Ever looked in the mirror and wondered if your moisturiser is doing its job? Let’s face it (pun intended), with all the different moisturisers on the market, it can be confusing to know which one is right for you.
Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, mature, or combination skin, understanding what ingredients to look for and avoid can make all the difference.
That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of moisturisers, helping you identify your skin type and find the perfect match for a healthy, happy glow.
How to Identify Your Skin Type
Before diving into moisturisers, let’s chat about skin types. Everyone’s skin is unique and different, however, there are common characteristics that can help you categorise what type of skin you have.
Here’s a quick guide to identify yours:
- Dry Skin: Feels tight, rough, flaky, and maybe even itchy especially after cleansing. Dry patches are common, especially in cold weather.
- Oily Skin: Often shiny, greasy, and is prone to breakouts. You might find blotting papers are your BFF.
- Sensitive Skin: Easily irritated by products or environmental factors. Prone to redness, itching, stinging, or burning.
- Mature Skin: Often shows signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness.
- Combination Skin: A mix of different types! You might have an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) with dry or normal cheeks.
How Moisturiser Works on the Skin
Moisturisers are like tiny superheroes for your skin. Moisturisers work by trapping moisture in the skin to keep it hydrated, smooth, and protected. They work in two main ways:
- Hydration: Moisturisers draw moisture from the deeper layers of your skin and trap it near the surface using humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. This keeps your skin plump and hydrated.
- Occlusion: Some moisturisers use ingredients like petrolatum and shea butter to create a barrier on the skin’s surface. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the skin feeling soft and smooth [1].
Best Moisturiser for Dry Skin
Now that you know your skin type and how moisturisers work, let’s find your perfect match.
Ingredients to Look Out For
- Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid
- Occlusives like petrolatum and shea butter
- Ceramides can also help strengthen your skin’s barrier [2]
Product Texture
Thick creams and lotions will provide long-lasting hydration and create a protective barrier.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Drying alcohols: ie: denatured alcohol.
- Fragrances and essential oils: These can cause irritation and dryness.
Product Recommendations
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – This rich, non-greasy, and fragrance-free cream contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
QV Cream – This fragrance-free, lanolin-free moisturiser is a lifesaver for dry skin. Packed with glycerin and petrolatum, it delivers intense hydration without irritation.
Best Moisturiser for Oily Skin
Ingredients to Look Out For
- Humectants like glycerin hydrate without clogging pores
- Niacinamide can help regulate oil production and reduce breakouts [3]
- Salicylic acid is a gentle exfoliant that can keep pores clear
Product Texture
Lightweight gels and emulsions that hydrate without clogging pores are perfect for oily skin.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Occlusives like petrolatum and shea butter can be too heavy for oily skin
- Drying alcohols can be tempting as they give skin a temporary matte look, but they can actually strip your skin of its natural oils and lead to more oil production!
Product Recommendation
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel – This oil-free, non-comedogenic gel moisturiser contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin without adding excess oil.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat – This is a fantastic choice for oily skin. This lightweight, oil-free lotion hydrates without clogging pores. It also contains niacinamide and LHA (a gentler cousin of salicylic acid) to keep breakouts at bay.
Best Moisturiser for Sensitive Skin
- Humectants like glycerin for gentle hydration
- Ceramides and panthenol (vitamin B5) can help soothe and strengthen your skin barrier [4]
- You can also look out for other soothing agents like Vitamin E and niacinamide
Product Texture
Look for fragrance-free creams, lotions, or gels that are gentle on your skin.
Ingredients to Avoid
Fragrances, strong sulphates, and harsh exfoliants can irritate sensitive skin. Be wary of strong active ingredients like vitamin C and retinol, which can be sensitizing for some. Patch testing is always a good idea for sensitive skin!
Product Recommendation
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Riche Moisturiser – Formulated with niacinamide and ceramide-3, this fragrance-free moisturiser soothes and protects sensitive skin. Available for purchase in Australia.
