With Menopause Awareness Month approaching in October, it’s an opportunity to raise awareness about the many and varied changes that can come with ‘the change’ (this year, the theme is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) specifically.
It’s estimated that there are at least 40 different symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, and it’s only really in the last five years that we’ve started to talk openly about the huge impact these can have, both physically and emotionally. According to research, shockingly, 10% of women leave their jobs because of their menopausal symptoms.
Hot flushes and brain fog may grab the headlines, but the natural decrease in oestrogen levels (which typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55) can also lead to changes in our skin, causing everything from dryness and itching to adult acne.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution – and every person going through menopause will be affected differently – the beauty experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute put some of the leading products designed for menopausal skin to the test with the help of a panel of over 500 perimenopausal, menopausal and postmenopausal women, to find out which ones can make the most difference.
These are their top-rated products at a glance but scroll on for their detailed reviews.
The best menopause skincare
1
Best night cream
Prai Menoglow Super Hydrating Sleep Cream
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2
Best non-greasy SPF
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50
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3
Best for glowing skin
No7 Menopause Skincare Protect and Hydrate Day Cream 50ml
Read more
4
Best multi-tasking balm
Bloom and Blossom Wonder Worker Multi-Tasking Balm
Read more
5
6
Best body spray for tired legs
Bloom and Blossom Spritzy toes Revitalising Leg & Foot Spray
Read more
7
Best for supporting the skin barrier function
Skin Rocks The Support Oil
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8
Best lightweight night cream
No7 Menopause Skincare Collection Nourishing Overnight Cream
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9
Best makeup base SPF
Trinny London See The Light SPF 50+ Moisturiser
Read more
10
Best hydrating day cream
Vichy Neovadiol Perimenopause plumping Day Cream for Dry Skin
Read more
We also spoke to medical director and dermatologist Dr Stefanie Williams about some of the most common skincare concerns during menopause and what you can do about them.
For everything you need to know about menopause, check out our guide here.
How can menopause affect my skin?
As oestrogen levels start to fluctuate during perimenopause (the period when your body naturally starts to transition into menopause), the skin’s natural barrier can be weakened, leading to moisture loss and increased sensitivity.
“The declining levels of female hormones can significantly affect the skin, weakening its barrier function, which leads to increased water evaporation and lower water content in the outermost layer of the skin,” explains Dr Stefanie.
“These changes can also make our complexions more sensitive and prone to irritation. Overall, the skin can become thinner and the oil glands may become less active, all of which may contribute to drier and potentially duller complexions during and after menopause.”
Some of the skincare changes you can experience include:
- Dryness
- A loss of firmness and bounce
- An increase in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne and breakouts
- Hyperpigmentation
Studies show that during the first five years of menopause, our skin loses about 30% of its collagen, followed by a further 2% decrease every year as we age. But there are products that can help to boost collagen production as well as reducing the visible effects of collagen loss, such as skin sagging and lines.
On our list below, there are plenty to choose from, including the Skin Rocks facial oil, a lipid-rich formula that’s great for replenishing moisture loss, and the Balance Me Tripeptide Cream, which contains a blend of ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help nourish and smooth.
Why does menopause cause breakouts?
Even if you had a lucky escape from spot-prone teenage skin, changes in hormone levels during menopause can mean breakouts of adult acne.
“Among other factors, this is caused by hormonal imbalances, with an increase in the ratio of male to female hormones (i.e. the ratio of androgens like testosterone, compared to female hormones like oestrogen),” says Dr Stefanie. “The female hormones tend to decline quicker than the male hormones in women around menopause, leading to an increase in androgens relative to oestrogen, for instance.”
These shifts stimulate sebum production and acne-causing bacteria, which can cause inflammation. On top of that, factors such as poor sleep and stress during menopause can further exacerbate breakouts.
How to combat key menopausal skin concerns
Dryness
“In cases of real dryness, women may have to move to slightly more hydrating and barrier supporting skincare products,” says Dr Stefanie. “This could mean switching from a lighter moisturiser to one slightly richer in lipids, such as ceramides.”
However, she warns against this if you’re experiencing any breakouts or sensitivity. “This is very important as I see women in the clinic every week who present with adult acne or rosacea caused by using overly rich skincare.”
