FACE cream is a key step in any beauty routine, and the one skincare product that most of us couldn’t be without.
The sea of options can make it difficult to find the perfect choice, which is why we’ve put some of the best face creams to the test.
The staple skincare product should do more than just hydrate the skin.
The right one will keep it protected from the elements throughout the year, work as a base for makeup, and those with SPF included will also protect from sun damage.
A great face cream for oily skin may not be right for someone with a dry skin type, so finding a product that suits you is key to achieving a healthy complexion.
Moisturiser also has the ability to transform your make-up routine, as products won’t sit right on the skin if the base hasn’t been properly prepped.
We’ve tried out products at a range of price points, from luxury favourites to affordable bestsellers, to give our honest thoughts on whether they live up to their promise.
Best face creams at a glance
How we tested and why you should trust us
We tested the face creams on reviewers with different skin types, ranging from sensitive, oily and acne-prone.
We also tested the best moisturisers for dry skin and the best moisturisers for mature skin.
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 morning with the best SPF for faces as a base and make-up applied on top to see whether they would work well.
We also used the Yuka app to check the ingredients in each cream to see whether it was accurate to its label.
Best face creams for women reviewed
Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream
Egyptian Magic Cream, £16 (was £20) at LookFantastic
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.
Size: 7.5ml, 59ml and 118ml, Skin type: lips, face & body, How to use: Apply to face morning and night, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: Yes
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, £32 from Sephora
Pros: Non-greasy, soothing, repairs the skin’s barrier, can be used on face and body, suitable for children and babies
Cons: Pills slightly under make-up
Rating: 5/5
I started using Ultra Repair Cream a couple of years ago after damaging my skin barrier, and it’s been a staple ever since.
The whipped texture hydrates without feeling greasy and leaves a matte finish, unlike most rich moisturisers.
Gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin, this cream works wonders on both the face and body, especially during cold weather when irritation flares up.
It performs on par with luxury brands but comes at a far more affordable price.
The 170g tub lasts forever, and while the packaging and fragrance-free formula are plain, its effectiveness on dry skin is undeniable.
The only drawback is slight pilling under make-up, so I prefer to use it in the evenings or on make-up-free days.
Sensitive skin sufferers should definitely have this cream on their radar—it’s a reliable, affordable solution for hydration and barrier repair.
Size: 170g, Skin type: Sensitive and Dry, How to use: Apply to areas that need TLC on the face and body, Vegan: Yes, Cruelty-free? Yes
No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal SPF40 Day Cream
No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal SPF40 Day Cream, £37.95 from Boots
Pros: Hydrating, high SPF, antioxidant protection
Cons: Love or hate rich texture
Rating: 4.5/5
No7 offers several excellent moisturisers for mature skin, but this one features the brand’s most significant scientific breakthrough yet.
Its star ingredient is a super-peptide that tricks the skin into thinking it’s damaged, stimulating the renewal of key proteins like collagen to keep skin firm and plump.
The formula also includes vitamin C and SPF40 to protect against UV damage, alongside niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for intense hydration.
After months of testing, I’m impressed. Its rich texture is perfect for dry skin, absorbing instantly and leaving it soft and supple within days.
Over time, I saw noticeable improvements in my skin’s texture. It hydrates deeply while smoothing and evening out the complexion, delivering on its promise to tackle the major signs of ageing.
This moisturiser is a must-have for anyone looking to quench dryness and improve skin health with visible results.
Size: 50ml, Skin type: Dry or Mature, How to use: Apply every morning, massaging in small upward circles over your face and neck, Vegan: No, Cruelty free: Yes
CeraVe Moisturising Lotion
CeraVe Moisturising Lotion, £9.36 (was £12.49) from Superdrug
Pros: Gentle on the skin, doesn’t feel greasy, fragrance-free, large bottle
Cons: Larger size isn’t travel friendly, not cruelty-free
Rating: 4.5/5
CeraVe is a top pick if you want a straightforward moisturiser that delivers on its promises.
Its fragrance-free formula combines ceramides and hyaluronic acid to tackle dry and very dry skin effectively.
The lightweight texture layers well with make-up and other skincare, and it’s soothing for weather-irritated skin.
While it lacks fancy packaging or trendy ingredients, this moisturiser is all about practicality, and at just £12 for a generous 177ml bottle, it’s an affordable, reliable option.
