nivea soft moisturising cream review

Nivea Creme was the first moisturiser I ever used.

I wish I could tell you it was love at first swipe. All it did was give me a bad breakout after another. Would its lighter sibling, Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream, do the same?

I’ve put it to the test to find out:

What’s In Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream?

GLYCERIN

When your skin needs hydration, turn to glycerin. It’s a moisture magnet that attracts and binds moisture to the skin.

Your skin then uses the extra moisture to thrive. It plumps up so fine lines and wrinkles look smaller. It gets softer to the touch. And it glows as if it lit from within.

Related: Why Is Glycerin In ALL My Skincare Products?

PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM

This is the Latin name for mineral oil. Yep, the one derived from oil.

It’s not as bad as it seems. Mineral oil undergoes a strict purifying process that removes ALL toxic impurities from it. The end result is 100% safe and non-toxic.

Mineral oil is so popular because it’s a great occlusive. This means it creates a barrier on the skin that slows down water loss. Remember all the extra moisture glycerin is bringing in? Mineral oil won’t let it out.

But why is Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream using mineral oil instead of other occlusives? It’s dirt cheap. If you want to keep the price this low, you don’t have many options.

P.S. Mineral oil itself doesn’t cause breakouts. But it can trap dirt and comedogenic ingredients underneath your skin – and that can lead to breakouts. This cream has Myristyl Myristate, a comedogenic ingredient that could give you pimples. For me it didn’t, probably because there’s not too much of it here anyway.

Related: 5 Mineral Oil Myths You Need To Stop Believing Right Now

ALCOHOL DENAT

Alcohol Denat is one of the most misunderstood ingredients in skincare.

Critics say it’s terribly drying and irritating. They’re right… to an extent. Alcohol Denat can be problematic when used alone. But pair it with moisturising ingredients (like glycerin and mineral oil) and you can easily counteract its drying effects.

Having said that, if you have very dry or sensitive skin that can’t tolerate Alcohol Denat (some skin types just don’t like it), then Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream isn’t for you.

So why is Alcohol Denat here anyway? It thins the texture so it’s not too heavy.

Related: What Does Alcohol Free In Skincare Really Mean?

review Nivea soft moisturizing cream

Texture

It’s lighter than Nivea Cream. The soft, not too thick texture feels refreshing on the skin and glides on easily.

A little goes a loooong way. Be careful not to apply too much – this stuff takes a few minutes to sink in and leaves a slight greasy residue behind.

Fragrance

It has a forgettable, clean scent that’s not too strong.

How To Use It

It’s a multitasker you can use on your face, body, and hands. When used as a face moisturzer, it’s the last step of your skincare routine at night. In the morning, you can use it after serums but before sunscreen.

Performance & Personal Opinion

I have combination skin and Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream didn’t exactly make every area happy… It hydrated my dry cheeks enough to make them soft and smooth for hours, I’ll give you that.

My oilier t-zone? There, the cream went totally overboard. It was sooooo moisturising, my oily patches were shinier than ever. If you’re looking for a mattifying cream, this so ain’t it.

Another con? It has no antioxidants to fight premature wrinkles. That’s cool if you’re a teenager, but if you’re approaching your mid 20s, this cream may be too basic for you.

Who Is This For?

I’d recommend this cream only to teenagers with dry skin.

Who Isn’t This For?

Anyone else. Especially anyone with oily skin or interested in anti-aging.

Packaging

If you decide to give it a go, the cream will last you for ages. Look at how huge that jar is. But jars ain’t the most hygienic… Wash your hands well before dipping your fingers in.

Does Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream Live Up To Its Claims?

CLAIM TRUE?
The light formula with Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil is quickly absorbed and refreshes the skin. Yes!
Provides refreshing body and face care in one handy pot. Yes, it’s a multitasker.
A highly effective, revitalising and moisturising cream that leaves your skin soft and supple. It’s very moisturizing, I’ll give you that (even too much, for most skin types).

Price & Availability

£4.29 at Boots and Superdrug

Do You Need It?

Nope. This is a moisturiser I’d personally leave on the shelf.

[penci_review]

Dupes & Alternatives

Have you tried Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Ingredients

Aqua, Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum, Myristyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat, Stearic Acid, Myristyl Myristate, Cera Microcristallina, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Coco- Glycerides, Simmondsia Chinensis Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lanolin Alcohol (Eucerit?), Polyglyceryl- 2 Caprate, Dimethicone, Sodium Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Citronellol, Alpha- Isomethyl Ionone, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum.