21 best face creams for women 2024 UK; tested for dry, oily and sensitive skin
DREAMING of effortlessly soft and hydrated skin? We've put some of the best face creams for women to the test to make it easier than ever to find the right product for you.
When there's a sea of skincare products out there promising miracles, it can be daunting, to say the least, to decide which one to go for – especially when the most coveted skincare brands also come at a price.
But fear not though, because we've taken on the challenge and sifted through a plethora of products to bring you our honest verdict – whether you've got dry skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin or a combination of all three.
From anti-ageing formulas and lifting face lotions to moisturisers for sensitive skin and creams that are packed with hero ingredients like hyaluronic acid and collagen-boosting vitamin C, we've rigorously tested each one and given it a rating out of five.
So say goodbye to guesswork and hello to radiant skin as we unveil the best face creams for women, tried and tested.
How we tested
We tested the face creams on six different reviewers with skin types ranging from dry, sensitive, oily and acne-prone.
Each reviewer used the face cream for more than five days to see whether they could see if it had made a difference to their skin. Some products were already items our reviewers used in their daily routine.
Our reviewers tested creams in the AM and PM, with SPF and layered with make-up to see whether they would work well.
We also used the Yuka app to check the ingreidients in each cream to see whether it was accurate to its label.
Best face creams at a glance:
- Best overall face cream: Egyptian Magic Cream
- Best face cream for dry skin: CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion No SPF
- Best face cream for women: L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler [+ Hyaluronic Acid] Eye Cream For Face
- Best face cream for men: Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream for Dry Sensitive Skin
- Best face cream with SPF: Beauty Bay SPF 50 UVA/UVB Face Lotion
Most read in Product Reviews
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
- Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, from £35 from Kiehl's - buy here
Pros: Very hydrating, a little goes a long way, skin instantly looks brighter, feels light on skin
Cons: No scent, quite pricey, doesn't include SPF (though an SPF 30 version is available)
Rating: 4/5
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is a skincare classic. It's won 70 international awards and averages 4.7 stars on the brand's website. In short, it's got a pretty good reputation.
Touted as a 'super hydrator', it uses glacial glycoprotein and olive-derived squalane to ensure moisturised skin all day.
The cream looks very thick in the pot but once it's rubbed in, it feels lightweight and, crucially, non-greasy.
This moisturiser only uses natural ingredients so you know your skin isn't being subjected to harsh chemicals - a real bonus for sensitive skin.
Don't expect a strong scent from this one because that's not where this product's strengths lie, but do expect to only need a small amount. A little goes a very long way, which is great because this is priced on the higher end of the mid-range at £35 for 50ml, or if you want to size up, £57 for 125ml.
Find out more detail in our Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream review.
Review by Olivia Perl.
Size: 50ml, 125ml and 15ml refill, Skin type: All, How to use: Day and night, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
- Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, from £52 up from Charlotte Tilbury - buy here
Pros: Expensive, thick consistency, feels luxurious, glowing skin
Cons: Expensive, can take a while to soak in, can be too thick in summer (a lighter version is available)
Rating: 4/5
Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream is a cult classic for a reason and the iconic moisturiser has garnered thousands of fans over the years, and it's easy to see why.
A thick, moisturiser it's perfect if you have dry or combination skin, however, its biggest selling point (its consistency) can also be to its detriment, as some may find its formula too heavy.
While I wouldn't recommend it to those with oilier skin, Charlotte Tilbury also does a Magic Cream Light which combines everything you love about Magic Cream but with a lighter formula.
A little of this will go a long way, so your jar will last you months - making the expensive £52 price tag a little bit more palatable.
I find that my skin will feel moisturised all day, and my skin feels instantly smooth, and soft after use, and it looks healthy and bright.
It's easy to see why Magic Cream has so many fans.
