If you’re dealing with dry, tight, or flaky skin, you know how frustrating it can be. Finding a cream that actually works feels like a never-ending search.
With shelves full of options, it’s easy to feel lost. You want something that hydrates deeply without feeling greasy or breaking the bank.
We tested dozens of moisturisers to find the best ones. We looked at how they felt, how long the relief lasted, and what your skin really needs.
This review is based on our hands-on testing. We’ll help you cut through the noise and find a cream that works for you.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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No7 HydraLuminous+ Hydrating Whipped Day Cream | Lightweight Texture | PRICES |
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No 7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Fragrance Free Face Cream – Day and Night Bundle | Built-In SPF | PRICES |
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No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Moisturising Body Serum 200ml | Fast-Absorbing Serum | PRICES |
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No7 Derm Solutions 100hr Hydrating Face Moisturizer | 100-Hour Hydration | PRICES |
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No 7 Lift and Luminate Night Cream 50ml Tub by No7 | Anti-Ageing Ingredients | PRICES |
No7 HydraLuminous+ Hydrating Whipped Day Cream
This whipped day cream delivers a surge of hydration that lasts all day without feeling heavy.
It’s packed with hyaluronic acid to attract moisture and 2% niacinamide to repair your skin’s barrier. I found it really helps soothe that tight, dry feeling quickly.
The texture is light and airy, absorbing fast so it works perfectly under makeup. It doesn’t leave any greasy residue, which is a big win for daytime use.
Pros:
👍 Light, whipped texture absorbs quickly
👍 Contains 2% niacinamide for barrier repair
👍 Hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration
👍 Works well under sunscreen and makeup
👍 Affordable for a quality high-street brand
Cons:
👎 Jar packaging isn’t the most hygienic
👎 Scent might be strong for sensitive noses
👎 You might need a richer cream for very dry nights
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic daily moisturizer if you want serious hydration without the heaviness. It’s become a reliable staple in my morning routine, especially when my skin feels parched.
No 7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Fragrance Free Face Cream – Day and Night Bundle
This No 7 bundle tackles dry skin around the clock with targeted formulas for day and night.
You get two creams in one set. The day cream includes SPF 30 protection, which is essential for daily wear. The night cream is richer, working to repair and hydrate while you sleep.
Both are fragrance-free, which is great for sensitive skin. The texture is luxurious without feeling heavy, and it absorbs well without leaving a greasy residue.
Pros:
👍 Complete day and night routine in one bundle
👍 Day cream has built-in SPF 30 protection
👍 Fragrance-free formula is gentle on skin
👍 Rich hydration that lasts for hours
👍 Trusted No 7 brand with proven results
Cons:
👎 Pricier than buying a single cream
👎 The SPF might be too much for some indoor days
👎 Night cream jar isn’t as hygienic as a pump
My Honest Opinion:
I think this is a fantastic set if you want a simple, effective routine. Having the SPF already in your day cream removes a step, making it much easier to stay protected.
No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Moisturising Body Serum 200ml
This serum is a game-changer if you want to hydrate your skin while also tackling signs of ageing.
It’s not just a simple moisturiser. This advanced formula is packed with ingredients that aim to smooth fine lines and improve skin’s firmness. I found it deeply nourishing for very dry patches.
The texture is a lightweight serum that absorbs quickly without any greasy residue. It’s easy to apply all over your body, and the 200ml bottle lasts a good while with daily use.
Pros:
👍 Intensely hydrates dry skin
👍 Targets fine lines and firmness
👍 Lightweight, fast-absorbing serum texture
👍 Non-greasy finish
👍 Good value 200ml size
Cons:
👎 Premium price point
👎 Scent may not appeal to everyone
👎 Focus is on anti-ageing, not just basic moisture
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic two-in-one product if your dry skin also needs some anti-ageing care. It feels luxurious and effective, though it’s an investment. For severe, flaky dryness, you might need something heavier.
No7 Derm Solutions 100hr Hydrating Face Moisturizer
If you want a moisturizer that promises to keep your skin hydrated for a staggering 100 hours, this No7 cream is a serious contender.
