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The best winter moisturisers to soothe and strengthen skin

Hardworking hydrators – the lot of ‘em

By Briar Clark

BEAUTYcrew Beauty Editor / June 08 2023

In terms of winter skin care there is no harder worker than the humble moisturiser; they seal in valuable moisture at a time when our entire body is experiencing Saharan-levels of dehydration. But they also provide an important layer of protection between you and your environment and strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier.

From lightweight (yet hydrating) gel-cream hybrids to occlusive, rich and nourishing face creams, there’s an abundance of formulas to sample. And the great news? Winter is the best time to get stuck into them and really make them work for their spot in your skin care routine.

Here are seven winter moisturisers to hold you down during the cooler months.

CAUDALIE Vinosource-Hydra Grape Water Gel Moisturizer

This gel moisturiser may feel ultra lightweight but it’s big on hydration nonetheless. We’re talking about a formula infused with organic prebiotic grape water and aloe vera that works to moisturise and soothe skin, as well as reinforcing the skin’s protective barrier. A great addition to a sensitive-skin friendly routine.

$57 at Sephora

FRESH Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream Moisturiser

This reformulated cult-favourite utilises skin-strengthening Damask rose and hyaluronic acid to maintain a healthy, hydrated complexion. Time release technology ensures that the skin stays temperately moisturised for up to 72 hours post-application. Plump, dewy skin here we come.

$64 at Sephora

Weleda 24h Hydrating Facial Cream

Organic prickly pear cactus is to thank for the long-lasting hydration your skin will be experiencing once you slather on a healthy layer of this lightweight and breathable (not to mention vegan) formula.

$27.95 at Adore Beauty

Murad Intensive Recovery Cream

If your skin barrier has been impaired, you’re dealing with skin issues like eczema or your skin is just dry beyond belief, then this redness-reducing, skin-strengthening formula should be added to your next Adore Beauty order. Watch as this ultra-nourishing pick gets to work soothing irritation and reinforcing the skin’s barrier ASAP.

$125 at Adore Beauty

Covitol Cream

If your skin is too sensitive for products that are sensitive skin-specific, then it may be time to consider switching to baby products. This unassuming nappy cream isn’t just for a baby’s bot; it’s protective and barrier-strengthening properties help to moisturise skin and promote a healthier barrier function. Plus, the fact that it’s formulated for fresh-out-the-womb skin sets our minds at ease and makes it a no-brainer switch for when a standard moisturiser just isn’t cutting it.

$11.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Laneige Waterbank Moisture Cream Intensive

This intensive moisturiser combines antioxidant-rich green mineral water, nourishing shea butter and fatty acid ceramides for lasting hydration. It also helps to optimise water retention and adds a protective, sealed layer of moisturiser that improves barrier function.

$52 at Adore Beauty

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

Is your complexion craving elasticity and plumpness? Hoping to see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles this winter? Give this talented corrective cream a go. Formulated to address and defend against visible signs of ageing, we guarantee it's the luxuriously effective hydrator your face has been looking for.

$274 at SkinCeuticals

Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Gel-Creme

This intensely hydrating pick utilises a Skin Barrier Therapy™ complex to protect skin from bacteria and external aggressors. Niacinamide is at work too, keeping your skin hydrated, replenished and plump, and your complexion refined.

$47.99 at Adore Beauty

Maintain the moisturised vibe with these 7 hydrating face masks that are bound to get skin glistening.

Main image credit: @jastookes

Briar Clark

Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).