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Our editorial team selected the face moisturisers on this list based on both real customer reviews and their own personal experiences with the products. For each category, they carefully selected parameters based on research and identified the products with the highest review score within those parameters.
With a 4.9-star rating across more than 150 reviews sourced from MECCA, Adore Beauty and the Sand & Sky site, the Tasmanian Spring Water Hydration Boost Cream is the highest scoring moisturiser we considered.
The ultra-lightweight gel cream is suitable for all skin types and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it visibly plumped and hydrated.
The use of essential minerals helps to strengthen the skin's barrier and protect it from environmental aggressors, while fermented sea kelp works to fight the signs of ageing.
It's also cruelty-free and dermatologist approved, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin.
To see how it looks on the skin, head to our video review
To determine our best pick for this category, we considered products that are priced at $30 or less.
Our winner was Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel, which came in with a rating of 4.6 stars across more than 27,500 reviews sourced from Priceline, Chemist Warehouse and Google Reviews.
The lightweight water gel is formulated with hyaluronic acid and olive extract to quench dry skin and keep it hydrated for up to 24-hours, making it a great option for those with dry skin.
It also absorbs quickly and is oil-free, which means those with combination and oily skin can also make the most of its moisture-boosting properties.
If your parched skin is in need of some TLC, Sand & Sky's Tasmanian Spring Water Hydration Boost Cream is a must-have.
Receiving a whopping 4.9-star rating across more than 150 reviews sourced from MECCA, Adore Beauty and the Sand & Sky site, the super lightweight cream is difficult to fault.
The water-based formula is enriched with essential minerals, helping to deliver long-lasting moisture to the skin while protecting against pollutants and environmental aggressors.
It's also dermatologist approved, cruelty-free and contains two types of hyaluronic acid for more hydrated, radiant skin.
You can see our video review for more, and if you're looking for alternative options, we've rounded up our selection of the best moisturisers for dry skin.
Finding a product that hydrates the skin without breaking it out can be tricky but Sodashi's Balancing Face and Neck Moisturiser does just that.
Boasting a 4.8-star rating across reviews sourced from Adore Beauty, Sephora and Nourished Life, the lightweight cream deeply hydrates skin whilst helping to balance sebum production.
The combination of antioxidant-rich ingredients meanwhile helps to heal and firm the skin without blocking pores.
It also contains calming ingredients such as chamomile and rosehip to help soothe sensitive, irritated and reactive skin.
Not only did Youth To The People's Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream receive a 4.5-star rating from more than 4,000 reviews sourced from Sephora and Google Reviews, but we also reviewed it ourselves and loved it.
The use of squalene helps to boost skin hydration without clogging pores, while fermented reishi works to detoxify and fight premature signs of ageing.
The formula is also fragrance-free, making it ideal not only for those with combination skin, but for those with sensitive, dry and reactive skin types too.
As an added bonus, the moisturiser uses only vegan ingredients and comes in recyclable packaging, making it an all-round green beauty buy.
With a rating of 4.6 stars across more than 290 reviews sourced from Sephora and the Tarte site, Tarte's Baba Bomb Moisturiser is a customer favourite.
The vegan, fragrance-free moisturiser delivers heavy-duty hydration, helping to combat dryness without setting off sensitive, reactive skin.
We also loved the hygienic press-down dispenser lid, which makes it easy to get the right amount of product out without the need to scoop it up with your fingers.
If you suffer from moisture-phobia as a result of having acne-prone skin, Sodashi's Balancing Face and Neck Moisturiser is one to try.
As the name suggests, the lightweight moisturiser works to balance the skin by using cedarwood oil to control sebum production and eliminate acne-causing bacteria.
The formula also contains vitamin C to even the skin tone and fade pigmentation and lavender spike oil, which contains antiseptic qualities.
In addition, the product contains vegan ingredients and is rapidly absorbed into the skin, which stops irritation for reactive skin.
Sodashi's Balancing Face and Neck Moisturiser received a 4.8-star rating across reviews sourced from Adore Beauty, Sephora and Nourished Life.