Though it might not appeal to skincare enthusiasts seeking innovation, it’s perfect for anyone after a gentle, no-nonsense cream that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Size: 236ml, Skin type: Dry to Very Dry, How to use: Day and night, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
Bounce Back Intense Peptide Moisturiser
Bounce Back Intense Peptide Moisturiser, £54 from Trinny London
Pros: Use AM/PM, skin-smoothing, refillable
Cons: Not widely available
Rating: 5/5
Peptides are the skincare ingredient of the moment, known for boosting collagen and elastin production, and Trinny Woodall has packed them into this moisturiser for impressive wrinkle-plumping and firming results.
It is a medium-weight cream— which is light enough to wear under make-up, yet rich enough to comfort dry skin.
All you need is two pumps to easily cover the face, neck, and décolletage, making it a long-lasting option.
It often tempts me to go make-up-free, thanks to the dewy, healthy glow it leaves behind.
This is down to its blend of trusted actives, including hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture and squalane to lock it in.
It’s versatile for both day and night use, and I love layering it over my retinol serum in the evenings for added soothing benefits.
With regular use, my skin feels smoother, my frown lines less noticeable, and the refill option at £43 is a win for both the wallet and the planet.
Size: 50ml, Skin type: Mature, How to use: Apply morning and evening on face and neck, Vegan: Yes, Cruelty free: Yes
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, from £54 from Charlotte Tilbury
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 £54 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.
Size: 50ml, 15ml, Skin type: Dry or Combination, How to use: Day and night, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: Yes
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 30ml, £76 (was £95) from Sephora
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 Cream 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.
Size: 50ml, 100ml, Skin type: All, How to use: Day and night, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
Beauty Bay SPF 50 UVA/UVB Face Lotion
SPF 50 UVA/UVB Face Lotion, £10 from Beauty Bay
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.
Size: 50ml, Skin type: All, How to use: Apply as the final step in your morning routine, Vegan: Yes, Cruelty-free: Yes
Weleda Skin Food Light
Weleda Skin Food Light, £9.50 from Boots
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.
Size: 30ml, Skin type: All skin types How to use: Apply morning and night, follow up with SPF for daytime Vegan: Yes
Aveeno CALM+RESTORE Oat Gel Moisturiser
Aveeno CALM+RESTORE Oat Gel Moisturiser, £13.49 from Boots
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.
Size: 50ml, Skin type: Sensitive skin (normal to dry), How to use: Twice a day morning and night, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
By Terry Hyaluronic Global Face Cream
By Terry Hyaluronic Global Face Cream, £70 from By Terry
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.
Size: 5l Skin type: Dry, oily and combination How to use: Apply AM and PM to cleansed skin and follow up with SPF in the morning. Vegan: Yes, Cruelty free: No
COOLA Refreshing Water Cream Sunscreen
COOLA Refreshing Water Cream Sunscreen, £45 from LookFantastic
Pros: UVA, UVB, blue light and pollution protection, non-greasy, vegan
Cons: Pricey
Rating: 4/5
Coola’s sunscreen water cream offers SPF 50 protection against UVA and UVB, along with plenty of added benefits.
The brand’s plant-derived Blue Screen Digital De-Stress technology shields skin from blue light, infrared, and pollution.
This cream formula is intensely hydrating, thanks to hyaluronic acid and coconut water ingredients.
It leaves my skin dewy, fresh, and incredibly soft, and I’d happily wear it even without the sun protection.
Unlike many SPF moisturisers, it absorbs quickly without feeling greasy, sticky, or oily, making it effortless to use.
It’s also vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and made with over 70% certified organic ingredients, all without synthetic fragrance—a thoughtful choice for both your skin and the planet.
Size: 44ml, Skin type: All, How to use: Apply daily to clean skin 15 minutes before sun exposure, Vegan: Yes, Cruelty-free: Yes
Best face cream for women FAQS
What is the very best face cream for ageing skin?
The best anti-ageing face cream in our book is the No7 Future Renew Day Cream SPF40.
It’s a richly moisturising cream specifically designed for dry or mature skin that works to reverse visible signs of skin damage.
Dermatologist approved (and you can grab dermatologist free anti-ageing tips here), the formula is brimming with impressive ingredients.
It’s a fusion of broad‑spectrum SPF 40, a fresh super‑peptide complex (called Pepticology, which helps the skin to repair itself), and skincare staples like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.
This creamy formula delivers up to 72 hours of visible hydration, and is said to deliver visible benefits in as little as a week, such as softer, brighter, and more supple skin.
What is the best moisturiser for over-50 skin?
Searching for one of the best moisturisers for mature skin?
We’d choose the Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream for its powerful formula that smooths, hydrates and firms.
Its hero ingredient, Padina pavonica (a Mediterranean brown algae), is renowned for boosting skin elasticity and moisture retention, helping to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It also contains the mimosa plant for its anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as roses for their natural fragrance and calming properties.
