The 17 best moisturisers in Australia for any skin care routine

How will you look with a coating of this cream? Refined, refreshed and glowing. How will you feel? Youthful, confident and like you're the kind of person who hits their 3L water quota every single day. Thanks to the inclusions of lactic acid and salicylic acid, this soothing hydrator is suitable for all skin types, sensitive included.

$90 at Skin Virtue

This iconic, cult-classic cream is an absolute must-have for models, celebrities, makeup artists and of course, you! It's so beloved, in fact, a tube sells every 13 seconds. Why, you ask? Well, this little guy can be used as a moisturiser, mask, cleanser, makeup primer, after-shave balm and after-sun soother - all in one. Plus, it's packed with skin-loving ingredients and is tested under dermatological supervision.

$47 at Adore Beauty

If you have problem skin (think oily, blackheads, congestion - all the good stuff, really) this super luxurious, fast-absorbing formula is designed to provide hydration and balance to sensitive skin. Not only that, but it will nourish and soften any skin type. Infused with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, it replenishes and retains moisture, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and glowy.

$44 at Tribe Skincare

This antioxidant-rich moisturiser contains vitamins E, B3, and B5, plus hyaluronic acid, allantoin, hemp, green tea and aloe vera. It helps to hydrate, brighten, unify skin tone and protects skin from environmental aggressors without clogging pores. Perfect for prepping skin before makeup, this soothing pick mattifies after application and reduces the appearance of shine. 

Was $34.95 at dope skin co

Seriously, we don’t know if we’ve met a beauty editor who doesn’t love CeraVe’s Facial Moisturising Lotion; they agree across the board that this is one of the best face cream options around. Personally, we love the PM version for its versatility, though the AM version is a great pick to add to the kit too if you’d like an SPF inclusive hydrator. The hyaluronic acid and ceramide-infused formula absorbs into skin like a dream, hydrating skin and reinforcing the skin’s natural protective barrier. It also wears well under makeup, which is always a bonus.

Was $25.99 at Priceline

If you have dry skin and come winter you find that your entire face likes to shed off like that of a reptile, you need to have this B5-infused balm at the ready. Seriously, when we say this richly nourishing pick soothes and hydrates, we are not joking around. And thanks to an ultra-forgiving formula that’s safe enough even for baby skin, you can use this to treat problems like chafed skin, dry patches, cracks, scratches, rough skin, superficial burns and even dermatitis.

$24.95 at Adore Beauty

Utilising a combination of hyaluronic acid, aloe bio ferment and activated aloe water, this oil-free formula keeps skin hydrated for a whopping 100 hours post application, promoting the skin’s natural hydration auto-replenishment function. Plus, this cutesy pink pick also doubles as an express face mask; simply slather on a layer of the stuff for five minutes to enjoy the formula’s moisture-boosting properties. Did someone say 'best moisturiser in Australia' status? Okay, fine, it was us.

$62 at Adore Beauty

This rich-textured moisturiser is made all the more nourishing with mango butter extract, a triad of oils and lipid replenishing agents. etat pur Rich Moisturising Cream works by promoting the natural production of lipids in the epidermis that reinforce hydration and maximise moisture retention.

$35 at RY

This innovative anti-ageing formula harnesses TET8™ technology developed at Harvard University to help address the eight signs of ageing (deep wrinkles, fine lines, firmness, volume, elasticity, age spots, hydration and radiance). The luxurious frosted glass tub can also be reused over and over again thanks to the CAUDALIE Premier Cru The Cream Refill ($130 at Sephora) system. 

$178 at Sephora

Wondering what's the best face cream for brightening and hydrating your precious complexion? Allow our Review Crew to point you in the right radiance-boosting direction. This luxuriously lightweight cream scored 4.5 stars and legitimately melts into skin (which feels as delightful as it sounds, trust us), leaving no greasy residue on the surface. As for what you can expect results-wise, prepare for brighter, more even tone, smoother texture, and a face that feels generously hydrated. What did you expect?! Combine stable vitamin C, lactic acid, niacinamide and peptides, and you were bound to get one of the best moisturisers in Australia. 

$35.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Made up of 92 per cent snail excretion (weird, we know, but it works) this interesting find is hydrating and calming, helping to repair skin, minimise the appearance of scars and promote collagen production. Seems gimmicky, but it's not; not only is Emily Ratajkowski a fan of the range, but it has rave reviews and quite the cult following.

$43 at Adore Beauty

A moisturiser that makes skin feel hydrated is great, sure, but one that makes it look and feel hydrated is downright fantastic. This one's all about ensuring that skin screams 'I'm plump and glowy so I'm obviously well nourished' thanks to its clever mix of vitamin C, grape seed oil and shea butter. Don't forget its namesake honey either; not only will it dial down any irritation, but it'll also turn glow levels up to the max.

$10.74 at Chemist Warehouse

You can’t go past this classic cream for long-lasting hydration; it's simply one of the best face creams around. The emollient formula sinks into skin, while the additions of ​​squalane and imperata cylindrica help to replenish the complexion with some much-needed hydration, as well as helping to improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Plus, glacial glycoprotein extract protects skin from particularly harsh weather conditions and balances the microbiome to boot.

$123 at Kiehl's

Scientist and stem cell researcher Professor Augustinus Bader developed the highly effective, plant-derived stem cell technology TFC8® found in all of the Augustinus Bader products; The Cream being the first. Beloved by celebrities for its restorative, anti-ageing and soothing properties, this lightweight potent formula delivers results for normal skin types, while Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream (from $139 at Augustinus Bader) is recommended for drier complexions, and Augustinus Bader The Light Cream ($271 at Augustinus Bader) performs best on oily skin.

From $145 at Augustinus Bader

Elucent Anti Ageing Night Moisturiser is packed full of active ingredients that help to revitalise your skin as you sleep. The formula combines eight per cent AHAs, and vitamins B3, C and E to gently exfoliate, hydrate, brighten and nourish the skin. When you awaken you’ll notice an improvement in firmness, tone, texture, and hydration. 

$47.49 at Chemist Warehouse

If you cannot stand the feeling of traditional moisturiser formulas (oily-skinned folks we’re looking at you) then you need to sample this completely oil-free water gel pick from Murad. With an ingredient list that boasts super lightweight hydrators like hyaluronic acid, as well as sebum-fighting finds like salicylic acid, it’s gotta be one of the best moisturisers in Australia for balancing, refreshing and moisturising the skin.

$79 at Adore Beauty

This ultra-luxe, lightweight cream is a true antioxidant-rich god send. Designed to support your skin barrier and your collagen, the plumping formula gives your skin the much-needed love it deserves.

$195 at Adore Beauty