A decent face moisturiser delivers the right amount of water, which is the first step toward healthy, bright skin. A good moisturiser is the most essential part of any skincare routine, no matter whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, or even men’s skin that gets stressed out from daily shaving.
A moisturiser not only maintains your skin’s natural hydration but also strengthens its protective barrier and slows the signs of ageing. In this article, we’ll talk about what a face moisturiser is, why it’s essential, and how to choose the ideal one for your skin type. We’ll also give you some ideas for natural DIY moisturisers and dermatologist-approved products.
What is a face moisturiser?
A face moisturiser is a type of skin care product that keeps your skin hydrated and protected by forming a barrier that retains moisture. It helps keep the skin in balance and prevents it from becoming too dry, flaky, or oily.
The Function of Moisturisers
Throughout the day, your skin naturally loses water. Emollients, humectants, and occlusives found in moisturisers:
- Bring moisture to the skin (humectants such as hyaluronic acid)
- Hydration should be sealed in with occlusives, such as shea butter.
- Smooth the surface and soften the texture (emollients as ceramides or squalane)
Different Types of Face Moisturisers
You can choose from several types according to your skin type and the weather:
- Creams are thicker and work best on dry skin.
- Lotions: light and suitable for normal skin
- Gels: Good for oily skin because they don’t have oil and feel good.
- Oil-based moisturisers are best for skin that is very dry or old.
- Water-based moisturisers: Great for keeping skin hydrated without feeling heavy
Skin Health Benefits
A good moisturiser for your face:
- Brings back moisture and keeps elasticity
- Keeps you safe from pollutants and the sun
- Makes makeup go on smoothly
- Stops fine lines and wrinkles from forming too soon
- Encourages skin that is healthy and vibrant
Why You Need a Moisturiser Daily
Skipping moisturiser every day might not seem like a big deal, but it can make your skin feel tight, irritated, and dull. Using it regularly keeps your skin smooth, young, and in balance.
- Hydration and Anti-Ageing
Skin is less likely to get fine wrinkles and a harsh texture when it stays moisturised. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides in moisturisers keep your face plump and soft.
- Strengthening the Skin Barrier
The barrier on your skin keeps dirt, pollution, and bacteria out. A daily moisturiser helps to strengthen this natural barrier.
Choosing the Correct Type
The ideal moisturiser for you depends on your skin type:
- Dry Skin: Textures that are rich, creamy, and good for you
- For oily skin: use gel-based products that don’t contain oil.
- For sensitive skin, use fragrance-free, gentle formulas.
- Men’s Skin: Products that are light and absorb quickly to soothe the skin after shaving
Natural & Homemade Moisturisers for Glowing Skin
Homemade moisturisers are a great way to keep your face hydrated without harsh chemicals if you prefer natural skincare. They’re easy to use, inexpensive, and customizable to your skin type.
Simple recipes for homemade moisturisers
1. Aloe Vera and Honey Glow Moisturiser
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp honey,
- 2 tbsp aloe vera gel,
- and 1 tsp rose water
How to Use: Combine and keep in a clean container. Use every day for a new glow.
Why it works: Aloe profoundly moisturises, and honey brightens and softens skin.
2. Coconut Oil and Shea Butter Moisturiser:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil,
- one tablespoon of shea butter,
- and a small amount of vitamin E oil
How to Use: Mix the ingredients and melt them. Then let them cool and put them in a small container.
Ideal for: Dry or dull skin that needs a lot of moisture.
3. Olive Oil & Aloe Vera Cream
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp of olive oil,
- 1 tbsp of aloe vera gel,
- And one capsule of vitamin E is all you need.
How to Use: Mix and apply before bed for nourished, shining skin.
Advantages of Using Natural Ingredients
- No chemicals involved. No parabens or fake scents
- Rich in nutrients: vitamins and antioxidants from nature
- Gentle: Good for skin that is sensitive or reacts easily
How to Keep and Use It Safely
- Put in closed glass jars to store.
- If you can, keep it in the fridge.
- Use within 7–10 days.
- Before use, always do a patch test.
Best Face Moisturisers by Skin Type
Skin needs are different for everyone. If you use the wrong kind of lotion, your skin could get too oily, irritated, or flaky. Below are various types of creams for dry, oily, sensitive, and men’s skin. This list will help you find the best one for your skin.
Best Face Moisturiser for Dry Skin
When you wash your face, dry skin often feels tight, rough, or flaky. It doesn’t have enough oil, and it struggles to keep water out. Hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and ceramides are some of the most essential ingredients that should be in the best lotion for dry skin. It should be thick, creamy, and moisturising. Together, these ingredients deeply moisturise, heal your skin barrier, and keep your face soft and smooth all day.
The Best Products We Recommend:
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
- contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
- Brings back the natural barrier
- Not scented or oily, and suitable for both face and body
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Cream for Dry Skin
- Shea butter and niacinamide are mixed in.
- Keeps dry, rough, and sensitive skin moist.
- Lightweight and not greasy.
Cetaphil Face & Body Moisturiser
- Made for skin that is dry to very dry
- Free of scent, won’t clog pores, and absorbs quickly.
Pro Tip:
Apply moisturiser on slightly damp skin to lock in hydration and boost softness.
