Some beauty products have a reputation that precedes it and Weleda Skin Food Ultra Rich Cream (£15) is one of them. This classic cream has been around over 100 years and it still remains one of the go-to moisturisers around the world with one bottle sold every eight seconds. It's a favourite among celebrities like Hailey Bieber (whose TikTok influenced me to buy it), Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow to name a few, but what makes it so great? As a beauty editor I have tried my fair share of moisturisers so I feel like I am in a position to judge.
Read on to find out if I will be switching this into my skincare arsenal or if I'm confused about the hype.
Ok, first up a little goes a long way. This ultra thick cream doesn't need to be layered up to achieve a fully hydrated finish so apply with caution. I like how it can be used practically anywhere, as I often forget to take multiple products with me if I'm showering at the gym. Or if I am pushed for time I tend to neglect my body with a full moisturiser application, so this can be added to the very dry spots like knees, elbows and ankles. The celebrity fans all rave about how it gives their facial skin a glow and I have to say it definitely does that – and then some.
A lot of times with skincare products, it can take a few weeks to months for you to see a noticeable difference in your skin. However, with Weleda's ultra-rich cream, you can see a difference in a matter of seconds. One tip I tried and really liked was mixing it into my foundation, especially in the warmer months when you don't want a heavy base, for a sheerer, glowy finish.
It is worth noting this cream is composed of clean ingredients, so it's free of synthetic dyes, fragrances, preservatives and silicones, so you don't have to worry about it being toxic to the skin.
As I mentioned, you don't need a lot of product as it is super rich, so a small, pea-size amount on the fingers is enough for a full face's worth of moisture. Unless you like to go to bed feeling like a glazed doughnut, then this is the same for your body and you don't need a lot to feel the benefits. I have to say its moisturising abilites for exceptionally dry areas are unmatched. It can transform cracked heels and dry elbows after a few uses and for that alone it is a product that I will always take on holiday with me from now on.
I also like to use it before I self tan, I apply it to my hands and feet to act as a barrier and prevent telltale patches, as well as to my knees which can often appear darker due to dry skin.
Personally, in terms of a facial moisturiser I prefer Weleda Skin Food Light (£15), as the original is just a tad too thick for my skin, which isn't particularly dry. I can definitely see the appeal of using it if you feel you need added nourishment or your skin feels dehydrated though, which is why it will take its place in my permanent skincare collection.
Also it is worth noting the formula contains alcohol, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but for those with sensitive skin or rosacea, this ingredient alone can cause the skin to flare up. It also contains potential allergens worth noting such as sweet almond oil, which can affect those with nut allergies and floral derivatives like calendula and chamomile, which may bother those with seasonal allergies.
You can find this moisturiser at Boots, Holland & Barrett and Lookfantastic.
★★★★☆
Lauren Ezekiel is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism and 12 years' experience as a beauty editor at a leading Sunday supplement, she is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and is often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK, Health and Beauty, The Sun, ASDA, Dare and Metro.