The Ultimate Guide to Moisturising for Radiant Skin in 2026

2026 is just about to be right around the corner, and with that new chapter in your life coming up, you're probably thinking about what resolutions you really need to take - one of them being taking care of your skin, not just slapping some heavy-duty cream on to give you a bit of a glow from the surface. A fresh-looking face, with a dewy sheen, has to come from the inside out - and the moisturiser you use is a pretty big part of that. We all know it's a lot easier said than done - that's why at All Best Beauty, we're here to make it a bit less intimidating.

Whether you're fighting with dry skin, dealing with combination skin that just won't behave, or just generally want a nice healthy looking complexion, this guide is here to walk you through everything: we're talking the best moisturizers with natural ingredients, how some pretty cool ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid actually work, what to look for if you've got sensitive skin or combination skin that's driving you crazy, and how to pick out a lightweight daily cream that will get the job done without weighing you down. 

Stick with us until the end, and we'll help you understand what your skin needs and which moisturiser to use.

What are the best moisturising creams for radiant skin in 2026 with natural ingredients?

When you're on the hunt for a moisturiser that gives you a radiant glow in 2026, you're probably looking for a formula that not only soaks up moisture but also puts in some extra work to support the skin's barrier. So, you're keen on ingredients that are clean, natural, or inspired by nature - those that give you a healthy finish, without leaving you looking greasy, heavy, or dull. Here are what to keep an eye out for - and some top picks that really deliver.

Next time you're about to shell out for a moisturising cream, make sure you look for the following:

• Humectants
  For those unfamiliar, humectants are ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or plant-based saps that actually draw in moisture, allowing your skin to absorb it.
  

• Barrier Lipids / Skin-identical Lipids
  These guys help keep the moisture locked in - think plant-derived ceramides, squalane, or fatty acids that just so happen to come from plants.
  

• Botanical Extracts / Oils
  If you want a glow that goes beyond just looking healthy, look for ingredients like rice water extract, aloe vera, or green tea - these are usually lightweight and won't clog your pores.
  

• Clean or Minimal Irritants
  When possible, choose low-fragrance or fragrance-free products, and avoid heavy occlusives - your skin will thank you.
  

• Light to Moderate Texture
  For a healthy glow, you can't just slather on a thick moisturiser - go for gel-cream or hybrid textures that feel good on your skin.
  

• Real Results
  And the final must-have - your moisturiser should actually make a difference in the look of your skin, beyond just giving it a superficial sheen.

Also read from our previous blogs: Why is Lancôme Your Go-To for Radiant Skin and Anti-Aging?) 

The reason you want these ingredients in your moisturiser is that they do more than just give your skin a drink - they actually help repair and support the skin barrier, so your glow stays and your skin looks healthy. Additionally, they help reduce dullness and uneven texture by genuinely supporting skin health, rather than just masking dryness with heavy oils.

How do ceramides and hyaluronic acid in moisturisers improve skin hydration and glow?

Now you ask, how do ceramides and hyaluronic acid in moisturisers help with hydration and glow? Simply put, Ceramides are lipids (fats) found in the outer layer of the skin. They act like mortar between bricks, creating a strong barrier that prevents water loss and reduces the entry of irritants into the skin, resulting in smoother, more even-toned, and calmer skin.

As we age or experience skin stress from pollution, harsh cleansers, and sun exposure, the levels of ceramides drop, and the skin barrier weakens, resulting in dry, flaky, easily irritated skin that appears dull. Moisturisers that include ceramides help replenish the skin's barrier, allowing it to hold onto moisture and reflect light effectively.

On the other hand, HA is a humectant that draws water into the skin from the atmosphere or deeper layers and retains it, resulting in a plump appearance. Now, when the skin has more water in its surface layers, it appears smoother, younger, dewier, and less dull. However, if your barrier is weak, the water you draw in may quickly escape, resulting in a less sustained effect. By combining the two, you get the best of both worlds because, as we mentioned, HA draws in moisture and ceramides lock it in. This means skin looks more hydrated immediately and stays hydrated, smoother, less reactive, and thus glows more naturally.

Which moisturising creams work best for sensitive and combination skin types without causing breakouts?

As we are moisturiser users ourselves, we know that finding the right moisturiser for sensitive or combination skin can be tough. However, remember that the goal is to balance hydration without clogging pores or irritating them.

For sensitive skin, choose products that contain ceramides, panthenol (vitamin B5), or centella asiatica, and are fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested, lightweight, and pH-balanced.

For combination skin, look for formulas that balance oil and hydration, and contain niacinamide (a sebum controller). And make sure it comes in a lightweight gel texture so you don’t have to deal with the greasiness.

How to choose a lightweight yet effective moisturising cream for daily use and radiant skin?

Now you get it, choosing the right daily moisturiser is all about matching your skin’s needs + lifestyle + climate, not just picking “the best” commercial product.

To know which is the right product for you, follow these simple steps, and you're good to go:

1. Identify your skin type & primary concern

Knowing your skin type and concerns will help you better understand your skin. For dry skin, the issues are tightness, flakiness, and dullness that require richer support.

For combination skin, the issue is an oily T-zone and drier cheeks that need a balanced texture. For oily skin, it has excess shine and possible breakouts, so it needs a lightweight, non-oily formula. Sensitive skin causes redness, gets irritated and is easily triggered. Here, your skin needs a gentle, barrier-focused formula. And, if you have normal skin, you may have fewer complaints, but still need a moisturiser that offers benefits from good maintenance and a radiant finish.

2. Check key ingredient match.

Next, you need to look for the key ingredient. Let the following help you out:

• For hydration + glow, your cream must contain humectants (HA, glycerin) + mild natural oils/plant extracts.

• In case of barrier support, it must contain ceramides, plant lipids, squalane, and fatty acids.

• For sensitive or combination skin, look for non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and soothing botanicals.

• And, finally, for daytime use under makeup, go for something that has a good finish, is not too oily and absorbs well.

Bottom Line

Everyone is unique, which is why anything that suits your friend might not suit you. To ensure that your skin feels fresh, radiant, and dewy, you must focus on the core of the problem and not just fix it on a surface level. So, before you get your hands on new moisturisers that finally bring you the natural look glow that you deserve, learn more about your skin and what it requires, because no matter what skin care or type, All Best Beauty is the all-in-one store for you! 

For more information, please contact us here.