*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog
Having a good moisturiser that suits your skin is key when it comes to protecting and strengthening the all important skin barrier. Here’s my list of the best moisturisers for 2026 for all skin types and budgets.
Do you need a moisturiser?
A good moisturiser that suits your skin with help to prevent hydration loss and the associated potential inflammation, both of which compromise the skin barrier.
It is important to look after the moisture barrier because when it is weakened, it is less able to protect itself from environmental aggressors, stress, and the natural ageing process.
Your serums can provide targeted and concentrated treatment to the skin to work on specific concerns, (see Best Serums post), however, you also need a moisturiser to strengthen the skin and lock in surface hydration.
Offers
Sephora UK Discount Code
Exclusive Sephora UK discount code for 15% off
Best Moisturiser 2026 for Lines & Wrinkles
Lancôme Renergie Collagen Lift-Xtend Cream
If you’re looking for a moisturiser that feels instantly smoothing and luxe, Lancôme Rénergie Collagen Lift‑Xtend Cream from Lancôme is a gorgeous option.
This formula focuses on improving skin firmness and bounce with a blend of collagen-supporting technologies. It features collagen threads, designed to mimic the structure of human collagen to help improve overall skin quality, alongside collagen peptides that help tighten the look of sagging skin and support collagen production. There’s also copper tripeptide, known for helping to smooth the appearance of deeper wrinkles and support elasticity. The texture is rich yet silky, melting beautifully into the skin and leaving it feeling hydrated, plump and super comfortable.
You can buy Lancôme Renergie Collagen Lift-Xtend Cream via the following links:
Medik8 Advanced Pro Collagen + Peptide Cream
If you’re looking for a moisturiser that’s all about supporting firmness and bounce, Medik8 Advanced Pro‑Collagen+ Peptide Cream from Medik8 is a brilliant option.
This formula focuses on boosting the look of plump, resilient skin with a clever blend of peptides and collagen-supporting technology. It uses Growth Factor MiniProtein to help support collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid levels, alongside an Anti-A.G.E. Peptide (carnosine) which helps defend collagen from glycation which is one of the key causes of visible ageing. There’s also polyglutamic acid in the mix to deliver serious hydration and leave skin looking smooth, fresh and beautifully supple. The texture is rich yet elegant, sinking in easily and leaving skin feeling cushioned and comfortable.
SHISEIDO Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream
If you’re after a rich, anti-ageing cream that lifts as well as hydrates, SHISEIDO Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream is a standout.
This sumptuous cream combines firming peptides and botanicals to help improve elasticity, smooth fine lines and deliver intense hydration. It sinks luxuriously into skin, leaving it looking plump, lifted and radiantly nourished – ideal for dry or ageing skin that needs that next-level pampering feel.
Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer
Naturium is one of Space NK’s best-selling skincare brands and this moisturiser is excellent.
This cream features a blend of peptides with vitamin C and panthenol to target the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It has a rich yet light texture that sink in quickly and gives an instant feeling of comfort and a softly glowing look. It’s really nice and super affordable too.
Trinny London The Elevator
If you’re looking for something specifically designed for the delicate neck and décolleté area, The Elevator by Trinny London from Trinny London is well worth a look.
I have been testing it for a while now and it’s a really lovely targeted treatment if your neck is starting to show signs of loss of firmness. It works. The formula is packed with peptides and the brand’s cohesion technology to help support the skin’s structure and improve the look of sagging, while encapsulated alpha arbutin works to brighten and even out pigmentation on the neck and chest. The texture is silky and hydrating, and it layers beautifully with the rest of your skincare. I have a full review with before-and-after thoughts if you want to read more about my experience.
Best Moisturisers 2026 for Dry Skin
Dry skin is a skin type that lacks natural oils and lipids, and tends to need a richer texture moisturiser to ensure that all essential hydration is locked in.
Tatcha The Longevity Memory Cream
If you want a moisturiser that feels indulgent and ultra-nourishing, The Longevity Memory Cream is a dream.
This rich, buttery formula is packed with Japanese superfoods and hydrating oils that deeply replenish dry or thirsty skin, while helping to improve resilience and elasticity over time. The texture melts luxuriously into skin, leaving it soft, plump and comfortingly hydrated. It is perfect for anyone looking for a little everyday indulgence with serious anti-ageing benefits.
Farmacy Honey Halo Ceramide Face Moisturizer
Until I tried this, I had only really used Farmacy’s brilliant cleansing balms, but this moisturiser is such a treat for dry skin or those that love a rich texture.
This is a gorgeous intense moisturiser that’s great for stressed or dry skin. It uses ceramides, buckwheat honey, and sweet fig to deliver deep nourishment and antioxidants to the skin. It leaves skin dewy and plump.
