Astral Moisturiser Cream Review: A Classic for a Reason
PR Sample – I was sent Astral Moisturiser Cream for consideration on my blog. All thoughts, however, are honest and reflect my true experience.
Moisturisers come and go, but some stand the test of time and Astral is one of them (in fact I originally reviewed them back in 2013!). With its iconic blue tub, Astral has been a skincare staple for decades, with its roots back in 1912 and a Victorian lady in her kitchen. While the formula we know today has been the same since 1953.
While Astral easily lives up to its promise of deep hydration and has a simple, no-nonsense formula, how does it hold up in today’s world of high-tech skincare? I’ve put it to the test to find out.
What Is Astral Moisturiser Cream?
Astral is a rich, all-over moisturiser designed for the face, body and hands. It had its beginnings over 100 years ago, and while the formula has been tweaked and expanded on looks to embrace its small roots. It is most loved for its intensely hydrating formula, which can be used across the face and body.
The key ingredients include:
- Lanolin – A natural emollient derived from sheep’s wool.
- Glycerin – Helps the skin to retain moisture, keeping it soft and supple.
- Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil) – Helps to create a barrier to prevent moisture loss.
Astral has come up with a simple face and body moisturiser which simply does the job and does it well at a good price, while being suitable for all skin types.
My Experience with Astral
I was kindly sent the range of Astral creams to try out. Including their Original Intensive Cream, as well as the Astral with Shea Butter and Astral with Cocoa Butter, so I hope this Astral moisturiser review helps you decide if you would like to try them out or not!
Texture and Application
One of the first things you will notice about any of the creams is its thick, creamy texture. This is not a lightweight cream, but if you require a hydration boost it is an absolute dream.
This is most definitely a cream where a little goes a long way and I found that using it after a shower, onto slightly damp skin helped it absorb better. Although it is fine on dry skin too, I just felt it took slightly longer to be absorbed.
It is worth noting that the added Cocoa and Shea Butter range does offer up a slightly thinner, lighter cream than the Intense and of course is complemented by a lovely soft scent as well.
Hydration Power
Astral is all about being moisturising, thanks to the fact it includes ingredients which are known for helping to make the skin soft and supple. As such it is particularly good for dry areas like elbows, knees, and hands.
While Astral can be used on the face, I personally preferred using it on my body. I found the rich texture especially useful for dry areas, although I imagine some people would enjoy using it as a night cream. I haven’t tested it on my face, so I can’t comment on how it performs there.
Is It Good for Oily or Sensitive Skin?
Astral is designed for all skin types, although I think its rich texture makes it particularly appealing for anyone with dry skin. If you have oily skin, you might find it a little heavy for everyday use, so it could be better suited to colder weather or as a night cream.
If you have sensitive skin, it’s worth checking the ingredients first. Astral Original contains both lanolin and fragrance, which some people may react to. As with any new skincare product, I’d always recommend patch testing before using it more widely.
Does It Work as an Anti-Ageing Moisturiser?
Astral has never been marked as an anti-ageing cream and never will be. It doesn’t include any active anti-ageing ingredients like retinol or peptides. However hydrated skin always looks more youthful and some people do say it makes their skin look better/younger.
Final Thoughts: Is Astral Worth Trying?
If you love classic, no-fuss skincare, Astral is a good choice. It’s affordable, multi-purpose, and seriously hydrating. While it may not suit everyone especially those who prefer lightweight creams if you have dry or mature skin, it’s worth having in your beauty stash.
Personally, I think my favourite is the Astral with Shea Butter, which I use as a body lotion. This mixes the original Astral cream, with an extra kick of Shea Butter making for an intensive moisturiser that leaves the skin feeling soothed while also helping to nourish and protect.
Pros:
✔ Affordable
✔ Deeply hydrating for the skin
✔ Works on the face, and body and as a make-up remover
✔ Simple, classic formula that has stood the test of time
Cons:
✖ Can feel heavy for oily skin
✖ Contains lanolin, which some may be sensitive to
Would I repurchase? Absolutely especially as a dry skin saviour! I’ve found over the past few years that my skin has become more sensitive and having a product on hand that I know I can use and my skin loves is a must.
Where to Buy Astral Cream
If you would like to try Astral Cream for yourself then head then you can buy it from Amazon, Superdrug. Tesco, Sainsbury’s and many more! It comes in at around £4.69 for a 200ml tub. (Superdrug also sell an exclusive 500ml tub of the Astral Original for £9.99!)
Does Astral sound like a moisturiser that could help you?
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too late for me
my grandmother and mother both used Astral and I have followed on. I have now been using it for 46 years. Why change what works?
Exactly – I think sometimes we look to use things which are new and have fancy ingredients just because we think we should but the reality is the old ones are the best.
I ditched my night cream, hand cream and body lotion for Astral original because it’s the only cream that gives my skin proper moisture with no irritation and I like the light refreshing scent. I can’t fault it. It works and I love it. I would like to try out shea butter lotion as I can’t find it in any where.
Seen this but never bought it as I didn’t know anything about it. Useful review. Thank you.
It’s well worth giving it a try – it really is a nice cream.
my skin has been quite dry and I have been looking for a decent moisturiser, I will definitely check this out
astral cocoa butter because it would be especially moisturising for dry skin
I would happily try any of these. I didn’t realise astral was still around. I remember my mum used to swear it was the best moisturiser around. I will need to try to purchase some
I would most like to try the ASTRAL Cocoa Butter as I think it would be ideal for my skin type. Thank you.
Would love to try the Astral with Cocoa Butter, love Astral products but didn’t realise they also do scented ones too
They’re all scented that I’m aware of and strongly too.
They are scented by the ingredents – not by additions.
I would try the Astral with Shea butter because I have dry skin and sounds great to intensively moisturise
Astral Original Intensive Moisturiser as my skin is always dry so want to see if this really helps.
Astral Original Intensive Moisturiser because I need all the help I can get
I’d like to try the Cocoa Butter one because it sounds like it would be extra moisturising and would smell divine.
I would like to try Cocoa Butter because it would smell lovely while moisturising my skin.
I would like to try the Cocoa Butter one for it’s moisturising properties.
Astral Original Intensive Moisturiser because I do have dry skin and that sounds like it will improve my skin.