Review by Harriet Flook
Size: 50ml, 15ml, Skin type: Dry or Combination, How to use: Day and night, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: Yes
READ MORE:
Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream
- Egyptian Magic Cream, from £4.25 at Beauty Bay - buy here
Pros: Multi-purpose, acts as a barrier to pollution and weather, leaves skin glowing, little goes a long way, 100% natural (preservatives, paraben, alcohol and GMO free)
Cons: Not vegan (but is cruelty-free)
Rating: 5/5
Egyptian Magic Cream has something of a cult following, especially since A-Lister Rihanna used the product to create her look for the "B**** Better Have My Money" music video.
Although it's called a cream, this multi-tasking pot is very much a balm and does, quite literally everything.
Need to lay your edges? Egyptian Magic Cream. Suffering from scarring? Egyptian Magic Cream. Dry skin? Egyptian Magic Cream. You get the point.
When applied, it feels like a film over the skin, locking in hydration while also acting as a barrier against external aggressors like pollution and the weather.
It doesn't smell of anything at all, but a little goes a very long way and once it's on, that film-like consistency leaves skin glowing immediately.
It's not vegan, but it is cruelty-free and really does leave skin feeling intensely hydrated and soothed, making it perfect for all skin types.
Read our full Egyptian Magic Cream review here.
Review by Olivia Perl.
Size: 7.5ml, 59ml and 118ml, Skin type: lips, face & body, How to use: rub in your palms until it takes the form of oil, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: Yes
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler [+ Hyaluronic Acid] Eye Cream
- L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler [+ Hyaluronic Acid] Eye Cream For Face 30ml, £19.99 from Lookfantastic - buy here
Pros: Fragrance-free, non-greasy, skin feels firmer, contains Hyaluronic Acid, suitable for eyes and face
Cons: Pricier than others
Rating: 5/5
L'Oréal Paris has created a formula that apparently reduces the fine lines on your face, plumping and hydrating your skin for a youthful look.
Blended with Hyaluronic Acid, the Revitalift Filler Eye Cream for Face can be applied down to your neck, and apparently, in a matter of weeks, you can already see the lifting effects.
I sampled it to see if it was worth almost 20 quid.
One pump is enough to cover your face, so although the tube is only 30ml, I can see it lasting a while (well, long enough to see if there are actually any results).
The cream feels fresh as there's no fragrance and it's not too thick, moisturising our dry skin perfectly without leaving it greasy at all.
Within a week of use, my skin definitely felt more hydrated and even firmer, having used it religiously both day and night.
The results were so minor that I'm not sure if I was imagining them, but apparently, the best results arrive in around eight weeks when your undereye, forehead, crow's feet, glabellar and nasolabial are all smoothed out. Let's hope I have that to look forward to.
Review by Sadie Victoria.
Size: 30ml, Skin type: All, How to use: Daily on the face and around the eyes, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: Not tested on animals
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
- Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 30ml, £64 from Boots - buy here
Pros: Very hydrating, skin instantly looks brighter, feels luxurious, glowing skin, soaks in quickly
Cons: No scent, quite pricey, doesn't include SPF (though an SPF 30 version is available)
Rating: 4/5
Elemis' Pro-Collagen Marine Cram is one of my all-time favourites. My skin literally glows when I use it.
A gorgeous, lightweight moisturiser, it's suitable for use all year round, ensuring your skin gets an added boost of hydration in the winter, and isn't too heavy in the summer.
It doesn't look too thick in the pot, but it's thick enough to do all the heavy lifting, and you don't need a lot to do so so it'll last a long time too.
All this added hydration gives my skin a gorgeous glow from the inside out, ensuring a 'best skin' feeling, it feels super soft, fresh and light. There's no sticky residue and it doesn't pile under make-up.
The only problem in my opinion is the price, it's very expensive.
There are two variations available, one with added SPF30, and one without. You'll find that the SPF30 is cheaper at the majority of retailers, and in my opinion, having added SPF is no bad thing, especially when layered with your usual SPF.
