10 best moisturisers for mature skin, tried and tested by a beauty editor in her 40s
ONCE upon a time, cream that provided basic hydration was enough to put our best face forward.
However, as we age, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and a loss of firmness start to change the tone and texture of our skin, and we need to ask more of our moisturiser.
Some skincare brands market these as ‘anti-ageing creams’, but there’s nothing negative about ageing, so I'm calling them 'moisturisers for mature skin'.
These are formulas made with skincare ingredients backed by science to rejuvenate our complexions.
These common skin concerns can be a result of three main things. Firstly, the proteins that keep our skin smooth, plump and firm — collagen and elastin — deplete as we age.
Secondly, once we hit perimenopause and menopause, our hormone levels also decrease, leading to dry, dull, thinning skin that creases more easily.
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And lastly, sun damage from ageing UV rays not only further breaks down protein production, but appears in the form of pigmentation, commonly known as sun spots.
Luckily, we live in an age where cosmetic science is so advanced that we now know what skin actives can help address these visible signs of ageing. That means it’s easier than ever to know what to look for in your moisturiser.
Some of the best include peptides, vitamin C and/or niacinamide to support the production of collagen and elastin.
For hydrating heroes, turn to formulas packed with hyaluronic acid, glycerin and/or squalane, as well as ingredients like ceramides that lock the moisture in.
Don’t know where to start? I'm an experienced beauty editor, and these are my picks of the best moisturisers for mature skin.
Best moisturisers for mature skin at a glance:
- Best overall:
- Best value:
- Best mid-range:
- Best premium:
- Best tinted:
Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturiser
Pros: Great value, lightweight, skin-plumping
Teaming high-performance skincare with affordable prices, I’ve tried quite a bit from the range now, with a few standouts including this moisturiser.
Pros: Use AM/PM, skin-smoothing, refillable
Cons: Not widely available
Rating: 5/5
Peptides are the buzziest skincare ingredient of the moment thanks to their ability to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, and Trinny Woodall has packed them into this moisturiser, so we can all benefit from its wrinkle-plumping and firming effectiveness.
I call it a medium-weight cream, as it’s light enough to not interfere with make-up but rich enough to bring comfort to my dry skin.
Size: 50ml, SPF: No, Vegan: Yes, Key ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalane
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF30
Pros: Lightweight, super hydrating, plumping
Cons: Expensive
Rating: 5/5
Luxury British beauty brand Elemis has several standout products, but none so iconic as this hard-to-beat moisturiser that launched 20 years ago and is still winning awards today.
The fact that its moisture boost isn’t just short-lived, but constantly working its magic is what makes it such a frontrunner. And that's without any heaviness, thanks to the lightweight gel-cream texture.
Pros: Radiance renewing, evens skin tone, protects skin with antioxidants
Cons: May not be suitable if you have sensitive skin
Pros: Hydrating, high SPF, antioxidant protection
Pros: Hydrating, firming, great for menopausal skin
Pros: Softens dark spots, high SPF, suitable for sensitive skin
Cons: Smaller tube
Rating: 4/5
Providing effective skincare solutions and offering them at affordable prices is what makes La Poche Posay stand out in a crowded skincare market.
Pros: Use AM and PM, hydrating, firming
Cons: Not fragrance-free
Rating: 4/5
Pros: Tinted, high SPF, no white cast
Cons: Only one shade
Rating: 4/5
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, minimalist skincare routine, reach for this all-in-one tube that moisturises, UV protects and imparts a glowing sheer tint.
Pros: Firming, smoothing, refillable
Cons: Not fragrance-free
Rating: 4/5
With a long history of providing excellent moisturisers for mature skin at reasonable prices, highstreet favourite Olay’s top pick for me is this red jar.
How much do moisturisers for mature skin cost?
You’ll find moisturisers for mature skin to suit all budgets. While prices have increased, like everything; shop around as you'll often find money-off promotions.
There are budget-friendly options around £20, but for value, you can’t beat packed with skin actives that defy signs of ageing.
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For mid-range moisturisers, you can expect to pay anywhere between £30-£50, like at £34.95 and at £49.
The most expensive we put on trial is at £95, but it’s often on offer and sometimes comes with travel-sized freebies if you head straight to the brand’s website.