Breakouts
“For those menopausal women who suffer with breakouts (such as acne or rosacea), it’s best to stick to lightweight skincare products that are low in not only oils and lipids, but also in silicone derivatives such as dimethicone and cyclomethicone. This is because silicone can contribute to dull skin, clogged pores and breakouts."
"Ideally, you should look for products that contain soothing active ingredients and non-oily, water-holding actives such as hyaluronic acid, along with effective firming ingredients, such as retinoids and peptides, because of the dip in collagen and elastin levels around menopause.”
How does menopause affect collagen and elastin levels in the skin?
“Starting in perimenopause, collagen and elastin levels plummet, which can make skin noticeably thinner, more fragile and less firm and elastic, accelerating the development of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr Stefanie.
“Not surprisingly then, it has been shown that HRT containing oestrogen can increase skin’s collagen levels and help to slow down further collagen loss.”
Read our menopause guide for more information on the benefits of HRT and alternatives if you’re unable to take it or choose not to.
How we test menopause skincare
We tested ranges and products specifically designed for menopausal women, or developed to alleviate the symptoms common for those going through menopause.
We recruited a panel of 500 perimenopausal, menopausal and postmenopausal women to trial the products over a period of four weeks. We asked them to provide detailed feedback on each, scoring them for texture, packaging and overall performance.
Score: 89/100
If night sweats weren’t unpleasant enough, they can also contribute to overnight moisture loss – on top of dryness caused by a weakening of the skin’s natural barrier during menopause – which can leave the skin feeling dry and sensitive.
This is why Prai has considered both sleep and skin needs with its MenoGlow collection, a range of products aimed at supporting menopausal skin.
This winning night cream helps rehydrate and plump skin with the help of hyaluronic acid, and supports collagen production with its signature M Complex, too.
The majority of our testers agreed their skin felt hydrated when they woke up the next morning after use, with many also praising the cream’s immediate cooling effect. It absorbed quickly too. All testers told us they’d continue using it after the trial period – that’s how you know you’re onto something good.
Score: 87/100
Not only does this best-selling moisturiser leave skin feeling hydrated and supple, it also contains SPF50 to prevent sun damage and exacerbation of hyperpigmentation. Other ingredients include white tea and polypeptide, both of which are rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that protect against free radical damage from exposure to UV light.
Unlike many other SPFs, testers found this one didn’t leave any white cast or greasiness, praising how well it absorbed and kept skin hydrated during the day. They also said it was a great option to wear under makeup.
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Score: 86/100
All our testers said they saw an improvement in their skin after using this SPF30 hydrating day cream, telling us they planned to incorporate it into their routine after the trial.
It nourishes without looking greasy and the texture was a real hit with our panel, who said it left skin feeling hydrated and looking glowing, with a slight shimmer. As you would with any SPF, this is best applied in the morning as the final step in your routine before makeup.
Score: 84/100
This balm from Bloom and Blossom targets everything from chapped lips to dry skin and hard cuticles, earning it its multitasking title. Thanks to shea butter, which has a high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids, the balm is brilliant for adding extra moisture to the skin.
All testers agreed that it helped soothe cracked lips and dry skin, with one commenting on how it left their skin feeling “smooth, soft and nourished after each use”. As a bonus, the inclusion of lavender oil creates a relaxing aromatherapy experience.
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Score: 83/100
Menopausal or not, we are all prone to dry hands, especially in the winter months, which makes this hand cream from Ameliorate a great rehydrating option to have in your bag. Suitable for menopausal skin, not only does it moisturise, this 5-in-1 cream also claims to exfoliate, renew, soften and protect busy hands.
And it proved effective. All testers said their hands felt immediately hydrated after use, with some adding that it also helped reduce the appearance of age spots. It comes in a handy, small tube, making it a great option for on-the-go TLC. “A little went a long way,” was one tester's verdict. Some did find the cream quite thick, so they preferred to use it at night instead.
6
Best body spray for tired legs
Bloom and Blossom Spritzy toes Revitalising Leg & Foot Spray
Score: 82/100
The decrease in oestrogen during menopause can have an impact on the body’s fluid regulation system, meaning some people can experience an increase in swelling and water retention. This body spray aims to alleviate these concerns, working to revive tired and aching legs and feet with the help of vitamin-rich aloe vera leaf juice and energising lime oil.