It is available to buy via the following links:
Rhode Barrier Repair Cream
This rich cream from Hailey Beiber has lots of plumping and hydrating ingredients including shea butter, squalene, peptides, and niacinamide.
This formula has a lovely softening and nourishing texture and it melts into the skin really nicely. This will fit into pretty much any skincare routine and it will work to protect the barrier and lock in hydration. The packaging is simple and chic.
Weleda Skin Food
If you have dry skin, and have never tried Skin Food, you absolutely must. It is gorgeous.
A little goes a long way and it creates a beautiful barrier on the skin to protect it from the elements and moisture loss. It has a blend of lanolin, beeswax and glycerin, plus sweet almond and sunflower oils to soften, smooth and repair the skin. And it smells amazing.
You can purchase Weleda Skin Food via the following links:
La Mer Creme de La Mer
I couldn’t write a post about moisturisers without mentioning the original Creme de La Mer because it has been one of my all time favourites for so long now.
If my skin is feeling dry, tight, or irritated, this is the cream I reach for. It is extremely thick and because of this, you only need the smallest amount. There’s a trick to getting the best out of it. You need to really warm it up between your fingers to allow the cream to transform and release all the soothing, healing ingredients.
After it is warmed up, you feel the texture loosen up between your fingers and then it glides over the skin, leaving a juicy and calm-looking complexion. I love it.
You can buy it via the following links:
Best Moisturisers 2026 for Dehydrated Skin
Whereas dry skin is a skin type, dehydration is a condition that can happen to all skin types. These moisturisers are great for adding an intense hit of hydration.
Innbeauty Project Extreme Cream
If you’re after a moisturiser that delivers serious glow as well as firming benefits, INNBeauty Project Extreme Cream Firming & Lifting Moisturizer from INNBeauty Project is a great option.
This formula is designed to hydrate and visibly smooth the skin while helping to improve firmness and elasticity over time. It uses lifting peptides to support collagen and help tighten the look of skin, alongside bio-retinol, a plant-derived retinol alternative that works to smooth the appearance of lines without the usual irritation. There are also ceramides in the mix to help strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture. The texture is rich but bouncy, melting into the skin and leaving it looking plump, glossy and beautifully hydrated.
Vichy Mineral 89 72Hr Moisture Boosting Cream
This was a brand new addition to Vichy’s line up in 2023, and it joins the already iconic Vichy Mineral 89 serum. Check out Best Serums to find out more.
This is such an easy to use moisturiser that will slot into any routine, even if you have sensitive skin. It is all about boosting and maintaining hydration and it is packed with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins E and B3 (niacinamide) and Squalane.
The texture is rich yet light and it is instantly soothing and plumping on the skin. Love it. For more information, read: Vichy Mineral 89 72Hr Moisture Boosting Cream Review.
It is available to purchase via the following links:
Sisley Paris Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream
This is one of my favourite moisturisers. It is super light in texture (it reminds me of raspberry yoghurt to look at!) yet it really does deeply hydrate and soothe the skin.
It contains Black Rose oil extract, May Rose water, Shea and Camelina oils to hydrate and moisturise the skin. It makes skin super soft, and delivers long lasting hydration and comfort.
Shop it via the following links:
KEATS The Moisturising Cream
For skin that’s feeling a little dehydrated but doesn’t need a heavy cream, Keats Moisturiser is a lovely option.
Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, it uses glycerin and soothing actives to boost moisture, smooth texture and leave skin soft without any greasy residue. It’s perfect for normal to dehydrated skin that wants a fresh, bouncy finish and a little daily pampering.
Best Moisturisers 2026 for Sensitive Skin
Dermalogica UltraCalming Calm Water Gel Moisturiser
This is a super light water-gel moisturiser formulated specifically for sensitive skin.
This formula uses Dual Hyaluronic Acid technology which means it hydrates at different layers in the skin to lock in moisture for lasting hydration. It feels super light, yet still is a very effective moisturiser.
You can buy it via the following links:
Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Cream
This is cream will deliver the perfect moisture boost for sensitive skin.
It is packed with ceramides and glycerin and is formulated to strengthen and restore the natural barrier of the skin. The cream has a beautiful soft texture that feels calming and hydrating and leaves the skin with a lovely glow.
You can buy it via the following links:
Marie Reynolds Butter Balm
Although this has been formulated as a mask, this balm makes a beautiful night cream for sensitive skin.
It’s a gorgeously indulgent formula that feels instantly soothing, calming and quenching. You can use the tiniest amount spread over the skin for immediate relief from dryness and a calming effect.
It contains lots of repairing antioxidants and a blend of butters to deeply nourish the skin and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. If my skin is having a moment, I know that this won’t irritate it at all.
Read Marie Reynolds London Butter Balm Antioxidant Mask Review.
You can buy it at Marie Reynolds London*.