Plus, there’s chlorella vulgaris extract, which helps to promote collagen production.
Clinical trials showed that this face cream transformed the complexion in 2 weeks, reducing the appearance of wrinkle depth by 78% and increasing hydration by up to 45%.
Are expensive face creams worth it in the UK?
Not always. You’re often paying for the brand name and luxury packaging with an expensive face cream, rather than particularly premium ingredients.
Many high-end face creams do offer more advanced formulas than their more affordable counterparts, but you can reap similar results with proven actives like hyaluronic acid, retinol, and niacinamide.
For certain skin concerns, like deep wrinkles or pigmentation, luxury products may include certain delivery systems or concentrations that make a difference.
But if your skin is relatively healthy, you can achieve great results with affordable brands like The Ordinary, The Inkey List, and CeraVe with a consistent routine.
What face cream do dermatologists recommend?
Dermatologists often recommend face creams that contain clinically proven ingredients, are fragrance-free, and cater to specific skin concerns (like if you’re looking for the best moisturiser for dry skin) without causing irritation.
If you want to follow a dermatologist routine of anti-ageing skincare, choose a face cream that incorporates active ingredients like retinol, Vitamin C, plumping peptides and hyaluronic acid.
But a popular brand with dermatologists is often CeraVe, for being budget-friendly, rich in effective ingredients, suitable for all skin types (including sensitive), with gentle, kind-to-skin formulas.
Most dermatologists emphasise that the best face cream is one suited to your individual skin type and concerns, and that sun protection is non-negotiable, making a daily SPF one of their most highly recommended products.
What is the best SPF face cream?
The Beauty Bay SPF 50 UVA/UVB Face Lotion gets our vote as the best SPF for faces and the best non-comedogenic sunscreen.
It offers lightweight, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with a smooth, milky texture.
It absorbs quickly (there’s no sticky, greasy residue here), and works well under make-up, with no pilling.
This SPF is also budget-friendly at £10, but you’d be forgiven for thinking it would cost more with its invisible finish, comfortable wear with zero shine and vegan and cruelty-free formula.
Not only that, but it’s also alcohol and fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
The star ingredient is coneflower, which works to protect your complexion from environmental aggressors like pollution, dust and impurities, as well as reducing redness and inflammation.
What are the four main skincare ingredients to look out for in face creams?
Not all face creams are created equal, but you can find the ones worth spending your pennies on by checking if they have any of these four gold standard ingredients.
- Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates, plumps and softens, helping your skin to stay smooth, supple and comfortable all day long. It’s a great ingredient if you have dry skin, but it’s also a fantastic all-rounder that any skin type will benefit from (even oily).
- Vitamin C is your go-to ingredient for brightening, so it’s worth looking for in your face cream if you have hyperpigmentation or dullness. It helps to fade dark spots, even skin tone, increase radiance, and protect against environmental aggressors.
- Niacinamide (or Vitamin B3) has several benefits, particularly if you have oily or sensitive skin. It works to balance oil production, lessen the look of redness and inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier, leading to an overall healthier complexion.
- Retinol is perhaps the gold standard ingredient for anti-ageing, alongside SPF. It speeds up cell turnover to reveal fresh, radiant skin, boosts collagen, smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improves skin texture and tone.
How long does it take for cream to be absorbed into the skin?
Your face cream will typically absorb between 1 – 5 minutes, but it depends on your skin type and the formula you’re using.
Lightweight or gel-based creams can sink in within a minute or two, while thicker, richer creams may need up to five minutes to fully absorb.
Dry or dehydrated skin often drinks up product faster, whereas oily skin might take a bit longer, especially with heavier textures.
For best results, apply your face cream to clean, slightly damp skin using gentle upward motions (damp skin helps to lock in moisture and enhance absorption).
What moisturisers penetrate the skin the best?
It comes down to the formula and ingredients.
Humectant-based formulas, like those containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin or urea, draw moisture deep into the skin and absorb quickly.
You could also look for ceramides and oils and butters (like jojoba oil, almond oil, and shea butter), which also lock in moisture.
Gel or lightweight cream formulas also tend to sink in faster than rich creams.
In short, look for a lightweight moisturiser with any of the above ingredients to keep your skin hydrated all day.
What is the best cream for dark spots on the face?
The best face creams for dark spots typically combine brightening ingredients like Vitamin C, gentle exfoliants and antioxidants, which all work to fade hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone.
We would recommend options like the No7 Radiance+ Vitamin C Daily Brightening Moisturiser, which blends Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and brightening ginseng root.
Or the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Instant Glow Moisturiser, which is packed with Vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and hydrating polyglutamic acid.
