Astral Cream Review: Is It Actually Any Good?
This product was gifted for review, but all opinions are my own.
If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly moisturiser, you’ve probably come across Astral cream. It’s one of those products that has been around for years and is still easy to find in shops across the UK.
With so many newer skincare products out there, it’s fair to wonder if it still holds up. In this Astral Cream review, I’ll cover what it is, how it works, and whether it’s worth using today.
Astral Cream review: my quick verdict
Astral Cream is one of those products that has been around for so long that I wondered whether it was genuinely good or simply surviving on nostalgia. After trying it myself, I can understand why it still has so many loyal users.
It’s a rich, traditional moisturiser rather than the sort of lightweight face cream that disappears almost immediately. Whether you’ll love that probably depends on your skin and what you want from a moisturiser.
For me, its biggest appeal is its simplicity. If you want a rich moisturiser for dry skin without a complicated routine or an enormous price tag, I can see why Astral remains popular.
Would I recommend it? Yes, it is a lovely moisturiser that isn’t greasy like some or heavy like others.
I wouldn’t buy it specifically as an anti-ageing treatment, though. There’s an important difference between a moisturiser making dry skin look smoother and a product actually treating wrinkles, which I’ll come onto below.
How I Tested Astral Cream
I think it’s important with skincare reviews to explain how I’ve actually tested the product. There’s not much value in me opening a tub, putting a little on the back of my hand and then confidently telling you how wonderful it is as a facial moisturiser!
I used Astral Cream for about 4 weeks, which gave me enough time to get a much better feel for the product than I had from my first application.
I tried it primarily my hands and my face, but I also used it on the odd bit of dry skin elsewhere. This was actually quite useful because I didn’t necessarily feel the same way about it everywhere I used it. A cream that feels quite rich on your face can feel completely different when you’re using it on dry hands or elbows.
My skin is generally quite sensitive and very much combination with some oily areas but lots of dry areas too, which is worth bearing in mind when reading my review. If your skin is completely different from mine, you may have a very different experience with Astral, particularly because it is quite a rich moisturiser.
I used it most evenings on my face and while I worked on my hands. When I used it on my face, I paid particular attention to how easily it spread, how quickly it absorbed, whether my skin still felt moisturised later and whether I noticed any problems such as excessive greasiness or clogged pores.
I also looked at how it fitted alongside the other products I normally use. During the testing period, I didn’t use the Astral cream on a day where I wore make-up, so I couldn’t test it with that. Otherwise, I followed my same skincare routine, which is quite minimal as I don’t generally use products! I’m mentioning this because I don’t think it’s realistic to attribute every change in your skin to one moisturiser when you’re simultaneously using several other skincare products.
After using it consistently, my overall experience was good. I found that I didn’t need much to moisturise my face, so it lasted well.
That’s the experience the rest of this review is based on. Obviously my skin isn’t everyone’s skin, so I can’t promise you’ll have exactly the same results, but I’d much rather tell you what actually happened when I used Astral than simply repeat what it says on the tub.
What Is Astral Cream?
Astral is an all-over moisturiser designed for the face, hands and body. It’s been around for over 70 years, and the formula hasn’t changed much in all that time.
The cream is thick, rich, and intensely moisturising. It’s designed to suit mature and dry skin, though plenty of people with normal skin types also love it.
It’s known for being thick and very hydrating, which is why so many people still swear by it.
It’s often described as a “classic” because it has been around for generations. A lot of people remember it from childhood, and it hasn’t changed much over the years.
At its core, Astral moisturiser is designed to do one simple thing well: keep your skin soft by locking in moisture.
You can pick it up in three sizes: a handy 50ml pot for your handbag, a 200ml tub for everyday use, or a massive 500ml pot if you want to slather it everywhere.
Astral isn’t really trying to be a complicated skincare product with a long list of fashionable active ingredients. It’s essentially a rich moisturiser, and I think that’s important when deciding whether it’s right for you.