Best Moisturiser 2026 for Combination & Oily Skin
Tatcha The Water Cream
If you love a moisturiser that feels incredibly fresh and weightless on the skin, Tatcha The Water Cream from Tatcha is a beautiful option.
This oil-free gel-cream has a unique water-burst texture that floods the skin with hydration while still feeling light and breathable. It’s powered by the brand’s Hadasei-3 complex (a blend of fermented Japanese superfoods) to boost radiance, alongside wild rose to help visibly tighten the look of pores and multi-weight glycerin for lasting hydration. The result is skin that feels smooth, fresh and perfectly balanced, with a soft, shine-free glow that works brilliantly under makeup.
The Inkey List Omega Water Cream
f you want a hydrator that feels fresh and cushiony but still really nourishes, The Inkey List Omega Water Cream from The Inkey List is a brilliant everyday pick.
This gel‑cream hybrid gives skin a hit of lightweight moisture with a blend of omega fatty acids to help strengthen the skin’s barrier and lock in hydration. It also uses squalane and glycerin to smooth and plump, leaving skin looking soft, dewy and balanced without feeling greasy. The texture is cool and refreshing on application, so it’s perfect if you want a hydrating cream that feels weightless but still delivers that healthy, quenched look.
Best Moisturiser 2026 for Dull Skin
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
This is a great choice for dry or mature skin types if you want a good dose of hydration with a nourishing feel and a dewy glow.
The Dewy Skin Cream is formulated with Tatcha’s special blend of hyaluronic acid and Okinawa algae, plus antioxidant-rich Japanese purple rice, which helps to protect skin against stress and pollution. It’s the perfect under makeup moisturiser for glow lovers.
Shop it via the following links:
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream
If you are looking for a rich moisturiser that’s still fairly light on the skin and boosts your glow factor, then this could be the one. It’s so good.
The texture melts into the skin so beautifully and leaves it looking instantly smoother and more radiant. The formula is thick without being too heavy – it has almost a hint of a honey-like texture but isn’t sticky.
The brightening come from 5% high-potency, advanced vitamin C (THD ascorbate) which is the gold standard form of vitamin C and is very stable against oxygenation. It promises to stay stable even in a jar. I love this stuff.
You can buy it via the following links:
Best Moisturisers with SPF
Although I prefer to use a separate sunscreen for proper protection from UV rays, I do think that moisturisers with SPF can serve a purpose in the winter months.
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50
This is a brilliant affordable moisturiser with high sun protection.
Like all of Cerave’s products, it is packed with ceramide to help restore the skin barrier and Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate. What is really great about this is that the texture is lightweight in spite of the high protection. It sinks in effortlessly.
It is available via the following links:
Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C SPF 30
This cream gives a lovely glowy finish to the skin along with a healthy dose of Vitamin C plus SPF30 UV protection.
It has a really rich texture that’s loaded with Hyaluronic Acid which means it is brilliant at keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day.
You can buy it via the following links:
Vichy Liftactiv B3 Pigment Specialist Day Cream
This is a great all round high protection moisturiser designed to help correct pigmentation, and also work on wrinkle appearances of all types. It includes Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and LHA which work together to fade dark spots, while broad-spectrum SPF50 to helps prevent further hyperpigmentation.
It has a lovely light texture yet it feels really nourishing and moisturising. The finish is a soft and velvety, and it creates a lovely base for makeup.
Shop it via the following links:
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF30
This product is one of the beauty industry’s true icons and this version has SPF30.
It uses a blends a powerful blend of ingredients, including Padina Pavonica and Ginkgo Biloba which works to address lines and wrinkles, super-boost hydration, and firm up the skin.
SPF30 protection comes courtesy of a next generation micronized sunscreen that leaves no white cast while delivering broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
Shop it via the following links:
Best Budget Moisturisers 2026
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
This one is the most nourishing of all the moisturisers from The Ordinary and in my opinion, the most luxurious one.
This is one of my favourite products that The Ordinary have made – it is such a beautiful moisturiser that it could be 10 times the price. The luxurious consistency is perfect for dry skin or if you like a super dewy look.
The Ordinary have two other moisturisers to choose from, so this guide may help: The Ordinary Moisturiser- Which One Should I Use?
You can buy The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Phytoceramides via the following links:
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
No matter what you are looking for within the CeraVe brand, you will find a good value solution packed with barrier strengthening Ceramides.
The CeraVe Moisturising Cream is a a great moisturiser particularly well suited to dry skins. It has three essential ceramides plus Hyaluronic Acid in a non-greasy formula to lock In hydration all day long.
You can buy it at:
I hope you found this round of of the Best Moisturisers for 2026 helpful. Please get in touch if you have any questions.
You may also want to check out:
- Best Cleansers
- Best Exfoliators
- Best Eye Creams
- Best Serums