Review by Harriet Flook
Size: 50ml, 100ml, Skin type: All, How to use: Day and night, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion No SPF 52ml
- CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion No SPF 52ml, £16.50 from Lookfantastic - buy here
Pros: Contains Hyaluronic Acid, little goes a long way, no scent, gentle on sensitive skin, not greasy
Cons: Lightly hydrating rather than deeply moisturising
Rating: 4/5
Skincare brand CeraVe develops all of its products with dermatologists – the Facial Moisturising Lotion is a no-nonsense, natural cream that acts as a glass of water for your skin.
At under £20, this cream, comprising of naturally occurring ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid, says it will offer 24-hour hydration for your face, soothing sensitivity and leaving your complexion feeling calm.
I received the 52ml tube in the post and was surprised at how small and compact it is, with the pump only letting out a little squirt each time.
You only really need a small amount though, as the ultra-light, wet formula spreads easily around your skin, suggesting this small bottle will last a while as part of your daily routine.
CeraVe's Facial Moisturising Lotion has no scent and feels gentle on sensitive skin, but it definitely feels more like a light hydrating cream than one that would leave our skin deeply moisturised.
It's perfect for wearing with primer and make-up though, as it's not greasy and absorbs quickly. This one's probably our recommendation for daily use if your skin is sensitive to other creams.
Review by Sadie Victoria.
Size: 52ml, Skin type: normal to dry, How to use: PM - after cleansing and serums, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
Weleda Skin Food Light
- Weleda Skin Food Light, £8.95 from Boots - buy here
Pros: Intensely moisturising, long-lasting primer, affordable
Cons: Fragrance can be off-putting
Rating: 4/5
Weleda's original Skin Food moisturiser is considered a beauty staple thanks to its all-natural blend of hydrating ingredients.
But its lighter version is the one that I think deserves more attention.
While intensely nourishing, the original formula is slightly too rich for oily or combination skin types, so its lighter version can be enjoyed by more skin types.
Containing a blend of all-natural ingredients like organic Sunflower oil, chamomile and calendula, it works to soothe dryness, redness and has a floral fragrance that you'll either love or loathe - luckily for me, I love it.
It feels more similar to a balm than a lotion, but it is the only moisturiser that's kept my skin consistently hydrated throughout a 12-hour flight without the need of reapplication. And it also works wonders on any dry areas of the body - particularly elbows and heel cracks.
Plus, like the original, it's one of the best bases for make-up and can help face make-up last longer. It even gave my face an added glow.
While its perfect for dry and very-dry skin types, the light version means that combination types can also benefit from its rejuvenating abilties without feeling oiled up.
Review by Natalie Chui.
Size: 30ml, Skin type: All skin types How to use: Apply morning and night, follow up with SPF for daytime Vegan: Yes Cruelty free: Yes
Aveeno CALM+RESTORE Oat Gel Moisturiser
- Aveeno CALM+RESTORE Oat Gel Moisturiser, £11.59 from Boots - buy here
Pros: Fragrance-free, lightweight, non-comedogenic, suitable for sensitive skin, soothing, hypoallergenic
Cons: Contains BHT, some people might not like the oaty smell
Rating: 3.5/5
Lately, I've really been getting into creams with a gel consistency: there's just something so satisfying and soothing about this texture, so I was looking forward to trying Aveeno's CALM+RESTORE oat gel moisturiser.
On my first application, I immediately noticed how light it feels on the skin: it's not at all greasy. My skin feels gently moisturised when I wear this; it’s not a rich and intensive moisturiser, which is great for feeling like your skin can still breathe, rather than being smothered by product.
The smell is very oaty – in fact, it took me a while to work out what it reminds me of… Play-Doh! But it's actually a fragrance-free formula so it's perfect if, like me, you don’t like heavy perfumed smells on your skin.
However, although it contains soothing prebiotic oat and calming feverfew, it's not as toxic-free as I hoped. My trusty Yuka app gives it a 12 out of 100 'bad' rating as it contains BHT: a compound used in cosmetics (so it's by no means just Aveeno) which has potential endocrine-disrupting effects.
