Best anti-ageing moisturiser for mature skin – tried & tested by REAL women

Skincare products often come with a hefty price tag, but this moisturiser stands out as it's not only loved by A-list celebrities but also budget-friendly. If you've found that with menopause, your skin has changed and become dry, this thick and moisturising cream absorbs well without feeling greasy. It's also fragrance-free, which is much gentler on the skin. That's why it's our top pick for the best moisturiser for mature skin. CeraVe has garnered praise from celebrities like Blake Lively, Olivia Wilde, and Emily Ratajkowski. And, if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for us.

CeraVe has developed this CeraVe Moisturising Cream for Dry to Very Dry Skin with dermatologists. The brand describes it as a rich yet non-greasy cream. It has been formulated with patented MVE Technology to ensure a continuous release of hydration for up to 24 hours. MVE (MultiVesicular Emulsion) Technology is a controlled-release delivery system used in skincare products to provide long-lasting hydration by releasing ingredients gradually over time.

The ingredients support anti-ageing by hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier, reducing moisture loss and improving elasticity. Antioxidants like tocopherol (Vitamin E) protect against free radical damage, while hyaluronic acid and glycerin deeply hydrate. Ceramides, cholesterol and phytosphingosine restore the skin’s natural barrier, promoting a smoother, youthful appearance.

The CeraVe Moisturising Cream was tested by Ella Croft, SEO Content Strategist for several brands at Bauer Media and she said, “CeraVe is one of the few moisturisers that don't trigger my sensitive skin and eczema, I've been using it for years and I haven't found anything that beats it! It's very moisturising but not greasy like a lot of other moisturisers. It absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving my skin feel soft all day. I buy a big tub and it lasts me several months, and that's using it as a hand cream and on my body every day, not just my face!”

“However, one downside is that product is not vegan and it's not cruelty free as it's sold in markets that require animal testing. But apart from this I am yet to find a moisturising cream that works better and it suitable to be used on the whole body,” she adds.

E45 has been one of the go-to brands for people who suffer from dry and itchy skin. This dermatologically tested cream is a great option for people who suffer from dry skin. In truth, our tester didn't see E45 as "anything other than treating my child's eczema" - and often opts for something a little more luxurious in a moisturiser.

However, as she had a dry patch on her face, our tester decided to give it a try. She found the formula both lightweight and easy to absorb. And after a few uses, the skin looked healthier, plump and hydrated. This is due to the fabulous ingredients, from hyaluronic acid (which promotes wound healing and is a firm help when it comes to anti-ageing remedies), hydrating seed oils and vitamin E for a soothing finish.

On the whole, this cream receives good reviews. However, there are some online reviews about it not being so effective on combination skin, as one user comments: "The moisturiser felt a little drying on my forehead but worked well on my nose and cheeks." A minority of reviews have commented that it has a drying effect on their skin.

We also found that a little bit goes a very long way. So, you'll certainly get more bang for your buck.

The Absolute Collagen Deep Lift Day Cream SPF30 is another moisturiser formulated with collagen-boosting ingredients. In case you wondering, collagen is an ingredient that enhances your skin's natural radiance and youthfulness. What we love about this product is that it also contains SPF 30, making it the perfect moisturiser to wear daily but an especially good choice for warmer weather. Our tester loved the rich consistency of Absolute Collagen's Deep Lift Day Cream and was impressed at how quickly it absorbs into the skin: "It smells wonderful and leaves my skin feeling fresh and smooth."

SPF effectively protects against harmful UV rays, helping prevent sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer while allowing for adequate vitamin D synthesis. Although other moisturisers on our list have SPF 15, we recommend SPF 30 (found in this pick) for the best protection. Shielding your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial for having healthy skin. After all, sun damage can accelerate collagen breakdown and speed up the ageing process, which is another ingredient found in this product. Also, found in this day cream is niacinamide, which nourishes and plumps skin - reducing wrinkles.

Weleda Skin Food is an intensely nourishing, anti-ageing cream that helps restore the skin’s barrier, boosts moisture and promotes cell renewal for smoother, firmer skin. With natural extracts like chamomile, pansy and rosemary, it soothes irritation, reduces fine lines and enhances radiance, making it ideal for mature skin.

Organic ingredients in skincare offer a natural and sustainable approach to nourishing and rejuvenating your mature skin, all while being free from synthetic or harsh chemicals and pesticides. Skin Food by Weleda is one of the most popular organic moisturisers, with one being sold every 11 seconds worldwide. As a B Corp, Weleda reduces waste, offers recyclable packaging, and ensures workers are treated fairly. It is also cruelty-free and certified by Natrue for natural and organic cosmetics.

