Tried and Tested: The best moisturiser for 40-plus skin.

A mature black woman is applying moisturiser to her face.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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How I tested moisturisers
Best Budget Moisturiser
Best Luxury Moisturiser
Best Moisturiser for Dry Skin
Best Moisturiser for Combination Skin
Best Small Brand Moisturiser
How you can save money on skincare

published 27 August 2025

There is no denying that I have a passion for skincare. It started when I used to pinch some of my grandmother's Oil of Ulay (or Olay, as it’s now known), and it’s known now and has never stopped. My skincare demands have understandably changed over the years. However, the beauty industry has also become saturated, with more products and advice than ever before.

As a beauty enthusiast of over 30 years and a qualified makeup artist, I’ve tried a fair few products over the years. And at every stage of my life, a moisturiser has been an essential step in my routine. And it seems that I’m not alone. According to research from MyVoucherCodes, 69% of adults use a daily moisturiser.

Now I’m in my 40s, I need more from my moisturiser than ever before. I’m not just looking for hydration; I need to protect the skin's barrier whilst using active ingredients like a retinol, I need a good base for makeup, and I need to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

How I tested moisturisers

Each moisturiser* was tested for a minimum of 14 consecutive days. All the moisturisers included in the review were applied each morning; none were used as an evening moisturiser. My morning skincare routine consisted of: a gentle cleanser, toner, vitamin C serum, eye cream, moisturiser and finally, SPF.

Best Budget Moisturiser

This cult classic remains my one and done when it comes to affordable skincare. Whether you go for the original or Skin Food Light, you know your skin is going to feel nourished. After not using it for a while, I returned to Weleda Skin Food for this review, and I wondered why I had ever stopped using it. My skin is combination during the summer, so I opt for the light version. In the winter, it’s drier, so I use the original. Its light and natural fragrance is comforting, and it leaves skin incredibly soft. Well known to make-up artists, it’s the perfect base for make-up. This product is an affordable skincare hero.

Best Luxury Moisturiser

The little beauty is expensive! But it is oh so lovely. Packed with Japanese purple rice that provides a healthy glow, it feels delicious on the skin. From the moment it’s applied, my skin feels plumper, bouncier, and dewier. After a week, I felt it made a difference to the fine lines around my eyes. I can only imagine that continuous use would have a positive effect on the skin's texture. Because this product is spenny, consider purchasing the 15ml travel size. It’s £26, which is still a lot of money, but honestly, worth it.

Best Moisturiser for Dry Skin

Hands up who went overboard with Retinol! Me, okay, it was me. It left me with some super sensitive patches around my nose that were dry and sensitive. But I’m also prone to dry skin if I’ve been in the office with air conditioning, or there is a chilly wind. The balm was incredibly soothing and hydrating. When the skin's barrier is compromised, this product will rescue it within a few days. It contains ultra-calming D-Sensinose, which is a patented postbiotic ingredient, and let me tell you, it works. If you have very sensitive skin, this is the perfect fragrance-free solution. And I noticed that a little goes a long way, just in the same way, Weleda Skin Food does.

Best Moisturiser for Combination Skin

I’ll be honest, I didn’t think that I would like this product because it’s a gel consistency. As an avid cream user, I couldn’t imagine that it would feel moisturising. However, after the first use, my skin felt hydrated and balanced. I used this product during the heatwave, and its cooling sensation was a treat. With 20% hyaluronic acid, it holds moisture in the skin. If you love refreshing and non-greasy formulas, this one is for you. I loved how quickly it was absorbed. I could apply my SPF quickly and be out the door!

You can read more about how a Boots Advantage Card may save you money on this product here.

Best Small Brand Moisturiser

Discovering a small brand is such a joy! And this one is perfect if sustainable and vegan ingredients are at the top of your priorities. They will also donate 50p from every sale to The Marine Conservation Society. However, what about the product? I really enjoyed using the Radient Marine Day Cream. My skin felt refreshed and well-nourished. If you aren’t a fan of thick and heavy face creams with this is a good choice, it’s light and absorbs quickly. I love the gentle fragrance and only needed a small amount to feel the benefit. With shea butter and marine minerals, it does an excellent job. This product was a great find and a super option if you would like to support a smaller brand. Sea the love is available here.

How you can save money on skincare

Skincare is an important part of making us feel and look good. But let's face it (pardon the pun), it can become very expensive.

In the UK, the average Brit spends £42.68 per month on skincare products. Here are a few of my tips to help you save those precious pennies.

Understand your skin type before you buy. This will ensure you don't waste money on products that don't suit you. Not sure what type you are? There are lots of online quizzes you can take to find out. Or visit your local beauty counter for advice.
Use a discount code. Discount codes save us £ 100s of pounds every year. You just have to find them! Here at MyVoucherCodes, we have discounts on the biggest retailers in beauty, such as Boots, Superdrug, LookFantastic and more.
Look out for special offers. I love a good 3 for 2 offer, and high street chemists run those deals all the time. Another great deal is a gift with purchase, so be sure to shop around.
Get a loyalty or rewards card. Most of the larger retailers have loyalty cards that offer discounted prices, and it's not just on groceries. Sainsbury's has a huge selection of skincare available. Take a look and use your Nectar Card for savings. The same can be said for the Tesco ClubCard and the Marks and Sparks Card.

Disclaimer

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Hi, I’m SJ. I’m the Beauty Editor and PR Executive here at MyVoucherCodes. As a qualified make-up artist, I've been able to share my knowledge on all things beauty and skincare with our readers so they not only look good and feel great, but save money. As a mum of three, I understand the challenges that families face, and making budgets go further is something I feel passionately about. My research and recommendations help families of all sizes shop better allowing them to enjoy the little luxuries in life. My work has been featured in many publications including The Sun, The Mirror, Netmums, and The Telegraph.

Outside of MyVoucherCodes, I'm a writer and interviewer for pop culture magazines like Buzz Magazine. I've chatted to celebrities such as Strictly's Johannes Redebe and poet Kae Tempest. It's certainly one of the best parts of my job. Over the years I've built a portfolio of work that shows the diversity of my writing, which gives me a breadth of knowledge and experience that I apply to my work every day.