If you’re expecting it to replace an entire skincare routine or perform miracles on wrinkles, you’re probably asking it to do a job it wasn’t designed to do.
What’s Actually In It?
Astral has a relatively traditional moisturising formula rather than being built around the sort of headline skincare actives you might see promoted in newer products. In simple terms, Astral works because it combines moisturising ingredients like glycerin with rich barrier ingredients such as lanolin, mineral oil and petrolatum. That is why it feels thick and protective rather than light and lotion-like.
The formula is quite simple compared to many modern creams, but that’s part of the appeal.
It includes ingredients like lanolin, which helps soften the skin, and glycerin, which draws moisture into the skin. It also contains mineral oils that form a barrier to stop moisture escaping.
There is also fragrance, which gives it that familiar scent, but this won’t suit everyone, especially if your skin is sensitive.
Glycerin is the ingredient that pulls water from the air into your skin and locks it there. It’s one of the most effective hydrating ingredients available.
Lanolin and lanolin alcohol are natural substances derived from sheep’s wool. They’re brilliant at waterproofing your skin, which means all that moisture stays put instead of evaporating away. Modern lanolin is highly purified, so concerns about pesticides or irritation are largely outdated. (That said, a small number of people can develop a sensitivity to it, so patch test if you’re concerned.)
Mineral oil, paraffin, and petrolatum form a protective barrier on your skin. Yes, these are petrol-based ingredients, but they’re also highly refined and perfectly safe for use in cosmetics. Despite their bad reputation, they’re actually non-comedogenic (won’t block pores) and rarely cause allergic reactions. As INCIDecoder explains, cosmetic-grade mineral oil is “very pure and inert” and works as an excellent emollient.
The full ingredient list also includes magnesium sulfate (a thickener), fragrance, preservatives, and a handful of fragrance compounds like linalool and geraniol (common allergens that must be listed separately).
One ingredient worth noting is isopropyl myristate, which softens skin but has a reputation for causing breakouts in some people. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, this might be a product to avoid.
I think this is useful to understand because it puts some of the claims about Astral into perspective.
It’s primarily a moisturiser. I wouldn’t look at the ingredient list and expect it to perform the same job as a dedicated retinoid, exfoliating acid, vitamin C serum or other targeted skincare treatment.
That doesn’t make it a bad product. Not everybody wants or needs every moisturiser they own to contain an active ingredient.
Sometimes you just want your moisturiser to moisturise!
What are the benefits of Astral Cream?
The main benefit of Astral Cream is fairly straightforward: it’s a rich moisturiser designed to help keep skin feeling soft and moisturised.
That might not sound terribly exciting in a world where skincare products promise increasingly complicated things, but sometimes that’s exactly what you want from a moisturiser.
I found it to be perfect when my hands are feeling a little dry or I just want to moisturise to pick myself up.
Because it’s quite rich, I can see it being particularly appealing if you have areas of skin that tend to feel dry. It can also be used on more than just your face, which makes it quite a versatile product to have around.
What I wouldn’t do is turn those basic moisturising benefits into claims that Astral treats every possible skin concern. It’s a moisturiser, not a magic potion.
If you’re looking for specific benefits such as treating acne, pigmentation or established wrinkles, I’d look at products and ingredients designed and evidenced for those particular concerns rather than assuming a richer moisturiser will do everything.
How does Astral cream work?
Astral cream doesn’t rely on lots of active ingredients. Instead, it works by creating a layer on the surface of your skin that helps hold moisture in.
This makes it especially useful for dry areas like hands, elbows, knees, and feet. It helps stop the skin from drying out and keeps it feeling smoother for longer.
Because it’s quite thick, you don’t need to use much at all to notice a difference.
How Does It Feel?
Astral is thick. Really thick. When you first apply it, it glides on smoothly, but it takes a good few minutes to fully absorb. On very dry skin, it sinks in faster, but if your skin is even remotely normal or combination, it can feel a bit greasy for a while.
