11 Best Day Creams For Softer Skin Throughout The Day
Scroll on for our favourite hydrating day creams, including one that’s said to be eerily similar to a $700 pick.
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As we age, our collagen stores deplete, so keeping up with a good skincare routine is essential. You want something that’s going to support ageing skin, helping to keep it smooth, hydrated and soft.
But where to start? You don’t have to keep your moisturisers separate, but having a day cream and a night cream may just be the right choice for you.
Night creams usually come with active ingredients like retinol, something that’s not recommended to use during the day time.
On the other hand, most day creams on the market are packed with super hydrating and brightening actives to leave your skin looking fresh and plump for the day ahead. They also make a great base to apply the rest of your makeup routine over the top.
Our top pick? Cult beauty brand Olay have launched the “best ever red jar”, the Super Collagen Peptides Soft Moisturiser. Said to feel eerily similar to a popular $700 luxury cream, the formula is designed to totally hydrate with some users calling it a “facelift in a jar”.
If you’re after a more lightweight, gel texture, the Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream is my personal favourite – it’s packed with Australian river mint and it makes my skin look “healthy, hydrated and bouncy.”
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST DAY CREAMS TO TRY RIGHT NOW
Olay Super Collagen Peptides Cream, $34.99 (down from $69.99) at Priceline
Olay Super Collagen Peptides Cream
Why we love it: The texture is super nourishing and melts into the skin with ease.
What to consider: Slight fragrance.
Formula: Cream | Size: 45g | Key ingredient: Collagen peptides and niacinamide
Tried and Tested by Cindy Du, eCommerce Producer
I’m picky about what I put on my face so when I got my hands on the Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide Face Cream Moisturiser, I was a bit sceptical as it looked a bit thick, had a slight scent and came in a jar. Stuff I usually avoid!
But once I tried it, I was genuinely surprised. The texture is creamy, but it melts into your skin without leaving any thick or greasy feeling. I didn’t feel the need to reapply at any point in the day, and after a month of consistent use, my skin feels moisturised, plumper and fuller in a good way.
This cream is infused with collagen peptides and niacinamide, key ingredients that are known for supporting skin elasticity and improving texture over prolonged and consistent use.
The scent is super light, but it’s not an added fragrance, so a big win for sensitive skin types.
Overall, as someone who tends to be skincare sceptical, this one has earned a place on my bathroom shelf. I usually don’t like jars, but I think I can compromise just this once.
Clarins Extra Firming Day Cream, $150 at Myer
Why we love it: It’s racked up over 1000 five-star ratings on the Myer website, with consistently great reviews.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Clarins exclusive collagen technology
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, Deputy Editor
My mum first introduced me to Clarins skincare when I was a teenager, and I remember slapping on as much of her creams as I could – when she’d let me. Once it came time to buy it for myself, I quickly realised how pricey it was! I haven’t used Clarins in years but now I’m back and I am reminded exactly why Clarins skincare is worth the hype.
They’ve just released a new cream – the Extra-Firming Day Cream – and I’m obsessed. It’s a daily anti-ageing moisturiser that helps smooths fine lines while firming and plumping the skin. The texture is beautifully luxurious – rich but not heavy – and it glides on so well. This cream melts into the skin, leaving it soft, supple, and perfectly prepped for makeup. All essential factors I look for in a great day cream. There is a light scent but it’s not at all overpowering. I have sensitive skin and usually avoid fragranced skincare but this didn’t irritate me at all.
I’ve been using this Clarins moisturiser every morning this past month and I’ve noticed a real difference. My skin feels smooth and hydrated, it looks firmer and radiant, and it has helped hide signs of tiredness and softened the appearance of fine lines. Even in the harsh winter wind, there has been no flakiness or dryness throughout the day. Yes, it’s on the pricier side but it truly feels like luxury in a jar.
Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturiser, $68 at Paula’s Choice
Why we love it: It’s a lightweight, gel-like texture that sinks effortlessly into the skin.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Gel | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Collagen peptides
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, Senior Shopping Writer
As a beauty writer, I’ve tested a lot of creams and moisturisers in my time. And when I’m looking for the right fit, I want it to not only hydrate and nourish my skin, but also make it look plump, bouncy and juicy.
