Are expensive moisturisers worth it?

[PurpleOctober]

As the title says really...

I'm looking for a new moisturiser and unsure whether to get a cheap/drug store one, or a more expensive one. Which one do you swear by?

Nivea. Cheap as chips, have been complimented on my skin by professional beauticians.
I think what really matters is getting the right product for your skin (at a price you're happy with). I used to use all high end stuff but have stopped and use only cheap moisturiser and eye make up remover. I've noticed no difference at all.

My mother has fantastic skin and has used E45 cream forever.

I think they are yes. I've used Clarins since my early twenties and my skin is good and I look about up to ten years younger than I actually am. When I've not been able afford Clarins I see a difference in my skin within days of not using it.

I think it depends on your skin. What's important is finding what works for you.

I couldn't use Nivea or e45, my sensitive skin is reactive to both of those in different ways. For me, something that keeps my skin calm and comfortable is worth paying for.

I always have La Roche Posay Cicaplast pro-recovery in hand because that is my go-to skin saver. For night cream I love Trilogy Rosapene Night cream (it's like I've used a face mask overnight) and for daytime I switch between Caudalie Vinosource Moisturising Sorbet and Malin&Goetz vitamin E moisturiser.

Beamur Inthink beauticians compliment everyone on their skin. Mine is often complimented when I’m having a facial and it’s rarely worthy of one!

What's your skin like? Personally I spend money on serums to treat problems - I have very dry and dehydrated skin but a cheap moisturizer.

I'm in my 60's, and have used Nivea since my teens. I'm really happy with my facial skin and have virtually no wrinkles. I did well in the "gene pool" stakes with both parents having good skin, but I do think that the Nivea has kept it smooth and fresh.

I think so yes... I’ve used Estee Lauder for over 25 years now. I’m told my skin looks a lot younger. I’ve used (when skint) cheaper ones, but go back when I can afford it and I really see the difference then.

I use Aveeno on my face and have done so for years and am always being told I look young for my age. I do put (subtle) make up over the top which also helps...

"I think they are yes. I've used Clarins since my early twenties and my skin is good and I look about up to ten years younger than I actually am. When I've not been able afford Clarins I see a difference in my skin within days of not using it."

I don't think they are, but I think it depends on your skin, and how well you have looked after it. I will be entitled to a free bus pass in a couple of weeks, but look nowhere near 60. I have always worn moisturiser since the age of 15. I wear sunscreen in sunny weather, and use fake tan on my face rather than show it to the sun.

I have never used very expensive face creams. TBH I can never see the difference in my skin between using a £30 cream or a £5 cream. I have normal/combination skin BTW.

Depends on your skin. A £4.99 cream isn’t going to cut it if you have problem skin. Don’t care what anyone says.

Wasn't there a documentary on TV on the last year or so, saying that creams are much of a muchness, but the best thing you can do for your skin is to use sun block? I'll try to find a link & post it.

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09m2l58

Here it is! It was a BBC programme with Cherry Healey - really interesting stuff.

I stopped using expensive brands after this programme.

Yes I watched that BBC programme. I just use a sunblock. Don’t spend money on moisturisers but I do use a vitamin c serum in the morning and a retinol serum in the evening. I spend money on these.
I think serums are different to moisturisers which just sit on the skin?

I think ingredients are more important.

CeraVe, for example, is cheap but pretty good ingredients. Look for ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, glycerin no fragrance.

La Roche Posay Toleriane
CeraVe
Avène Skin Recovery cream

I’ve used expensive ones my skin hated and I’ve had to give them away and cheap ones that were so-so.
Definitely think it depends on your skin type. Unfortunately my skin is loving an expensive one at the moment- Pai calming range.
It’s so good but I want to cry when I have to stock up. Not so bad when they have an offer on but it’s still a lot of money.

I use steam cream, about £10 a tin. supermarket/ high street cheap ones aren't moisturising enough for my dry skin but I really like steam cream, have started pairing it with a hydration boost serum underneath

WouldHAVE Same! I was lucky enough to be given a Pai Rose & Camellia Cleanser- seems to be a Cleanser I can actually use without bad reactions but I'm feeling a bit twitchy about spending so much on a Cleanser! Quite a few ppl recommended the REN Evercalm Cleanser as a good, very gentle alternative. Keeping an eagle eye on offers, Black Friday etc.

Skin is mostly genetics but spf every day and Retin a work. After that it's ingredients such as hylauronic acid, ceramides and vitamin c. And not smoking, not drinking a lot and sleeping well.
Skin creams at the lower price end won't do much as they lack the ingredients which will make any difference.

I use a SPF30 Paula's choice day cream that has a tint , covers all bases then and don't need anything else.

I find it difficult to find creams that don't give me spots.

bagel I’ve used the REN one, it’s not as nice as Pai unfortunately. Ok I didn’t realise how that sounded!
Emma Hardie is another cleanser I love but that’s expensive too!

LOL WouldHAVE Oh darn! I was thinking that could be an option. Might have to save the pennies for Pai 😬** My skin hates most things so finding a cleanser was a huge deal for me.
I'd tried LRP Toleriane Dermo and Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser and they weren't as good although I'm sure 99% of ppl would find them to be fine.

I believe there was a comparison of Nivea and a de la mer (?? V expensive one) and Nivea came out top trumps.

Rampant googling of mn last year found a post that said their relative was a researcher and vitamin e was the best possible thing to use.

For wrinkles though I think it's really an spf.

Yes and no. Best favour you can do your skin is SPF, say in foundation
For day wear You need a good emollient and cream e45, aveeno,diprobase will all do the job
Retinol is helpful. A good solid brand is “the ordinary” or L’Oréal

I have v sensitive skin, that dries out very badly in winter. I too use clarins, and really notice the difference when I run out and have to use something else. It's ridiculously expensive though, and am struggling to justify the cost.
Nivea creme just doesn't help (other than on my lips).