Our tester liked this Skin Food, finding it very hydrating but incredibly thick. Though she said it "may be a little too thick for the daytime, but it does have a nice, clean scent." There are so many harsh ingredients in skincare at the moment - and if you're looking for something a little more stripped-back and herbal, Weleda is a good choice. Our tester always welcomes more natural products - so appreciates that the ingredients are organic and sustainably sourced and that this product is cruelty-free (and vegan). This is a great thick all-around moisturiser, and a little goes a long way. However, we found that with this tube size, it's best to keep it for your face; otherwise, it will run out pretty quickly. However, at this affordable price, you may be able to purchase two tubes.

When it comes to celebrity beauty brands, we're usually cautious. The market is full of actresses and singers promoting 'must-have' skincare products that promise a youthful glow, but they often fall short. So, when we heard about Hollywood superstar Scarlett Johansson's beauty brand, The Outset, we were sceptical. Scarlett, best known for her role in the Marvel movies, launched this brand to simplify skincare. The Outset Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer claims to outperform hyaluronic acid after 24 hours and improve the skin barrier in just two weeks.

We were pleased to see that it is vegan, fragrance-free and non-clogging formula. Eager to try it ourselves, we've been using this cream daily for almost a month and are thrilled with the results. It has a rich, luxurious consistency that feels deeply hydrating without making the skin oily or heavy.

This cream also serves as a perfect base for makeup, absorbing well into the skin and leaving a soft, smooth finish. We're not the only fans—hundreds of five-star reviews online echo our enthusiasm. One user with persistent hormonal acne found relief with The Outset moisturiser, noticing healthier, more hydrated skin in just a week. After struggling with ineffective treatments, they were amazed by how quickly their skin was restored. Another user says that they live in a dry climate - and this Outset cream "saved their skin". Skincare enthusiasts rave that this is the best moisturiser they've ever used, and this writer wholeheartedly agrees.

Taking time to care for your skin can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. We love taking some time out of our day to really pamper ourselves. If you really want to treat yourself (and your skin), then this luxury Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream Refillable SPF 15 is the ultimate indulgent product. Whilst we know this is a slightly more costly purchase, it is packed with amazing ingredients from Shea butter, hyaluronic and much more (don't forget to check the full ingredients list, below). Ideal for dry, dehydrated and maturing skin types, this Magic Cream will prime your face for makeup.

Our tester found this to be incredibly hydrating and even doubled up as a great primer. "This cream left my skin feeling so soft and plump. I love using it in the morning and found it was a great primer under my makeup. It gave me a lovely natural dewy glow that lasted all day long."

Although our tester liked the fact it had SPF 15, she felt this wouldn't be enough in the summer months. "The sun protection element is great, but in full summer, I'd definitely need to need a stronger sun cream on my face." Although our tester commented that it was a little expensive she felt it was good value for money.

"A little of this product goes a long way. You can also use it as a night cream and a primer, so you get your money's worth!"

If your skin often feels a bit lacklustre, then this Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C brightening moisturiser might be just what you need to regain a youthful glow. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, this Medik8 works with both fine lines and wrinkles. It's your daily dose of vitamin C and SPF 30 all in one. Not only does this moisturiser support premature ageing, but it visibly softens, boosts radiance and firms your skin. Vitamin E will add anti-oxidant protection and boost results. Luxurious.

An independent consumer study conducted over four weeks on 50 participants across all skin types and tones found that this cream made users feel like their skin looked brighter. Customers adore its non-greasy, cashmere-soft texture cream that protects skin against premature signs of ageing. One customer commented that this gives an "immediate glow" and is a great pick if you don't wear base make-up, such as foundation. It's neither sticky nor too thick. Instead, reviews add that it feels very luxurious and smells great. Some reviews suggest reapplying throughout the day, though.

While mature skin may lose its firmness over time, the Lift Firming Cashmere Cream by Caudalie, celebrated by online users and skincare experts, offers a solution. This innovative cream features plant-derived collagen and an exclusive anti-ageing patent comprising of vine resveratrol, hyaluronic acids, and a vegan collagen booster, effectively stimulating all three types of collagen. Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity, firmness, and overall youthful appearance, as it provides structural support to the skin, joints, and other connective tissues. Here's what our tester thought...

"I'm a big fan of this Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Firming Cashmere Cream. It feels incredibly moisturising, yet luxurious and it's not too cloggy or heavy. It left my skin feeling really firm, yet hydrated and smooth, without too much shine either. Those with oily skin might find it a bit heavy though.
I apply it in the morning and find that it also works to reduce any skin puffiness that has occurred overnight. It acts as a good makeup primer too as it absorbs quickly and gives me a nice firming glow that lasts all day long.
I really like that this product is 100% vegan and that it comes in a refillable glass jar, meaning it very eco-friendly too."

