How to Choose the Right Moisturiser for Your Skin
No one will deny that the right moisturiser for skin is integral to any beauty routine. It protects your skin from external factors such as pollution, hydrates and nourishes and is a must-have for healthy ageing.
While there have never been more moisturiser options than today, many people get overwhelmed and confused about choosing the best one for their skin.
If you're one of them, keep reading as we're diving deep into the world of moisturisers and sharing our tips about choosing the best one for you.
SCOUT Moisturisers Collection
Explore SCOUT Moisturisers Collection
Moisturiser types
There are three main types of moisturisers for the face, and we can categorise them by their ingredients and how they keep the skin moisturised. Each type often includes additional ingredients that target specific skin issues, for example, Vitamin C for brightness or various botanicals for redness, anti-aging etc.
Emollient moisturisers
These are made from fatty ingredients such as cocoa butter, lanolin, ceramides, mineral oil, shea butter, jojoba oil etc., they improve the skin texture and target different skin issues, e.g. wrinkles and fine lines or conditions like eczema. Emollients fill in the crevices of the skin, making it look smoother and softer.
Humectant moisturisers
These types of moisturisers contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), urea and draw moisture from the environment to moisturise the outer layers of the skin.
Occlusive moisturisers
Occlusives contain such ingredients as beeswax, petrolatum, silicones, and petroleum jelly and form a protective seal over the skin that prevents moisture loss.
Balance & Replenish Light Moisturiser with Calendula, Red Mandarin & Pumpkin
Learn More About Balance & Replenish Light Moisturiser
Moisturiser benefits
Including the right moisturiser for skin into your daily routine helps keep your skin healthy, smooth and glowing.
While each product may target different skin problems, all moisturisers hydrate the skin and prevent dryness, helping eliminate dry spots and flakiness.
Besides hydration, your moisturiser may provide these benefits too:
Brightening. Products with ingredients such as Vitamin C, licorice,Ginseng and other botanicals help fade out sun and age spots and even out the skin tone.
Redness. Moisturisers with Niacinamide, Aloe and other soothing ingredients help reduce skin redness.
Environmental pollution. Moisturisers with lanolin, Niacinamide, SPF etc., protect the skin from the sun and environmental pollution damage.
Anti-aging. Moisturisers with retinol, Peptides or botanicals like Acmella and Bakuchiol have excellent anti-aging properties.
Toxic ingredients
When choosing the best moisturiser for the face, it's crucial to avoid the most common toxic ingredients - parabens and phthalates. If the moisturiser label indicates their existence - don't buy the product.
Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben) are preservatives used to give moisturisers and other cosmetics a longer shelf life. Research has shown that parabens mimic oestrogen and may lead to cancer development. However, more studies are needed for parabens to be entirely forbidden, so it's up to the consumer to pay attention to the labels and choose cosmetics without them.
Phthalates are also used for the longevity of the products as well as to make lotions and creams stick to the skin better. Unfortunately, they've been associated with such health risks as various skin irritations, allergies and even infertility.
Natural moisturisers
Choosing natural and organic moisturisers that don't contain toxic chemicals and other harmful ingredients is the safest choice for your health and beauty.
We're proud of our all-natural moisturisers that safely hydrate and nourish your skin.
Nourish & Hydrate Moisture Defence Crème with White Tea, Pomegranate and Macadamia
Learn More About Nourish & Hydrate Moisture Defence Crème
Our Nourish & Hydrate Moisture Defence Crème with White Tea, Pomegranate and Macadamia is a luxurious, silky collagen building and super nourishing moisturiser. It's enriched with organic ingredients and works to reduce the signs of ageing, prevent dryness, boost collagen production and provide deep, long-lasting hydration.
Ingredients such as Macadamia, Coconut and Shea Butter soothe the skin whilst Vitamins A, B, C, and K rejuvenate the skin for a healthy, smooth and supple complexion. The moisturiser also has anti-inflammatory properties that fight free radicals and repair any environmental damage to the skin cells.
Our Balance & Replenish Light Moisturiser with Calendula, Red Mandarin & Pumpkin is a lightweight moisturiser which helps balance and calm the skin. It's packed with organic antioxidant ingredients and replenishes and restores the natural moisture balance.
The combination of fatty acids, antioxidants, and a high Vitamin C concentration works to nourish and replenish the skin throughout wear to reveal a more radiant, balanced, and healthier complexion.
The moisturiser also helps combat free radicals caused by environmental pollution and sun damage, and Vitamins E, Zinc, Omega 3 and 6 support the skin's natural moisture retention and radiant appearance.
Which moisturiser is best for me?
When thinking about how to choose the right face cream, understanding your skin type is the first thing you should ascertain.
Overall, there are six skin types.
Choosing a moisturiser according to skin type:
Oily skin. If you have oily skin, you will benefit the most from an aloe-vera, water-based, oil-free humectant-based moisturiser. These are usually non-greasy and lightweight gels or emulsions that won't make your already oily skin even oilier.
Dry and mature skin. The best moisturiser for dry and mature skin is a thicker cream with both oil and water/aloevera in gredients that draw in moisture and help retain it.
Normal and combination skin. If you have normal or combination skin, you generally can use any moisturiser and focus on a specific issue, e.g. reducing redness, fine lines or protecting the skin from pollution. If your skin is more on the dry side, opt for a cream moisturiser, and if it's more on the oily side, water/aloe vera-based moisturisers will work best. You can also use two moisturisers - a gel on your T zone and thicker cream on your cheeks.
Sensitive skin. Choose a moisturiser formulated for specifically sensitive skin if you have sensitive skin.
Insider tips
There are a few more things to keep in mind if you want to get the most out of your moisturiser.
Seasonal changes. Keep in mind that different seasons may require different products. In Summer, a lightweight moisturiser will be enough to keep your skin hydrated. You'll want something richer to keep your skin from drying out in the harsh winds and lower temperatures during Winter.
Use a serum. For even better results, use a Serum before your moisturiser. A serum helps target specific skin issues such as fine lines, pigmentation, etc.
Don't forget SPF. Don't forget to use sunscreen before you leave the house. Always choose SPF30 or more for the best protection and to keep your skin healthy and sunspot-free.