Its refreshing citrus scent and cooling effect earned this spray extra marks, with the majority of our panel planning to continue using it after the trial.
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7
Best for supporting the skin barrier function
Skin Rocks The Support Oil
Score: 82/100
After over 20 years working in the skincare industry, Skin Rocks founder and CEO, Caroline Hirons, has a deep understanding of what our skin needs. The brand’s Support Oil has a carefully selected ingredient list to help tackle several symptoms of menopausal skin. Ideal for massaging into the face, it contains lipid-rich botanicals and oils to support the skin barrier, reduce moisture loss and soothe redness.
Testers liked that it was easy to dispense just the right amount of oil. However, it took a little time to absorb into the skin for some of our testers, so it may be another one to add to your evening routine.
8
Best lightweight night cream
No7 Menopause Skincare Collection Nourishing Overnight Cream
Score: 81/100
Let this overnight cream do the hard work while you get your beauty sleep. You’ll wake up with “fresher, hydrated and revitalised skin”, according to one of our testers. It contains a hydrating mix of lipids and ceramides, which work to strengthen the skin’s barrier function, reducing moisture loss and keeping skin hydrated.
Our testers enjoyed the creamy texture of this moisturiser, which made application easy, and didn't leave behind any sticky residue. They also appreciated the cream’s cooling effects – a welcome added bonus.
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Score: 80/100
Another top scoring moisturiser and SPF50 hybrid on our list, this time from Trinny Woodall’s popular online skincare brand, Trinny London. See The Light was three years in the making and it certainly impressed our testers, with everyone agreeing it left their skin feeling softer, more hydrated and smoother after use.
It left no white cast or residue, which makes it a great everyday base for makeup. Some of our panel found the fragrance slightly overpowering, but that will come down to personal preference (we love the fresh scent).
10
Best hydrating day cream
Vichy Neovadiol Perimenopause plumping Day Cream for Dry Skin
Score: 78/100
The Vichy Neovadiol range has been developed to tackle changes to the skin during menopause and beyond. Its plumping day cream is designed to counteract skin sagging and loss of firmness. It contains hyaluronic acid – great for retaining moisture – and cassia seed extract, which works as an anti-inflammatory to reduce redness.
This fast-absorbing cream leaves no greasy or sticky residue, which went down a treat with our panel. It left one tester’s skin looking so lifted and smooth, their friend thought they'd had a tweakment!
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Score: 78/100
The second Ameliorate product on our list, the range is designed to deliver long-lasting hydration, smooth fine lines and brighten skin. Not only does this nourishing day cream include the hydrating hero hyaluronic acid, it also contains bio honey and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that work to gently exfoliate the skin to refine texture and leave it looking smooth.
Another key ingredient is lactococcus ferment lysate, which works to eliminate dead skin cells and reinforce the barrier function, making it great for combatting any dryness and preventing moisture loss.
This fast-absorbing cream delivers a dose of hydration to the skin immediately, but testers said it did take a good few pumps to get there. But once a generous amount was applied, it left skin feeling moisturised all day.
Score: 78/100
Next up, the brand’s lightweight facial serum, which contains Ameliorate’s unique LaH6 hydration complex to help soothe and balance skin. You’ll also find alpha hydroxy acids, which help to exfoliate and encourage skin cell renewal, transforming dry, rough skin into a smooth, even base.
Although nearly all testers agreed this serum delivered a dose of moisture, some did note that it had a slight greasy texture.
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13
Best fragrance-free body lotion
Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion
Score: 77/100
This fragrance-free body lotion was effective at eliminating dryness. It delivered instant moisture and reduced the appearance of “scaly legs” for our testers. This is down to those exfoliating AHAs, which encourage natural skin regeneration.
Our panel praised this fast-acting lotion, with one tester reporting a “noticeable, almost instant, difference to skin texture” after use.
14
Best cooling night cream
Vichy Neovadiol Peri-Menopause Revitalizing Night Cream 50ml
Now 25% Off
Score: 77/100
Those uncomfortable night flushes can leave your skin feeling hot, then dry, which is why Vichy developed this hydrating night cream with cooling properties, to help alleviate discomfort during flushes, and also prevent any dryness afterwards.
