5 best moisturisers for mature skin 2026, tried & tested
The best moisturisers for mature skin do far more than simply hydrate. They help replenish moisture levels, strengthen the skin barrier and soften the look of fine lines, all while supporting skin that’s evolving over time. While we're in no way “anti” ageing, treating yourself to a good moisturiser is a great first step for anyone looking to switch up their skincare routine so that it better reflects their age. Much like adjusting your diet or lifestyle as your needs shift, your skincare deserves that same thoughtful update.
According to Dr Alia Ahmed, we naturally produce less collagen and elastin as we get older, which leads to a loss of skin support and structure. “The skin becomes more likely to lose moisture and finds it hard to keep itself hydrated,” she explains.
Hormonal changes can also play a role, often leading to increased sensitivity, reduced oil production and a loss of suppleness. This is where targeted formulations come in: think deeply hydrating textures, barrier-supporting ingredients and formulas that help maintain comfort and radiance.
Ahead, we've scoured the beauty-sphere and consulted our not-so-little black book of experts to bring you a definitive list of best moisturisers for mature skin recommended by experts – from hydrating and plumping gel-cream formulas that'll instantly quench upon contact, to luxuriously rich and velvety night creams that provide serious overnight renewal.
Meet the experts:
| Francesa Otote | Aesthetics Nurse and founder of Cactus Laser Clinic. |
| Emma Coleman | Dermatology Nurse Practitioner. |
| Georgina Henry | Education Manager at Perricone MD. |
| Dr Miriam Adebibe | Regenerative Aesthetic Doctor & Surgeon. |
| Cynthia Rivas | An Aesthetician and Skincare Expert based in New York City. |
| Geeta Yadav | MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology. |
| Dr Kristina Collins | MD FAAD, Harvard trained and double board-certified dermatologist & surgeon. |
| Dr Alia Ahmed | Consultant Dermatologist and expert in Psychodermatology. |
| Dr Emma Craythorne | FRCP, Consultant Dermatologist, founder of Klira, The Bad Skin Clinic host, and After Hours Skin Clinic podcast host. |
| Dr Sonia Khorana | GP and Hero Cosmetics ambassador. |
How we tested the best moisturisers for mature skin:
At Glamour, we want to be certain that you can trust our reviews. For this guide to the best moisturisers for mature skin, I chose not to test the products solely on myself, because at 30, my skin isn’t the most accurate representation of the category.
Instead, Shani Cohen, Glamour’s Beauty Writer, asked her mum, Gill Cohen (62), to trial each cream for at least four weeks and report back with her honest feedback. That included how each formula felt on the skin - whether it was sticky, rich or silky-smooth - how well it layered with her existing skincare, whether it sat comfortably under makeup, and, most importantly, whether she noticed visible results, from improved hydration and plumpness to softer-looking fine lines.
To make sure these moisturisers were assessed in proper day-to-day conditions, Gill tested them in a range of real-life situations too: at home, in the office, at the gym, and both with and without makeup. I also enlisted the help of Glamour’s Former Executive Editor, Camilla Kay, who has decades of experience as a beauty editor, to share her top picks for mature skin.
Find out more about how we test beauty products here.
Why you can trust me:
I’ve been a beauty writer for six years now - five at The Mirror, and the past year at Glamour - so it’s safe to say I know a few things about skincare. Testing beauty products is part of my day job - from vitamin C serums and eyelash serums to BB creams. But, as a 30 year-old, I didn’t think applying the best moisturisers for mature skin to my own skin would be a fair representation of these products. That’s why, I enlisted the help of my mum, and former Glamour Executive Editor Camilla Kay to help me with the testing process.
As well as this, I made sure to do my research before deciding which products should feature in this guide. This meant taking a deep dive into the topic of mature skin, and reaching out to multiple skincare experts from dermatologists and aestheticians to education managers for recommendations, and advice on what exactly to look for in a moisturiser.
What is the top-rated moisturiser for mature skin? Discover Glamour's edit below.
