Glowing skin doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built on hydration.
Moisturisers are often overlooked in favour of flashy serums and skin trends. But when it comes to achieving that natural, lit-from-within glow, nothing beats a well-chosen moisturiser. Whether your skin is oily, dry, sensitive, or somewhere in between, the right moisturiser locks in hydration, strengthens your barrier, and keeps your complexion looking fresh and healthy.
But with so many options out there, choosing the best one can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the top 10 moisturisers in India for all skin types—so you can find the one that fits your skin’s unique rhythm and needs.
Understanding Moisturisers
52% of people experience moderate skin symptoms, followed by 39% with mild symptoms and 9% with severe symptoms. Moisturisers are essential skincare products designed to hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin. They work by locking in moisture, repairing the skin’s barrier function, and delivering various benefits such as brightening, soothing, and anti-ageing properties.
Different moisturisers are formulated with unique ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and antioxidants, which target specific skin concerns and cater to various skin types, including dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin. Understanding the role and composition of moisturisers is crucial in selecting the right product for your skin’s needs.Emollients (33%) and ceramide-based creams (24%) were the most commonly prescribed moisturisers. Occlusives, humectants, and combination creams made up the rest, showing a tailored treatment approach.
| Did You Know: Moisturisers have a rich history, reflecting humanity’s quest for skin protection. Early humans used oils extracted from crushed seeds, such as castor oil, while the Egyptians employed a variety of natural substances, including honey and oils, to maintain their skin health. In India, ancient practices involved using herbal formulations and oils derived from natural resources, showcasing a deep understanding of skincare that dates back to the Indus Valley civilisation. Greek physician Galen formulated one of the earliest cold creams, which included olive oil and beeswax. In ancient Rome, honey was popular for its moisturising properties. These early practices laid the groundwork for modern skincare formulations, showcasing a timeless need for hydration and protection. |
Do Moisturisers Really Make Skin Glow?
Yes, but not in the way highlighters or glow serums do. Moisturisers create a glow by supporting overall skin health:
- Hydration Boost: Ingredients like hyaluronic acid draw water into the skin, plumping it and smoothing texture.
- Barrier Repair: Ceramides and niacinamide reinforce your skin’s natural barrier, reducing inflammation and flakiness.
- Brighter Skin Tone: Brightening agents like vitamin C and rice water reduce dullness over time.
- Soft Light Reflection: Some formulas include subtle light-reflecting particles for instant radiance without shimmer.
- Anti-Ageing Effects: Peptides and antioxidants help smooth fine lines and protect against environmental stressors that cause skin fatigue.
Best Moisturisers for Glowing Skin
| Sr No | Brand | Product Name | Key Ingredients | Benefits and Results | Link |
| 1 | Cipla | Excela Moisturiser Cream | Glycerin, Niacinamide, Zinc PCA | Fights acne and manages excess oil. | Buy Now |
| 2 | Venusia | Max Intensive Moisturising Lotion | Glycerin, Shea Butter, Aloe Butter, Cocoa Butter | Provides intense hydration, improves skin elasticity, and gives a smooth texture. | Buy Now |
| 3 | Ipca | Acne-OC Sebum Regulating Moisturiser | Pistacia Lentiscus Gum, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract | Helps in reducing acne, regulates sebum production, and prevents clogged pores. | Buy Now |
| 4 | Boroline | Boroline SX Cream | Boric Acid, Zinc Oxide | Antiseptic cream; soothes and protects the skin, treats minor cuts and burns, and reduces inflammation. | Buy Now |
| 5 | Cetaphil | Cetaphil Moisturising Cream | Glycerin, Petrolatum, Sweet Almond Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) | Provides long-lasting hydration, protects the skin barrier, and is gentle on sensitive skin. | Buy Now |
| 6 | Geltec | Hyalu-Gel | Hyaluronic Acid | Retains moisture, plumps the skin, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. | Buy Now |
| 7 | Cetaphil | Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion | Avocado Oil, Vitamin C, Vitamin B3 | Hydrates the skin without clogging pores, suitable for all skin types. | Buy Now |
| 8 | Aveeno | Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion | Triple Oat Complex, Shea Butter | Soothes and rehydrates irritated, dry skin; relieves itching and dry skin. | Buy Now |
| 9 | Moisturex | Moisturex Hydra Gel Cream | Glycerin, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum | Hydrates and repairs the skin, reduces dryness and irritation, and improves skin elasticity; maintains the skin’s natural pH balance | Buy Now |
| 10 | NMF | NMF E-Skin Lotion | Aloe Vera Extract, Vitamin E | Soothes and hydrates dry skin, reduces inflammation, and improves skin texture. | Buy Now |
Tips for Choosing the Right Moisturiser
When selecting a moisturiser for glowing skin, it is essential to consider your skin type and specific needs. Here are some key pointers:
- Choose a moisturiser formulated for your skin type (e.g., hydrating for dry skin, lightweight for oily skin, and gentle for sensitive skin).