This new formula from Paula’s Choice has been my new favourite for exactly that reason. And it’s especially great in the wintertime to combat my dry, flaky skin, because it is so insanely nourishing.
The gel-like texture is super lightweight, plus it doesn’t pill under makeup. I also love that the formula is pink, which is always fun.
My favourite thing however is just how much of a visible difference this gives to my skin. You need to try this!
Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream, $79.95 at Alpha-H Skincare
Why we love it: It offers a unique texture that feels super cooling and hydrating on the skin.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Water-based gel | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Australian river mint
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, Senior Shopping Writer
I’ve never tried a moisturiser like this one before – and it’s a real treat to apply each and every morning.
As the name suggests, the High Tider Water Cream from Alpha-H is a luxe water-based formula that instantly hydrates the skin. It’s formulated with Australian river mint which is super high in antioxidants. Plus the bouncy texture absorbs super quickly into the skin, leaving an almost cooling sensation that feels super lovely in those early mornings.
I also love the addition of squalene, as this really helps to nourish and support your skin barrier, leaving you totally protected. I’m obsessed with this moisturiser!
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY DAY CREAM
CeraVe Moisturising Cream, $22.99 at Adore Beauty
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
Why we love it: Super budget-friendly.
What to consider: Oily skin types may find this formula a little too thick.
Formula: Cream | Size: 340g | Key ingredient: Ceramides and hyaluronic acid
What You Need To Know
If you’re doing skincare on a budget, CeraVe is one of those brands you need to know about. And when it comes day creams, the brand’s cult-favourite Moisturising Cream is one of our top budget-friendly picks.
You’re getting a whopping 340g of products for under $25 – bargain!
The formula is thick, rich and ultra nourishing, so it’s particularly great for those with dry and sensitive skin types. The Moisturising Cream offers 24 hours of hydrating and skin-loving ceramides to really help nourish your complexion.
Five-star rating Adore Beauty shoppers have named this pick their “holy grail”.
BEST LUXURY DAY CREAM
Lancôme Génifique Day Cream, $184 at Myer
Why we love it: This top-rated day cream is loved by hundreds.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml
What You Need To Know
Looking to add a touch of luxury to your morning skincare routine? While it’s not the most affordable, the top-rated Génifique Day Cream from Lancome is a top seller for a reason.
It’s hydrating, nourishing and helps to soothe redness and improve dullness in your overall complexion.
The luxurious day cream has racked up an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of five on the Myer website. Five-star rating shoppers have called this an “absolutely amazing product”, offering a “light texture” that leaves your skin “moisturised all day long”.
BEST DAY CREAM FOR MATURE SKIN
Beauté Pacifique Créme Paradoxe Anti-Age Day Cream, $137 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: The advanced formula works to improve signs of ageing, while keeping the skin smooth and protected.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Procyanidin and resveratrol
What You Need To Know
The Beauté Pacifique Crème Paradoxe Anti-Age Day Cream offers an incredibly advanced formula, rich in two active ingredients, that’s perfect for all skin types.
Procyanidin is an intensive antioxidant to help improve signs of ageing, while resveratrol helps to boost radiance. The Danish beauty brand have also added squalene, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to ensure your skin stays hydrated, from morning to night.
Five-star rating Adore Beauty shoppers have named this a “seriously amazing” day cream, noting they can see a “big difference” in their skin.
BEST DAY CREAM FOR DRY SKIN
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream, $57 at Adore Beauty
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream
Why we love it: The lush creamy and hydrating texture is perfect for dry skin types.
What to consider: May not be suitable for oily skin types.
Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Blue hyaluronic acid
What You Need To Know
One of Laneige’s bestsellers is the Water Bank Cream and fans love it for its ability to “add so much moisture” to the skin.
“I will never use another moisturiser again”, said another five-star rating Adore Beauty shopper.
The formula is packed with blue hyaluronic acid, an ingredient exclusive to Laneige, as well as ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. These all work harmoniously together to not only hydrate, but actually support your skin’s barrier and make it look and feel so incredibly soft and bouncy.
