What To Look For In A Moisturiser

Choosing a moisturiser can feel overwhelming. With so many options promising different benefits, it can be difficult to know what to look for in a moisturiser and how to choose the right moisturiser for your skin type and lifestyle. At its core, a moisturiser should do two main things: add hydration and help prevent water loss. Beyond that, the formula and texture should suit your skin’s unique needs.

This guide explores the essential features of a moisturiser, what ingredients are worth seeking out and how to incorporate moisturiser into your daily skincare routine.

Understanding the basics

Moisturisers work by combining three key groups of ingredients:

• Humectants — Such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which attract water into the skin.
• Emollients — Such as squalane and fatty acids, which soften and smooth.
• Occlusives — Such as shea butter or silicones, which help seal moisture in.

A good moisturiser contains a balance of these components, supporting both hydration and barrier function. When considering what to look for in a moisturiser, it helps to focus on these building blocks rather than claims that sound too good to be true.

Ingredients that support hydration and skin barrier health

When learning how to choose the right moisturiser, ingredients should be top of mind.

Some widely used and well-researched options include:

• Hyaluronic acid — A humectant that attracts water, supporting hydration.
• Ceramides — Naturally occurring lipids that make up a large part of the skin barrier, helping to reduce water loss.
• Glycerin — Lightweight and effective at drawing water into the outer layer of the skin.
• Squalane — A skin-identical emollient that smooths and helps maintain balance.
• Peptides — Short chains of amino acids that can be used in moisturisers to support barrier repair.

Matching texture to skin type

Another consideration in what to look for in a moisturiser is texture. The wrong texture can leave skin feeling uncomfortable.

• Dry skin often benefits from richer creams or balms that include occlusives and emollients to reduce water loss.
• Oily or combination skin may be better suited to lightweight gels or lotions that hydrate without feeling heavy.
• Sensitive skin can benefit from fragrance-free, calming formulas that use barrier-supportive ingredients.

If you’re unsure how to choose the right moisturiser for your skin type, a gentle starting point is a lightweight cream or lotion.

Moisturiser and your daily routine

Using moisturiser consistently is more important than how many different products you use. To get the most out of your moisturiser, follow this simple step-by-step skincare routine:

1. Cleanser — Start with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities.
2. Serum — Apply a serum targeted to your concerns, such as hydration or brightening.
3. Moisturiser — Lock in hydration and support the barrier with your chosen formula.
4. Sunscreen (daytime) — Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen as the final step in the morning.

Following this order helps your moisturiser work effectively as part of a complete routine.

Packaging matters too

It may not be the first thing you think of when considering what to look for in a moisturiser, but packaging makes a difference. Many beneficial ingredients, such as antioxidants, are sensitive to air and light. Opaque, pump-style packaging helps keep formulas stable and effective for longer. Jars that are frequently opened can expose the product to air and contamination.

Day vs night moisturisers

Day moisturisers are often lighter and may include ingredients that sit well under sunscreen or makeup. Some day creams also contain SPF, but layering a standalone broad-spectrum sunscreen is usually recommended.

Night moisturisers tend to be richer, focusing on hydration and barrier repair while the skin naturally regenerates during rest. If you’re learning how to choose the right moisturiser, it can be helpful to have one suited to day and another to night.

Lifestyle factors to consider

The best moisturiser works most effectively when combined with supportive lifestyle habits. Hot showers, low humidity and harsh weather can all impact hydration. To support your skin:

• Keep showers short and lukewarm.
• Use a humidifier indoors if the air feels dry.
• Protect skin from wind and sun exposure with clothing and sunscreen.

How to tell if your moisturiser is working

Signs your moisturiser is suited to you include skin that feels comfortable, less tight and visibly smoother. If your skin remains consistently dry, irritated or oily despite regular use, it may be time to adjust your formula.

Learning what to look for in a moisturiser is partly trial and observation. Everyone’s skin is different, and sometimes it takes experimenting with different textures and ingredients before you find the right fit.

Putting it all together

When deciding how to choose the right moisturiser, focus on these essentials:

• Look for hydrating humectants, replenishing emollients and barrier-supporting lipids.
• Match the texture to your skin type.
• Consider packaging that preserves ingredient stability.
• Use moisturiser consistently as part of a broader skincare routine.

Explore our range of moisturisers and skincare at Medik8

To explore moisturisers that align with Medik8’s CSA Philosophy (vitamin C plus sunscreen and moisturiser by day and vitamin A by night), browse our moisturiser collection and discover formulas designed to work in synergy with the rest of your routine.

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