The fragrance is clean and fresh, nothing overpowering. It’s there to mask the natural smell of the ingredients rather than make a statement, which is perfect for layering perfume on top. It fades quickly too, so you won’t be walking around smelling like you’ve just moisturised.
What I Like About Astral
It’s very moisturising. If you have dry, flaky, or dehydrated skin, Astral is perfect. It’s particularly good on rough patches like elbows, knees, and heels.
It’s affordable. You can pick up a 500ml tub for under £10, which is great value for money. A little goes a long way, so one pot will last you ages.
It’s versatile. You can use it on your face, body, hands, and even as a makeup remover. I took some on our last holiday as it is so versatile for road trips and travel, and as it has minimal scent, it is good for the whole family.
It contains a light fragrance. While the scent is mild, I liked the gentle fragrance. However, fragrance can irritate sensitive skin. If your skin is easily upset, this might not be the best choice.
What I Don’t Like About Astral
The texture is quite heavy. If you have combination or oily skin, this cream might feel too rich for your face. It’s better suited to very dry skin or for use on the body.
It lacks anti-ageing ingredients. Astral is a solid moisturiser, but it doesn’t contain any actives like retinol, vitamin C, or peptides. If you’re looking for anti-ageing benefits, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Astral Cream vs Nivea Creme – which is better?
If you’re looking for a rich, traditional moisturiser, Astral Cream and Nivea Creme are two of the most recognisable products on UK shelves. They have been around for decades and are both known for helping with dry skin, but there are some differences worth considering.
| Feature | Astral Cream | Nivea Creme |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Rich, creamy and slightly greasy | Thick, rich and slightly waxy |
| Absorption | Absorbs reasonably well but leaves a protective layer | Slower to absorb and can feel heavier |
| Best For | Very dry skin, hands, elbows, knees and feet | Dry skin, hands, elbows and rough patches |
| Face Use | Best for dry skin or overnight use | Best for very dry skin or overnight use |
| Fragrance | Light, classic clean scent | Distinctive Nivea fragrance |
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil and petrolatum | Eucerit, mineral oil and moisturising ingredients |
| Sensitive Skin | May not suit those sensitive to fragrance or lanolin | May not suit those sensitive to fragrance |
| Value For Money | Excellent, especially in larger tubs | Very good value and widely available |
| Travel Friendly | Available in various sizes | Available in various sizes |
| Overall Feel | Softer and creamier | Thicker and more occlusive |
In my experience, Astral Cream feels slightly lighter and creamier than Nivea Creme, making it easier to spread over larger areas of skin. Nivea Creme feels thicker and creates more of a protective barrier on the skin. Neither product is particularly lightweight, but both are excellent budget-friendly moisturisers for dry skin.
If you have very dry skin and want a traditional moisturiser without spending a fortune, either product could be a good choice. Personally, I find Astral Cream easier to apply over larger areas of the body, while Nivea Creme works particularly well on very dry patches that need extra protection.
I don’t think there’s one universally “better” option. If you’re choosing between Astral and Nivea, I’d base it more on which texture and finish you prefer and how your own skin responds.
Astral cream reviews: what do other people think?
Astral Cream reviews – what do other people think?
My experience is only one person’s experience, so I was interested to see whether other Astral users felt similarly.
Astral has an unusually loyal following, including people who say they’ve used it for many years. As you’d expect with such a rich moisturiser, opinions on the texture can vary too.
Some people love that thick, moisturising feel, while others prefer something considerably lighter.
That’s why I think skincare reviews are most useful when you know what the reviewer actually likes in a moisturiser rather than simply seeing a star rating.
When you look at Astral cream reviews, you’ll see a mix of opinions, but they tend to follow a similar pattern. A lot of people love how moisturising it is and how long a tub lasts. It’s often praised for being good value for money and reliable.