BEST DAY CREAM FOR OILY SKIN
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Hydrating Face Moisturiser
Why we love it: Super budget-friendly pick that’s great for all skin types.
What to consider: Not a great pick if you’re looking for something more creamy and nourishing.
Formula: Gel | Size: 50g | Key ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
What You Need To Know
Turns out you don’t have to break the bank to get an incredibly hydrating day cream – you can almost always find this one from Neutrogena on sale.
And it just so happens to be perfect for all skin types, especially those with oily skin.
The lightweight, gel-like water formula soaks into the skin with ease, and the incredibly hydrating formula is great for daytime use.
Hyaluronic acid, amino acids and electrolytes all work together to give your skin a big ol’ drink of water.
BEST BRIGHTENING DAY CREAM
Murad Essential-C Firming Radiance Day Cream, $125 at Sephora
Why we love it: This brightening day cream will save you time in the morning rush.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Vitamin C
What You Need To Know
What’s better than a hydrating day cream? One with added brightening effects.
Murad’s Essential-C Firming Radiance Day Cream is great for those looking to skip a skincare step in the morning – the potent and stable vitamin C works hard to boost radiance and make your complexion look more even and clear.
The formula is also packed with ceramides to really help nourish your skin barrier.
BEST DAY CREAM FOR SKIN BARRIER SUPPORT
Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser, $72 at The Iconic
Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser
Why we love it: The luxurious texture melts into the skin, leaving your skin look glowy and bouncy.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Peptides
What You Need To Know
Ole Henriksen’s Strength Trainer Moisturiser is a great daily pick for all skin types. The formula is packed with peptides, amino acids, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, panthenol and niacinamide to really help support your skin barrier. All of these skin-loving ingredients contribute to a soft, smoother and more hydrated complexion.
Rave reviews from Adore Beauty shoppers have said this moisturiser helps give them “glass skin”. And it’s also my personal favourite moisturiser – you need to try this!
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A DAY CREAM
When choosing day creams to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Age: “As skin ages, it may require more hydration and nutrients,” David Khoo, Head Scientist at Olay, said. “Consider moisturisers with anti-ageing ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, or retinol to address concerns like fine lines and loss of elasticity.”
Price: We’ve included picks in a variety of price ranges, so you don’t have to break the bank to find a hardworking day cream.
Skin type: Depending on whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or a combination of the two, you might want to find a day cream that’s more suited towards your skin type. David explains “oily skin benefits from lightweight, oil-free formulas, while dry skin requires richer, more emollient creams.”
Formula: Do you prefer a thick, creamy texture? Or maybe something more lightweight and gel-like? You may also want to consider the scent, texture and absorption rate of the day cream.
Ingredients:This really depends on what you want to get out of your day cream. According to David, “hyaluronic acid is excellent for hydration, while ceramides help strengthen the skin barrier and peptides are great for those who are seeing signs of collagen depletion such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of creams and moisturisers available, it’s impossible to test every one out there. To help you find the best day cream, we tested a bunch of well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best day cream for your skin type.
We also spoke to David Khoo, Head Scientist at Olay, to understand the importance of incorporating a day cream into your skincare routine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN SHOULD YOU BE APPLYING A DAY CREAM?
David Khoo, Head Scientist at Olay, explains, “Moisturiser should be applied after cleansing your face and any toners or serums you choose to incorporate into your routine.”
“It’s important to follow the principle of layering your products from thinnest to thickest. By applying moisturiser as the final step, you create a barrier that locks in hydration and nourishment from the preceding products, ensuring your skin stays healthy and radiant.”
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU BE APPLYING DAY CREAM?
For best results, you want to stay consistent with your day cream and use it every morning.
If you’re using one of our top picks, the Olay Super Collagen Peptides Moisturiser, David recommends applying it both morning and night.
More Coverage
“Consistent use over 28 days will help you achieve the desired effects, allowing your skin to fully benefit from its nourishing properties. In general, regular moisturisation is essential for maintaining skin hydration and overall health, regardless of the specific product you choose.”
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