The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has positioned the moisturizer 'Nivea Naturally Good. Aloe Vera bio', with a price ranging between 5.99 and 8.99 euros the 50 ml jar, as the best on the market, according to a survey among users where 16 creams for normal and combination skin have been analyzed.

As a favorable aspect, the organization points out a good grade in the hydration and use tests. In fact, it "leaves the skin very soft," according to users. Against, the OCU points out that it contains "allergenic fragrances" and that the packaging "could have a lower impact on the environment."

In second place they position 'Deliplus Hidrata 24 horas Cream' (Mercadona), at a price of 5 euros per 50 ml jar. The OCU highlights its good results in the hydration test and that the users valued "very well" the fragrance (non-allergenic); In addition, "its labeling is very complete." On the contrary, they emphasize that their environmental impact is "improvable".

Nivea Naturally Good. Aloe Vera bioD.R.

A test of 16 creams

In OCU they have analyzed 16 day moisturizers for normal and combination skin sold in different types of establishments: supermarkets, parapharmacies, herbalists and perfumeries. The range of prices is very wide and ranges from 3.49 euros for the cheapest cream analyzed, which is One Hundred of Lidl in 50 ml tube, to 38.67 euros for the most expensive, average price that corresponds to Lancôme Hydra Zen in 50 ml jar. In between, Rituals, Yves Rocher, L'Occitane or Biotherm are other brands analyzed. Precisely, the price, together with the labeling and the environmental impact makes the differences, because most of the analyzed fulfill their mission of hydrating well.

Thus, the OCU has detailed that up to 14 of the creams "get good grade" in the hydration and use tests, the latter carried out by a panel of users who used them for a week 'blindly', without knowing the brand. On the other hand, the other two creams obtain results "at least acceptable".

However, the OCU warns that this type of products, sold in supermarkets, perfumeries and parapharmacies, do not hydrate in depth. Cosmetics do not penetrate beyond the stratum corneum of the epidermis; Below is the dermis and only some medications can reach there.

In addition, the organization has warned that creams containing an ingredient "of natural origin" are not "necessarily" healthier for the skin. Beyond their hydration power, the main differences between the selected creams are observed in the labeling, the environmental impact of their packaging and, above all, in their retail price."

Fewer cardboard boxes

Regarding labeling, although legibility is generally good in the creams analyzed, the OCU criticizes that the complete information is usually only in the cardboard box, "which quickly ends up in the trash", and that "rarely" includes indications on how to dispose of after the container.

As for the environmental impact, there are few products that use recycled materials in their packaging – better plastic than glass – and that allow them to make the most of their cream content. "What's more, cardboard boxes are left over," they point out from the OCU.

But, for the organization, it is the price difference that attracts the most attention, since it can vary between 3.49 and 38.67 euros per 50 ml. The cheapest are supermarkets, which lead the ranking of the survey, and can be purchased for less than 7 euros a 50 ml jar.

Finally, OCU recalls that a moisturizer "must be adapted to the type of skin (dry, combination or oily)" and not to the age of the user. And he emphasizes that, to maintain a healthy complexion, "you have to lead a healthy life: avoid tobacco, sleep well and follow a healthy diet, in addition to protecting yourself from pollution and the sun."

A good daily routine is to apply a sun cream with a high protection factor on the moisturizer.

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