During my years working as a beauty editor it has become increasingly apparent that there’s one skincare product that people are obsessed with above all else—moisturiser. There’s no doubt that "Which moisturisers are genuinely worth the money?" is one of the questions I get asked most frequently, and it’s really no surprise when there are so many on the market. From moisturisers for dry skin to moisturisers for oily skin and sensitive skin, it can take some digging around to mind the right one for your skin's needs.
However, skincare is deeply personal, and whilst most of us are becoming increasingly clued-up on our skin types, there’s another major factor at play when it comes to sourcing a moisturiser that will work for you—your age. Before we get into it, let me be clear: I have no time for wild anti-ageing claims or products that promise to deliver line-free skin—nothing is going to turn back the clock or completely eliminate wrinkles and fine lines that are already present on your skin.
However, the care that mature skin needs compared to what it might have done in your 20s or 30s is undoubtedly different, most notably because our collagen, hydration and elasticity levels start to decrease. So when I’m recommending moisturisers for people in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, I’m focused on formulations that boost moisture levels, plump the skin and improve texture and tone.
Ahead, I've created a comprehensive list of the very best moisturisers for mature skin that I continually recommend based on expert advice and rave reviews from other beauty editors. Plus, I called on some top dermatologists and skin experts to reveal the best skincare ingredients and formulas that they swear by personally and for their clients.
Why do we need to moisturise?
"As we age, the essential lipids—such as cholesterol, fatty acids and ceramides— are depleted," explains Dr Fiona McCarthy, consultant oncologist, aesthetic doctor and co-founder of The Bronte Clinic. "These lipids are essential for our skin to maintain healthy barrier function. If these are lost, our skin loses moisture more quickly and can become dry and irritated. An impaired skin barrier can also result in more visible signs of ageing."
What ingredients are best?
"To combat an impaired skin barrier, dehydration, or dry skin, it's essential to choose a moisturiser that's rich in restorative ingredients like ceramides, squalane, and lipids," says esthetician and skin expert Grace Day. "These will improve skin's ability to retain moisture." Of course, it's also important to look out for ingredients that deliver moisture to the skin, as well as trap it in. "Ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and polyglutamic acid are frequently found in most moisturisers and will work quickly and effectively," she adds.
When should you apply moisturiser?
"Ideally you want to be applying moisturiser day and night in order to maintain hydration levels around the clock," says Day. "The general rule for product application is to layer textures from thinnest to thickest, so moisturiser should be applied after serums. In the evening it will probably be the final step in your routine, and in the morning it will be followed up by sunscreen application."
How do you apply moisturiser?
Day advises applying moisturiser generously for best results. "Most people are quite frugal with their moisturiser application, but remember that—much like drinking water— you can't really overdo it with hydration," she adds. "To ensure your moisturiser absorbs effectively, apply it to damp skin when possible, and press it firmly into skin."
Shop the Best Moisturisers for Mature Skin, Tried Tested
- Best Overall: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream (£150)
- Best Premium Moisturiser: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 (£150)
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Crea (£95)
- Best Affordable Moisturiser: Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream (£19)
- Best Luxury Moisturiser: La Mer Moisturising Cream (£165)
1. Best Overall: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
Key ingredients: Omega 6 fatty acids, antioxidants and argan, avocado and evening primrose oils
When to use: Morning and night
Although I'm always loathe to recommend a moisturiser with a three-figure price tag, the science really does speak for this industry-insider moisturiser. Packed with omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants, as well as the brand's own TFC8 Complex which promotes skin rejuvenation, this moisturiser is worth the bucks if you want to see results. Plus, legions of celebs from Victoria Beckham to Priyanka Chopra Jonas swear by it. It's truly one of the best Augustinus Bader products.
For
- Advanced formula with active ingredients
Against
- Expensive
2. Best Premium: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
Key ingredients: 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol and 2% fatty acids
When to use: Morning and night
"SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore is a real favourite for more mature skin," says McCarthy. "It contains essential lipids in an optimised ratio which helps protect and maintain skin barrier function."
For
- Targets damaged skin barriers
Against
- More expensive than others
3. Best for Sensitive Skin: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Key ingredients: Padina pavonica, chlorella and ginkgo biloba
When to use: In the morning
Probably my most-frequently recommended moisturiser for mature skin, Elemis's Pro-Collagen Marine Cream is a cult moisturiser in the truest sense, and for good reason: This stuff really works. Formulated with potent plant actives, it boosts hydration and improves the elasticity and firmness of your skin over time. Plus, it has a beautiful gel-cream texture that's perfect if you don't get on with heavier consistencies.
For
- Great texture for face massage
Against
- Highly fragranced
4. Best Day Cream: Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream
Price shown is members' price. Non-member price is £100.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and plant actives
When to use: Morning and night
Hyaluronic acid is one of the best ingredients to look out for if you have mature skin, as it really works hard to help your skin retain its moisture levels, resulting in a firmer, plumper complexion. This one from Beauty Pie rivals some of its more expensive counterparts at a fraction of the price.
For
- Multitasking formula firms and plumps
Against
- Requires a Beauty Pie membership to access discounted prices
5. Best Expensive: La Mer Moisturising Cream
Key ingredients: Algae extract, eucalyptus globulus leaf oil and niacin
When to use: Morning or night
If you're looking for a moisturiser to help maintain a healthy skin barrier, La Mer's moisturising cream might be the one for you. This cream is deeply hydrating, with ingredients such as algae extract and eucalyptus globulus leaf oil to plump and smooth the complexion whilst reinforcing the skin barrier.
