Our skin is beautiful, gives us character, and should be celebrated at every age. But it also becomes thinner and drier as it matures, so looking after it becomes more important. Often, this means choosing skincare products that avoid harsh chemicals, strengthen skin, and help it retain moisture.
With this said, we’ve put together a list of our top 10 facial moisturisers for mature skin in 2021. From vitamin C serum to hydrating water gel and nourishing cream, there should be something here to suit every budget.
1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Moisturiser, 40ml
£12.35, Look Fantastic
This silky smooth, hydrating moisturiser is perfectly formulated for use on even the most sensitive skin (so safe that it can be used on babies and has been approved by Allergy UK). It’s free from alcohol, fragrance, and parabens, and is thought to help reduce the sensitivity of skin over time.
Key ingredients include vitamin B3, ceramides, and glycerin, which help to soothe, repair, and protect the skin’s barrier.
Plus, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Moisturiser is non-comedogenic, so you don’t have to worry about it blocking your pores. Skin will be left feeling supple and refreshed, and it’s ideal for both day and night use.
For all skin types.
2. Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum, 30ml
£54, Look Fantastic
Hailed as the serum that can change your skin’s future is Clinique’s Smart Custom Serum. Five years of research went into the formula. The result? A serum for all skin types that can balance out uneven skin tones and textures, and leave skin looking (and feeling!) plump and radiant.
All this might sound too good to be true, but the reviews speak for themselves – with many users saying that skin felt firm, soothed, and velvety after use. Others said it has a satin-like texture and praised its ability to reduce pores, as well as fade pigmentation, sun spots, and redness.
So what’s in this popular serum? Key ingredients include vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, red-algae extract, caffeine, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, and ultrasomes.
The downside to Clinique’s Custom Serum is that it’s quite pricey – but if it makes you feel great, then it could be a worthwhile investment.
For all skin types.
3. Charlotte's Magic Cream, 50ml
£75.00, Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream is the perfect hydrating and brightening solution for skin of all ages. Not only does it nourish and smooth dry, tight skin, but it adds brightness to dull complexions too; to give a healthy glow.
This magic of this award-winning cream is said to come from eight powerful, research-backed ingredients including vitamins C and E (for a more radiant and even-looking skin tone), hyaluronic acid (which helps skin to heal and retain moisture), and bionymph peptide (for smoother, plumper skin).
Results from clinical and user trials showed that 98% of users felt their skin was instantly moisturised, 99% agree they saw a smoothing effect, and 96% agree their skin was instantly glowing.
If you want to do your bit for the environment, then you might also find it helpful to know that Charlotte Tilbury offer refills on their 50ml and 150ml jars – so you can keep and reuse the same pot. Alternatively, you can send empty pots back to them for free, and in return, you’ll get a 20% discount on new refillable glass magic moisturisers, and matching refills.
For all skin types.
4. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA, 30ml
£4.95, Look Fantastic
The Ordinary’s skincare range first launched in 2016 and quickly established itself as an effective, reliable, and affordable brand. Its Natural Moisturising Factors + HA often tops the list of the best moisturisers around because of its commitment to being alcohol, silicone, oil, nut, and gluten-free. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free too.
Natural Moisturising Factors (NMF) are made up of many of the elements that occur naturally in the skin – such as fatty acids, amino acids, urea, triglycerides, and hyaluronic acid. These compounds keep the skin’s outer layer protected and well-hydrated, without leaving it feeling greasy.
Reviewers frequently comment that this moisturiser absorbs well, rather than just sitting on skin and leaving it feeling greasy. It’s also been heavily praised for how beautifully it sits under make-up and sunscreen.
As this cream targets the outer layer of skin, it’s best used in conjunction with a serum that penetrates deeper skin layers for complete hydration.
For all skin types
5. RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Serum, 30ml
£35.89, Feel Unique
Radiance is something that many of us look for in a moisturiser because it can help us to look fresher and more energised. And according to reviews of RoC Multi Correxion Revive and Glow Vitamin C Serum, it doesn’t disappoint.
This supercharged serum contains a blend of natural vitamin C, ascorbic acid, complementary antioxidants, Nonapeptide-1 and Advanced Hydartors to deliver a healthy glow, tighter skin and a more even complexion. Results from clinical trials show that in just four weeks, 100% of users had brighter skin, improved elasticity, and a reduction in line and wrinkles, while 93% had a more even skin tone.
RoC started a skincare revolution in 1957 when French pharmacist and founder Dr. Jean-Charles Lissarrague created the first hypoallergenic skincare products, in collaboration with dermatologists. They wanted to make safe and effective skincare products that were based on science, to help people look and feel great at every age. The brand has since grown a following of loyal customers – many of whom have been using RoC for years.
For all skin types.