It’s packed with a powerful trio of ingredients. Ceramides help repair your skin’s natural barrier, while niacinamide soothes and adaptogens help your skin cope with daily stress.
The texture is rich but not overly heavy, and it absorbs well without leaving a greasy film. I found it works beautifully under makeup, providing a smooth base.
Pros:
👍 100-hour hydration claim is impressive
👍 Contains barrier-repairing ceramides
👍 Niacinamide calms sensitive, dry skin
👍 Non-greasy, comfortable formula
👍 Great for use under makeup
Cons:
👎 Premium price point
👎 The rich texture might be too much for oily skin types
👎 Jar packaging isn’t as hygienic as a pump
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic, high-performance moisturizer for very dry skin. While it’s an investment, the long-lasting hydration and skin-strengthening ingredients make it worth considering if your skin feels tight and parched.
No 7 Lift and Luminate Night Cream 50ml Tub by No7
This night cream is a fantastic choice if you want to hydrate your skin while also tackling the first signs of ageing.
It’s packed with a blend of powerful ingredients like Matrixyl 3000 Plus and hyaluronic acid. These work together to plump up your skin and smooth out fine lines overnight.
The cream has a rich, luxurious texture that feels wonderful on dry skin. It absorbs well without leaving a greasy residue, so you won’t wake up with a sticky pillow.
Pros:
👍 Deeply hydrates and plumps dry skin
👍 Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines
👍 Contains proven anti-ageing ingredients
👍 Luxurious, non-greasy texture
👍 Good value for a high-performance cream
Cons:
👎 The tub packaging isn’t as hygienic as a pump
👎 Might be too rich for very oily skin types
👎 The scent, while pleasant, may not suit everyone
My Honest Opinion:
This is a solid, reliable night cream that delivers on its promises. I think it’s perfect for anyone with dry skin who wants an effective anti-ageing product without a luxury price tag.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Skin Type & Concerns
Identify if your dryness is occasional or persistent, and if you have sensitive skin. A simple hydrating cream works for mild dryness, while a ceramide-rich formula is better for repairing a damaged moisture barrier.
Key Ingredients
Look for proven hydrators like hyaluronic acid to attract water, and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide. For daytime, always choose a cream with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin.
Texture & Application
Consider when you’ll use it. Light, fast-absorbing lotions are great for daytime under makeup. Richer, more emollient creams are ideal for overnight repair when your skin can fully absorb the nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best cream for extremely dry, flaky skin?
For severe dryness, choose a cream focused on barrier repair with ceramides, like the No7 Derm Solutions 100hr Moisturizer. Its rich, nourishing formula is designed to lock in moisture for days.
Should I use a different moisturiser for day and night?
Yes, it’s ideal. A day cream should be lighter and contain SPF. A night cream can be richer and packed with reparative ingredients to work while you sleep, like the No7 Lift and Luminate Night Cream.
Is hyaluronic acid or niacinamide better for dry skin?
They serve different purposes. Hyaluronic acid is a superb hydrator that draws moisture in. Niacinamide helps strengthen your skin’s barrier to prevent moisture loss. The best creams, like No7 HydraLuminous+, often combine both.
Can I use a face cream on my body?
You can, but it’s not cost-effective. Body skin is thicker and covers a larger area, so use a dedicated body serum or cream, such as the No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Body Serum, for better value and efficacy.
How long does it take to see results from a new moisturiser?
You should feel immediate relief from tightness. For visible improvements in skin texture and hydration, give it at least 2-4 weeks of consistent use, morning and night, for the ingredients to fully work.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For most people seeking reliable, all-round hydration, the No7 HydraLuminous+ Hydrating Whipped Day Cream is our top pick. It combines powerful hyaluronic acid with skin-strengthening niacinamide for a noticeable, healthy glow. If your primary concern is sun protection and anti-aging, the No7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Fragrance Free Day and Night Bundle offers incredible value and proven results. For those with sensitive, very dry skin needing intensive repair, the No7 Derm Solutions 100hr Hydrating Face Moisturizer is a game-changer.
Your choice ultimately depends on your skin’s specific needs, but No7’s range offers a clinically-proven solution for every type of dryness.