When your skin starts to feel drier, tight or sensitive, it can be tempting to simply reach for a richer cream.

But choosing the right face cream is not necessarily about choosing the most intensive cream. It is about finding a formulation that suits your skin and what you want to get out of your skincare.

At Zeroallergy, we make it a little easier. We only offer products that are AllergyCertified, so you can choose skincare with a documented focus on reducing the risk of allergy.

And when it comes to face cream, there is actually good reason to take a closer look at what a cream does for the skin – not just what it says on the front of the packaging.

Why does the skin need moisture?

The outermost layer of the skin functions as an important barrier. Among other things, it helps retain water in the skin and protect it from external influences.

When the skin barrier is weakened, the skin can lose more water. This can, among other things, cause a feeling of dryness, tightness and irritation. Research shows that moisturisers can support the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss – that is, the amount of water that evaporates through the skin.

That is also why a good face cream is not simply about "adding moisture". A cream can help bind water in the skin, soften the skin and reduce evaporation.

Three types of ingredients are particularly interesting

When you look at a face cream, you will often come across three different types of moisturising ingredients:

Humectants help bind water in the outermost layers of the skin. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid and panthenol are examples of ingredients that can have this function.

Emollients make the skin softer and smoother by, among other things, filling in small uneven areas on the skin's surface.

Occlusives form a more protective layer on the skin, which can help reduce water loss.

These three functions are often used together in modern moisturisers.

This also means that a good face cream does not necessarily need to contain one particular "miracle ingredient". It is the overall formulation that matters.

Face cream for dry skin

If your skin feels tight, flakes or quickly feels dry again after cleansing, it may be a good idea to choose a cream with more emollient and moisture-retaining properties.

A good place to start is Ivy Aïa Face Cream, Dry Skin. It is specifically developed for dry skin and contains, among other things, glycerin, shea butter, coconut oil and aloe vera. The cream is designed to provide the skin with intensive moisture and care and can be used both morning and evening.

If your skin is both dry and sensitive, DermaKnowlogy+ FACE 11 Moisturising Cream may also be worth considering. It is developed for dry and sensitive skin and is a more classic cream-based option.

The most important thing is not to choose the richest cream you can find. Start by noticing how your skin feels after application. It should feel comfortable and well moisturised – not necessarily heavy.

Face cream for sensitive skin

Sensitive skin can react to many different things, which is why a simple skincare routine can be beneficial.

Here, a lighter formulation may be a good choice, especially if you do not experience pronounced dryness.

DermaKnowlogy+ FACE 21 Moisturising Gel is developed for sensitive skin and has a lighter gel texture. It is currently part of Nulallergi's selection of allergy-friendly face creams.

You also do not necessarily need several different products just because your skin is sensitive. A simple routine with a mild cleanser, moisturiser and sun protection in the morning can be a very good starting point.

When you want more than moisture

Perhaps your main need is not just moisture.

If you want to work on visible signs of ageing, fine lines or skin elasticity, you can choose a face cream that combines moisturising care with ingredients developed for anti-ageing formulations.

Nilens Jord Pro-Age Repair Multi-Correcting Day Cream is one example. It contains, among other things, the peptide complex Matrixyl™ 3000, squalane and vitamin E. The product is developed with a focus on, among other things, visible signs of ageing, skin elasticity and moisture levels. It is also AllergyCertified, fragrance-free and vegan.

For night-time use, there is Nilens Jord Pro-Age Repair Multi-Correcting Night Cream. It has a richer texture and contains, among other things, peptides, squalane and shea butter. It is developed to provide the skin with moisture and care while also working on visible signs of ageing.

It is worth remembering that "anti-ageing" does not have to mean that the skin needs to be treated harshly. A well-moisturised skin barrier is still an important starting point for healthy and comfortable skin.

Do you need both day cream and night cream?

No, not necessarily.

A day cream and a night cream can be formulated differently, but there is no rule saying that you need two different creams.

If your skin works well with the same face cream morning and evening, there is no reason to make your skincare routine more complicated.

On the other hand, it can make sense to choose a richer cream in the evening if your skin feels drier or if you want additional care.

Again, it is about your skin – not how many products are sitting on the bathroom shelf.

A simple routine is often enough

You do not need ten steps to take good care of your skin.

A simple routine can look like this:

1. Cleanse your skin

Use a mild cleanser to remove makeup, dirt and excess products.

2. Serum – if you need it

A serum can be an additional step if you have a specific need, for example more moisture.

3. Face cream

Apply the face cream while your skin still feels comfortable and clean. Use an amount that suits your skin – more is not necessarily better.

4. Sun protection in the morning

SPF is still relevant even when summer is over. Sun protection is an important part of skincare all year round.

And if your skin does well with an even simpler routine, that is perfectly fine.

Which allergy-friendly face cream should you choose?

There is no single face cream that is best for everyone.

Instead, start with the need you actually have:

Dry skin: Choose a more nourishing cream with moisture-binding and emollient ingredients. Ivy Aïa Face Cream, Dry Skin is an obvious place to start.

Sensitive skin: A simple and lighter formulation can be a good solution. DermaKnowlogy+ FACE 21 Moisturising Gel is developed for sensitive skin.

Dry and sensitive skin: Look for a cream that provides both moisture and care. DermaKnowlogy+ FACE 11 Moisturising Cream is specifically developed for dry and sensitive skin.

Anti-ageing: If you want to combine moisture with care for visible signs of ageing, the Nilens Jord Pro-Age Repair range is a relevant choice.

A simple routine: You do not need more creams than necessary. Choose the one your skin feels comfortable with and only add more steps if you have a specific need.

At Zeroallergy, you will find a carefully selected range of AllergyCertified face creams from brands including Ivy Aïa, DermaKnowlogy, Nilens Jord and Ecooking. We do not choose the products because you need to have more things on your shelf. We choose them because they can meet different needs.

This makes it a little easier to find the face cream that is right for you.

See all allergy-friendly face creams at Nulallergi