6. bareMinerals AGELESS Phyto-Retinol Face Cream, 50ml
£52.00, Look Fantastic
Retinol (an over-the-counter form of vitamin A) has long been used as a miracle ingredient for smoothing and plumping skin – and scientists and beauty experts generally agree that it works. However, retinol isn’t for everyone and can be quite harsh on sensitive skin; sometimes causing redness, flaking, and irritation.
bareMinerals AGELESS Phyto-Retinol face cream has been designed to rethink retinol, by using a natural plant-based alternative: Phyto-Retinol. It’s said to be just as effective as retinol in smoothing skin but is much gentler. Protein peptides (natural amino acids) and hyaluronic acid are also used alongside Phyto-Retinol to improve skin’s hydration and overall texture.
Reviewers say that bareMinerals AGELESS Phyto-Retinol face cream feels luxurious and non-greasy on the skin, with many also commenting on its beautiful smell.
It’s paraben, SLS, gluten-free – as well as being free from synthetic fragrance. It’s also suitable for vegans and isn’t tested on animals.
For all skin types.
7. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25, 52ml
£12.99, Superdrug
If you’re looking for a lightweight, daily moisturising lotion that will keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated all day, then CeraVe Facial Moisturing lotion is a top choice.
CeraVe is developed with dermatologists and uses something called multivesicular emulsion (MVE) technology to release key ingredients slowly, and keep your skin nourished and hydrated for longer.
The ‘Cera’ in CeraVe also stands for ‘ceramides’ of which this moisturiser contains three (1,3, 6-II). Ceramides protect the skin’s natural barrier; locking in moisture, and preventing dryness and irritation. Though this creamy lotion provides long-lasting hydration, it’s non-comedogenic so won’t clog pores.
Something that this moisturiser has that many doesn’t is SPF 25. Many of us are becoming increasingly aware of the effects of sun damage on our skin, not just during the summer months – but in the autumn and winter months too.
Although the UV index (the scale used to measure the strength of the sun’s ultraviolet rays) is significantly lower in winter, it’s still powerful enough to damage skin. For this reason, experts recommend wearing a moisturiser or sunscreen with a factor of 15 or more, regardless of the weather.
For normal to dry skin.
8. Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel, 50ml
£12.99, Look Fantastic
Dry, tired-looking skin can often be the result of damage to the skin’s moisture barrier, as this causes the water content of your skin to decrease. Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel is designed to replenish your skin’s water reserves; giving your skin a dewy glow, and leaving it feeling soft and refreshed.
As well as restoring moisture to your skin, it also strengthens and repairs your skin’s moisture barrier, to help skin stay hydrated for longer.
The two key ingredients responsible for delivering this water gel’s intense hydration (aside from water) are Hyaluronic Acid and Botanical Trehalose. Botanical Trehalose is a natural sugar found in plants, fungi and invertebrate animals (like shrimp). Not only is it an antioxidant, but it also draws moisture from the environment to keep skin cells hydrated.
This lightweight formula has a water-light texture, is oil-free, and doesn’t clog pores.
For normal to combination skin.
9. Clarins Multi-Active Revitalising Night Cream, 50ml
£45.00, John Lewis
Clarins Multi-Active Revitalising Night Cream is thick and luxurious, and a little goes a long way. It contains golden poppy extract which encourages skin to repair and renew itself overnight so that you wake up with softer, smoother, brighter skin.
It’s also said to help reduce signs of lack of sleep. And while getting to the root of your sleep problems is the best solution, a revitalising moisturiser can also help to give your skin a boost and leave it feeling soothed and refreshed. Reviewers have also commented that simply rubbing the cream (which has a wonderful scent!) into their skin before bed helps them to relax and feel ready for sleep.
If you struggle with dry, tight skin in the winter, then a thicker night cream can help to keep your moisture levels topped up. And though this cream has a rich texture and is designed to give your skin a deeper level of hydration than a lightweight day cream, it’s not so heavy that it leaves skin feeling greasy.
For normal to combination skin.
10. L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream, 50ml
£79.00, John Lewis
This L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream is a complete moisturiser that delivers intense hydration to all layers of skin; while giving it a natural glow and more even texture. It’s also designed to improve skin’s firmness and elasticity.
This buttery cream has two main ingredients. The first is Immortelle Super Extract – a gentler alternative to retinol, which is 100% organic and harvested in Corsica in the South of France. It helps to increase skin’s density and boost the production of collagen; helping skin to renew itself and become thicker.
The second key ingredient is Immortelle Essential Oil, which has powerful antioxidant properties and protects the skin from environmental factors that might irritate it, like pollen. Both ingredients are made using the long-living Immortelle flower.
L’Occitane Immortelle Devine Cream was voted Best Moisturiser for Mature Skin in the Woman & Home Clever Skincare Awards 2021.
For all skin types.
Final thoughts…
Taking some extra time to care for your skin can be a great way to practice self-care and boost your confidence. And while the focus of many skincare products is often to help people have ‘younger looking skin’, having healthy skin is much more important. This means keeping skin moisturised, not subjecting it to any harsh chemicals, and taking steps to protect it from the sun.
Each one of us has skin that tells a unique story and gives us character. So the more we can embrace it, be kind to it, and wear it with pride, the better.