Why should invest in a good night cream? The answer is because while you sleep, your skin begins healing. Night creams are particularly good for mature skin because they can penetrate deeper into the skin during a time when it isn't exposed to environmental factors or sunlight, thus maximising its effectiveness. This Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Night Cream that is enriched with plant-based squalane, which reinforces the hydrolipidic film, and line-filling pearls to visibly smooth dehydration wrinkles. The brand states that this cream works 13x longer on the skin to provide long-lasting results, and our tester certainly agreed.
"This feels like a real luxury product. The smell is lovely and quite spa-like. The cream is thick, but no too greasy and heavy. A little of it goes a long way too. This pot will last you quite a long time. I definitely noticed that my skin looked more hydrated and line-free after just a couple of weeks of use.
I absolutely loved the fragrance but it may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin"

This lightweight yet deeply hydrating gel cream is designed to provide intense moisture without adding excess oil, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and balanced. Perfect for those seeking a non-greasy moisturiser that helps control shine and minimize pores, this oil-free gel cream from Kiehl's is your go-to solution for a mattified, healthy-looking complexion. What did our tester think?

"For anyone who suffers with mature, oily or greasy skin this is the perfect solution. It's more of a gel than a cream and feels super lightweight and refreshing to apply. It's completely non-greasy and absorbs surprisingly quickly. I only needed to leave it a few seconds before applying my makeup.
Even though it's lightweight it is really moisturising too and doesn't leave skin feeling sticky or claggy. A great day cream for the summer months, but it may not suitable for those with very dry skin."

The Aveeno Face Calm+Restore Oat Gel Moisturiser is formulated with prebiotic oat and calming feverfew. These hypoallergenic ingredients are great for sensitive skin because although it is hydrating and can help repair the skin from sun damage, it is incredibly gentle. We could not believe how lightweight this cream is - and it absorbs quickly, too. Though our Aveeno tester does prefer a thicker cream for the evening, this is now their "go-to moisturiser" for their morning routine.

There is a slight natural "oaty" scent that we love, but it's very subtle. Not only has this Aveeno pick been dermatologist tested, but it's not going to clog up pores. Though a lightweight formula, it does make your skin feel very soft, says our Aveeno tester. She adds that it's great to find a cream that is "packed full of nourishing ingredients" beneficial to our skin. Yes - not only are some ingredients hydrating e.g. glycerin), but the oat kernel soothes and vitamin E helps even your skin tone.

Olay Beauty Fluid Face and Body Moisturiser is part of a range of skincare for combination skin. It can be used not only on your face but on your whole body, although we are a little sceptical of how long the small bottle would last if you regularly used it all over. However, as a daily moisturiser, it's incredibly lightweight and hydrating for the skin, which is great for ageing, combination skin.

We first noticed how fluid this cream was, especially in comparison to some of the other richer moisturisers on the market. We liked that a little goes a long way, and it absorbs well. This budget-friendly moisturiser is a fantastic option for women with combination skin, providing hydration without heaviness.

Customers like to go back to this old favourite after finding modern moisturisers a little oily and causing spots. Some devotees have been using this moisturising cream for years, with one customer commenting that they have "used every day for over 40 years as my mother did." This is an old-reliable is a perfect non-greasy, light pick for the best skin. Albeit, some found the product a little runny, but it sinks in well and moisturises your face, ready for a day out.

Skincare products are a great option when you are looking for a gift for close friends or family. Whilst we wouldn't recommend buying skincare for distant relatives (because you may not know their skin type or preferences), purchasing a skincare gift set for your sister or best friend is a beautiful gift - especially when it's Olay. In our testers opinion, you can't "beat Olay", especially if you have mature skin and you're looking to dive into the world of skincare. It's a fabulous option for many.

Our tester felt her skin looked "visually brighter… and much smoother…" which will be due to the powerhouse ingredients inside this duo. Niacinamide and retinol are active skincare superheroes, supporting skin brightness to age appearance. Whereas, Vitamins A and C will be likely responsible for our testers skins smooth, even feel. Olay Project Glow Day & Night Moisturiser Giftset hydrates
your skin for 24 hours, and Olay claims you can see visible improvements in fine lines and wrinkles. Thanks to the hydration powers of glycerin and panthenol, rest assured, your skin will feel plump.

So whether you are looking to buy it for yourself or a friend, Olay is a safe pick, loved by many women. Our tester liked that the day cream smells "fresh and zesty"; a fragranced cream may contain something like linalool - and though lovely to smell, can be an irritant and is not recommended for those with very sensitive skin. Though, the night cream has no fragrance, it's still not safe for this skin type. Our tester got this set for her mum and ended up purchasing one for herself.