Best overall: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
At a glance: There’s a reason why Augustinus Bader is one of the most luxurious and coveted skincare brands around, especially amongst the rich and famous. This cult classic product, the Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, has received accolades from Ashley Graham, Kate Bosworth, and Victoria Beckham – and it's not difficult to see why.
Tester review: “While I like skincare, I don’t often indulge in really expensive creams and products, so getting to try this felt like a real treat - especially because I’d heard so much about Augustinus Bader already. True to its name, this cream is rich. Everything about it feels luxurious, from the striking blue bottle and rose gold pump to the texture itself. Out of the three moisturisers I tried, this was definitely the thickest, and because of that it did feel a little stiffer on the skin at first and took more work to apply than the others. It’s not the kind of cream that instantly melts in, and I think I probably needed to use a bit more product than I first realised to get the best from it.
“That said, once it was on properly, it felt lovely. My skin immediately looked glowier and felt soft and smooth, and over time that rich texture really seemed to pay off. After using it for a month, I noticed a difference in my skin’s hydration levels - especially around the areas where I’d been getting a bit of dryness from the cold weather. My skin felt less tight and much more comfortable day to day. I also found that when I wore makeup over the top, my skin didn’t seem to dry out in the same way, and my makeup sat better for longer too.”
- Tested by: Gill Cohen.
- Key ingredients: Natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins, peptides.
- Contains retinol? No.
- Fragranced? No.
- Consistency: Rich, velvety, weightless on the skin.
- Pros: Deeply nourishes dry/mature skin.
- Cons: Expensive & may be too thick for some.
Save when you shop for moisturisers for mature skin with these Sephora discount codes at checkout.
2. Best moisturiser with collagen: Medik8 Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream
At a glance: I’ve pretty much got everyone onto Medik8 at this point - friends, family, the lot. I’ve been obsessed with the brand for years, and as a beauty writer who’s constantly trying new launches, it’s one that’s stayed firmly in my routine. I got my mum onto Crystal Retinal and the Advanced Night Cream a while ago, and since she was running low, this collagen-infused cream felt like a good replacement. What makes it stand out, though, is the formula, which includes science-led ingredients like Growth Factor MiniProteinTM, NAD+ Longevity Booster and an Anti-A.G.E. Peptide. I fear I need to steal this one back from my mum!
Tester review: “My skin used to be more on the oily side, but it’s definitely got drier with age, so I’m always looking for something that feels properly hydrating but not too heavy - and this ticks that box. I’m also someone who really likes to look at an ingredient list before I use anything, because I want to know what I’m actually putting on my face and what it’s meant to do. The NAD+ Longevity Booster really jumped out at me, because I’ve read so much about NAD+ lately, so seeing it in a moisturiser felt quite exciting. Add in the peptides and collagen, and it just felt like a really well-thought-out formula.”
“It has a really nice texture - rich, but not overly heavy - and it sinks in well without leaving any stickiness behind. My skin feels smooth straight after applying it, and it gives a nice glow too which is always a win. I've been using it at night mainly, and it seems to pair well with my other serums and creams. I didn’t notice a huge difference at first, but after about four weeks of using this moisturiser my skin looked more hydrated and felt smoother.”
- Tested by: Gill Cohen.
- Key ingredients: MiniProteinTM, NAD+ Longevity Booster, and Anti-A.G.E. Peptide.
- Contains retinol? No.
- Fragranced? No.
- Consistency: Rich yet weightless on the skin.
- Pros: Boosts collagen production by up to 45% using Growth Factor MiniProtein™ and combats aging with NAD⁺ Technology.
- Cons: Some might find it less suitable for daytime use under makeup if they have particularly oily skin.
Save when you shop for moisturisers for mature skin with these LookFantastic discount codes at checkout.
