Best of winter 2026.
Melbourne and Tasmania winters aren't Aspen but they dry out skin faster than summer does. Six products that rebuild the barrier and add glow when the sun isn't doing it.
| Rank | Product | Best for | Score | Price | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | CeraVe Moisturising CreamCeraVe · Moisturiser | Barrier rescue | 8.9/10 | AU$22 | Chemist Warehouse → |
| 02 | Aesop Primrose Facial Hydrating CreamAesop · Moisturiser | Premium moisturiser | 8.5/10 | AU$95 | Adore Beauty → |
| 03 | Eco Tan Winter SkinEco Tan · Gradual lotion | Gradual glow | 8.9/10 | AU$45 | Adore Beauty → |
| 04 | Kiehl's Midnight Recovery ConcentrateKiehl's · Serum | Night repair | 8.9/10 | AU$88 | Adore Beauty → |
| 05 | Vida Glow Natural Marine CollagenVida Glow · Collagen | Inner beauty | 9.0/10 | AU$55 | Adore Beauty → |
| 06 | Olaplex No. 3 Hair PerfectorOlaplex · Treatment | Hair winter | 9.3/10 | AU$58 | Adore Beauty → |
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
CeraVe Moisturising Cream is the winter skin rescue. Ceramides + hyaluronic + fatty acids repair the barrier that cold air strips. $22 at Chemist Warehouse. Your bathroom should have three tubs.
The Ranking
From 6 testedMoisturising Cream
Dermatologist-developed ceramide cream. Fragrance-free, 50% of Australian bathroom counters have it.
Primrose Facial Hydrating Cream
Aussie botanical icon. Rich but non-comedogenic, primrose oil + sodium PCA, distinct herbal scent.
Winter Skin
COSMOS-organic, Aussie-made gradual that moisturises first and tans second. The dermatologist-recommended option.
Midnight Recovery Concentrate
Lavender-scented night oil with squalane. Applied last in PM routine; repairs overnight.
Natural Marine Collagen
Aussie-founded marine collagen powder. Flavourless, 3g per sachet, the cult pick for visible skin + hair results.
No. 3 Hair Perfector
The bond-builder that started a category. Weekly pre-shower treatment for chemically-treated hair.
Affiliate disclosure: Glow earns commission from qualifying purchases through these links. It never changes our rankings. How this works.
"I'd been buying the wrong self-tan for three years. I found Glow, followed the Best Self Tan ranking, and the third one I tried was the one. Saved me weeks of guessing."
Common questions
Should I change my skincare for winter?
Swap gel moisturiser for cream, add a night oil, keep SPF (UV still matters on cloudy days).
Why is my skin drier in winter?
Cold air holds less moisture. Indoor heating strips it further. Hot showers finish the job. Moisturise twice daily.
Can I use retinol in winter?
Yes, often better tolerated in winter than summer. Dry air does mean more moisturiser after application.
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