With its careful selection of ingredients, SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter has been specially formulated to improve the appearance of wrinkles and restore the loss of firmness caused by the glycation process.
The use of proxylane helps to increase skin elasticity and thickness, while blueberry extract acts as both an antioxidant and an inhibitor of advanced glycation end-products (which cause visible signs of ageing).
Other key ingredients include phytosphingosine, which protects the skin's barrier, and rich emollients, which rehydrate dry, cracked skin.
The moisturiser is also fragrance, alcohol and sulphate free, making it ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin.
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Moisturiser received a 4.6-star rating across more than 790 reviews sourced from Adore Beauty, Google Reviews and Amazon Australia.
Charlotte's Magic Cream is a favourite of both celebrities and makeup artists alike and it isn't difficult to see why.
In addition to being a multi award-winner and a favourite of the Finder reviews team, the formula has a rating of 4.5 stars across more than 6,800 reviews sourced from Google Reviews and the Charlotte Tilbury site.
The moisturiser is designed to prep the skin prior to makeup application, aiding both hydration and plumpness.
It also adds a nice dewy glow to the skin, making it ideal for those who want their makeup to look glowing and fresh.
The cream is formulated with African oils and plant ceramide complexes to help replenish the skin's natural barrier and defend against everyday stressors that can accelerate the ageing process.
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer meanwhile adds a heavy dose of hydration, making it an ideal buy when battling dry, tired skin.
We also found that the hydrating effects lasted all day long and didn't leave skin feeling greasy.
With a 4.7-star rating across more than 1,100 reviews sourced from MECCA, Google Reviews and the Tatcha site, Tatcha's Luminous Dewy Skin Night Concentrate is one of the more well-known night creams currently on the market.
Made for all skin types, the Dewy Skin Night Concentrate arrives in a lightweight jelly-like formula that melts quickly into the skin.
Powered by a mix of red algae and rich botanicals, the moisturiser works overnight to hydrate, plump the skin and fight signs of ageing.
The end result is visibly smoother, hydrated skin, which is left looking nice and dewy.
With a 4.7-star rating across more than 980 reviews sourced from MECCA, Google Reviews and the Chantecaille site, Chantecaille's Just Skin is a must-add to your makeup bag.
The lightweight tinted moisturiser offers SPF15+ protection, while helping to hydrate the skin and leave it looking velvety smooth.
Its formula consists of green tea extract to brighten and soothe the skin, along with a thyme and butterfly bush blend that fights against free radicals.
Chantecaille's Just Skin is also cruelty and fragrance free and leaves skin with a natural, dewy finish.
With a 4.8-star rating across reviews sourced from Adore Beauty, Sephora and Nourished Life, Sodashi's Balancing Face and Neck Moisturiser is one of the most highly-rated products we considered.
The lightweight, vegan moisturiser is made from a natural blend of vitamins and antioxidant-rich oils and extracts, which work to actively repair and regenerate skin cells.
It also helps to improve the firmness and elasticity of the skin, while defending it from environmental aggressors.
The formula is rapidly absorbed into the skin and contains soothing ingredients such as chamomile and rosehip, making it a great option for those with irritated or reactive skin.
Boasting a 4.8-star rating across more than 870 reviews sourced from MECCA, Myer and the Kiehl's site, Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment For Men is a great all-rounder.
The moisturiser absorbs quickly into the skin, offering a boost to dull, fatigued skin thanks to the use of caffeine and vitamin C.
Chestnut extract meanwhile works to neutralise free radical damage and prevent future damage, making it an ideal addition to your skincare routine.
Amazon prices last updated on 3 December, 2023 at 04:01 ameBay prices last updated on 3 December, 2023 at 07:10 am
Methodology
100+ Brands considered
670+ Products compared
15 Best moisturisers chosen
We compared over 100 face moisturiser brands and based our picks on real customer reviews sourced from popular beauty stores and review sites. We also took into consideration first-hand testing by the Finder reviews team.
The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.
