The best moisturiser for mature skin -tested by REAL women

Hydrate and nourish your skin

Best best moisturiser for mature skin

by Hannah Carroll |
Updated on

Finding the best moisturiser for mature skin is the secret to looking youthful and feeling great. When you are young, you can get away with a very basic skincare routine; a mere wash, cleanse, and some suncream is all you need to look fresh-faced. But unfortunately, as you age, your skin requires a little more TLC.

As you reach your forties and beyond, you may notice various changes in your skin, such as drooping, thinning, dryness, and increased sensitivity, which are natural aspects of ageing that can be challenging to accept, especially if you've had flawless skin in the past. However, there's a range of creams available to repair and nourish your skin; although they can't reverse time, they can help slow down the ageing process. A good skincare routine paired with the use of an LED light therapy mask will keep you looking more youthful for longer. We've done all the hard work for you and tried and tested many of these moisturisers, all you need to do is choose which ones will suit your skin best

Best moisturiser for mature skin at a glance:

Best moisturiser for mature skin overall: CeraVe - Moisturising Cream for Dry to Very Dry Skin - view on Amazon
Best brightening moisturiser for mature skin: Daily Radiance Vitamin C - view on Medik8
Best firming moisturiser for mature skin: Caudalie Resveratrol - Lift Firming Cashmere Cream - view on Cult Beauty
Best nighttime moisturiser for mature skin: Clarins - Hydra-Essentiel Night Cream - view on John Lewis

With the help of skincare expert Dr Sophie Shotter, we have learnt the importance of having a good skincare routine and the top tips for different ages (which we will summarise at the end of the article). She explained, “Just as you may need to adapt your exercise routine or diet with age, the same needs to be done for your skincare routine. Your skin undergoes various changes throughout your life, which can be influenced by environmental factors like sun exposure, stress, and pollution, as well as the natural process of ageing.

“So, while it is important to build a sustainable routine that works for your skin, it is also key to make sure your routine evolves to address these changing needs."

Consider this your cue to indulge in some much-needed self-care with a new skincare product tailored to your skin's needs. Without delay, we've curated a selection of top moisturisers specifically for mature skin, many of which have been personally tested by our team of shopping experts at Yours.

Best moisturisers for mature skin 2024:

Best moisturiser for mature skin overall

CeraVe Moisturising Cream for Dry to Very Dry SkinCredit: CeraVe/Amazon
Price: $22.00

Skincare products often come with a hefty price tag, but this moisturiser stands out as it's not only loved by A-list celebrities but also budget-friendly.

That's why it's our top pick for the best moisturiser for mature skin. CeraVe has garnered praise from celebrities like Blake Lively, Olivia Wilde, and Emily Ratajkowski. And, if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for us.

CeraVe has developed this cream with dermatologists. The brand describes it as a rich yet non-greasy cream; many online shoppers agree. It has been formulated with patented MVE Technology to ensure a continuous release of hydration for up to 24 hours.

MVE (MultiVesicular Emulsion) Technology is a controlled-release delivery system used in skincare products to provide long-lasting hydration by releasing ingredients gradually over time.

This makes it a fantastic option for people who suffer from dry skin or those looking for a little more hydration.

Pros

  • Developed with dermatologists
  • Non-comedogenic (Non-comedogenic refers to skin care products formulated not to clog pores, making them suitable for acne-prone or sensitive skin)
  • Hyaluronic acid: Helps retain skin’s natural moisture​
  • Fragrance-free​
  • Suitable for dry to very dry skin

Cons

  • Not ideal for oily skin

Best brightening moisturiser for mature skin

Medik8 - Daily Radiance Vitamin CCredit: Medik8

If your skin often feels a bit lacklustre, then this brightening moisturiser might be just what you need to regain a youthful glow.

An independent consumer study conducted over four weeks on 50 participants across all skin types and tones found that this cream made users feel like their skin looked brighter.

Customers adore its non-greasy, cashmere-soft texture cream that protects skin against premature signs of ageing.