Some testers found this one a little too fragranced, which slightly irritated breakout areas, so we suggest opting for something else if you are experiencing any inflammation. However, most were satisfied with how plump and hydrated it left their skin, with the cooling properties earning extra brownie points.
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15
Best for immediate hydration
Prai Beauty MenoGlow Collagen Boosting Cremegel Moisturiser
Score: 77/100
Another product from Prai’s Menoglow range, this moisturising cream aims to restore collagen and hydration levels, delivering plump, replenished skin.
The inclusion of aloe vera works to both hydrate and cool the complexion, with all our testers finding this one immediately hydrating. The light gel-like texture also played a part in cooling, but some thought it felt slightly too thin, so you may need to apply a generous layer.
Score: 72/100
This moisturiser sets out to target dryness and fine lines with five key ingredients: peptides, resveratrol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acids and natural butters.
Peptides and resveratrol work together to help smooth fine lines, alongside hydrating hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. In fact, one tester said it stopped their nose from peeling while they had a cold – so whether it’s alleviating the effects of hot flushes or cold spells, this cream will leave your skin feeling super soft.
Testers found this cream very rich in texture, helping to hydrate extra dry skin for longer, though this did mean it took longer to absorb. Those who experience breakouts may want to opt for a more lightweight option.
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17
Best serum for stimulating stem cells
Silver Pro-Ageing Stem Cell Regenerator Serum
Score: 71/100
Skincare brand Silver is all about embracing ageing and those lines you’ve earned, but also recognises that you may want to brighten and refresh your complexion too.
Packed with essential oils, this serum can be used as an overnight treatment, or under makeup to nourish throughout the day. It contains the herb swertiamarin, which helps stimulate stem cells and rejuvenate the epidermis, working to plump and firm.
The majority of testers found it a great hydrating option that absorbed well in skin, though it was a little tricky to dispense.
18
Best for collagen-boosting ingredients
Balance Me Tripeptide Cloud Cream
Score: 70/100
Tripeptides are a formulation of three amino acids, which work to boost skin cell renewal and boost collagen production. This gave the skin a plump feel, with immediate hydration reported by most of our testers. But some found they needed to reapply the cream later in the day as dryness returned.
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Score: 70/100
Another collagen and peptide-boosting serum, this product, which is part of No7’s dedicated menopause skincare range, works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and leave complexions looking radiant. The majority of our testers found it did just that, agreeing they would use the serum again.
Not only did the roller applicator make the product easy to dispense, it also had a lovely cooling effect on our testers’ skin (ideal for a mini-massage). Testers worried the roller might make it tricky to use up every drop of product, but that was a minor niggle.
Score: 70/100
After you’ve applied your hydrating day or night cream, a good next step would be a spritz of this instant cooling mist, designed to calm flushed, menopausal skin. You can use it in the morning or evening, or whenever you’re in need of a cool down.
It’s a great option for an instant refresh, although testers found the effects were slightly short lived. That said, due to its compact size, you can be throw it in your bag to re-apply whenever you need it.
Madeleine Evans
Lifestyle Writer
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
Tested byNora Merik
Beauty and Grooming Tester
Nora is our Beauty and Grooming Tester and has a master's degree in cosmetic science. She is using her expert knowledge of product development, formulation, product evaluation and market research to test a wide range of hair and beauty products in the beauty labs for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, ELLE, Men’s Health. In the lab she uses a variety of methods such as the Diastron, The Multi Skin Test Centre, The VISIA Complexion Analyser to test anything from hydration, skin barrier function, pore size and more.
Tested byDenny Daily
Beauty and Grooming Tester
Denny is our Beauty and Grooming Tester and has an in-depth knowledge and background in beauty and PR. She has spoken on panels with Cosmetics Executive Women (CEW) and has worked with many beauty brands as a commercial model. Since joining in October 2022, she has worked on numerous testing categories including over 18 different brands for vitamin C serums, scalp scrubs, shampoos for dry hair and many more. She has over 20k followers on TikTok where she shares beauty and fashion tips otherwise better known as Denny Daily.