Face creams are a fundamental part of every skincare routine, ensuring your skin stays hydrated, nourished, and protected. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve glowing, healthy skin. I’ll share five highly effective and affordable face creams suitable for different skin types and concerns. Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin, there’s something here for everyone.
1. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Best For: Dry, Dehydrated, or Sensitive Skin
Main Benefits: Hydration, Moisture barrier support, Lightweight, Non-greasy
Price Range: £5-£10 (50ml)
The Ordinary is a brand known for its affordable, science-backed products, and the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is one of their bestsellers. It’s a fragrance-free moisturizer that contains a blend of amino acids, fatty acids, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, all of which help lock in moisture while supporting the skin’s natural barrier. This makes it an excellent choice for dry and sensitive skin, as it hydrates and strengthens without irritation.
How to Use:
After applying your serum or treatment, take a small amount and apply it to the face and neck. Use it both morning and night. You can follow it up with sunscreen in the morning.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Affordable yet effective: It provides excellent hydration without breaking the bank.
- No fragrance or artificial ingredients make it ideal for sensitive skin.
- Non-greasy: Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly into the skin, making it ideal for layering with other products.
Where to Buy:
- Boots, Feelunique, Lookfantastic, Beauty Bay
2. Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream
Best For: All Skin Types (Especially Oily, Combination, or Sensitive)
Main Benefits: Multi-use, Fast-absorbing, Vitamin E enriched, Budget-friendly
Price Range: £3-£5 (200ml)
Nivea Soft is one of the most well-known and cost-effective moisturizers on the market. This cream is enriched with Vitamin E and Jojoba oil, both of which work together to deeply nourish the skin while keeping it soft and smooth. Its light, non-greasy formula makes it suitable for everyday use on the face, as well as the body, and it works well for all skin types, especially combination or oily skin that needs hydration without feeling heavy.
How to Use:
Apply a thin layer to clean skin, massaging gently into the face and neck. It can also be used as an all-over body cream.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Versatility: You can use it on the face, body, and hands, making it a great multi-purpose product.
- Quick absorption: It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue behind.
- Affordable and effective: A classic that delivers reliable results without a hefty price tag.
Where to Buy:
- Boots, Superdrug, Amazon UK
3. CeraVe Moisturising Cream
Best For: Dry, Sensitive, Eczema-Prone Skin
Main Benefits: Moisture barrier repair, Non-comedogenic, Fragrance-free, Contains Ceramides
Price Range: £9-£15 (340g)
CeraVe Moisturising Cream is a dermatologist-favorite and a must-have for those with dry, sensitive, or even eczema-prone skin. This cream is rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and other vital lipids that work together to restore the skin’s natural barrier, lock in moisture, and protect against environmental aggressors. It’s particularly beneficial for those with compromised skin barriers or conditions like eczema, rosacea, or acne.
How to Use:
Apply liberally to the face and neck after cleansing and toning. Can be used both morning and night. Use a pea-sized amount for the face, and apply more generously to the body.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Clinically tested for sensitive skin: Safe for those with eczema, rosacea, or even acne-prone skin.
- Hydrates without clogging pores: Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, perfect for sensitive skin.
- Long-lasting hydration: Its rich, creamy texture offers deep hydration throughout the day or night.
Where to Buy:
- Boots, Superdrug, Amazon UK, Feelunique
4. Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb Super-Hydrating Rebalancing Cream
Best For: Dehydrated or Oily Skin
Main Benefits: 48-hour hydration, Lightweight, Antioxidant-rich (Pomegranate Extract)
Price Range: £5-£8 (50ml)
If you’re looking for a face cream that offers both intense hydration and a refreshing texture, Garnier’s Moisture Bomb is a fantastic option. This cream contains antioxidant-rich pomegranate extract and is designed to give your skin a “moisture boost.” Despite its rich ingredients, the formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it ideal for oily skin that needs hydration without feeling greasy. It also helps maintain the skin’s balance, leaving it hydrated and smooth.
How to Use:
Apply to the face after cleansing, both in the morning and evening. You can use this in place of a night cream if you have a more oily complexion.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Affordable yet high-performing: Garnier offers a high-quality moisturizer without a hefty price tag.
- Hydration for oily and combination skin: It provides moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.
- Lightweight texture: Ideal for summer or humid weather.
Where to Buy:
- Boots, Superdrug, Feelunique, Amazon UK
5. E45 Moisturising Lotion
Best For: Dry, Sensitive, or Itchy Skin
Main Benefits: Intensive hydration, Hypoallergenic, Suitable for sensitive skin
Price Range: £3-£6 (200ml)
Known for its ultra-gentle formulation, E45 Moisturising Lotion is perfect for those with very dry, flaky, or sensitive skin. It’s free from fragrances and other potential irritants, which makes it a great option for those prone to skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. This lotion provides deep hydration and is clinically proven to relieve dry, itchy skin, making it a go-to option for both children and adults.
How to Use:
Apply generously to clean skin. Use it throughout the day as often as needed, especially on rough patches or after cleansing. Great for use on the face or body.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Trusted brand for sensitive skin: E45 is recommended by dermatologists and is clinically proven to treat dry skin.
- Non-greasy: It absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving a soft, hydrated finish.
- Affordable: A reliable option for those needing gentle and effective hydration.
Where to Buy:
- Boots, Superdrug, Amazon UK
You don’t need to spend a lot to have healthy, hydrated skin. The above face creams are all incredibly effective yet affordable options for a range of skin types, from sensitive and dry to oily and acne-prone. Whether you’re looking for a simple daily moisturizer or a rich, barrier-repairing cream, these products can help you achieve healthy skin without stretching your budget.
Where to Buy in the UK:
You can find these products at major UK retailers like Boots, Superdrug, Amazon UK, Feelunique, and Lookfantastic. Keep an eye out for discounts or special offers to snag the best deals!