- Look for moisturisers rich in hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and antioxidants, which help in hydration and skin barrier repair.
- Opt for a texture that suits your skin (gel for oily skin, cream for dry skin, and gel-cream for combination skin).
- Consider moisturisers with brightening agents, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, or fruit extracts, to enhance radiance.
- Check for cruelty-free and hypoallergenic options, and read reviews from multiple sources to ensure the product works well for others with similar skin types.
Additional Tips for Glowing Skin
To achieve and maintain glowing skin, here are some additional tips to complement your moisturising routine:
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect against damage from UV rays.
- Regularly exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and enhance your skin’s texture.
- Stick to a consistent skincare routine that includes cleansing, toning, and serum application in addition to moisturising.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids to support skin health.
- Ensure adequate sleep and manage stress levels, as both can significantly impact skin health and appearance.
Common Myths About Moisturisers for Glowing Skin
There are several myths surrounding moisturisers that can lead you astray from achieving glowing skin. Let us debunk a few of them:
- Myth: Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser.
- Fact: Even oily skin requires hydration to maintain the skin barrier and prevent excessive sebum production.
- Myth: Moisturising is unnecessary in hot weather.
- Fact: A facial moisturiser is essential year-round to hydrate and protect the skin’s barrier.
- Myth: Petrolatum-based moisturisers cause acne.
- Fact: Petrolatum is non-comedogenic and does not clog pores, making it safe for most skin types.
Takeaway:
When it comes to glowing skin, moisturising is the most underrated step—and the most essential. Whether you prefer a gel that disappears into oily skin or a rich cream for dry patches, the key is finding what suits your skin type and sticking to it consistently.
Your glow won’t appear overnight. But with the right moisturiser, clean habits, and skin-friendly lifestyle choices, it’ll show up—and stay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C for brightening, and antioxidants (such as plum extract) to protect against environmental stressors, which help maintain a radiant complexion.
Yes, oily skin can benefit from lightweight, oil-free moisturisers that use hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water without causing greasiness.
Apply a moisturiser for glowing skin twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, to maintain consistent hydration and radiance, adjusting frequency based on individual skin type and needs.
Ideally, yes. Day creams often include SPF and lighter hydration, while night creams focus on repair with ingredients like peptides and retinol. But a single moisturiser can work day and night if it meets your needs.
Not quite. Moisturisers hydrate and seal the skin barrier, while serums target deeper concerns like pigmentation or fine lines. For best results, layer a serum under your moisturiser.
Glow reflects hydration and even tone; oiliness is linked to excess sebum. A healthy glow looks smooth and luminous, not greasy or shiny.
References
- Purnamawati, S., Indrastuti, N., Danarti, R., & Saefudin, T. (2017). The role of moisturizers in addressing various kinds of dermatitis: a review. Clinical Medicine & Research, 15(3–4), 75–87. https://doi.org/10.3121/cmr.2017.1363
- Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S., & Gambhir, M. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(3), 279. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182427
- Mawazi, S. M., Ann, J., Othman, N., Khan, J., Alolayan, S. O., Thagfan, S. S. A., & Kaleemullah, M. (2022). A review of moisturizers; history, preparation, characterization and applications. Cosmetics, 9(3), 61. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics9030061
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372234837
- https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(07)01815-4/abstract