With autumn just around the corner and temperatures dropping quickly here in the UK, I’ve already started thinking about my cold-weather skincare routine. Whilst I focus on hydration all year round, soon I know I’ll need to take it up a notch to protect my skin from the harsh wind and chilly weather. My top priority as someone with very dry skin? Swapping out my everyday moisturiser for an ultra-hydrating, rich cream.
What Is a Rich Cream?
Much like the name suggests, a rich cream is a thick, deeply nourishing moisturiser designed to hydrate and repair the skin. Packed with skincare ingredients such as ceramides, shea butter and argan oil, a rich cream can also be great at restoring the skin barrier. Because of these nourishing ingredients, the texture of a rich cream tends to be heavier than that of a water- or gel-based moisturiser. Whilst those with oily or acne-prone skin may find rich creams a little too heavy (although some options on the market are suitable for all skin types), my dry skin practically laps them up.
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As you can tell, I’m a big fan of these moisturisers, and I’ve spent the last few months testing some of the best options on the market to help create the ultimate edit of the best rich creams. Keep scrolling to discover my top picks.
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The Best Rich Creams, Tried & Tested
1. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser
Embryolisse
Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser
Key ingredients: Shea butter, aloe vera, hydrolysed soy protein, mineral oil
Fragrance-free? No
Embryolissae’s Lait-Crème is a French pharmacy favourite, and for very good reason. A whipped, rich formula that hugs the skin and leaves it feeling deeply nourished, this cream has been my go-to for years now. It contains a blend of shea butter, aloe vera and soy protein, acting as a hydrating blanket for my dry complexion. I will note that if you have normal to oily skin, you might prefer to apply this formula at night, but as someone with extremely dry skin, I very generously apply this over my face, neck and body throughout the day with no problem. It does contain fragrance, but I don’t find it noticeable in scent or irritating on my eczema-prone skin.
Pros
- Versatile multi-use formula (can be used as a face cream, face wash and primer)
Cons
- Not fragrance-free which might irritate those with eczema or sensitive skin
2. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
Augustinus Bader
The Rich Cream
Key ingredients: TFC8®, argan oil, avocado oil, evening primrose oil, squalane, vitamin E, vitamin B5
Fragrance-free? Yes
I first tested Augustinus Bader’s rich cream when I received a mini version in a beauty advent calendar a few years back. I’ve always been sceptical of skincare with such a high price tag; however, trust me when I say this did not disappoint. Formulated with patented technology to improve skin texture and barrier function, this is a truly unique formula that you won’t be able to find anywhere else on the market. Within weeks of consistent use, it delivers a noticeable, plump finish that works just as well on its own or underneath makeup. If you want to splurge on a luxury, science-backed face cream, I’d say it’s definitely worth trying.
Pros
- Impressive skincare ingredients
3. Byoma Moisturising Rich Cream
BYOMA
Moisturising Rich Cream
Key ingredients: Tri-ceramide complex, bakuchiol, shea butter, glycerin
Fragrance-free? Yes
I’m always on the hunt for affordable skincare that can perform just as well as its premium and luxury counterparts. And Byoma’s Moisturising Rich Cream does just that. Packed with a tri-ceramide complex and bakuchiol, the formula nourishes the skin and encourages cell turnover without the irritation usually associated with retinol. The only downside I’ve found since testing this is that the product can sometimes get clogged up in the pump, which can make it hard to actually get the cream out of the bottle, but apart from that, I have no complaints.
Pros
- Fragrance-free formula
- Affordable
- Very nourishing
Cons
- Pump can make it difficult to get product out
4. Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
Tatcha
The Dewy Skin Cream
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, red algae, hadasei-3, biomimetic squalane, Japanese purple rice
Fragrance-free? No
If you have dehydrated skin like me, I cannot recommend Tatcha’s The Dewy Skin cream enough. I’ve tried a lot of face creams in my time, but this formula is by far the silkiest. It literally melts into the skin, adding an instant glow. I first tried this a few years back, and I was initially worried about the fragrance irritating my skin or causing a rash. Luckily, I had absolutely no issues at all, and it’s become my go-to cream to use under makeup, prepping my skin for foundation with a dewy, radiant base that lasts all day.
Pros
- Luxurious texture that sits beautifully under makeup
Cons
- Not fragrance-free which might irritate those with eczema or sensitive skin
- Expensive
5. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Ultra Repairing Soothing Balm
La Roche Posay
Cicaplast Baume B5+ Ultra Repairing Soothing Balm
Key ingredients: 5% vitamin B5, madecassoside, tribioma, zinc-manganese mineral complex, shea butter, glycerin, thermal spring water
Fragrance-free? Yes
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free and hypoallergenic, La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Baume B5 is a sensitive-skin-approved rich cream that helps to soothe any signs of redness. Because it can leave a slight white cast on my deeper skin tone, I tend to use this as a night cream rather than a daytime moisturiser; however, despite this, I repurchase this cream time and time again due to its nourishing texture and soothing abilities. For anyone with sensitive skin who usually finds other rich creams too irritating, I cannot recommend this enough.
Pros
- A rich but soothing formula that’s safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- Can leave a slight white cast on deeper skin tones
6. Caudalie Premier Cru The Rich Cream
Caudalie
Premier Cru The Rich Cream
Key ingredients: TET8™ technology, viniferine, palo rosa extract, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, grape seed oil
Fragrance-free? Yes
Caudalie’s Premier Cru rich cream is a formula infused with TET8™, a patented technology that aims to plump fine lines, restore firmness and reduce dark spots. And although it’s technically targeted at those with mature skin, it works just as well for those of us with dry skin, too. Everything about this formula feels ultra luxurious, from the butter-like texture to the chic glass jar.
Pros
- Features patented technology that cannot be found anywhere else on the market
Cons
- Glass jar makes it heavy and hard to take on the go
7. Clinique All About Eyes Rich Eye Cream
Clinique
All About Eyes Rich Eye Cream
Key ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid, whey protein, green tea leaf extract, vitamin C, vitamin E, botanical extracts
Fragrance-free? Yes
Those of us with dry skin know all too well how dry our under-eyes can get, which is why I’m always on the lookout for a rich eye cream. Packed with hyaluronic acid, lipids and botanicals, Clinique’s All About Eyes Rich Eye Cream helps to hydrate the skin and prevent the soreness that comes along with dry under-eyes. Whilst I’ve not noticed a huge difference in terms of dark circles or fine lines since testing, the rich formula has kept my under-eyes nourished and smooth, and I’ll definitely be using this as we head into autumn.
Pros
- Fragrance-free and ophthalmologist-tested formula that won’t sting sensitive eyes
Cons
- Jar packaging doesn’t feel like the most hygienic option
Why Trust Us?
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend