Face Moisturisers for Every Skin Type

The best moisturiser for dry skin is one that delivers deep, long-lasting hydration using ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, shea butter, or squalane. Rich creams and balms are generally more effective than lightweight gels for very dry or flaky skin. At Giant Chemist Harbour Town, popular options for dry skin include products from Avene, CeraVe, Cetaphil, and Dermal Therapy. all available at discount pharmacy prices.

If your skin feels tight, flaky, or rough, look for a facial moisturiser labelled ‘intensive’, ‘rich’, or ‘for very dry skin’ to ensure adequate hydration throughout the day.

An oil free moisturiser is a face moisturiser formulated without added oils, making it suitable for oily, acne-prone, or combination skin types that are prone to clogged pores and breakouts. These products are typically lighter in texture, often a gel or fluid — and labelled as ‘non-comedogenic’, meaning they won’t block pores.

Even oily skin needs hydration. Skipping moisturiser can actually cause the skin to overproduce oil as a compensatory response. Choosing the right oil free moisturiser ensures your skin stays balanced without contributing to shine or congestion. Look for formulas containing niacinamide, salicylic acid, or zinc if you also experience breakouts.

Yes — particularly in Australia where UV levels are among the highest in the world. Using a moisturiser with SPF as part of your daily face moisturiser routine is one of the most effective ways to protect against premature ageing, pigmentation, and UV-related skin damage.

Look for a daily face moisturiser with at least SPF 30 for everyday use, or SPF 50+ if you spend significant time outdoors. Many SPF moisturisers from brands like Cancer Council, Cetaphil, and La Roche-Posay are lightweight enough to wear comfortably under makeup. Apply as the last step of your morning skincare routine.

The best face moisturiser for sensitive skin should be fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, free from alcohol and known irritants, and ideally tested by dermatologists. Sensitive skin can react to many common skincare ingredients, so keeping the formulation simple is often more important than having a long list of actives.

Brands like Avene (formulated with soothing thermal spring water), La Roche-Posay, Cetaphil, and MooGoo are widely recommended for sensitive skin and are available in our collection. If you have a diagnosed skin condition such as rosacea or eczema, speak with our pharmacists in-store for a personalised recommendation

A lightweight face moisturiser is a thin, fast-absorbing formula — typically a gel, fluid, or lotion — that delivers hydration without leaving a heavy or greasy feeling on the skin. Lightweight moisturisers are ideal for oily and combination skin types, warmer climates, or for use under makeup as a primer base.

In Queensland’s warm and humid climate, many people find a lightweight face moisturiser more comfortable for daily wear than richer creams. Brands like Neutrogena, Bioderma, and La Roche-Posay offer popular lightweight facial moisturisers that absorb quickly and leave a smooth, matte finish.