On the other hand, some people mention that it feels greasy or too heavy for everyday use on the face.
Overall, most reviews agree that it’s great for dry skin but not ideal for everyone.
Safety Considerations
Astral cream, like many moisturisers, contains paraffin-based ingredients, which are flammable. According to NHS guidance, any fabric that comes into contact with paraffin-based products (like clothing, bedding, or towels) can catch fire more easily. Wash these items regularly at 60°C and keep away from naked flames or cigarettes.
While rare, some people are allergic to lanolin. DermNet says that lanolin allergy affects around 1.7-3.3% of people with dermatitis who undergo patch testing. If you notice redness, itching, or irritation after using Astral, stop using it and consult a doctor.
The cream contains cetostearyl alcohol, which can cause eye irritation. Avoid applying near the eyes and wash your hands after use.
Is Astral Cream good for wrinkles?
This was one of the questions I was particularly interested in because so many people seem to associate Astral Cream with older generations who have used it for years.
But does that mean Astral Cream actually gets rid of wrinkles?
I think there’s an important distinction to make here.
Moisturising your skin can make dry skin look and feel smoother. When skin is well moisturised, fine lines caused or emphasised by dryness may appear less noticeable, which can make the skin look plumper and smoother overall.
That’s not the same thing as a moisturiser reversing established wrinkles.
Astral is primarily a moisturising cream, so I wouldn’t buy it expecting it to work like a targeted anti-ageing treatment. If reducing signs of skin ageing is your priority, ingredients with stronger evidence for that particular purpose – alongside daily sun protection – are a different conversation entirely.
What Astral can do is moisturise the skin, and if your skin is dry, that alone may improve how it looks.
After using it myself, I felt like my skin felt smoother and plumper, and I just felt pampered, but I didn’t notice any visible difference.
I’d much rather say that than promise you that a tub of moisturiser is secretly going to remove twenty years from your face!
Is Astral Cream good for your face?
Astral Cream can be used as a facial moisturiser, and that’s probably one of the uses it’s best known for.
Whether you’ll like it on your face is another matter.
It’s a fairly rich cream, so if you love thick moisturisers or your skin tends to feel dry, you might really enjoy the texture. If you prefer very lightweight gel moisturisers that disappear almost instantly, Astral may feel considerably heavier than you’re used to.
I love to use a little on my face.
I’d start with a relatively small amount rather than enthusiastically covering your face in half the tub. You can always add more if your skin needs it.
Your skin type matters too. Something that one person with very dry skin considers their holy-grail moisturiser can feel far too rich to somebody else.
Does Astral Cream clog pores?
This is a harder question to answer with a simple yes or no because everyone’s skin behaves differently.
Astral is a rich moisturiser, and some people with oily or acne-prone skin may find richer products less comfortable than those with very dry skin. That doesn’t mean everyone who uses Astral will suddenly develop clogged pores.
My experience was that I didn’t get any more or fewer spots when using Astral cream; they stayed about the same as usual!
If you’re prone to breakouts or know that your skin reacts badly to rich creams, I’d be cautious about introducing a large amount all over your face straight away.
You could try a small amount and see how your own skin responds.
And if you have persistent acne or another skin condition, I’d treat that separately rather than relying on a general moisturiser to fix it.
How to Use Astral Cream
Getting Astral cream into your daily routine is honestly a doddle, even if you’re racing around the house with your hairbrush in one hand and your toast in the other. The great thing about this classic is its richness—you don’t need to lather it on like you’re icing a cake. Just a little blob will do the trick, and you’ll soon notice your skin feeling softer, smoother, and just plain happier (which, let’s be honest, is something we could all use).
For Your Body
Let’s be honest, elbows, knees and heels have a real knack for going all rough and grumpy, don’t they? Show them a bit of love by gently rubbing Astral cream into those dry spots just after you’ve stepped out of the shower or bath. When your skin’s still a bit damp, the cream can really get to work locking in moisture. For extra dry areas, pop on a pair of cotton gloves or socks overnight.
