During my years working as a beauty editor it has become increasingly apparent that there’s one skincare product that people are obsessed with above all else—moisturiser. There’s no doubt that “Which moisturisers are genuinely worth the money?” is one of the questions I get asked most frequently, and it’s really no surprise when there are so many on the market.
However, skincare is deeply personal, and whilst most of us are becoming increasingly clued-up on our skin types, there’s another major factor at play when it comes to sourcing a moisturiser that will work for you—your age. Before we get into it, let me be clear: I have no time for wild anti-ageing claims or products that promise to deliver line-free skin—nothing is going to turn back the clock or completely eliminate wrinkles and fine lines that are already present on your skin.
However, the care that mature skin needs compared to what it might have done in your 20s or 30s is undoubtedly different, most notably because our collagen, hydration and elasticity levels start to decrease. So when I’m recommending moisturisers for people in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, I’m focused on formulations that boost moisture levels, plump the skin and improve texture and tone.
Ahead, I’ve created a comprehensive list of the very best moisturisers for mature skin that I continually recommend based on expert advice and rave reviews from other beauty editors. Plus, I called on some top dermatologists and skin experts to reveal the ingredients and formulas that they swear by personally and for their clients. “As we age, the essential lipids—such as cholesterol, fatty acids and ceramides— are depleted,” explains Dr Fiona McCarthy, consultant oncologist, aesthetic doctor and co-founder of The Bronte Clinic. “These lipids are essential for our skin to maintain healthy barrier function. If these are lost, our skin loses moisture more quickly and can become dry and irritated. An impaired skin barrier can also result in more visible signs of ageing.” To combat this, choosing a moisturiser that’s rich in restorative ingredients like ceramides, peptides and lipids is key.
“SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore is a real favourite for more mature skin,” says McCarthy. “It contains essential lipids in an optimised ratio which helps protect and maintain skin barrier function.”
Probably my most-frequently recommended moisturiser for mature skin, Elemis’s Pro-Collagen Marine Cream is a cult moisturiser in the truest sense, and for good reason: This stuff really works. Formulated with potent plant actives, it boosts hydration and improves the elasticity and firmness of your skin over time. Plus, it has a beautiful gel-cream texture that’s perfect if you don’t get on with heavier consistencies.
“The best moisturiser for mature skin for me is our Meder Circa-Night,” recommends dermatologist Dr Tiina Meder. “It really helps to restore and regenerate skin at night without any aggression and side effects. It addresses skin elasticity, barrier function and sensitivity, which are all are equally important for mature skin care.”
If you’re looking for a moisturiser to help maintain a healthy skin barrier, Stella by Stella McCartney Restore Cream might be the one for you. This cream is deeply hydrating, with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and cherry blossom extract to plump and smooth the complexion whilst reinforcing the skin barrier.
Although I’m always loathe to recommend a moisturiser with a three-figure price tag, the science really does speak for this industry-insider moisturiser. Packed with omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants, as well as the brand’s own TFC8 Complex which promotes skin rejuvenation, this moisturiser is worth the bucks if you want to see results. Plus, legions of celebs from Victoria Beckham to Priyanka Chopra Jonas swear by it.
At the other end of the price spectrum is this little gem from Olay—probably my most-recommended high-street brand for efficacious formulations for mature skin. This moisturiser was an instant sell-out at launch thanks to its hardworking blend of skin-smoothing retinol, moisture-retaining vitamin B3 and its overall skin-brightening effects.
“Skin naturally becomes drier as we age due to a number of biological reasons, so a a rich moisturiser is often needed,” explains dermatologist Dr Beibei Du-Harpur. “I like Dr. Sam’s Flawless Revival Mask which is both hydrating as well as moisturising. Although it is technically a ‘mask’, it can also be used as a moisturiser so you don’t have to wash it off.”
Despite Dr. Jart+ being one of those viral skincare brands that you see all over TikTok, don’t make the mistake of thinking that their formulations only cater to Gen Z. Whilst this basic moisturiser is a brilliant option for every age and skin type, the rich fusion of ceramides means that mature skin will particularly benefit from its ability to lock-in moisture and strengthen your skin barrier.
Packed with skin-firming peptides that smooth the appearance of fine lines and intensely hydrate parched skin, this high-performing moisturiser is a hit amongst customers with mature skin. “I would purchase this cream again as at 61 I feel it has definitely smoothed out my skin and made it plumper [SIC],” says one five-star review.
“For a lighter formulation for mature skin, I like Avène Hydrance Aqua Gel,” says Du-Harpur. “It is very lightweight, yet still effectively moisturises. It is probably better-suited to those who have an [oilier] skin type or wish to use a more lightweight product during the day; a lighter moisturiser [in the day] and a richer moisturiser [in the evening] often works well.”
If it’s dry skin that you’re really looking to combat then you can’t get much better than this classic, award-winning moisturiser. It boasts a rich blend of glycerin, lanolin, beeswax and natural oils to really soften dryness and keep skin hydrated around the clock. Plus, makeup artists always have this in their kit thanks to the incredible glow that it provides.
As well as combatting the loss of collagen in mature skin through a complex blend of moisture-boosting oils in its scientific formulation, this nourishing cream also targets dullness with a potent vitamin C that reduces the appearance of dark spots and adds luminosity to tired skin.
Price shown is members’ price. Hyaluronic acid is one of the best ingredients to look out for if you have mature skin, as it really works hard to help your skin retain its moisture levels, resulting in a firmer, plumper complexion. This one from Beauty Pie rivals some of its more expensive counterparts at a fraction of the price.
As our skin ages, a lot of us will embrace a more active skincare routine with ingredients like AHAs, vitamin C and even retinol. This nourishing moisturiser has been specially formulated to be used alongside such ingredients to support your skin barrier and provide a boost of cell-repairing peptides and soothing essential oils. It’s particularly brilliant if you use vitamin A products which can be harsh on the skin, as this replenishing cream will soothe and calm and irritation.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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