A moisturiser is a type of skincare product formulated with ingredients to hydrate the skin by absorbing and locking moisture in, either from the external environment or internally. Moisturisers come in various consistencies, from fluid liquids through to richer creams, and can be formulated with active ingredients to address various skin concerns.

The right moisturiser benefits the skin by helping strengthen the skin's moisture barrier that protects from environmental aggressors that contribute to photoageing and skin irritation. A moisturiser also helps to restore volume in the face, minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and support smoother, softer skin. When formulated with other ingredients, they can also benefit the skin by managing excess oil production, promoting collagen production, supporting the skin cell renewal cycle and even exfoliating the skin.

Usually the term "moisturiser" refers to a lotion or cream applied to the end of your skincare routine. Moisturising products can come in various forms, including a cream, lotion, serum, or even a facial mask. Moisturisers can also be formulated as a day moisturiser or a night moisturiser, or with ingredients to address certain skin types or skin concerns like blemish-control or anti-ageing moisturisers.

A hydrating moisturiser is formulated to increase the water content of skin cells using humectants such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, sodium PCA, and urea. A standard moisturiser primarily focuses on preventing moisture from escaping through occlusive agents. The most effective clinical formulations combine both mechanisms: humectant actives to drive water into the skin, paired with occlusive and emollient components to retain hydration throughout the day.

A hydrating cream prioritises humectants and water-binding agents that address dehydration at the cellular level. A moisturising cream has a broader brief: it may restore water content, repair the lipid barrier, and prevent future moisture loss through occlusives in a single formula. Look for humectant-first formulations with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or sodium hyaluronate listed high in the INCI to confirm a genuine hydrating focus.

The best moisturiser for your skin type depends on its ingredients and formulation.

• Dry skin should look for hyaluronic acid, shea butter, niacinamide, squalane and ceramides.
• Sensitive skin benefits from fragrance-free moisturisers with ceramides, squalane, and bisabolol.
• Oily skin should use ceramides and hyaluronic acid combined with niacinamide and chemical exfoliants.
• Combination skin should focus on hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, glycerine, and gentle alpha hydroxy acids.

• Prioritise rich emollients. Look for squalane, shea butter, or fatty acid blends that actively repair the lipid barrier.
• Select humectant-forward actives. Multi-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid penetrates at different depths; glycerin and sodium PCA draw additional water into the epidermis.
• Choose a cream or balm texture over lotion. Higher oil content provides the occlusion needed for chronically dry skin.
• Avoid drying agents. Fragrance, alcohol denat, and high concentrations of certain preservatives worsen dryness over time.
• Apply to damp skin. Apply while skin is still slightly damp to improve humectant efficacy.
• Layer strategically at night. Apply a hydrating serum first, then a richer moisturiser, then an occlusive facial oil to maximise overnight barrier repair.

Yes. Dry and sensitive skin frequently co-exist because a compromised lipid barrier increases transepidermal water loss while lowering the skin's tolerance threshold. Look for fragrance-free formulations with ceramides and fatty acids to repair the lipid matrix, panthenol and allantoin to soothe, and glycerin or sodium hyaluronate to restore water content. Avoid synthetic fragrance, alcohol denat, high-concentration exfoliating acids, and essential oils.

Choose an anti-ageing moisturiser with ingredients that support skin cell turnover and promote collagen production. Retinol and peptides are two popular anti-ageing ingredients. The Retinol 0.3 Night Cream is recommended for those introducing retinol to their routine. For daily use, the Metacell Renewal Skin Tightening Cream is formulated with a firming tri-peptide concentrate to support collagen production.

Clinical efficacy is determined by the identity and concentration of active ingredients, the formulation's stability, and the delivery mechanism. The most effective formulations achieve the tripartite hydration model: humectants to attract water into skin cells, emollients to smooth surface irregularities in the stratum corneum, and occlusives to prevent transepidermal water loss. Peer-reviewed clinical trial data and dermatologist involvement in formulation are reliable indicators of genuine clinical standards.

The most important criteria are active ingredient identity, clinically validated concentrations, and formulation pH that maintains ingredient stability. For facial creams targeting ageing, hydration deficit, or barrier dysfunction, look for ceramides for barrier repair, peptides for structural support, niacinamide for skin tone and pore refinement, and hyaluronic acid across multiple molecular weights. Products developed with dermatologists and tested in controlled clinical trials provide evidence that standard cosmetic formulations do not.

If you have oily, blemish-prone skin, choose a face moisturiser that is lightweight and non-comedogenic, formulated with exfoliating and skin-renewing ingredients. Some emollient-rich creams can overwhelm oily skin, clog pores and exacerbate breakouts. The Triple Lipid Restore 242 Anti-Ageing Moisturiser hydrates the skin while promoting collagen production for more youthful-looking skin.

A moisturiser's texture is determined by its oil-to-water ratio, the specific emollients chosen, and the emulsification system. Non-greasy formulas typically rely on lightweight emollients such as dimethicone or isododecane, rather than heavier plant oils with high oleic acid content. Oil-free formulations use water-binding humectants and film-forming polymers. Gel-cream textures are best suited to oily or combination skin types.

Moisturiser should be used twice a day, morning and night, no matter your skin type. Apply after cleansing and serums, using only a small amount and gently pressing into the skin. Evenly apply across the face, neck and chest.

Yes. Moisturising your face daily is necessary to maintain skin health. With age, collagen and hyaluronic acid deplete. Without regular moisturiser use, signs of ageing such as age spots, wrinkles, and dull skin may appear prematurely.

Yes, but it is not recommended to use body care on your face as the skin differs. Skin on the face tends to be more sensitive than the body. Formulations developed for body care may be too harsh for the face and may not align with facial skin types or concerns.