I'll probably give it a skip as I prefer to avoid these types of chemicals but otherwise, I was impressed by this cream.
Gels can be hit and miss with makeup but my foundation went on perfectly smooth over it, with no weird smears, so that was another plus.
Review by Lucy Atkins.
Size: 50ml, Skin type: Sensitive skin (normal to dry), How to use: Twice a day morning and night, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
Aveeno CALM+RESTORE Re-Hydrating Night Cream
- Aveeno CALM+RESTORE Re-Hydrating Night Cream, £12.99 from Boots - buy here
Pros: Little goes a long way, deeply hydrating, suitable for sensitive skin, fragrance-free, pH neutral, hypoallergenic
Cons: Contains phenoxethanol, some people might not like the oaty smell
Rating: 4/5
Aveeno's night cream didn’t come out of the pump for the first few seconds when I went to use it, so, to be honest, I wasn't sure if I'd have to mark it down for the bottle design – although the high pitched squeaking sound of the applicator trying to do its thing was pretty amusing!
Luckily though, as soon as the product reached the pump, it was very easy to use (no more squeaking) and continues to be – so no issues there.
The immediate consistency is thick and creamy: you can tell this product is going to be deeply moisturising.
I found that a little goes a very long way, which makes for great value. I definitely started off with too much product, and as it didn’t sink into the skin very quickly, my face was white for a few minutes as I rubbed it in.
This wasn't a problem for me, but even with a small amount, just keep in mind this is a product that takes some rubbing in.
Once on the skin, my face felt really soft and moisturised without feeling oily – a plus, as I'm prone to oily areas.
As for my Yuka app rating? (See previous Aveeno review above.) This one gets a 'poor' 49/100 score due to containing the preservative phenoxethanol, which, again is a potential endocrine disruptor, so I'll personally stick to more natural formulas.
Review by Lucy Atkins.
Size: 50ml, Skin type: Sensitive skin (normal to dry), How to use: Nightly, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
Beauty Bay SPF 50 UVA/UVB Face Lotion
- SPF 50 UVA/UVB Face Lotion, £9 from Beauty Bay - buy here
Pros: Lightweight formula, SPF 50 UVA/UVB, compact packaging that's easy to carry around, invisible finish, doesn't pill, budget-friendly
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
Beauty Bay's SPF 50 face lotion ticks every box for me.
A lightweight formula with a milky texture, application was a breeze – plus I really like the fact that the packaging is compact, which comes in handy for taking it with me when I'm out and about and need to reapply.
I was able to comfortably wear it under makeup, thanks to the invisible finish, and was impressed by the fact that having worn it all day in the summer heat, my foundation didn't slide – nor did my skin feel greasy.
Better still, it's also amazing value, making it ideal for anyone on a budget. At under £10, Beauty Bay has certainly come up with the goods here.
Review by Alessia Armenise
Size: 50ml, Skin type: All, How to use: Apply as the final step in your morning routine, Vegan: Yes, Cruelty-free: Yes
NIVEA Q10 Energy Healthy Glow Face Day Cream
- NIVEA Q10 Energy Healthy Glow Face Day Cream,
£13.99£6.27 from Amazon - buy here
Pros: Cheap, contains vitamins C and E, SPF 15, lovely scent, deeply hydrating
Cons: Not suitable for oily skin
Rating: 4/5
Offering you a fresh face for a budget price, Nivea's Q10 Energy Healthy Glow Face Day Cream is an absolute steal.
The mix of vitamin C and E aims to rejuvenate tired-looking skin, whilst the SPF 15 looks after any sun damage too. What more could you want from a day cream?
Scent always has a big impact on my first impressions, and Nivea's cream simply smells of summer, creating a wonderful fusion of citrus and sun cream.
Applying this straight after cleansing leaves you feeling refreshed as it's a deeply hydrating cream that's quite thick – a small amount goes a long way.
Although it has SPF, it's only SPF 15 so I'd recommend applying sunscreen on top of it for daytime.