Want to know more? Check out our full guide on the Best Face Moisturiser for Dry Skin
Best face moisturiser for oily skin
Using moisturiser is pointless if you have oily skin, but not using it makes your skin more oily. If your skin isn’t getting enough water, it produces more oil to compensate. The best moisturiser for oily skin should be light, oil-free, and make the skin look matte. Look for niacinamide and vitamin B5, which keep the skin hydrated and control shine.
Best Product Suggestions:
1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Face Cream
- This solution doesn’t have oil and doesn’t clog pores.
- Controls too much shine and keeps skin hydrated well
- Contains ceramide and niacinamide for skin that is balanced
2. Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5 Face Cream
- Lightweight gel that works well on oily and acne-prone skin
- Doesn’t contain oil and absorbs quickly
Pro Tip: After washing your face, use a pea-sized amount. For optimal results, use with a sunscreen that doesn’t contain oil.
Want to know more? Check out our full guide on the Best face moisturiser for oily skin
Best Face Moisturiser for Sensitive Skin
Extra care is needed with sensitive skin because the wrong ingredient can make it feel hot, dry, or irritated. For this skin type, the best creams are those without scent, hypoallergenic, and rich in soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, chamomile, and ceramides. These reduce swelling, strengthen the skin’s barrier, and gently moisturise for a long time.
Top Product Recommendations:
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturiser with Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid is
- free of dyes, parabens, fragrances, and formaldehyde.
- Lightweight and relaxing, perfect for daily use
Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream
- Brings back comfort to very sensitive skin.
- Uses Avène Thermal Spring Water to calm redness and irritation.
- Sterile packaging ensures that the product is clean.
Vanicream Moisturising Skin Cream
- Full of nutrients and suitable for dry, sensitive skin
- No alcohol, no scent, and won’t clog pores
- Ideal for both your face and body.
Warning: Always do a patch test before applying it to your entire face to avoid discomfort.
Want to know more? Check out our full guide on the Best Face Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
Best Men’s Face Moisturiser
Men’s skin is usually thicker and oilier than women’s, and frequent shaving can make it dry and irritated. A good men’s face moisturiser should be non-greasy, moisturising, and quick-absorbing. It should help calm skin after shaving and maintain the skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and niacinamide are some of the things you should look for to help with hydration and repair.
Best Product Suggestions:
Men’s Hims Daily Moisturiser
- Light and quick to soak up
- It has shea butter and hyaluronic acid in it
Lumin Daily Face Moisturiser for Men
- Enriched with niacinamide
- Ideal for normal and combination skin
Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturiser SPF 20
- Combines hydration with sun protection
- Non-greasy, suitable for daily use
Want to know more? Check out our full guide on the Best Men’s Face Moisturiser
Pro Tip: Apply moisturiser immediately after shaving to calm irritation and prevent ingrown hairs. Use one with SPF during the day for added protection.
How to Make Moisturiser Work Better: In practice
If you use moisturiser correctly, it can really improve the health and appearance of your face. If you don’t use the right lotion at the right time, it won’t work at all. To get the most out of your skin care routine, follow these tips from professionals:
1. Put it on wet skin
- Always put moisturiser on your face right after washing it, while it’s still a little damp.
- Damp skin helps retain water, keeping you more hydrated.
- To make the moisturiser work better, gently pat it into your face instead of rubbing it in.
- This method makes your face look soft and plump and helps prevent it from drying out.
2. Use twice a day
Use moisturiser in the morning and at night for optimal results.
- In the morning, pick a light product that absorbs quickly and works well under makeup or sunscreen.
- Night: To help your skin heal overnight, use a richer, more nourishing cream.
Being consistent helps your face stay hydrated and strengthens its barrier.
3. Don’t use too much
It’s not true that more goods are better.
- If you have oily or mixed skin, using too much moisturiser can clog your pores and lead to acne.
- Spread about the size of a pea on your face and neck.
- Spread it out evenly, and wait for it to thoroughly soak before adding more products on top.
4. Put on the right amount of skin care products
How well skin care products work depends on their formulation.
When you stack, remember this rule:
- Cleanser → Toner (if you want) → Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (only in the morning)
When you use moisturiser, it locks in all the nutrients and moisture from your other products.
Allow 1 to 2 minutes between coats to fully absorb.
5. Make changes based on the season
Your skin’s needs change with the weather.
- For dry, flaky skin in winter, use thicker creams that contain shea butter or ceramides.
- Make the switch to lighter, gel-based lotions that contain aloe vera or hyaluronic acid for the summer.
This seasonal change keeps your skin in balance all year.
6. Do Not Make These Common Moisturising Mistakes
- Not using moisturiser after washing leaves skin dry and open to damage.
- Using harsh products or those with alcohol can take away natural oils.
- It can be irritating to mix too many active ingredients, such as acids and retinoids.
- Not putting lotion on your hands and neck—these areas age faster and need care too.
- Not caring about your skin type—always pick a formula made for your face.
Tip: Use clean hands and gentle upward strokes to apply moisturiser for the best results. This improves blood flow and helps the skin properly absorb the product.
Final thoughts
Your skin needs special care that meets its needs. The right product makes all the difference, from understanding what a face moisturiser is to finding the ideal one for your skin type.
If you like clean beauty, try a natural, homemade moisturiser for glowing skin. But if you want results that have been evaluated by dermatologists and are safe, effective, and trusted by millions, use the items above. Visit The Moisture Vault for additional skincare tips on how to keep your skin healthy, radiant, and hydrated every day.
