A face moisturiser is the product most people use every day, so the choice comes down to your skin type, the texture you will enjoy using, and whether the formula is made for sensitive skin. This guide compares seven face moisturisers on Amazon Australia, from a fragrance free option for sensitive skin to a matte formula for oily skin and a rich cream for dry skin.
Every fact below comes from the product listing, with the star rating and the number of ratings it holds. We describe what each listing says, not what a moisturiser will do for your skin.
Best moisturiser overall: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Best moisturiser overall: the Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer, because the listing words it as a fragrance free, non comedogenic face moisturiser with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, and it has more ratings than any other face moisturiser we checked.
The listing describes a lightweight, gluten free, unscented moisturiser for sensitive skin, made with five key ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane and glycerin. It says the formula is free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens and formaldehyde releasers, and that it is dermatologist tested. The listing also calls Vanicream the number one dermatologist recommended brand for sensitive skin, citing a survey of dermatologists. The directions are to apply as needed to the face, day or night. The size is about 89 ml. It holds 4.6 stars from 25,256 ratings, the most of any pick on this page.
It suits anyone who wants a fragrance free moisturiser for a sensitive face. The honest catch: the listing says packaging may vary, and it costs more per millilitre than the Aveeno, L'Oreal and Sukin picks.
Best for oily skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
Best for oily skin: the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat, because the listing words it as a sebum controlling, anti shine, non comedogenic moisturiser with a matte finish.
The listing describes an everyday moisturiser that visibly minimises pores and reduces sebum, tested under dermatological control, for all skin types and especially sensitive, oily and acne prone skin. It says it also works as a makeup base. The directions are to cleanse and dry the face, then apply every morning and/or evening to the whole face. The size is 40 ml. It holds 4.5 stars from 21,313 ratings.
It suits anyone whose main complaint is shine, and anyone who wants a moisturiser under makeup. The honest catch: it is the smallest size here and costs more per millilitre than any other pick with a stated volume, and its listing is written around shine and oily skin, so for dry skin look at the Beauty of Joseon cream below.
Best lightweight water gel: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Best lightweight water gel: the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, because the listing describes a hyaluronic acid water gel that absorbs quickly with no greasy residue.
The listing describes hyaluronic acid with amino acids and electrolytes to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier, and says it delivers 5x more hydration than an untreated control. It is described as clinically tested, with visible improvements in glow, smoothness and plump skin, and the listing says the packaging is recyclable with a refillable pod system. The size is 50 g. It holds 4.7 stars from 624 ratings.
It suits anyone who prefers a gel to a cream. The honest catch: 624 ratings is far fewer than the Vanicream, Effaclar Mat and L'Oreal picks, and the listing does not say fragrance free or non comedogenic, so read the pack if either matters to you.
Best budget moisturiser for sensitive skin: Aveeno Face Calm + Restore Oat Gel
Best budget moisturiser for sensitive skin: the Aveeno Face Calm + Restore Oat Gel, because the listing words it as a lightweight, fragrance free, hypoallergenic and non comedogenic gel for sensitive skin, and it is the lowest priced pick here.
The listing describes 24 hour moisturisation that replenishes the skin's moisture barrier, a lightweight and fast absorbing gel, and a formula made for sensitive skin with clinically proven ingredients. It cites that 92 percent agreed skin felt instantly smooth. The size is 50 ml. It holds 4.5 stars from 5,151 ratings.
It suits anyone with sensitive skin who wants to spend less than on the Vanicream. The honest catch: 50 ml is a small size, so it costs more per millilitre than the 125 ml Sukin.
Best large size everyday face moisturiser: Sukin Sensitive Facial Moisturiser
Best large size everyday face moisturiser: the Sukin Sensitive Facial Moisturiser, because it is the biggest size on this page at 125 ml, with shea butter and aloe vera in its title and the lowest cost per millilitre of the picks with a stated volume.
The listing title names shea butter and aloe vera, and its only description is three words: hydrating, nourishing, smoothing. The listing gives Australia as the country of origin. The size is 125 ml. It holds 4.6 stars from 969 ratings.
It suits anyone who wants a plain everyday face moisturiser at a low cost per millilitre. The honest catch: the listing gives only three words of description, so it says little about the formula, and 969 ratings is fewer than the leading picks.
Best rich cream for dry skin: Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream
Best rich cream for dry skin: the Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream, because the listing words it as a dense, hydrating cream with 2% niacinamide and 2% squalane for dry skin.
The listing describes a luxuriously dense and firm texture with a dewy, radiant finish, and a blend of 2% niacinamide and 2% squalane to keep the skin's oil and moisture in balance. It says the cream also hydrates the delicate eye area. The size is 50 ml. It holds 4.5 stars from 6,659 ratings.
It suits anyone with dry skin who wants a rich cream. The honest catch: the listing describes a dense cream with a dewy finish for dry skin, so look at the Effaclar Mat if shine is your problem, and among picks with a stated volume it costs more per millilitre than all but the Effaclar Mat.
Best face moisturiser for men: L'Oreal Paris Men Expert Anti-Fatigue Moisturiser
Best face moisturiser for men: the L'Oreal Paris Men Expert Anti-Fatigue Moisturiser, because the listing describes a non greasy, quickly absorbed daily moisturiser with vitamin C and 24 hour hydration, suitable for all skin types.
The listing describes an ultra light gel cream texture that is non greasy and non sticky, made with vitamin C and guarana, and aimed at five signs of fatigue: dullness, dark circles, dryness, tightness and roughness. The directions are to apply after shaving or washing your face and use daily. The title also mentions fine lines. The size is 50 ml. It holds 4.6 stars from 20,840 ratings, a count shared with the 100 ml size.