In terms of brightening, it was a refreshing cream that left my skin feeling soft and revitalised. So yes, it works. My only advice is that this might not be best for particularly oily skin.
Review by Sadie Victoria.
Size: 50ml, Skin type: All, How to use: Daily, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Rich Moisturiser
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Rich Moisturiser, £21 from Boots - buy here
Pros: Suitable for sensitive skin, small amount required, lovely smell, fragrance-free and alcohol-free
Cons: Rich formula might not suit oily skin
Rating: 4/5
With La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Sensitive Rich moisturiser, it's all in the name.
Combining glycerin, shea butter, vitamin B3 and La Roche-Posay Thermal Water, this is a face cream made for sensitive skin types that need an extra rich moisturise or just a little TLC.
When I received the 40ml tube, I thought that it wouldn't even last the month – but once you squirt a bit out, you realise it's a really thick formula which means you only want a small amount to avoid greasiness.
It. Smells. Amazing. The hints of shea butter sure seep through and this face cream gives you a full coverage moisturise, so it's possibly a little too much for someone with oily skin.
Luckily (kind of), my skin is dry so this worked wonders to deeply hydrate my face for a full day and I even woke up the next day with a smoother complexion.
At just over £20, if you struggle with dry skin then this has got to be on your radar.
Review by Sadie Victoria.
Size: 40ml, Skin type: Sensitive, How to use: Apply to the skin after cleansing - morning and evening, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
By Terry Hyaluronic Global Face Cream
- By Terry Hyaluronic Global Face Cream, £68 from By Terry - buy here
Pros: Lightweight, hydrating, absorbs well, good base for make-up
Cons: Pricey, may be too light for dryer skin types
Rating: 4/5
The minute I unscrewed the jar of the By Terry Hyaluronic Global Face Cream I knew my skin would drink it up.
Infused with a whopping eight different types of Hyaluronic Acid, it's designed to give your skin instant hydration and even contains niacinamide to minimise the look of pores.
While it is a cream, it's more similar to a gel-like lotion in its texture and would be ideal in summertime when you want to keep your face moisturised without any heavy feeling. Combination skin types would love this.
You only need a small amount to cover the entire face and my dry skin felt instantly hydrated after putting it on and it absorbed well, leaving no noticeable traces.
There's no SPF in the cream, but it works well when paired under moisturising sunscreens for daytime wear, and also creates a beautiful base under make-up.
It's also vegan and fragrance-free, and doesn't irritate sensitive skin - so I can see this becoming a hot-weather essential.
My only qualm is that it's quite pricey, and dryer skin types may need something richer for nighttime, but it left my skin feeling soft and glowing.
Review by Natalie Chui
Size: 50ml Skin type: Dry, oily and combination How to use: Apply AM and PM to cleansed skin and follow up with SPF in the daytime, Vegan: Yes, Cruelty free: No
Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream for Dry Sensitive Skin
- Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream for Dry Sensitive Skin, £22.50 from Sephora - buy here
Pros: Suitable for sensitive and dry skin, lightweight, alcohol and fragrance-free, pH balanced, feels gentle, pea-sized amount is enough
Cons: Not vegan or cruelty-free
Rating: 5/5
Sensitive and dry-skinned sisters, listen up. The Curél Intensive moisturiser is made for you.
A best-seller over in Japan, this lightweight cream stops your face from drying out without harming it with alcohol or fragrances.
I love how light this feels as you apply it, unlike a lot of heavy-duty creams which are made for people who suffer from dry skin.
From the first time I used it, this moisturiser made my face feel refreshed and softer for longer.
It feels really natural and gentle which is always a benefit for products that you use every day. I'm honestly surprised that it's less than £25 — it's an absolute bargain because a tiny pea-sized amount is enough to see results.
Review by Sadie Victoria.
Size: 40g, Skin type: Dry, sensitive skin, How to use: Apply after Facial Lotion Enrich, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
Naturium Multi-Peptide Face Cream
- Naturium Multi-Peptide Face Cream, £21 from SpaceNK - buy here
Pros: Vegan and cruelty-free, free from gluten, parabens and fragrances, non-greasy, anti-ageing
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
Vegan and cruelty-free, the Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer strives to improve your skin's elasticity, making it firmer.