Pros

  • Your daily dose of skin-brightening vitamin C and SPF 30 protection in one cream
  • It works to both prevent and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Enriched with hyaluronic acid

Cons

  • It needs to be reapplied throughout the day

Best firming moisturiser for mature skin

CAUDALIE RESVERATROL-LIFT FIRMING CASHMERE CREAMCredit: Caudalie/Cult Beauty

While mature skin may lose its firmness over time, the Lift Firming Cashmere Cream by Caudalie, celebrated by online users and skincare experts, offers a solution.

This innovative cream features plant-derived collagen and an exclusive anti-ageing patent comprising vine resveratrol, hyaluronic acids, and a vegan collagen booster, effectively stimulating all three types of collagen.

Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity, firmness, and overall youthful appearance, as it provides structural support to the skin, joints, and other connective tissues.

Pros

  • 98 per cent natural origin ingredients
  • Tested under dermatological supervision
  • Vegan
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Refillable and recyclable glass jar.

Cons

  • Some customers found that it was slightly oily

Best nighttime moisturiser for mature skin

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Night CreamCredit: Clarins/John Lewis

While you sleep, your skin begins healing. Applying cream before bed is an excellent idea because it can penetrate deeper into the skin as it isn't exposed to environmental factors or sunlight, thus maximizing its effectiveness.

Skincare enthusiasts hail this nighttime cream by Clarins that is enriched with plant-based squalane, which reinforces the hydrolipidic film, and line-filling pearls to visibly smooth dehydration wrinkles.

The brand states that this cream works 13x longer on the skin to provide long-lasting results, and the online reviews are full of people who agree.

Pros

  • Silky texture
  • Contains hyaluronic acid
  • Tighten pores
  • Non-greasy

Cons

Best moisturiser for mature women with SPF

Absolute Collagen Deep Lift Day Cream SPF30Credit: Amazon

The RadiantGlow SPF 30 Day Cream is another moisturiser that has been formulated with collagen-boosting ingredients. As previously mentioned, collagen enhances your skin's natural radiance and youthfulness.

What we love about this product is that it also contains SPF 30 protection, making it the perfect moisturiser to wear every day but an especially good choice for warmer weather.

SPF 30 provides effective protection against harmful UV rays, helping to prevent sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer while still allowing for adequate vitamin D synthesis. Although there are other moisturisers on our list that have SPF 15, we recommend SPF 30 for adequate skin protection.

Shielding your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial for having healthy skin. Sun damage can accelerate collagen breakdown and can speed up the ageing process.

We are currently awaiting this product to test ourselves.

Pros

  • Effective hydration
  • SPF protection
  • Luxurious feel

Cons

  • There were a few isolated reports of sensitivity issues around the eyes

Best moisturiser for mature, oily skin

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel CreamCredit: Kiehl's

This lightweight yet deeply hydrating gel cream is designed to provide intense moisture without adding excess oil, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and balanced.

Perfect for those seeking a non-greasy moisturiser that helps control shine and minimize pores, this oil-free gel cream from Kiehl's is your go-to solution for a mattified, healthy-looking complexion.

Pros

  • Formulated without alcohol and fragrances
  • Quickly absorbs into skin with an instant cooling effect
  • Visibly minimises pores over time
  • Great for oily skin to normal skin

Cons

  • Some customers wished there was a larger size

Best moisturiser for mature, dry skin

E45 Face MoisturiserCredit: Hannah Carroll/Yours
Price: $16.99

E45 has been one of the go-to brands for people who suffer from dry and itchy skin. This dermatologically tested cream is a great option for people who suffer from dry skin. The cream is both lightweight and easy to absorb. We found that a little bit goes a very long way.

Our review: "I was very pleasantly surprised with this cream. In truth, it wasn't a brand I thought of for anything other than treating my child's eczema. Typically, I choose something a little more luxurious for my moisturiser. However, I had a really dry patch on my face, and after a few uses, it was noticeably improved. I would recommend this moisturiser for people with naturally dry skin as it hydrates the skin well."

