We’ve all used a moisturiser that promised smooth, glowing, dewy skin and instead left us thinking, “Why does my face still feel as dry as a rice cake?”
Here’s the truth: not all moisturisers are hydrating. Some are just sitting there looking pretty on top of your skin and doing absolutely nothing underneath.

So if you’re wondering whether your moisturiser is actually doing its job, let’s talk about the signs it isn’t — and what to do about it.

What “Hydrating” Actually Means

Hydrating isn’t just about feeling soft right after you apply moisturiser. Real hydration means your skin is holding onto water.

A hydrating moisturiser should be doing three things:

1. Attracting water to your skin (hello, humectants like hyaluronic acid)

2. Locking it in (thanks, occlusives and emollients)

3. Supporting the skin barrier (ceramides, squalane, vitamin E)

If your moisturiser isn’t hitting at least two of those, we have a problem.

Signs Your Moisturiser Isn’t Hydrating

1. Your Skin Feels Tight After Applying It

This is the biggest giveaway. Moisturiser should not leave your skin feeling tight or “dry but shiny.”
If it does, it’s probably missing ingredients that seal moisture in.

2. Your Skin Gets Dry Again Within an Hour

Instant hydration followed by a quick fade is usually a sign the formula:

• Evaporates too fast

• Isn’t penetrating deep enough

• Isn’t actually providing moisture, just slip

A good moisturiser should keep your skin comfortable for hours, not just minutes.

3. Your Makeup Looks Patchy or Textured

Makeup clinging to dry flakes? Foundation separating?
That’s your moisturiser politely yelling, “I’m not doing enough.”

A hydrating product should actually help your makeup apply smoother.

4. You’re Seeing More Fine Lines (Especially Around the Eyes)

Dehydrated skin shows fine lines faster than aging does.
If your moisturiser isn’t hydrating properly, lines will appear:

• Under the eyes

• On your forehead

• Around your mouth

That’s not wrinkles — that’s water loss.

5. Your Skin Feels Greasy, But Still Dry

This is a classic sign of barrier issues. Oils + heavy creams aren’t the same as hydration.
If you feel greasy on top but dry underneath? Your moisturiser isn’t absorbing or doing real work.

What to Look for in a Truly Hydrating Moisturiser

A good moisturiser should balance three types of ingredients:

Humectants:

Pull water into your skin

• Hyaluronic Acid

• Glycerin

• Panthenol

Emollients:

Smooth and soften

• Squalane

• Ceramides

• Fatty acids

Occlusives:

Lock hydration in

• Shea butter

• Oils

• Dimethicone

You don’t need all three in one product, but the combination matters.

How to Make Any Moisturiser Work Better

Here are quick fixes if you’re not ready to change your product:

• Apply onto damp skin

• Use a hydrating serum underneath

• Avoid over-cleansing or over-exfoliating

• Seal with an occlusive if your skin is extra dry

These small tweaks can transform results.

Final Thoughts: Not All Moisturisers Are Created Equal

A moisturiser shouldn’t just make your skin feel soft for five minutes.
It should:

• Improve hydration levels

• Support your skin barrier

• Keep your skin comfortable throughout the day

If yours isn’t doing that, it may be time to switch to something more nourishing and hydrating that actually works with your skin — not just sits on top of it.