In short, it's anti-ageing. It's suitable for any skin type, free from gluten, parabens and fragrances.
From the first use, I noticed how soft it feels on the skin and it settles into your face really quickly. It's basically not greasy at all, while still giving you great hydration.
I also noticed how nicely it sits underneath makeup, keeping your face feeling moisturised all day long.
It's a little too early to notice the anti-ageing impacts, but I have faith in this bad boy.
Review by Sadie Victoria.
Size: 50ml, Skin type: All, How to use: Using upward motions, massage gently onto face, neck and chest, Vegan: Yes, Cruelty-free: Yes
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream
- Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream, £51 from Sephora - buy here
Pros: Lightweight, provides light base for makeup, concentrated 30% Hyaluronic Acid, oil-free, alcohol-free and fragrance-free
Cons: Dry complexions may need something heavier
Rating: 4/5
As a fan of Peter Thomas Roth's Hyaluronic Cloud mask, I was really excited to try out the cream that's in the same range.
At over £50, it's a concentrated formula that apparently holds up to 1000 times its own weight in water, providing hydration for 72 hours.
First of all, it's really lightweight, taking the form of a soft wet layer of moisture over your skin.
I think this is one for those with more oily or combination skin, as I needed something heavier for my dry complexion.
However, when used in tandem with the eye patches and cream from the Cloud range, it's amazing.
Got the cash to splash? Peter Thomas Roth has my vote as an incredibly light base for your makeup.
Review by Sadie Victoria.
Size: 50ml, Skin type: All, How to use: Apply twice daily to face and neck, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream
- Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream, from £16 from John Lewis - buy here
Pros: Paraben-free, sulphate-free, pretty rose-tinted tub, smells lovely, skin feels refreshed
Cons: Not vegan or cruelty-free
Rating: 5/5
Fresh is known for incorporating unique, natural ingredients into its products, from soy and sake to sugar, and its Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream has become a cult favourite.
For just under £13, you get 15ml of Fresh's blend of rose water, rose flower oil, angelica leaf extract and vitamin E, promising to nourish and moisturise your face.
I tested out the 50ml tub, which comes in a sturdy rose-tinted glass pot, doubling as a decoration in the bathroom.
My opinion upon first opening? It smells like a fresh rose garden, giving you a wonderful start to the day or a calming scent to wind down in the evening.
It's not thick at all but a small amount goes a long way and leaves your skin feeling gently refreshed and reinvigorated.
I recommend massaging it into your neck after your face for a rose scent that'll follow you throughout the day.
Review by Sadie Victoria.
Size: 15ml and 50ml, Skin type: All (but best for normal to dry skin), How to use: Daily - morning and night, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
Sand&Sky Tasmanian Water Hydration Boost Cream
- Sand&Sky Tasmanian Water Hydration Boost Cream, £44.90 from Lookfantastic - buy here
Pros: Viral product, mineral-rich, refreshing and cooling, great for dry skin, vegan and cruelty-free
Cons: Jelly consistency isn't for everyone, might not suit oily skin
Rating: 4/5
The Sand&Sky clay mask might have gone viral, but it's time people got to know the brand's Tasmanian Water Hydration Boost Cream.
Tasmanian water is one of the most mineral-rich in the world. In a gel texture, this moisturiser is equipped with Hyaluronic Acid, red algae and Tasmanian water which holds essential minerals, calcium and magnesium.
Unlike most creams, this one is more like a wet jelly. It glides onto your face with a cooling effect, making you feel really refreshed as you start or end the day.
Is it worth the hefty price tag? Well, a combination of Hyaluronic Acid and a good, basic moisturiser would probably do a similar thing. I prefer this, though.
I would recommend forking out for it if you have particularly dry skin because it's so hydrating. However, if your skin is oily then you might prefer to spend your money on firming serums and face masks.