Pros

  • Dermatologically tested
  • Long-lasting hydration throughout the day
  • Protect your skin against external factors that can further dry the skin out.

Cons

  • Some customers found that they had to reapply frequently (we did not)

Best moisturiser for sensitive, mature skin

Aveeno Face CALM+RESTORE® Oat Gel MoisturiserCredit: Hannah Carroll/ Yours

The Oat Gel Moisturiser by Aveeno is formulated with Prebiotic Oat. This ingredient is great for sensitive skin because although it is hydrating and can help repair the skin from sun damage, it is incredibly gentle. We could not believe how lightweight this cream is. There is a slight natural scent that we love, but it's very subtle.

Our review: "I love that there is a subtle oaty scent in this moisturiser. It's great to find a cream that is packed full of nourishing ingredients that are actually great for the skin. It is very lightweight and makes your skin feel very soft. I do generally prefer a slightly thicker cream for the evening, but this is my go-to moisturiser as part of my morning skincare routine."

Pros

  • Formulated for sensitive skin
  • Fragrance-free
  • For normal to dry skin
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons

  • It needs to be reapplied twice a day

Best lightweight moisturiser for mature skin

Olay Complete 3in1 Day Fluid Moisturiser For Sensitive SkinCredit: Olay/Boots

Formulated with Aloe Vera, this fluid moisturiser calms dry and sensitive skin while delivering essential nourishment through a blend of vitamins (B3, E, and Pro-V B5). With broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF15 protection, it shields against daily UV exposure, all while hydrating your skin for a radiant, youthful glow. Nearly all of the online reviews commented on how lightweight this product is, and we are currently awaiting the product to test ourselves.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Budget-friendly
  • Dermatologically tested
  • Features SolaSheer UVA/UVB protection with SPF15

Cons

  • Low SPF (You will need something stronger for summer)

Best luxury moisturiser for mature skin

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream Refillable SPF 15Credit: Charlotte Tilbury/John Lewis

Taking time to care for your skin can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. We love taking some time out of our day to really pamper ourselves. If you really want to treat yourself (and your skin), then this luxury moisturiser is the ultimate indulgent product.

Whilst we know this is a slightly more costly purchase, it is packed with amazing ingredients from Shea butter, hyaluronic and much more (don't forget to check our specifications for the full ingredients list).

Pros

  • Three size options
  • Luxurious feel
  • Premium product
  • Refillable and recyclable

Cons

  • Low SPF

Best sustainable moisturiser for mature skin

Weleda Skin FoodCredit: Hannah Carroll/Yours

Rrp: $18.50

Price: $14.48
Alternative retailers
Macy's$16.99View offer
Target$18.99View offer
Dermstore$19.99View offer
SkinStore$19.99View offer

Organic ingredients in skincare offer a natural and sustainable approach to nourishing and rejuvenating your mature skin, all while being free from synthetic or harsh chemicals and pesticides. Skin Food by Weleda is one of the most popular organic moisturisers, with one being sold every 11 seconds worldwide.

This is a great thick all-around moisturiser, and a little goes a long way. However, we found that with this tube size, it's best to keep it for your face; otherwise, it will run out pretty quickly. However, at this affordable price, you may be able to purchase two tubes.

Our review: "I really like this moisturiser. It is hydrating but incredibly thick. I think it's a little too thick for the daytime, but I love it in the evenings. The scent is really lovely. It doesn't smell feminine or floral, but it's clean and herbal. There are so many harsh ingredients in skincare at the moment. So I always welcome more natural products, and I love that all the ingredients used are organic and sustainably sourced."

Pros

  • 100 per cent certified natural
  • Sustainably and ethically sourced
  • Organic ingredients
  • Award-winning
  • A nice natural scent
  • It can be used all over the body

Cons

  • Only one size is available (75ml)
  • If you apply too much, it feels a little heavy on the skin

Best moisturiser giftset for mature skin

Olay Project Glow Day & Night Moisturiser GiftsetCredit: Olay/Boots

Skincare products are a great option when you are looking for a gift for close friends or family. Whilst we wouldn't recommend buying skincare for distant relatives (because you may not know their skin type or preferences), purchasing a skincare gift set for your sister or best friend is a beautiful gift - especially when it's Olay.