We considered the following face moisturiser brands:
bareMinerals
NARS
MECCA Cosmetica
Hourglass
Chantecaille
Laura Mercier
Clinique
Urban Decay
Omorovicza
Charlotte Tilbury
Olay
Minenssey
Sand & Sky
Sodashi
Youth To The People
Tarte
Abhati Suisse
Medik8
Biossance
Tatcha
Andalou Naturals
Giorgio Armani
Jane Iredale
REAL-U
Clarins
Asap
Avène
Bobbi Brown
Napoleon Perdis
Dermalogica
Pixi
Weleda
Aspect
Fresh
First Aid Beauty
Cosmetics 27
Glow Recipe
Go-To
Summer Friday's
Mario Badescu
The Beauty Chef
Darphin
Natio
Alkira
Swisse
Blessed By Nature
Sukin
Neutrogena
Sunday Riley
Malin+Gotez
Korres
Nivea
Shiseido
VERSO
Alpha-H
The Ordinary
SkinCeuticals
Kiehl's
La Roche-Posay
La Mer
Aesop
Drunk Elephant
Maaemo
innisfree
This Works
IT Cosmetics
Murad
SK-II
Estee Lauder
Elizabeth Arden
Cosmedix
Antipodes
L'Occitane
Perricone MD
Bioderma
Lancome
PCA Skin
Klairs
AHC
Aesthetics Rx
AVEDA
Beaute Pacifique
Burt's Bees
Cremorlab
Edible Beauty
Skinstitut
Ella Bache
Grown Alchemist
Jurlique
KORA Organics
L'Oreal
CeraVe
Pai
Philosophy
Alya Skin
Societe
Skin Virtue
Mukti Organics
REN Clean Skincare
Kate Somerville
Dr. Dennis Gross
Origins
Yves Saint Laurent
We eliminated products that are discontinued or difficult to find in Australian stores.
We then defined parameters for each category and compared customer ratings sourced from popular beauty and reviews sites to determine the products that were consistently highly rated. We also took into account our own experience with some products. However, we still used consumer scores to determine what we believe to be the best face moisturiser for each category.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. However, Finder may receive compensation when you click some links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.
What does moisturiser do?
The main function of a moisturiser is to increase, improve and strengthen the moisture barrier of your skin.
The top layers of the skin work to keep water, oils and other important nourishing properties inside the bottom layer of the dermis and in your body as a whole. However, certain environmental factors, such as wind and sun, can weaken the skin and cause it to be less effective at keeping the good stuff in.
Flaky or chapped skin is often a sign that your skin's barrier has weakened and the water and oils have dissipated, leaving it broken and cracked. Moisturisers can help to replenish these water and oil levels.
Different moisturisers also offer various additional benefits such as providing SPF, reducing acne and inflammation and reducing oil. It all comes down to which moisturiser you choose.
What types are available?
The range of moisturisers on the market today, and the benefits they claim to offer, can be overwhelming.
Generally speaking, moisturisers come in three main varieties:
Creams
Lotions
Ointments
But you'll also see products designed for people with:
Dry skin
Oily skin
Ageing skins
Sensitive skin
So, how do you decide which product is right for you? The first step is to work out what skin type you have. For example, people with oily skin can benefit from water-based lotions, while dry skin often responds well to heavier creams that lock in moisture.
Next, you can consider any specific skin concerns you want to address. For example, if you've got sensitive skin, you may want to consider a fragrance and paraben-free moisturiser specifically designed for easily irritated skin.
Once you've narrowed down your options, you can then start sampling products to find out how they feel on your skin.
How to compare moisturisers
The beauty industry is notorious for products that make big claims that aren't backed by science. So don't get sucked in by slick marketing or Instagram hype. Instead, shop around to compare the key features of a range of moisturisers and work out whether they're right for your skin. The factors you should consider when comparing your options include:
Skin type
Different types of moisturisers work better on different skin types. Work out what type of skin you have and then compare suitable products.
You can also shop for products designed to address specific issues, such as wrinkles. However, remember to take the marketing claims on the packaging with a grain of salt.
