Face creams: how to choose the right one for your skin type
Face creams differ not only in price and scent, but also in composition. The same cream may suit one person perfectly, while causing shine or irritation in another.
In this article you will learn how to choose a cream for your skin type, why it is worth choosing sun protection during the day, and what to know about creams containing retinol.
In brief. Choose a cream according to your skin type: a richer one for dry skin, a light gel for oily skin. Use a cream with SPF during the day: in a study, people who applied it daily showed no detectable increase in skin ageing over 4.5 years.5 Use creams with retinol in the evening and start gradually. Cosmetics have no therapeutic effect, so discuss long-lasting skin problems with a doctor.1
What is a face cream for?
The main job of a cream is to retain moisture in the skin and protect its protective layer. For this, creams use three types of substances:
- humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) – attract water into the upper layer of the skin;
- emollients (plant oils, butters) – make the skin smoother and softer;
- occlusives (ceramides, petrolatum, waxes) – form a thin layer that prevents water from evaporating.
Example. A light gel cream contains mostly humectants. A rich night cream contains more oils and occlusive substances.
How to choose a face cream by skin type?
| Skin type | What to look for in the ingredients | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Dry | Ceramides, oils, shea butter, glycerin. | Choose a creamy, richer texture. If your skin feels tight after washing, the cream is too light. |
| Oily and combination | Light gel formulas, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide. | Look for the label “non-comedogenic” (does not clog pores). Oily skin needs moisturising too, just a lighter kind. |
| Sensitive | A short ingredient list, free from fragrances. | Test a new cream on a small area of skin first. |
| Mature | Retinol, peptides, ceramides. | Combine with SPF during the day, as the sun is one of the main causes of skin ageing.5 |
Do you need a face cream with SPF?
Yes, especially during the day. In a study of 903 adults, those who used broad-spectrum sun protection daily showed no detectable increase in skin ageing after 4.5 years. Their skin aged 24% less than that of those who used sun protection only occasionally.5
On the packaging, look for SPF and the UVA symbol in a circle – it shows that the UVA protection is at least one third of the SPF. SPF 30–50 means high protection, and 50+ means very high protection.4
Example. If you apply half the amount of cream that you should, the protection may be reduced to as little as two thirds.4 So do not be sparing with cream containing SPF, and reapply it if you spend a long time outdoors.
What is the difference between day cream and night cream?
Day cream is usually lighter, suitable under make-up and often contains SPF. Night cream is richer and more often contains active ingredients, such as retinol, which are not recommended for use in the sun.
What should you know about creams with retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A, widely used in creams designed for mature skin. The EU has set a limit of no more than 0.3% retinol in face creams.3
- Start gradually: first 1–2 times a week, then more often.
- At first the skin may become red or peel – if so, take a break.
- Use in the evening, and a cream with SPF during the day.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a doctor before using retinol.
How to use a face cream correctly?
Apply the cream to clean skin: first serum, then cream, and in the morning sun protection. On the packaging, look for the open jar symbol, e.g. “12M”: it shows how many months the cream can be used after opening.1
Cosmetics have no therapeutic effect.1,2 If redness, a rash or spots do not disappear within a few weeks, or if you notice a changing mole, see a dermatologist.
Selected face creams
Commercial information. The products listed here are available in our shop. This is not an effectiveness ranking. Before buying, check the ingredients and instructions for use on the product page.
Floslek Sensitive Moisturizing Face Cream 50 ml
A light moisturising cream for sensitive skin with aloe extract (5%), glycerin and vitamin E (1%). Can be used morning and evening, suitable under make-up.6
Nivea Care Gel Face Cream 24h Hydration - Cucumber + Hyaluronic Acid 100ml
A gel cream with glycerin, hyaluronic acid and cucumber juice, free from oils and ethyl alcohol. Suitable for oily and combination skin. Contains fragrances.7
DAX Sun Regenerating Protective Cream with Ceramides SPF 50+ 30 ml
A face cream with very high sun protection (SPF 50+) and ceramides. Use as the last step of your morning routine.8
YOSKINE Retinolox Actively Firming Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream 50+
A night cream for mature skin with a retinoid complex, carotenoids and peptides. The manufacturer recommends using it every 4–5 days at first, avoiding the eye area.9
Frequently asked questions
Do men need a different face cream?
Not always. What matters most is skin type, not gender. Men's skin is often oilier, so light gel creams often suit them.
Can you use the same cream during the day and at night?
Yes, if the cream contains no SPF and no retinol. However, during the day you still need separate sun protection.
How can you tell that a cream is not suitable?
If your skin itches, turns red or stings after applying the cream, or a rash appears, stop using it. If the reaction does not go away within a few days, see a doctor.
Scientific sources
- Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products. EUR-Lex
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 655/2013 laying down common criteria for the justification of claims used in relation to cosmetic products. EUR-Lex
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/996 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (vitamin A, arbutin, etc.). EUR-Lex
- Commission Recommendation 2006/647/EC on the efficacy of sunscreen products and the claims made relating thereto. EUR-Lex
- Hughes MCB, Williams GM, Baker P, Green AC. Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2013;158(11):781–790. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-158-11-201306040-00002
- Floslek. Sensitive moisturising face cream, 50 ml. Product label.
- NIVEA. Care Light Refreshing Hydrogel, 100 ml. Product label.
- DAX Sun. Regenerating protective cream with ceramides SPF 50+, 30 ml. Product label.
- YOSKINE. Retinolox night cream 50+. Product label.
Disclaimer. This article is for information purposes only and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. Cosmetic products are not intended to treat or prevent diseases. If you have skin conditions or allergies, or are pregnant, consult a doctor or pharmacist before using new products.
