Top 10 Skincare Products You Need for a Healthy Glow in the UK

Achieving that coveted healthy glow is a skincare goal many of us share, but it can feel like a challenge, especially with the ever-changing UK weather. From the cold and damp winters to the surprisingly sunny summers, UK skin needs products that hydrate, protect, and nourish through all seasons. Whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, or sensitive, the right products can make all the difference in maintaining that radiant complexion.

We’ve gathered the top 10 skincare products available in the UK, so you can build the perfect skincare routine to keep your skin glowing, hydrated, and healthy all year long.

1. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

Why we love it: The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is an all-rounder for people with normal to dry skin. This non-foaming, gentle cleanser is formulated with essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help restore the skin’s natural barrier while maintaining moisture. Unlike harsher cleansers that can strip the skin of its natural oils, this cleanser leaves your skin feeling refreshed and soft. It’s also fragrance-free, making it perfect for sensitive skin.

Pro Tip: Use it morning and night to keep your skin cleansed without drying it out, especially in colder weather. Massage it onto damp skin, rinse with lukewarm water, and pat your face dry with a soft towel.

2. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Why we love it: Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse ingredient for anyone looking to boost skin hydration. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is budget-friendly but incredibly effective. Hyaluronic acid works by drawing moisture into the skin, plumping it up, and reducing the appearance of fine lines. The addition of Vitamin B5 helps heal and hydrate the skin, leaving it looking dewy and healthy.

Pro Tip: Apply this serum right after cleansing, while your skin is still slightly damp, for maximum hydration. It can be used twice daily, but always follow up with a good moisturiser to lock in the benefits.

3. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

Why we love it: Liz Earle’s Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser is an iconic product beloved by many across the UK. This creamy cleanser removes makeup, dirt, and pollutants while leaving your skin nourished and glowing. The inclusion of eucalyptus oil gives it a refreshing scent, and the hot cloth method provides gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath.

Pro Tip: Apply a small amount of the cleanser to dry skin, massaging in circular motions. Soak the muslin cloth in warm water and gently wipe away the cleanser. This can be done morning and night, and it’s a perfect way to prep your skin for the day or cleanse away the stress of the evening.

4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+

Why we love it: Acne-prone or oily skin? This product is a lifesaver. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ targets blemishes, unclogs pores, and helps reduce the appearance of post-blemish marks. It’s non-comedogenic, which means it won’t block your pores, and its lightweight gel formula absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.

Pro Tip: Use this as part of your morning and evening routine after cleansing. Apply a thin layer over problem areas, but don’t forget to follow it up with a good moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and balanced.

5. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

Why we love it: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is a cult favourite, especially in the UK’s chilly climate. It provides 24-hour hydration and is formulated to draw moisture from the air into your skin, keeping it hydrated throughout the day. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly without feeling heavy or greasy, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Pro Tip: Use this daily, morning and night, for continuous hydration. Pair it with a serum for added benefits, especially during the colder months when your skin is more prone to dryness.

6. Weleda Skin Food

Why we love it: If your skin is craving deep nourishment, Weleda Skin Food is the answer. This rich, luxurious cream is perfect for dry, flaky skin and can be used on both the face and body. Made with organic ingredients like sunflower seed oil, rosemary extract, and calendula, it’s a natural solution for replenishing moisture and creating a glowing base under makeup.

Pro Tip: Use it as a night-time treatment for very dry areas like elbows, knees, and heels, or apply a light layer on your face during the winter months to combat dryness. For a dewy, natural look, you can also use it as a highlighter on the cheekbones and brow bones.

7. ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

Why we love it: When it comes to luxury skincare, ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream is a standout. Packed with marine and plant-based actives, this cream firms, smooths, and hydrates the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While it’s an investment, it delivers visible anti-aging results that leave your skin looking and feeling youthful.

Pro Tip: Apply this cream as part of your morning routine for all-day hydration and anti-aging benefits. It works well under makeup, providing a smooth, hydrated base.

8. REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

Why we love it: Exfoliating your skin doesn’t have to mean harsh scrubs. REN’s Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic is a gentle yet effective chemical exfoliant that brightens the complexion and smooths out texture. The AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) remove dead skin cells, helping to reveal the fresh, glowing skin beneath without irritation.

Pro Tip: Apply this tonic to a cotton pad and sweep it over your face after cleansing, but before moisturising. It’s gentle enough for daily use, but if you have sensitive skin, you might want to limit it to a few times a week.

9. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Why we love it: Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is perfect for anyone with oily or combination skin. Its water-based formula instantly quenches dry skin, while hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture for long-lasting hydration. It’s oil-free, so it won’t clog your pores, making it a great everyday moisturiser.

Pro Tip: Use this in the summer months when your skin needs hydration without the heaviness of a cream. It also layers well under sunscreen or makeup for added moisture without a greasy finish.

10. The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow-Boosting Moisturiser

Why we love it: If your skin is looking a bit dull or tired, The Body Shop’s Vitamin C Glow-Boosting Moisturiser is the perfect pick-me-up. Vitamin C is known for its brightening properties, and this gel-based moisturiser helps revive your complexion, giving you a natural glow. It’s lightweight, refreshing, and perfect for the summer months or when your skin needs a quick glow boost.

Pro Tip: Apply this every morning to brighten and refresh your skin. Don’t forget to follow up with sunscreen, as vitamin C can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.

Final Thoughts

Achieving a glowing complexion is easier than you think when you have the right products in your routine. From hydrating cleansers and serums to luxurious creams and glow-boosting tonics, each of these top skincare products plays a crucial role in keeping your skin healthy, hydrated, and radiant—no matter what the UK weather throws at you.

Remember, skincare is a journey, and consistency is key. Stick to your routine, adjust it with the seasons, and enjoy the glowing results. With these 10 skincare staples in your arsenal, you’re well on your way to a healthy, radiant glow that lasts all year round.

Happy glowing! 🌟