It's also worth pointing out that some products may have multiple uses. Retinol, for example, is a common ingredient in anti-ageing moisturisers, but it's also useful for treating acne.
Price
Moisturiser prices vary greatly, ranging from $2.75 tubs of petroleum jelly through to big-name brand creams and lotions that cost several hundred dollars per 100mL. However, paying extra doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be buying a better product – it all comes down to finding a moisturiser that works for your skin.
SPF rating
If you'll be spending any time in the sun, look for a moisturiser that includes sunscreen. In Australia, moisturisers with an SPF of more than 15 are regulated by the TGA. However, according to the Cancer Council, many cosmetics aren't water-resistant, so they may not provide the necessary protection if you're swimming or sweating.
Ingredients
If you're concerned about what is actually in your moisturiser, check the first five ingredients listed on the label. Ingredients are listed in descending order with the main ingredients listed first, so items that help keep skin hydrated should feature high on the list.
Scent
The way a moisturiser smells may not affect how it performs, but it will influence how you feel. Remember to do a quick sniff test before you buy to make sure you like the fragrance.
When should I apply moisturiser?
To keep your skin looking its best, it's important to moisturise your face at the right time. The best time to apply moisturiser is when your skin is damp, so this will typically be after you hop out of the bath or shower. This seals in the moisture and ensures that your skin stays hydrated.
Sticking to a consistent routine also helps. Instead of applying cream sporadically, or constantly chopping and changing between different products, making moisturising part of your daily skincare routine should help improve overall skin health.
4 things to consider
There are a few other factors you should consider when choosing a moisturiser:
Test it first. Before you drop a big sum of money on a tub of face cream, try it out first. Patch test any new product on a less sensitive (and less visible) part of your body, such as the crook of your elbow. This will allow you to check whether you're allergic to the moisturiser or if your skin is irritated by anything in the product.
The benefits of sunscreen. If you're worried about the effects of ageing, there's more you can do to protect your skin than just moisturise. Ultraviolet radiation causes premature ageing, so using sunscreen and other methods of sun protection is crucial for skin health. Some moisturisers also include sunscreen - look for a product with the highest possible SPF rating and be sure to reapply regularly. Check out our sunscreen buying guide for more information.
Trial and error. Unfortunately, choosing the right moisturiser isn't always easy – you might need to kiss a few frogs before you find your perfect match. You may need to experiment with a range of products to see whether you like how they make your skin look and feel. If you find something that works, stick with it.
Get professional advice. Got a nasty skin problem (such as acne) and not sure about the best way to address it? Your first port of call should be a dermatologist. They'll be able to offer expert advice on the best way to improve the health of your skin.
Best Rated Moisturiser award breakdown
Brand
Ease of application
Scent
Texture
Value for Money
Overall rating
Recommended
Total Score
Kiehl's
4.8
4
4.4
4
4.6
100%
8.3
Sukin
4.65
4.33
4.47
4.43
4.45
92%
8.2
Aveeno
4.6
4.16
4.4
4.16
4.52
98%
8.19
QV
4.62
3.86
4.38
4.16
4.54
94%
8.19
Neutrogena
4.59
4.27
4.47
4.25
4.41
90%
8.09
Clinique
4.54
4.24
4.46
3.92
4.43
95%
8.08
Dermalogica
4.5
3.9
4.4
3.95
4.5
95%
8.08
Nivea
4.53
4.16
4.41
4.27
4.31
98%
8.02
Vaseline
4.46
4.16
4.18
4.36
4.34
92%
7.97
Moogoo
4.63
4.05
4.32
4
4.32
95%
7.94
Olay
4.47
4.1
4.31
4.2
4.33
90%
7.93
Redwin
4.4
3.88
4.24
4.42
4.24
92%
7.83
Aesop
4.58
4
4.25
4
4
92%
7.57
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info.
Lauren Chaplin was Finder's senior shopping writer, covering the latest in fashion, home, tech, beauty and wellbeing. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of South Australia and has previously been published in Women Love Tech, The Carousel and South Australian newspaper The Bunyip.
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