I know I write about the best skincare brands daily, but the truth is, when it comes to my skincare routine, I’m very selective about which products I use. In fact, I can probably count the brands on one hand that I would trust to take care of my complexion. The thing is, I have very sensitive skin. It can get dry and irritated over the smallest change to my products or ingredients, so I’m careful about what I introduce into my routine. That being said, there’s one skincare brand that I know I will never have a problem with, and that’s Curél.
In my opinion, this affordable Japanese skincare brand isn’t talked about enough in the UK, and I’m on a mission to change that. The whole range has been designed with sensitive skin types in mind, and each formula focuses on supporting the natural ceramides in the skin (these ceramides play a vital role in keeping our skin moisturised). Most products come in at around £25 and under, meaning you don’t have to break the bank in order to have a happy, hydrated complexion.
I’m always shocked by how glowy my skin looks after using Curél products, so I thought it was about time that I rounded up my go-to formulas for you to shop.
My skin always looks so glowy after applying Curél skincare.
The Best Curél Products, Tried & Tested
1. Curél Moisture Facial Milk
Best Curél product overall
Curél
Moisture Facial Milk
I love a facial milk or milky toner. From the Rhode Glazing Milk to the Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner, I’ve tried so many of these products, but this Curél one is a firm favourite.
The clever fluid is designed to be used as part of a two-step moisturising method, after applying the Hydrating Water Essence from the brand (more on that later). I love this product as it leaves my skin feeling so soft and looking so glowy without any greasy residue, thanks to the incredibly lightweight texture. Not only that, but it also feels ultra soothing on the skin. I had a facial a few weeks ago that my skin didn’t quite agree with, and I applied this in the days after, and it helped keep things calm and under control.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Hydrating and soothing
- Adds a radiant glow
Cons
- Very dry skin types might want to follow with a rich moisturiser
2. Curél Hydrating Makeup Cleanser
Best Curél cleanser
Curél
Hydrating Makeup Cleanser
New from the brand is this hydrating cleanser. I have been testing this product for a while and have been seriously impressed with its cleansing abilities.
Working to clean, hydrate and soothe the skin, this formula, like many other products from the brand, has a lightweight, milky texture. It feels incredibly gentle, so I was a little worried that it wouldn’t remove my makeup that well at first, but it actually does a great job at cleansing without leaving your skin feeling dry or stripped. The brand does advertise the product as a rinse-free formula (you can just pump it onto a cotton pad and swipe it across the skin), but I like to rinse it with water to get a deeper cleanse.
Pros
- Lightweight texture
- Hydrating yet cleansing
Cons
- Some people might not be a fan of the rinse-free formula
3. Curél Hydrating Water Essence
Best Curél toner
Curél
Hydrating Water Essence
After double cleansing my skin, I always like to follow with the brand’s Hydrating Water Essence. This is such a great product to add to your routine if your skin feels dry or irritated.
It comes in a pump format, and I like to dispense the product into my hands before applying it to my face and neck like a toner. The hydrating formula is infused with eucalyptus extract to soothe and nourish the skin, and it sits so well under my Curél moisturiser. If you like that “glass skin” finish, I highly recommend giving this a go.
Pros
- Really soothing formula
- Makes skin look glowy
Cons
- Adds an extra step to your skincare routine
4. Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream
Best Curél moisturiser
Curél
Intensive Moisture Facial Cream
One of the brand’s most popular products is the Intensive Moisture Facial Cream, and I can totally see why. Dry skin types will love this moisturiser as it has a rich, hydrating texture that is packed with ceramides.
While I wouldn’t always use this in my morning skincare routine, I love slathering it on in the evening and waking up to baby-soft skin. The formula has this amazing plumping and smoothing effect, so it’s ideal if your complexion is feeling a little lacklustre.
Pros
- Really hydrating
- Plumping effect
Cons
- Might be too rich for oily skin types
5. Curél Moisture Repair Eye Cream
Best Curél eye cream
Curél
Moisture Repair Eye Cream
I’m going to be honest here and say that I only really started using eye cream about six to eight months ago. That might be shocking to some, but I just didn’t feel like I needed it as part of my routine. Not only that, but the skin around my eyes is so sensitive that I was scared to introduce a new product into my line-up.
However, last winter, the skin around my eyes started to get really dry, so I thought I would try out the Moisture Repair Eye Cream from Curél. Similar to the moisturiser above, this has a very thick consistency, so I like to apply it as part of my evening skincare routine to let it sink in overnight. It always manages to soothe and nourish my dry skin, and amazingly enough, it doesn’t seem to irritate my delicate eye area.
Pros
- Nourishing formula
- Ideal for the delicate eye area
Cons
- Rich consistency won’t be suitable for all
6. Curél Deep Moisture Spray
Best Curél product for on-the-go
Curél
Deep Moisture Spray
This is one of those products that you don’t necessarily need in your routine, but once you try it, you’ll never want to be without it. The facial spray provides an instant hit of hydration to the skin while also adding a cooling effect.
It’s perfect for an on-the-go pick-me-up, as it’s packed with ceramides and eucalyptus extract to soothe, nourish and refresh the complexion. The ultra-fine mist never feels too wet or sticky on the skin, so you can easily layer it over or under makeup throughout the day. I like to keep a full-size bottle at my desk and a mini bottle in my bag for whenever I need it.
Pros
- Lightweight mist
- Hydrating and soothing
- Feels refreshing on the skin
Cons
- Need to hold 20cm away from your face to avoid ruining your makeup
7. Curél Makeup Cleansing Oil
Best Curél product for makeup removal
Curél
Makeup Cleansing Oil
As mentioned above, I always like to double cleanse my skin, and I like to start with a cleansing oil to remove any dirt or makeup from throughout the day.
Curél’s option has a beautifully silky texture that, when mixed with water, transforms into a milky emulsion. Similar to the brand’s new cleanser, it feels very gentle while still managing to remove impurities. Plus, it comes with a pump format that makes it easy to apply (unlike most cleansing oils on the market).
Pros
- Removes makeup without stripping the skin
- Leaves the complexion feeling soft and plump
Cons
- Can sometimes leave a slight oily residue
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