Bioderma Sensibio Light Moisturiser – This fragrance-free, lightweight lotion is packed with soothing ingredients to keep your sensitive skin happy.
Best 2Moisturiser for Mature and Aging Skin
Ingredients to Look Out For
- Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid for hydration
- Peptides and retinol can help stimulate collagen production and reduce wrinkles [5]
- Ceramides help strengthen your skin barrier, while antioxidants like vitamin C and Vitamin E help protect your skin from free radical damage
Product Texture
Thicker creams and lotions are ideal for mature skin as they provide richer hydration and support skin elasticity.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Drying alcohols can be irritating
- While fragrance isn’t necessarily a no-go, it’s best to opt for fragrance-free if your skin is sensitive as this can cause irritation and dryness
Product Recommendation
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream – This anti-aging cream contains hyaluronic acid, peptides, and niacinamide to hydrate and firm the skin.
Ultraceuticals Ultra B2 Balancing Defence Complex – This fragrance-free cream combines the power of peptides, niacinamide, and vitamin C to brighten, firm, and protect mature skin.
Best Moisturiser for Combination Skin
Ingredients to Look Out For
- Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid hydrate the skin
- Look for ingredients that target specific concerns, like lactic, salicylic, or glycolic acid for gentle exfoliation in the oily T-zone
Product Texture
Lightweight creams or lotions that hydrate without causing excess oiliness are a good choice. For extra moisture, you can also layer a hydrating serum under your moisturiser.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Heavy occlusives might be too much for oily areas
- Be mindful of harsh exfoliants and strong fragrances that could irritate drier areas
Product Recommendation
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel – This lightweight gel hydrates without making the skin oily, perfect for combination skin.
Sukin Hydrating Day Cream – This is a great all-rounder for combination skin. This lightweight, fragrance-free lotion provides hydration without clogging pores.
The Bottom Line
Finding the perfect moisturiser is all about understanding your skin type and its needs. Here’s a quick recap:
- Know your skin type: Dry, oily, sensitive, mature, or combination?
- Hydration is key: Look for humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
- Match your texture: Thicker creams for dry skin, lightweight options for oily skin.
- Be gentle with sensitive skin: Fragrance-free formulas are your friend.
- Target aging concerns: Retinol and peptides can help with wrinkles and firmness.
- Combination skin needs balance: Look for lightweight, multitasking moisturisers.
- Patch test new products: Especially if you have sensitive skin.
Remember, a consistent skincare routine is essential for healthy, radiant skin. Finding the right moisturiser is a key step in everyone’s skincare routine. If you’re ever unsure about what to choose, don’t hesitate to chat with a dermatologist, aesthetician, or beauty therapist. They can help you create a personalised skincare routine that’s perfect for you.
Need a bit more help? Check out our cheat sheets and find the perfect one for your skin type.
REFERENCES
Fries, Wendy C. “Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin.” WebMD, 25 Sept. 2022, www.webmd.com/beauty/features/moisturizers.
Levin, Jacquelyn, and Richard Miller. “A guide to the ingredients and potential benefits of over-the-counter cleansers and moisturizers for rosacea patients.” The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology 4.8 (2011): 31.
Meckfessel, Matthew H., and Staci Brandt. “The structure, function, and importance of ceramides in skin and their use as therapeutic agents in skin-care products.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 71.1 (2014): 177-184.
Draelos, Zoe Diana, Akira Matsubara, and Kenneth Smiles. “The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production.” Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy 8.2 (2006): 96-101.
Torres, Ana, et al. “How to Promote Skin Repair? In-Depth Look at Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Strategies.” Pharmaceuticals 16.4 (2023): 573.
Rona, C., F. Vailati, and E. Berardesca. “The cosmetic treatment of wrinkles.” Journal of cosmetic dermatology 3.1 (2004): 26-34.
How to pick the right moisturizer for your skin. www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/pick-moisturizer.
