The Best Winter Moisturisers For Every Skin Type

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Winter is here! Have you found your winter moisturiser?

A study ‘Aussie Skin Sensitivity SENSEus’ by Cetaphil found that 36% of Australians use the same skincare all round. But despite our lackadaisical approach to seasonal skincare, Australian dermatologists do recommend we switch things up with the seasons.

Dermatologist Dr Leona Yip said of the findings, “Skin dryness can be exacerbated by changes in environmental factors like temperature and humidity, as well as too much heat or prolonged time in air-conditioning… the result is an increase in dryness and appearance of fine lines, as well as skin roughness or tightness, and even an increase of skin irritation and sensitivities.”

Bottom line: no matter your skin type, you should be thinking about a winter moisturiser. But how do you find one that is right for you?

We’ve curated the best winter moisturisers for every skin type (and condition) below.

For Oily Skin

Biossance, Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer

You’ve heard us say it a million times — oily skin still needs to stay hydrated! But, oily skin is thicker and more congested, so you want to look for oil-free ingredients that provide hydration without weighing the skin down. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are great humectants to start with. Biossance, Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer ($80) ramps things up by adding probiotics to the mix. Probiotics are increasingly thought to play a role in the skin’s overall health and potentially conditions like acne. Meanwhile, squalene offers the best lightweight hydration you can find, as a biomimetic skincare ingredient, as it is naturally found in human skin.

For Dry Skin

Emma Lewisham, Supernatural 72-Hour Hydration Face Crème

Emma Lewisham, Supernatural 72-Hour Hydration Face Crème ($135) has clinically tested against some of the most famous (and expensive) ultra-rich moisturisers on the market and come out on top. The nourishing formula contains collagen-boosting Peptides from Alaria Esculenta Seaweed, Saccharide Isomerate (which holds 1000 times its weight in water) plant-based Vitamin A Bakuchiol and Plant Stem Cells. The product is rich enough to nourish all day but lightweight enough to play nicely under makeup and sunscreen.

For Combination Skin

Clinique, Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

Find your skin feeling thirsty throughout the day, but still must reach for the powder by 3pm? It’s likely you have combination skin and will benefit from a moisturiser that is not too heavy, not too dry. Clinique, Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator ($89) replenishes skin with aloe leaf extract, caffeine, green tea and a bio ferment complex. Expect skin to be nourished, balanced, and protected all day.  

Bonus Round: Winter Moisturisers for Skin Conditions

“Rosacea,” “Sensitivity” and “Acne” arent actually skin types, they’re skin conditions. This is why they can co-occur, like an oily skin type with rosacea, or a dry skin type with acne. Skin conditions require special care, and a trip to the dermatologist may be in order if you don’t see improvements. That said, the right skincare during winter will help minimise any additional aggravation caused by a change of season, so here is your bonus round.

For Acne Prone Skin

Priori, LCAfx120 Gel Perfector

Acne is a skin condition and not a skin type — you can be oily with acne and very, very dry which makes choosing a moisturiser difficult. Acne-prone skin needs barrier support and Priori, LCAfx120 Gel Perfector ($70) delivers just that. The brand’s LCA complex combines vitamins A, C, E and Lactic Acid to nourish, brighten and protect, while 1% salicylic acid decongests pores and refines skin tone.

For Sensitised or Rosacea-Prone Skin

Cetaphil, Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion

When you’re skin is behaving badly it can be tempting to spring for the most “bells and whistles” skincare products you can find. The consensus in dermatology, however, is that you should strip things right back to basics. Cetaphil, Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion ($12) is a derm-approved product for very dry and sensitised skin. The formula combines anti-inflammatory vitamins B3 (niacinamide) and B5 (panthenol) this moisturiser will support your skin barrier and dial down redness and irritation without breaking the bank.