Face Moisturisers: types and which one is best for you
Introduction
A good face moisturizer is a fundamental part of any skincare routine, helping to maintain hydration, protect the skin barrier, and enhance overall skin health.
However, with so many different formulations available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Should you opt for a lightweight gel moisturizer, a rich face cream, or a hydrating lotion? The answer depends on your skin type, specific concerns, and environmental factors.
This guide explores the different types of face moisturizers, their key ingredients, and how to select the best moisturizer for your skin type.
Understanding the Different Types of Moisturisers
1. Gel Moisturisers
Gel moisturizers are lightweight, oil-free, and water-based formulations that absorb quickly into the skin. They typically contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, without heavy oils or occlusives.
✅ Best for: Oily skin, normal skin, and acne-prone skin
✅ Benefits: Non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and refreshing
❌ Drawbacks: May not provide enough hydration for dry skin
■ You can check our Double Hydration Boost Gel here
2. Lotion Moisturisers
Lotions have a slightly thicker consistency than gels but remain relatively lightweight. They usually contain a balance of water and oil to provide hydration without heaviness.
✅ Best for: Normal-mixed skin, and slightly dry skin
✅ Benefits: Lightweight, non-comedogenic, and easy to layer under makeup
❌ Drawbacks: May not be rich enough for very dry skin
3. Cream Moisturisers
Creams are richer than gels and lotions, providing deep hydration and nourishment. They often contain ceramides, fatty acids, and emollients to restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
✅ Best for: Dry skin, sensitive skin, and mature skin
✅ Benefits: Deeply moisturizing, helps repair the skin barrier, and provides long-lasting hydration
❌ Drawbacks: Can feel heavy on oily skin
■ You can check our collection of Cream Moisturisers here
4. Ointment Moisturisers
Ointments are the thickest and most occlusive type of moisturizer. They create a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss and often include petrolatum, shea butter, or lanolin.
✅ Best for: Very dry skin, eczema-prone skin, and compromised skin barriers
✅ Benefits: Offers intense hydration and protection
❌ Drawbacks: Can feel greasy. It is generally not advisable for use on oily skin
5. Gel-Cream Moisturisers
Gel-cream formulations offer a balance between hydration and lightweight texture. They contain both humectants and emollients, making them versatile and effective for various skin types.
✅ Best for: Combination skin, normal skin, and dehydrated skin
✅ Benefits: Hydrating but not heavy, great for layering
❌ Drawbacks: May not be enough for extremely dry skin
Choosing the Right Moisturiser for Your Skin Type
🔹 Oily Skin → Opt for an oil-free gel moisturizer or lightweight lotion with hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid.
🔹 Dry Skin → Choose a rich face cream or ointment with ceramides, shea butter, and fatty acids.
🔹 Normal-Mixed Skin → Your skin won't need a heavily hydrating formulation, so a light cream or lotion is the right choice for balanced hydration without heaviness.
🔹 Sensitive Skin → Look for fragrance-free creams with soothing ingredients like Chamomile (which contains Alpha-Bisabolol) and Calendula extracts. If you are struggling with frequent Acne breakouts, our Moisturising Acne Spot Care Serum may suit you.
🔹 Mature Skin → Barrier-repair creams with peptides and antioxidants help restore elasticity and hydration. We recommend combining our Ceramide Hydrating Night Cream with the Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Rejuvenating Serum, for a deeply revitalizing effect.
Final Thoughts
Moisturizing is essential for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin, but selecting the right product is key. Consider your skin type, climate, and specific concerns when choosing a face moisturizer to ensure it provides the best hydration and protection.