3. Best new-in moisturiser: Charlotte's Magic Cream (newly supercharged formula)
At a glance: Darlings (sorry, I had to) - did you know Magic Cream has basically had a glow-up? If you’re skincare-obsessed like me, you’ve probably tried Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic Magic Cream by now. Yep, the £79 glow-boosting formula loved by everyone from Khloé Kardashian to Kate Moss. While it looks pretty much the same - and honestly, smells and feels the same too - the newly reformulated version is powered by the brand’s world-first Recoverstem™ Peptide, which is said to revive the look of skin in 28 seconds and target 10 visible signs of ageing.
Tester review: “I’ve used the original Magic Cream for years, so I was really interested to see how Charlotte Tilbury could improve on a formula I already loved. One of the things I’ve always liked most about it is the texture - it gives my skin that instant glow, which I appreciate even more now I feel like I’ve lost some of that natural radiance with age. This new version felt very similar when I first used it, maybe just a little fluffier and creamier, and it melted straight into my skin.
“I also liked the ingredient line-up straight away, because it’s packed with the kind of things I usually look for in a moisturiser, like hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils, and the Recoverstem™ Peptide definitely piqued my interest. It still works brilliantly under makeup too, which is one of the reasons I’ve always rated it so highly. After using it as my daily moisturiser for four weeks, I noticed my skin looked more hydrated, plumper and generally more radiant - and I even had a few people at the gym comment on how good my skin looked when I was only wearing this. The only thing I’m still not hugely keen on is the scent - I usually prefer fragrance-free skincare, and this has that same light floral, almost rose-like smell as the original - but other than that, it’s a joy to use.”
- Tested by: Gill Cohen.
- Key ingredients: Recoverstem™ Peptide, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C & E.
- Contains retinol? No.
- Fragranced? Yes.
- Consistency: Rich, thick, velvety, cushiony texture.
- Pros: Powered by the brand’s world-first Recoverstem™ Peptide.
- Cons: Fragranced, so could cause breakouts.
4. Best affordable moisturiser: L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser Face Moisturiser
At a glance: A mature skin moisturiser for under £30 should not be this good. It's formulated with three top dermatologist-approved actives: pro-retinol (which helps to smooth wrinkles and renew skin texture), hyaluronic acid (which hydrates and plumps the skin), and vitamin C (which boosts radiance and visibly corrects skin tone).
Glamour-editor review: "Alas, L'Oreal's Revitalift Laser Face Moisturiser effectively works to smooth wrinkles, firm and brighten the look of skin. The texture is lightweight and silky, which means it absorbs quickly and sits well under makeup, and with repeated use, I found it to well leave the skin feeling firmer and more toned," says Camilla Kay, Glamour's former Beauty Director.
- Tested by: Camilla Kay.
- Key ingredients: Pro-retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
- Contains retinol? Yes.
- Fragranced? Yes.
- Consistency: Lightweight moisturiser.
- Pros: Affordable and contains retinol.
- Cons: Said to feel a bit greasy/heavy on the skin.
5. Best moisturiser for under makeup: Lancôme Rénergie H.P.N. 300-Peptide Cream
At a glance: This hydrating face cream for mature skin is part of Lancôme’s iconic Rénergie collection, and is designed to give skin a firmer, more collagen-rich appearance. The formula is built around three standout ingredients: hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration, niacinamide to help brighten the complexion, and over 300 types of peptides to support firmer-looking skin. It’s also been tested across multiple skin types, including sensitive skin, which is always reassuring.
Glamour-editor review: “It’s best worn during the day - I’d recommend a separate night cream - and it works to effectively firm your complexion, while minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” adds Camilla Kay, Glamour’s former Beauty Director. “Texture-wise, I’d say it’s a lightweight cream, especially compared to something like Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream. It feels much easier to smooth over the skin, sinks in nicely and doesn’t leave behind any heaviness, which I really liked for daytime wear. When I tested it, it sat comfortably on my skin and worked well under makeup too, making it a good option if you want hydration without that richer, heavier cream feel.”
- Tested by: Camilla Kay.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, and niacinamide.
- Contains retinol? No.
- Fragranced? Yes.
- Consistency: Lightweight moisturiser.
