Moisturiser is an essential part of every skincare routine. Just like our bodies require hydration, so does our skin—and moisturising your face regularly not only keeps your skin barrier strong and healthy, but also leaves your complexion looking smooth and radiant.

Choosing the best moisturiser for your skin type can feel overwhelming, especially with the sheer number of products on the market. The key is understanding your skin type, your environment, and your goals.

Whether you're looking for a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula or a deeply hydrating cream, this guide will help you navigate the decision.

Still not sure? Our newest launch—BL+ The Cream Light—was created to deliver targeted hydration with a weightless feel, especially for combination or oily skin.

Read on to discover how to choose the perfect moisturiser for your unique needs.

How to Identify Your Skin Type Before Choosing a Moisturiser

When choosing a face cream, the first step is to understand your skin type. The American Academy of Dermatology designates five main skin types: normal, combination, dry, oily, and sensitive—each with its own specific characteristics and unique needs.

If you have dry skin, your skin naturally doesn’t produce enough oil. This means the skin’s moisture barrier can’t function as effectively as it should, allowing hydration to escape into the environment. As a result, your face may feel tight and uncomfortable, and fine lines can appear more pronounced. In this case, a rich, fragrance-free face cream is essential to replenish moisture and reinforce the skin barrier. Sensitive skin—which irritates easily—also benefits from barrier repair and should avoid fragranced products. BL+ The Cream ticks all the boxes, powered by our BL+ COMPLEX, which works deep within the skin to strengthen the barrier and deliver intense hydration.

Oily skin, by contrast, produces excess oil, which can lead to blemishes, shine, and congested pores. Oily skin types still require moisture but should opt for lightweight face creams that help balance oil production—such as the non-greasy, fast-absorbing BL+ The Cream Light.

Combination skin typically displays two key characteristics: dryness in some areas and oiliness in others (often in the T-zone). And while we’d argue that all skin is “normal”, in skincare, normal refers to skin that is well-balanced and free from persistent concerns. Choosing a face cream for these skin types often comes down to personal preference in terms of texture and finish, although people with combination skin may benefit from a lighter cream if they experience greasiness or breakouts.

Should You Change Moisturiser Based on Weather or Climate?

In addition to your skin type, climate and seasonal shifts can play a major role in determining the best face moisturiser for your routine.

If you live in a cold, windy climate—like Iceland—your skin may need extra protection and moisture. In this case, a thicker, more nourishing cream such as BL+ The Cream can help shield your skin from harsh environmental stressors. Formulated with shea butter and powered by BL+ COMPLEX and mineral-rich Blue Lagoon Seawater, this cream supports the skin barrier and locks in hydration.

Conversely, if you’re in a hot, humid climate, a heavy cream may feel too occlusive. Instead, opt for a lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturiser like BL+ The Cream Light, which delivers essential hydration without weighing the skin down. Like its richer counterpart, it features BL+ COMPLEX, offering scientifically backed results in a breathable texture.

If your region experiences extreme seasonal changes—think freezing winters and sticky summers—it’s wise to keep both formulas on hand, allowing you to switch based on the weather and your skin’s evolving needs.

How Hormones Can Affect Your Skin’s Moisturiser Needs

Hormonal changes—whether due to age, pregnancy, or other life transitions—can significantly influence your skin’s needs and the type of moisturiser that’s most effective.

For example, during pregnancy or perimenopause, many women experience increased sensitivity, breakouts, or melasma, often requiring a lighter, non-comedogenic moisturiser. In these cases, BL+ The Cream Light is an ideal choice. Powered by our proprietary BL+ COMPLEX, it provides deep hydration in a lightweight formula that won’t clog pores.

In contrast, post-menopause, the skin tends to become drier, thinner, and duller due to the natural drop in oestrogen. At this stage, a richer, more nourishing face cream is key. BL+ The Cream delivers intense moisture and barrier support, thanks to its inclusion of shea butter and the clinically proven benefits of BL+ COMPLEX and geothermal Blue Lagoon Seawater—helping to restore firmness and radiance to mature skin.

What Ingredients to Look for in a Face Moisturiser

Dermatologists agree that a good, well-balanced moisturiser contains humectants, emollients, and occlusives.

• Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, attract and draw water into the skin.
• Emollients, like ceramides, fill gaps between skin cells to help maintain a strong, healthy barrier.
• Occlusives form a protective seal over the skin, preventing water loss. These can range from petrolatum and beeswax to squalane and shea butter.

All three types of ingredients are beneficial for every skin type. However, depending on the formulation, some occlusives may feel thick or heavy and could potentially clog pores—particularly for those with oily or combination skin.

For example, BL+ The Cream features shea butter for rich, long-lasting hydration—ideal for dry, dehydrated, or mature skin. It's also powered by our proprietary BL+ COMPLEX, a blend of patented Blue Lagoon Microalgae and Silica that works deep within the skin to boost collagen, restore firmness, and reinforce the skin barrier.

In contrast, BL+ The Cream Light is formulated with squalane—a lightweight, non-comedogenic emollient-occlusive that mimics the skin’s natural oils and absorbs quickly. It’s an excellent choice for combination or oily skin. Like the original, it also contains BL+ COMPLEX and electrolyte-rich Blue Lagoon Seawater, ensuring high-performance results without the weight.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to choosing the best face moisturiser, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding your skin type, lifestyle, and environment will help you select the perfect formula. Whether you need a richer cream like BL+ The Cream, or a lighter option like the new BL+ The Cream Light, the right moisturiser is out there—and your glow starts with finding it.