WINTER places stress on the skin, with cold air, indoor heating, and low humidity this often leads to dehydration and barrier disruption resulting in dryness, uneven skin texture, and an overall dull complexion. To counter this and bring back some brightness to the skin, here are some hard working face creams and serums that prioritise hydration and repair for the cold months.
DUA by AB – Renewal Cream
£60 – Buy here
Created by Dua Lipa in collaboration with Augustinus Bader, DUA by AB is powered by TFC5 technology. The Renewal Cream provides daily hydration while supporting skin resilience and barrier strength, with a texture designed for consistent use rather than intensive treatment.
Westman Atelier – Skin Activator Serum
$150 – Buy here
Developed by makeup artist Gucci Westman, this serum is formulated to hydrate, strengthen the skin barrier, and improve texture. Ingredients include hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and ceramides, and it is designed to work equally well as skincare or as a base under makeup.
Dr. Barbara Sturm – Hyaluronic Serum
£85 – Buy here
This serum uses multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin at different levels, supporting moisture retention and barrier function. It layers effectively beneath richer creams, making it particularly useful in colder conditions.
Dior – Capture Totale Super Potent Rich Creme
£99 – Buy here
Part of Dior’s Capture Totale line, this cream targets hydration, firmness, and radiance. The rich formula is designed to support skin that appears depleted or fatigued during colder seasons, absorbing without excess residue.
La Prairie – Skin Caviar Luxe Cream
£500 – Buy here
La Prairie’s Skin Caviar Luxe Cream combines firming peptides with rich emollients to support elasticity and hydration. The texture is substantial, making it well suited to winter when skin is more prone to dryness and loss of suppleness.
La Mer – The Moisturizing Soft Cream
£165 – Buy here
This cream from La Mer delivers hydration and barrier support through the brand’s signature Miracle Broth. Its lighter structure compared to the original cream makes it suitable for daily use while still addressing winter dryness and sensitivity.
Augustinus Bader – The Rich Cream
£250 – Buy here
Built around the brand’s original TFC8 complex, The Rich Cream focuses on deep nourishment and barrier repair. Its dense texture makes it particularly appropriate for night use or for those with dry skin during winter months.
Chanel – Hydra Beauty Micro Crème
£78 – Buy here
Chanel’s Hydra cream uses camellia extract and hyaluronic acid to address dehydration while maintaining a lighter texture. It is suited to those who want effective moisture without the weight of a traditional winter cream.
Elemis – Pro‑Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30
£98 – Buy here
From British skincare brand Elemis, the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 combines daily hydration with broad-spectrum sun protection and anti-aging benefits. Formulated with marine and plant-derived actives such as padina pavonica, chlorella, and ginkgo biloba, it works to boost hydration and support firmness while defending against UV-induced aging. The gel-cream texture increases moisture levels rapidly and layers well under makeup.
SkinCeuticals – Hydrating B5 Serum
£85 – Buy here
Formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, this serum is designed to replenish moisture and reinforce the skin’s natural barrier. It performs well as a supporting layer under heavier creams during winter.
SkinCycles – Collagen Renewal Complex
£180 – Buy here
SkinCycles concentrates on barrier repair and skin renewal and the Collagen Renewal Complex is designed to support the skin’s structural matrix by combining targeted peptides with complementary hydrators to improve elasticity and firmness. This serum works well as part of a winter routine, reinforcing the skin’s resilience against seasonal stressors while helping to smooth texture and maintain hydration.
by Felicity Carter