- Pros: Boasts over 300 types of peptides to support firmer-looking skin.
- Cons: Subtle floral scent which may irritate sensitive skin types.
FAQ's
What ingredients should I look for in a moisturiser for mature skin?
Across your entire routine — from makeup to moisturisers — you want to ensure you're treating mature skin to a wave of plumping and hydrating ingredients, says Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology. This, she explains, is due to changes that occur during perimenopause and beyond: "There’s a change in hormones as well as reduced oil production and slowed cellular turnover."
Women typically experience these changes in their mid-40s, and they contribute to overall dryness and dullness. Because of this, your skin craves richer formulations. “It’s essential to use products that reduce trans epidermal water loss and provide softening and hydration,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Emma Craythorne. “Ingredients I really like are things like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, but also ceramides, squalane, shea butters, free fatty acids, cholesterol, and collagen. These are things to look for, as they're very good occlusive agents.”
So, where does retinol come into it? “Retinoids and peptides stimulate collagen production and improve skin cell turnover and elasticity,” notes Dr Alia Ahmed, consultant dermatologist and expert in psychodermatology. This improves tone and texture, and plumps the look of lines over time. However, retinol serums can have side effects if your skin isn't used to it. Experts advise that you avoid doubling up on your retinol products, and you should add them to your routine slowly. This allows your skin to get used to the ingredient, preventing the risk of side effects like dryness and peeling. Because it's important to keep an eye on your retinol usage, we've pointed out exactly which formulas in our round-up include the hard-working ingredient.
“Collagen keeps skin supple, but its natural decline with age aggravates skin laxity,” continues Dr Ahmed. This is what makes skin look like it's sagging, but simply adding collagen creams to your routine might prove futile, as collagen isn't easily absorbed by the skin. Instead, ingredients that stimulate your own body's collagen production (like retinol) are your best bet. “Antioxidants are also collagen-stimulating and protect the skin against environmental damage,” notes Dr Ahmed.
Don't forget: environmental damage and dryness can mean a disrupted, easily irritated skin barrier, which calls for soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide. Protective ingredients are perhaps the most important of all, which is why none of these should be used without the helping hand of a good face sunscreen in the morning. “No routine is complete without sun protection!,” confirms Dr Ahmed. “I recommend a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 and above) daily, to protect the skin against UV-induced damage.”
How do you fit a moisturiser for mature skin into your skincare routine?
Ultimately, the best moisturiser for mature skin is the one you'll actually use. Firstly, get acquainted with your favourite textures. Do you like something thick and luxurious or watery and lightweight? Then be sure to pick a cream according to when you're most likely to use it. If you can only be bothered to stick to your skincare routine in the morning, then there's no point in investing in a nighttime cream. If you do your skincare morning and night but want a streamlined routine with zero fuss, buy a formula that will work at both ends of the day.
“I recommend applying products from thinnest to thickest,” says Dr Sonia Khorana, GP and Hero Cosmetics ambassador. “So you would apply a rich moisturiser after a serum tailored for mature skin.” But it's important to note that you should wear an SPF every single morning, and you should always apply it last.
A product with vitamin C is best used during the day, and a retinol formula is best used at night. With these things in mind, says Dr Khorana, mature skin can stay hydrated, protected, and supported as it ages gracefully.
How much should I spend on a moisturiser for mature skin?
You deserve a hard-working moisturiser no matter your budget, so you'll be happy to know that there are no rules when it comes to spending. “I really don’t think you need to spend a lot to get a good moisturiser nowadays,” says Dr Khorana. “So many brands offer products and great formulations at sensible prices. There are lots of budget products on the market that perform very well. This is because several large beauty giants use “high-end” technologies and also own smaller brands. For example, L’Oréal owns Skinceuticals but also Garnier; Unilever owns Dermalogica but also Dove.
“The bottom line is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get results, but if you want to, you totally can! Start with affordable or mid-range options if you’re on a budget and see how your skin feels while using those. I recommend prioritising ingredient quality over price.”