Review by Sadie Victoria.
Size: 60ml , Skin type: All, How to use: Morning and night as the final step in your routine, Vegan: Yes, Cruelty-free: Yes
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Moisturiser 88ml
- Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Moisturiser 88ml, £15 from Boots - buy here
Pros: Dermatologist-recommended, fragrance-free, light, quick-absorbing, ideal for sensitive skin
Cons: Too lightweight for a deep moisturise
Rating: 3/5
Cetaphil is a dermatologist-recommended skincare brand known for gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers and cleansers.
Boasting that it's light and quick-absorbing, the Daily Hydrating Moisturiser sounds like a staple for everyone's day and night routines at £15.
My review? First things first, the cream is extremely lightweight, with an almost gel-like consistency that makes it really gentle to wear. You can definitely sense the Hyaluronic Acid on your skin.
Compared to others, it feels as though it simply complements your complexion rather than intensely hydrating or firming it, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin.
Although my skin is sensitive, it is also ridiculously dry, especially, when I tried this out, when the weather was freezing in London.
It's too lightweight for a deep moisturise, although it does wear well underneath makeup so we think it's probably best for those with oily skin looking for something to complement the serums they already use.
Review by Sadie Victoria.
Size: 88ml, Skin type: Sensitive, How to use: Apply daily to freshly cleansed skin on the face and neck, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
Florena Fermented Skincare 24H Hydrating Day Cream
- Florena Fermented Skincare 24H Hydrating Day Cream, £10 from Boots - buy here
Pros: Vegan, recycled packaging, certified COSMOS Natural by The Soil Association, skin feels firm and hydrated
Cons: Slightly greasy
Rating: 4/5
The Florena Fermented Skincare 24H Hydrating Day Cream does what it says on the tin, leaving your skin moisturised all day long.
Blending fermented olive oil, coconut oil and avocado oil, this is a vegan day cream that is also packaged from recycled plastic – we love any step towards greener living.
I'd never been introduced to Florena prior to trying out this cream, and the 50ml tub felt quite small but as it's quite a wet texture, a small amount gets you quite far.
The rose petal print on the box hints at the scent that lays inside: it smells floral but natural all at once, and gives you a firm, hydrated complexion.
Perhaps due to the olive oil, it's very slightly greasy, ensuring that your skin stays well moisturised throughout the day.
As I suffer with dry skin, I found this as a perfect light cream to apply with hyaluronic acid serum. Plus, the packaging is really lightweight, ideal for taking with you everywhere you go.
Review by Sadie Victoria.
Size: 50ml, Skin type: All, How to use: Apply daily, Vegan: Yes, Cruelty-free: No
Where to buy face creams in the UK?
Face creams are stocked in a multitude of places in the UK: you can head to your local chemist, beauty shop or supermarket on the high street, or shop online via skincare brands as well as retailers that stock beauty.
Needless to say, the choice is pretty much endless, so we've pulled together a list of our favourite places below for quick reference:
How much do face creams cost?
Face creams can seriously vary in price: from cheap-as-chips formulas sold for just a few pounds to ultra-boujee lotions and potions that can cost in the hundreds.
To give you an idea of pricing in our round-up, the cheapest option in our reviews is the Egyptian Magic Cream which costs £4.25, while the most expensive is the By Terry Hyaluronic Global Face Cream which is currently selling for £68.
Can you use E45 cream on your face?
You can use E45 cream on your face and body although there are lots of products out there that are formulated specifically for your face which might be more appropriate.
Listen to your skin and use whatever works for you.
Can you use hand cream on your face?
With so many sophisticated face creams available, we would recommend against using hand cream on your face.
Because it's so thick, it can clog up pores and lead to breakouts which is not the outcome any of us want.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
How to make face creams
There are lots of tutorials and recipes for making face creams at home, but our advice is to stick with the professionals.
There are face creams at a whole range of price points that have been researched and tested so you know that what you are putting on your skin is safe.