For
- Feels soothing and gentle
Against
- Higher price point
6. Best for Mature Skin: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Face Moisturiser
Key ingredients: Niacinamide and retinoid complex
When to use: At night
At the other end of the price spectrum is this little gem from Olay—probably my most-recommended high-street brand for efficacious formulations for mature skin. This moisturiser was an instant sell-out at launch thanks to its hardworking blend of skin-smoothing retinol, moisture-retaining vitamin B3 and its overall skin-brightening effects.
For
- Fragrance-free, more affordable than others
Against
- Some don't like the scent
7. Best Mid-Range: Dr. Sam Bunting Skincare Dr Sam's Flawless Reviving Mask
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, shea, squalane, glycerin and hyaluronic acid
When to use: Morning or night
"Skin naturally becomes drier as we age due to a number of biological reasons, so a a rich moisturiser is often needed," explains dermatologist Dr Beibei Du-Harpur. "I like Dr. Sam’s Flawless Revival Mask which is both hydrating as well as moisturising. Although it is technically a ‘mask’, it can also be used as a moisturiser so you don’t have to wash it off."
For
- Instant results
Against
- Not best underneath makeup
8. Best Ingredients: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream
Key ingredients: Ceramides
When to use: Morning and night
Despite Dr. Jart+ being one of those viral skincare brands that you see all over TikTok, don't make the mistake of thinking that their formulations only cater to Gen Z. Whilst this basic moisturiser is a brilliant option for every age and skin type, the rich fusion of ceramides means that mature skin will particularly benefit from its ability to lock-in moisture and strengthen your skin barrier.
For
- Great for skin barrier repair
Against
- Often sold out
9. Best for Dry Skin: Kate Somerville Peptide K8 Power Cream
Key ingredients: Ceramides, peptides and oligopeptide
When to use: Morning and night
Packed with skin-firming peptides that smooth the appearance of fine lines and intensely hydrate parched skin, this high-performing moisturiser is a hit amongst customers with mature skin. "I would purchase this cream again as at 61 I feel it has definitely smoothed out my skin and made it plumper [SIC]," says one five-star review.
For
- Has anti-ageing benefits
Against
- High price point
10. Best for Dehydrated Skin: Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Moisturiser for Dehydrated Skin
Key ingredients: Cohederm™, pre-tocopheryl (a vitamin E derivative), dextran sulfate and Avène thermal spring water
When to use: Morning and night
"For a lighter formulation for mature skin, I like Avène Hydrance Aqua Gel,” says Du-Harpur. "It is very lightweight, yet still effectively moisturises. It is probably better-suited to those who have an [oilier] skin type or wish to use a more lightweight product during the day; a lighter moisturiser [in the day] and a richer moisturiser [in the evening] often works well.”
For
- Light texture and cooling formula
Against
- Not the best if you want a scent from your moisturiser
11. Best Budget: Weleda Skin Food
Key ingredients: Essential oils, glycerin, lanolin, beeswax , sunflower seed oil, extracts of wild pansy, chamomile, calendula and rosemary
When to use: Whenever your skin is feeling dry
If it's dry skin that you're really looking to combat then you can't get much better than this classic, award-winning moisturiser. It boasts a rich blend of glycerin, lanolin, beeswax and natural oils to really soften dryness and keep skin hydrated around the clock. Plus, makeup artists always have this in their kit thanks to the incredible glow that it provides.
For
- Thick, rich texture
Against
- Not suitable for acne-prone skin
12. Best Heavy Cream: Dr Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Dewy Deep Cream
Key ingredients: Vitamin C and lactic acid
When to use: Morning and night
As well as combatting the loss of collagen in mature skin through a complex blend of moisture-boosting oils in its scientific formulation, this nourishing cream also targets dullness with a potent vitamin C that reduces the appearance of dark spots and adds luminosity to tired skin.
For
- Antioxidants stimulate collagen and brightens dark spots
Against
- More expensive than others
13. Best Night Cream: Meder Beauty Circa-Night Cream
Key ingredients: Natural soy peptides
When to use: At night
"The best moisturiser for mature skin for me is our Meder Circa-Night," recommends dermatologist Dr Tiina Meder. "It really helps to restore and regenerate skin at night without any aggression and side effects. It addresses skin elasticity, barrier function and sensitivity, which are all are equally important for mature skin care."
For
- Suitable for a wide range of skin types
Against
- Limited stockists
14. Best Overnight Results: Medik8 Advanced Night Restore
Key ingredients: Multi-ceramide complex
When to use: At night
As our skin ages, a lot of us will embrace a more active skincare routine with ingredients like AHAs, vitamin C and even retinol. This nourishing moisturiser has been specially formulated to be used alongside such ingredients to support your skin barrier and provide a boost of cell-repairing peptides and soothing essential oils. It's particularly brilliant if you use vitamin A products which can be harsh on the skin, as this replenishing cream will soothe and calm irritation.
For
- Great for all skin types
Against
- More expensive than other moisturisers out there
15. Best Light Cream: Tata Harper Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter
When to use: Daytime
Lightweight, gel-cream formulas are perfect for daytime application, since they absorb quickly, don't leave residue, and layer well underneath makeup. This one ticks all of the boxes—and is packed with a cocktail of powerful hydrating ingredients.
For
- Sits well under makeup
Against
- Heavy packaging
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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