this as a great all-rounder, as it's an effective moisturiser for a range of skincare concerns from fine lines to dry skin and dullness. However, it is formulated for mature skin, so you better believe it's great for fine lines, too.

Packed with skin-loving ingredients from hyaluronic acid to antioxidants, I love the texture of this and use it as part of both my morning and evening skincare routine. Do I think a moisturiser can actually get rid of fine lines? No. Does this work to hydrate and plump the skin to make your complexion look fresher and fuller? Absolutely.

Best for: Very dry skin

Key ingredients: Thermal spring water and panthenol

I'm sure you've seen this product all over your TikTok feed, but is it worth the hype? In my opinion, it really is. I don't think it's technically advertised as a moisturiser, but I personally like to use it in place of my regular face cream when my skin is feeling particularly dry or dull. I plaster a thick layer on at night and wake up with a soft, glowing complexion.

Now, this cream is thick (it's more of a balm texture), but it is suitable for even the most sensitive of skin. That being said, I probably wouldn't wear it in the daytime and wouldn't recommend it for oilier skin types. But, if you're looking for a hydrating night cream, add this to your basket ASAP.

Best for: A lightweight texture

Key ingredients: Tri-ceramide complex and niacinamide

I recommend Byoma skincare to pretty much everyone I know. Not only is it affordable but the formulas have all been designed with the skin barrier in mind so they are perfect if your skin is feeling dry or irritated. That being said, the brand also have some great skincare products for oilier skin types. Case in point, the Moisturizing Gel Cream.

What I love about this formula is that it feels super creamy on the skin while still feeling lightweight. The gel texture is also really cooling so it's a great option for your morning skincare routine. All in all, it's an absolute dream to use and hydrates the skin without feeling greasy or clogging pores.

Best for: A spa-like treat

Key ingredients: Marine and plant actives

I've had this Elemis cream in my skincare stash for years, and I know I can rely on it for those days where my skin texture feels a little off. It's a super hydrating, smoothing formula and although it feels rich and luxurious, the gel-cream texture is lightweight enough to create a silky soft base for makeup. Plus, it comes with SPF 30 for added protection.

I would say that this is best for dry to combination skin, but really oily skin types might want to opt for something even lighter.

Best for: Natural radiance

Key ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and retinyl palmitate

Believe it or not, I've actually had strangers compliment my skin when wearing this moisturiser. Yes, it adds that much of a glow. Suitable for all skin types (even sensitive), the formula is packed with effective ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and retinyl palmitate, which is No7's pro-retinol ingredient that is gentle enough for sensitive skin while still supporting the skin's renewal process.

It's moisturising but not greasy, and adds a subtle glow that I think even oilier skin types would be a fan of. If you're looking for a new moisturiser to boost radiance under makeup, this is one of my top recommendations.

Best for: Mega luxury

Key ingredients: La Mer's Miracle Broth™

This luxury moisturiser is loved by beauty editors. Yes, it's incredibly expensive and I would never recommend spending this much on a moisturiser, but if you do happen to love luxury skincare and are in the market for a rich, moisturising cream, then it really is quite good for dry skin types.

The formula contains the brand's Miracle Broth™, which is essentially a cocktail of effective ingredients that work to support your skin's natural renewal process. The texture itself is incredibly thick so it's amazing for really dry skin, and will leave your complexion looking visibly softer and hydrated. I don't use it much, but when I do, I always remember why I love it so much. You can also get a fresh version and a soft version (seen being used above) for both dry and oily skin types.

Best for: Plumping hydration

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and squalane

People rave about Vichy's Minéral 89 Serum, so I was really excited to get my hands on the cream version. A dermatologist actually recommended this moisturiser to me to help hydrate my skin, and the great thing is that it's suitable for all skin types.

Although it's packed with hyaluronic acid and squalane, the texture itself is incredibly lightweight and sinks into the skin in seconds. I always think my complexion looks plump and dewy after using this, and I reach for it both day and night thanks to the well-balanced formula.

Best for: Reactive skin

Key ingredients: Aloe, goat milk, avocado and jojoba

I went through a period a few years ago where my skin was really red and irritated. My friend recommended the Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cleanser and it completely calmed my complexion down. I decided to then invest in the moisturiser and I'm so glad that I did—and Shannon agrees. "I will never be without a pot of this stuff on my shelf. It has a lighterweight lotion consistency that packs a real soothing punch. Plus, it doesn't exacerbate my breakouts or congestion either," she says.

Similar to the cleanser, this cream has a calming effect and soothes irritated skin like never before. It's incredibly moisturising and really works to boost glow, too. Trust me, your skin will thank you for adding this to your skincare routine.

Best for: Affordable soothing

Key ingredients: Prebiotic oat

This Aveeno moisturiser is one of my favourite affordable skincare products. The gel-cream hybrid is super refreshing and great for oily skin types or for applying before makeup in the morning.

It contains prebiotic oat so is incredibly soothing and calming, and I like to reach for this when my skin is playing up a little bit and I want to keep things as simple as possible.

Best for: Instant glow

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, amino acids

Sunday Riley's C.E.O. vitamin C range is considered one of the most radiance-boosting around, and this moisturiser is the real MVP. "Yes, this stuff is packed with vitamin C, so you're already going to benefit from the brightening, antioxidant benefits of the powerhouse ingredient. Beyond that, however, the cream also has a subtle sheen that boosts glow like you wouldn't believe. My skin laps it up and looks so good after application that I never feel the need to apply makeup over the top," says Shannon.