What Moisturiser Should You Use?

Which moisturiser is right for me?

With so many choices at your fingertips, finding the right formula can require some trial and error. To take the guesswork out of your choice of moisturiser, we’re diving into seven of Kiehl’s’ hero formulas. Whether you’re looking for a moisturiser for oily skin or a formula that provides extra skin moisture barrier support, we’ve got you covered below.

Best moisturiser for dry skin

Dry skin types have fewer natural lipids, making people with dry skin especially susceptible to rough patches, dullness, and flaking. However, the right moisturiser for dry skin can bind moisture to the skin surface and prevent further water loss.

An emollient- and humectant-rich formula such as our Ultra Facial Cream provides lasting nourishment to dry skin and boosts moisture retention overall. Formulated with powerful, moisture-locking ingredients like squalane and glycerin, the Ultra Facial Cream provides up to 72 hours of hydration* to leave skin feeling smoother, softer, and more comfortable.

Best moisturiser for oily skin

Excess oil flow can cause shininess and contribute to clogged pores, blemishes and breakouts. To stabilise natural oil production, your skin needs to be hydrated. Without hydration, oily skin can overcompensate and produce more oil.

Lightweight, non-greasy, and oil-free formulas help to keep skin hydrated and shine-free. For a gel-based moisturiser that won’t overwhelm skin, we recommend the Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream. This moisturiser for oily skin offers shine-free, 24-hour hydration and a pleasant cooling effect on the skin.

Best moisturiser for sensitive skin

Caring for sensitive skin requires a particularly gentle approach. Sensitive skin types are prone to facial redness, dryness, flaking, tightness, and tingling sensations – all of which can be managed with the right moisturiser for sensitive skin.

For sensitive, stressed, or compromised skin, we suggest a colloidal oatmeal moisturiser like the Ultra Facial Meltdown Recovery Cream from Kiehl’s. Enriched with a blend of colloidal oatmeal, provitamin B5, and bisabolol, this lightweight medicated cream prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL), diminishes visible redness, and comforts the skin within seconds*.

*Consumers self-assessment, 65 subjects, 5 seconds after application.

Best moisturiser for combination skin

A skincare routine for combination skin is ultimately about balance. A moisturiser for combination skin has the tricky task of addressing two dichotomous skin concerns: excess oil and dryness. Hydration is important for dry patches, but dense formulas can feel too heavy on the already-oily T-zone.

The solution: a water cream. Water creams have a unique lightweight texture that cools the skin while simultaneously delivering powerful, lasting hydration. Those with combination skin can reach for the Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream, which is enriched with the powerful benefits of calendula petals to comfort and brighten skin.

Best moisturiser for normal skin

Since normal skin is already well-balanced, the goal for a skincare routine for normal skin is to maintain the status quo. This means using a daily moisturiser that hydrates effectively, supports the skin moisture barrier, and feels comfortable on the skin.

For normal skin, we suggest our Ultra Facial Cream. This Kiehl’s icon is formulated with squalane and glycerin to deliver up to 72 hours of hydration*, while helping skin feel soft, smooth, and balanced. Its lightweight yet nourishing texture makes it suitable for everyday use across a range of skin types, including normal skin.

*Instrumental test, 29 subjects.

Best moisturiser for mature skin

As your skin matures, it’s common to experience a natural loss of moisture, dullness, and sagging skin, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. A moisturiser for mature skin can help supplement hydration to help plump and brighten skin.

To both address current signs of ageing and offer preventive care for future ageing concerns, we suggest a firming formula like our Super Multi-Corrective Anti-Aging Cream.Taking a targeted approach, this anti-ageing facial moisturiser visibly lifts, smooths, firms, retexturises, and moisturises the skin.

This moisturiser is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Best moisturiser for men's skin

Men’s skin has different characteristics than women’s: men can be prone to discomfort from shaving, more sebum production, and enlarged pores. However, a moisturiser for men can help address these individual challenges.

Packed with vitamin C, vitamin E, and caffeine, our Facial Fuel Daily Invigorating Moisture Treatment for Men helps refresh and awaken dull skin, while providing essential hydration.

Sometimes, your moisturiser for dry skin is no match for low humidity, cold temperatures, and the incessant blast of your central heating. So, find out how to care for dry skin in winter with our extra nourishing formulas – next.