Women over 40 are turning to £14 'miracle' face cream as autumn leaves skin feeling dry

18:00, Thu, Sep 3, 2026 Updated: 18:01, Thu, Sep 3, 2026

Cerave face cream for autumn

Buyers claim to have seen an improvement 'in just a few days' (Image: Getty)

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With September officially here, temperatures are already beginning to dip. As the central heating clicks back on and crisp autumn winds arrive, our skin is often one of the first things to feel the effects, leaving it in need of some extra care and hydration.

For women going through the menopause, changing hormones can make dry skin even more noticeable. Falling oestrogen levels can affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture, leaving it more prone to dryness and irritation.

While beauty shelves are packed with expensive creams promising to transform dry, tired-looking skin, there is one affordable moisturiser that skincare fans have been quietly turning to for years. The CeraVe Face Care and Body Moisturiser for Dry to Very Dry Skin costs around £14, but its clever formula gives much more expensive brands a run for their money.

It might not have the glamorous packaging or hefty price tag of a luxury moisturiser, but the CeraVe cream is packed with ingredients that skincare lovers look for when their skin needs serious hydration. It contains three essential ceramides to help restore the skin barrier, while hyaluronic acid helps draw in and lock in moisture.

The formula also uses CeraVe's MVE Technology, which gradually releases hydrating ingredients for up to 24 hours. It's fragrance-free too, making it a simple option for dry or easily irritated skin.

The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Rich Moisturiser is another popular choice for those with dry or sensitive skin. Available at £19.55 for 40ml, this cream contains ceramides, niacinamide and glycerin to soothe irritation and rebuild the compromised moisture barrier.

Elswhere at Marks and Spencer, the Menoglow Collagen Boosting Cremegel Moisturisfrom Prai is currently reduced from £32 to £25.60. The multi-purpose day cream is designed to put back what menopause takes out by adding collagen, boosting hydration, smoothing wrinkles and easing redness.

Back at Amazon, the CeraVe Face Cream has been given an impressive 4.6 out of five-star rating by savvy shoppers. One buyer called it a 'miracle cream' adding: "I'd almost given up on finding a moisturiser that worked for my skin. I'm 42 with sensitive, dehydrated skin, and after trying other products, my face became very dry and peeling in large patches. My cheeks, nose and chin were red and textured, and my makeup just wasn't sitting well.

"I decided to try the CeraVe Moisturising Cream, and after just a few days, I could already see a noticeable improvement. It's honestly the best my skin has looked in years, and I'm so glad I gave it a try. I'll definitely be repurchasing."

Older skin

Autumn weather can be particularly challenging with chilly winds and indoor heating drying the skin (Image: Getty Images)

Another said: "Amazing moisturiser. Massive pot. Great value. I had dry skin from menopause, and this makes my skin soft and smooth."

A third described it as "A premium cream without a premium price tag."They went on to say: "I love this cream! Only just discovered it, but I will be buying more. Even though the tub and branding do not feel special, the cream does! It is rich and nourishing and sinks in well. It is great that it is so cheap, as it means you can be more liberal with it - I have been using it on my hands and neck as well. I am 51 years old, and it feels very moisturising in a way that other face creams do not."

Some buyers held back from leaving five-star reviews, however, with one noting: "I have used the cream for over 6 weeks now but have found it hasn't done anything for my skin at all! It's pleasant to use, and it lasts, but unfortunately for me, it didn't work."

Another delighted shopping was grateful to have found such a bargain buy, explaining: "I absolutely love this. I have dry skin, I use a small amount morning and night. It's makes my skin feel soft, it's not greasy and odourless. For the price it is incredible and an essential item in my beauty routine."

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