Even if you're not a skincare geek, you know that finding the best moisturizer is no easy task. To tick all the boxes, it needs to be suitable for your exact skin type and it needs to be the right consistency. One that doesn't feel too greasy, but locks in all that skin-loving moisture for as long as possible.

If that's not enough, the moisturizer also seals in all the facial serums, acids, and sprays you've been using to address a variety of skin concerns. After all, every skincare product actually becomes redundant if you forget to "lock it all in" with your favorite healthy moisturizer. Add to that the fact that your makeup won't be as perfect unless you deal with dry patches and unwanted dullness first, and you've got a pretty good reason to invest in a high-quality moisturizer.

Best moisturisers 2023 at a glance – our top picks:

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

Medik8 Advanced Night Restore

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50

Should I use moisturiser or a serum?

Moisturisers fortify the top layer of your skin, increasing hydration at the surface, while facial serums use active ingredients such as salicylic acid to penetrate the skin more deeply and target specific skincare concerns (like brightness, dark spots, skin tone or anti-ageing). Moisturisers and serums are the main way we can treat our skin to an injection of potent ingredients, and using both will only maximise the benefits. Plus, moisturisers are a must-have if you tend to use exfoliating products too.