It suits anyone who wants a light everyday gel cream and does not mind the men's branding. The honest catch: it is marketed to men, so the title and directions speak to shaving.
How to choose a face moisturiser
Start with your skin type
Skin type does most of the work. For sensitive skin, the Vanicream and Aveeno listings both say fragrance free, and the Aveeno also says hypoallergenic. The Sukin title also says sensitive, though its listing gives no more detail. For oily skin, the Effaclar Mat is the one built to reduce sebum and shine. For dry skin, the Beauty of Joseon cream is the one the listing describes for dry skin. If you are not sure of your skin type, the L'Oreal Men Expert and Effaclar Mat listings both mention all skin types.
Gel, gel cream or rich cream
Texture decides whether you keep using it. The Neutrogena and Aveeno are gels, and the L'Oreal Men Expert listing describes an ultra light gel cream. The Vanicream is described as lightweight, and the Beauty of Joseon as dense and firm with a dewy finish. Choose a gel if you like a light feel, and a dense cream if you want a richer one.
What the listing claims, and what it does not
Three phrases do the most work on moisturiser listings. Fragrance free: the Vanicream and Aveeno listings say it. Non comedogenic, which means made not to clog pores: the Vanicream, Effaclar Mat and Aveeno listings say it. Hypoallergenic: only the Aveeno listing says it. The Neutrogena, Sukin, Beauty of Joseon and L'Oreal listings do not use these words, so check the pack if one matters to you.
Mature and ageing skin
No listing here calls itself an anti ageing moisturiser, so we do not rank one for ageing skin. What the listings do say: the Beauty of Joseon describes a rich, dense cream for dry skin, the L'Oreal Men Expert title mentions fine lines, and the Neutrogena describes visible improvements in glow, smoothness and plump skin. Match the texture to how your skin feels, and read the listing words for yourself.
Size, price and value
Compare size as well as price. The Sukin is the largest at 125 ml, the Vanicream is about 89 ml, the L'Oreal, Beauty of Joseon and Aveeno listings are 50 ml, the Neutrogena is 50 g and the Effaclar Mat is 40 ml. The Aveeno is the lowest priced pick. Among picks with a stated volume, the Sukin costs the least per millilitre and the Effaclar Mat the most. On a budget, those are the two to look at.
How to use a moisturiser
The listings give short directions. The Vanicream says to apply as needed to the face, day or night. The Effaclar Mat says to cleanse and dry the face, then apply every morning and/or evening. The L'Oreal Men Expert says to apply after shaving or washing and use daily. None of the seven listings states an SPF, so if you want sun protection in the same step, look for a moisturiser whose listing states one. For any new skincare product, a general rule is to try a small amount on a small patch of skin first.
What this guide does not cover
This guide is for face moisturisers. For a tinted base see our skin tint and tinted moisturiser guide, for the body our body lotion guide, and for hands our hand cream guide. We have not picked lip, natural or gradual tan products here, and none of the seven listings uses the word organic.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best moisturiser in Australia?
For most people the best moisturiser here is the Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer, a fragrance free, non comedogenic face moisturiser that has more ratings than any other we checked. Pick the Effaclar Mat for oily skin, the Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream for dry skin or the Neutrogena Hydro Boost for a lightweight gel.
What is the best moisturiser for dry skin in Australia?
The Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream is the rich option: the listing describes a dense, hydrating cream with 2% niacinamide and 2% squalane, and its title says dry, sensitive skin. If you want a fragrance free option as well, the Vanicream and Aveeno Face Calm + Restore Oat Gel are the two listings that say so.
What is the best moisturiser for sensitive skin?
The Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer is our choice for sensitive skin: the listing says it is fragrance free, dermatologist tested and free of dyes, lanolin and parabens. The Aveeno Face Calm + Restore Oat Gel is the cheaper choice, and its listing says fragrance free, hypoallergenic and non comedogenic. Patch test any new moisturiser first.
What is the best moisturiser for oily skin or all skin types?
The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat is the pick for oily skin: the listing words it as a sebum controlling, anti shine, non comedogenic moisturiser with a matte finish. For all skin types, the L'Oreal Men Expert and Effaclar Mat listings both mention all skin types.
What is the best moisturiser for mature or ageing skin?
None of the seven listings calls itself an anti ageing moisturiser, so we do not rank one for ageing skin. If dryness is the concern, the Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream is the rich cream here, and the L'Oreal Men Expert title mentions fine lines. The Vanicream suits a sensitive face. Choose by skin type and texture.
What is the best men's face moisturiser?
The L'Oreal Paris Men Expert Anti-Fatigue Moisturiser is the men's pick here: the listing describes an ultra light gel cream with vitamin C that is non greasy and non sticky, to apply after shaving or washing. The other picks are not marketed by gender, so the Vanicream or Sukin are open to anyone.
What is the best moisturiser for glowing skin?
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost listing describes visible improvements in glow, smoothness and plump skin, and the Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream listing describes a dewy, radiant finish. Those are the two listings that use glow words, so choose by texture: the Neutrogena is a lightweight water gel and the Beauty of Joseon is a dense cream.
How often should you apply moisturiser?
The listings give simple directions. The Vanicream says apply as needed to the face, day or night, the Effaclar Mat says every morning, every evening or both, and the L'Oreal Men Expert says use daily. Treat these as the brands' directions, and try a new product on a small area of skin first.
What is the best vitamin E cream for the face?
None of the seven listings names vitamin E, so we cannot pick a vitamin E cream. Named ingredients include ceramides and hyaluronic acid in the Vanicream, hyaluronic acid in the Neutrogena, vitamin C in the L'Oreal Men Expert, and niacinamide and squalane in the Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream. Check the ingredient list on the pack for vitamin E.
