A moisturiser is the cornerstone of any effective daily skin care routine (consider it a bare minimum beauty product). While we know there's an abundance of other products worth using — face oil, serum, sunscreen — a moisturisers affords hydration and replenishment, two universal skin needs.

Whether you're searching for 'the one' or just want to upgrade your cabinet, we've rounded up the 16 best face moisturisers for every skin type below.

Best moisturisers for dry skin

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

More than just a moisturiser, Tatcha's hero formula floods the skin with squalane, ceramides, algae and Japanese ferments for a plump, bouncy finish. It's the perfect way to prep for makeup, too.

Drunk Elephant La La Retro Whipped Cream

This formula is rich in fatty acids, thanks to ceramides and cold pressed oils that have been whipped into a fluffy cream consistency. It's very nourishing, but still surprisingly lightweight on the skin.

Cosmetics 27 Baume 27

Cosmetics 27 is an 'in the know' beauty brand, and its Baume 27 moisturiser is much-loved by editors. The formula is plush, creamy and rich in plant extracts that deeply hydrate while reducing the signs of ageing.

Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

An iconic face cream that repairs and fortifies the barrier, promoting soft, healthy skin while reducing the risk of moisture loss. It's packed with ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids to smooth, replenish and nourish.

Best moisturisers for oily or acne-prone skin

Biologique Recherche Creme Dermopurifiante

Made specifically for oily skin and those prone to congestion, this moisturiser regulates sebum production for clear, even skin. While it's purifying, it still affords lightweight hydration.

Go-To Very Lightweight Moisturiser

A plump, bouncy gel that hydrates without the stickiness. It's fresh and oil-free, with a matte finish that's really nice under makeup.

Best moisturisers for sensitive skin

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+

Cicaplast is viral, and for good reason. The french pharmacy staple has a rich, cushiony texture that immediately soothes dry or stressed skin. The hero ingredients include thermal spring water, prebiotics for barrier strength and panthenol to soothe and rehydrate.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

Few moisturisers are as iconic as UFC. The formulation is simple with universal appeal — avocado oil, squalane, glycerin — while it's free from parabens and fragrance. It's hydrating and comforting but weightless, the perfect formula for every complexion.

Tower 28 SOS Daily Barrier Recovery Cream

This is gentle, soothing and non-greasy. It's safe for breakout-prone skin, eczema-prone skin, plus those who experience to redness or dehydration. Texture-wise, it's rich and comforting but very quickly absorbed.

Best luxury moisturisers

La Mer Creme de la Mer

Moisturisers don't get more famous than this. Formulated with the iconic La Mer Miracle Broth ferment, the superlative formula soothes and conditions for soft, even-toned, luminous skin.

Emma Lewisham Supernatural Face Creme Riche

This silky cream deeply moisturises the skin, stimulating collagen production for a plump, lifted look. It's rich in peptides and humectants for firmness and long-lasting moisture, plus shea butter for a dewy glow.

Rationale No. 1 The Creme

This is a deeply restorative face cream for daytime use to protect against environmental damage. It's velvety and hydrating, with a dewy finish for that signature Rationale glow.

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

Hollywood's favourite moisturiser, The Rich Creme is considered a cult formula thanks to the inclusion of TFC8, a patented ingredient complex that improves communication between cells. What this means is a visible improvement on all markers of skin health, including even tone, smoother texture and reduced fine lines.

CHANEL Hydra Beauty Creme

Light and refreshing, Hydra Beauty feels like a tall glass of water for normal to dry and dehydrated skin. Camellia extracts increase moisture content, while the softening gel-cream texture will leave your complexion glowing with health.

Best drugstore moisturisers

Weleda Skin Food

If you want a balmy, occlusive cream that's reasonably priced, Skin Food is it. Almost like an ointment in terms of texture, Skin Food soothes rough, dry skin while preventing water loss. A tiny amount goes a long way, too.

Embroylisse Lait-Cremè Concentre

A French pharmacy staple that's loved by makeup artists for its ability to hydrate the skin for a smooth, plumed canvas under makeup. It's also very simple in its formulation, so great for reactive skin types.