Olay Retinol 24 Day and Night face cream hydrates your skin for 24 hours, and Olay claims you can see visible improvements in fine lines and wrinkles. So whether you are looking to buy it for yourself or a friend - it's a fabulous option.

Our review: " In my opinion, I don't think you can beat Olay. These creams are fantastic for someone just diving into the world of skincare, especially if you have mature skin. My skin looks visually brighter, and it feels much smoother, too. The day gel cream smells fresh and zesty, whereas the night cream has no fragrance, making it perfect for sleeping. I got this set for my mum but was so impressed, I purchased one for myself too."

Pros

  • Hydrates skin for 24 hours
  • The day cream is  citrus-scented, and the night cream is fragrance-free
  • Thick cream but doesn't feel heavy on the skin
  • It comes with a nice toiletry bag
  • Great for gifting

Cons

  • The Day Cream is fragranced

A comprehensive guide to looking after your skin

To help improve your knowledge of your skin needs, Dr Sophie Shotter and the skincare brand Absolute Collagen have shared some top tips as well as fantastic information you need to know for each decade of your life.

20s - Now’s the time to start wearing SPF.

Daily use of SPF is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Use a moisturiser that has an SPF factor of 30; this will help stop any premature signs of ageing. SPF factor of 30 blocks out most harmful UV rays (97 per cent) but still gives your skin vitamin D.

30s - Say hello to vitamin A and eye cream.

At thirty, you’ll likely be starting to notice some subtle signs of ageing, like fine lines and a few wrinkles. Vitamin A, also known as a Retinoid, can help with this by improving the appearance and elasticity of your skin. Now is the time to slowly introduce Retinoids into your routine once a week, using a low percentage to start and building up to applying a few times a week.

This is also a great time to start using an eye cream, which will help nourish the thinnest and most sensitive part of the face – the undereye.

40s - Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

When you hit forty, your skin will begin to droop, thin, dry and feel more sensitive. You may notice that this is when you need to up your skincare routine, especially for those approaching or in peri-menopause. Peri-menopause can lead to various skin changes, including reduced collagen production.

Increasing your hydration is essential, so make sure to use hydrating moisturisers and serums. Now is the time to introduce more nourishing products, such as night creams ( we love the moisturising night cream on our list).

50s & 60s - Time to shake it up

By now, you have become a seasoned professional in what works for your skin. However, sometimes, it's easy to get stuck in your old ways, and this isn't necessarily a good thing when it comes to skincare.

Trying new skincare products can help address evolving skin concerns and adapt to changing needs, ensuring optimal nourishment and rejuvenation for a radiant, youthful complexion.

When it comes to adding new ingredients or products into your routine, focus on targeting specific concerns.

70s - Back to basics

At this age, your skin is much more sensitive, so it is recommended to go completely fragrance-free, avoiding any products that might cause irritation or a reaction to your skin. This is when products that contain natural and organic ingredients like Aveenoor Weleda are fantastic choices.

Meet the experts:

Dr Sophie Shotter MBChB BSc (Hons) MBCAM is an award-winning aesthetic doctor, with over a decade of medical experience. She graduated from Leeds University with an MBChB and BSc Hons in Genetics in Relation to Medicine and has since become one of the UK’s ‘rising star’ aesthetic doctors. Dr Sophie was awarded Medical Practitioner of the Year 2023 at the prestigious Aesthetics Awards.

Dr Sophie has a special interest in holistic approaches to anti-ageing, skincare and wellness.

Hannah Carroll is a Senior Home, Parenting and Lifestyle Product Writer for Yours, specialising in product testing and reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah loves finding clothes that make her feel fabulous and products that are great for large families.

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