Most moisturiser problems we hear about come down to one thing: a good product used on the wrong skin. A rich cream that suits a dry, tight complexion can leave an oily one shiny by lunchtime, and a light gel that suits oily skin may feel like nothing at all on dry skin.
This guide is for anyone asking which is the best moisturiser for my skin type. We explain what a moisturiser actually does, how to work out your skin type at home, and which textures and products tend to suit each one, so you can choose with confidence.
What a moisturiser actually does
A moisturiser helps your skin hold on to water and keeps its outer layer, the skin barrier, comfortable and supple. Most formulas use a mix of three types of ingredient, and the balance between them is what makes one product feel light and another feel rich.
- Humectants draw water into the skin, like a sponge. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin and panthenol are common examples. They feel light and suit almost everyone.
- Emollients fill the tiny gaps between skin cells so the surface feels soft and smooth. Plant oils, squalane and ceramides sit here.
- Occlusives form a thin layer on top that slows water loss. Shea butter, dimethicone and some waxes do this job. Dry skin usually loves them, while oily skin needs only a little.
Lighter gels lean on humectants. Richer creams add more emollients and occlusives. Neither is better; it is about matching the balance to your skin.
How to tell your skin type
Try this simple test. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat dry and apply nothing for about an hour. Then look in the mirror and notice how your skin feels.
- Dry: feels tight, may look dull or flaky, with little or no shine.
- Oily: shine across the forehead, nose, chin and cheeks, often with visible pores.
- Combination: shine through the T-zone, normal or dry on the cheeks.
- Sensitive: reacts easily with redness, stinging or itching, whatever its oil levels.
Remember that skin type can shift with the seasons, hormones and age, and that dehydration (a lack of water) can affect any type, including oily skin. If you would like a second opinion, our skin quiz takes a few minutes and suggests a routine based on your answers.
Dry skin: richer textures that stay put
Dry skin makes less of its own oil, so it benefits from a moisturiser with a good amount of emollients and occlusives as well as humectants. Look for a cream rather than a lotion, and apply it to slightly damp skin to help lock in water.
The Environ Moisture+ Vita-Complex Super Moisturiser is a rich, nourishing option that we often suggest for skin that feels tight by the end of the day. Pair it with a creamy cleanser and avoid very hot water, which can leave dry skin feeling more stripped.
If it becomes a staple, the Environ Super Moisturiser Duo means the next bottle is already on the shelf. For a fuller hydrating routine, the Environ Hydration Routine pairs it with a toner and a hydrating serum.
Oily and blemish-prone skin: light, but not skipped
Oily skin still needs moisture. Skipping it can leave skin dehydrated, and many people find their skin then looks shinier rather than less. The answer is a lighter, oil-free texture that hydrates without feeling heavy.
Dermalogica Active Moist is an oil-free lotion that sinks in quickly and suits oily and combination skin. The Dermalogica Biolumin-C Gel Moisturiser is another good choice: a cooling gel with vitamin C that helps improve the look of dullness. Environ customers with blemish-prone skin may also like the Environ Clarity Routine, which brings together three Clarity+ products designed for oilier, congested complexions.
If breakouts are frequent, painful or persistent, it is worth speaking to your GP, pharmacist or a dermatologist alongside your skincare routine.
Combination skin: balance and zoning
Combination skin is the most common type we see, and it often does well with a lightweight lotion or gel all over. If your cheeks still feel dry, you can add a little richer cream to those areas only, or use a lighter texture by day and a richer one at night.
A gel moisturiser in the morning and a more nourishing cream in the evening is a simple way to keep both zones comfortable without overloading the T-zone.
Sensitive skin: fewer, gentler ingredients
Sensitive skin does best with a short ingredient list, no added fragrance and soothing ingredients that support the skin barrier. Introduce one new product at a time and give it 2 to 3 weeks before judging, so you can tell what suits you.
The Environ Comfort+ Vita-Enriched Colostrum Gel is a light, soothing gel for skin that feels reactive or easily irritated. It layers well under a moisturiser or can be used on its own on calmer days. If redness or irritation is ongoing, please check in with a GP or dermatologist.
Our team's tip: patch test any new moisturiser on a small area, such as along the jawline, for a few days before applying it to your whole face. It is the simplest way to avoid a reaction.
Day versus night moisturisers
Your skin's needs change between morning and evening. By day, a moisturiser should feel comfortable under make-up and, ideally, include sun protection. At night, you can use a richer texture or one with more active ingredients, as your skin is not dealing with UV or pollution.
A daily SPF is the single most useful step for keeping skin looking healthy. The Dermalogica PowerBright Moisturiser SPF50 combines hydration with broad-spectrum protection that helps protect against UVA and UVB, and also helps improve the look of uneven tone. Apply a generous amount as the last step of your morning routine, and reapply through the day if you are outdoors.
Signs your moisturiser isn't right
Even a well-chosen product can turn out to be the wrong match. Watch for these signs over the first few weeks:
- Your skin feels tight within an hour of applying it, which suggests it is too light.
- Your face looks greasy or make-up slides off by midday, which suggests it is too rich.
- Small bumps or more congestion appear, especially if you have switched to a heavier cream.
- Stinging, itching or redness that does not settle, in which case stop using it.
- Flakiness that continues even with regular use.
Sometimes the fix is simply using a little more or a little less, or changing textures as the seasons change.
A note on vitamin A for Environ customers
Environ was founded by Dr Des Fernandes and is built around vitamin A. The Skin EssentiA AVST moisturisers are vitamin A moisturisers, combined with antioxidants, and they follow the Vitamin STEP-UP SYSTEM: you start on a low level and move up gradually as your skin becomes used to it. Most people begin with Environ AVST 1.
Once you know which step you are on, each AVST level is also available as a duo in our Environ Duos & Routines collection.
Environ is consultation-led. You can place your order as normal, then complete a short skin consultation, and our team reviews and approves the order before it is sent. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying for a baby, please check with your GP or midwife before using vitamin A skincare.
Finding your match
The right moisturiser should leave your skin comfortable, soft and settled from morning to evening. If you are still unsure, take our skin quiz for a tailored suggestion, or get in touch with our team and we will help you choose.