For Your Face
If you’ve got really dry or mature skin, Astral cream is reliable at bedtime. Wash your face as usual, pat it dry—no frantic towel rubbing required—and pop on any serums you fancy. Then grab a tiny blob of Astral (a pea-sized amount is more than enough), warm it up between your fingers, and gently press it into your skin. If you have very dry skin, use Astral cream as your evening moisturiser. Apply after cleansing and any serums or treatments. If you have combination or oily skin, skip it on your face and stick to using it on your body.
As a Makeup Remover
Scoop out a bit of Astral cream and gently massage it over your face. You’ll feel it start to break down your makeup—even that mascara that takes a lot of effort to remove. Then, wipe it away with a warm, soft flannel. Rinse your face with your usual cleanser after, and there you go—clean, comfy skin with not a panda eye in sight.
Using Astral Cream on your hands
Astral works really well as a hand cream if you prefer something quite rich. You only need a small amount, particularly if you’re going to be using your hands straight afterwards, as applying too much can leave them feeling a little greasy until it has absorbed.
I found it particularly useful when my hands felt dry and needed something more substantial than a lightweight hand lotion. I also like that you don’t necessarily need to buy a separate product – if you’ve already got a tub of Astral for your face or body, you can simply use the same cream on your hands.
If your hands are particularly dry, I’d be more generous with it before bed when it doesn’t matter quite so much if the cream takes a little longer to sink in.
Using Astral Cream on dry areas of the body
You don’t have to restrict Astral Cream to your face. In fact, I think some of its best uses are on those stubborn dry areas where a lightweight body lotion sometimes doesn’t feel quite enough.
Areas such as elbows, knees, feet and other patches of dry skin can benefit from a richer moisturiser, and Astral’s thick consistency makes it easy to concentrate the cream exactly where you need it.
I wouldn’t necessarily cover my entire body in a thick layer of Astral – partly because I’d probably slide straight out of bed afterwards! – but for smaller areas that need a bit more moisture, I found it really useful.
As always, if you have persistent, cracked, inflamed or otherwise troublesome skin rather than ordinary dryness, I’d get advice rather than assuming that applying more moisturiser is necessarily the answer.
Using Astral Cream during the day or at night
You can use Astral during the day or at night, but I think it largely depends on how your skin feels about richer creams.
During the day, I’d use a relatively small amount and give it time to absorb, particularly if you’re planning to put makeup or other products over it. It’s considerably richer than some modern facial moisturisers, so applying loads and immediately trying to put foundation on top probably won’t give you the best idea of what it can do.
At night, the richer texture bothered me much less because I wasn’t worrying about how it looked or felt underneath makeup. If you like a substantial moisturiser before bed, this may actually be when you prefer using Astral.
I don’t think there’s a universal rule that says Astral is better in the morning or evening. Try it both ways and see what suits your skin and routine. Personally, I preferred a little during the day when I felt I needed it (and didn’t have make up on) but mostly using it at night.
Who would I recommend Astral Cream to?
I think Astral makes most sense for somebody who likes a rich, traditional moisturiser and isn’t particularly interested in having ten different active ingredients in every skincare product.
I’d be more inclined to recommend it to someone whose skin tends towards dryness than somebody who already struggles with very oily skin and dislikes heavier creams.
It’s also worth considering if you want one straightforward moisturiser that you can use on your face, hands and other dry areas rather than buying lots of separate products.
On the other hand, if you’re specifically shopping for an anti-ageing treatment, acne treatment or another targeted skincare product, Astral wouldn’t automatically be my first choice simply because it’s inexpensive and moisturising.
Best for:
- Very dry skin
- Hands, elbows, knees and heels
- Mature skin
- Budget skincare
- Overnight moisturising
Not best for:
- Oily skin
- Acne-prone faces
- People avoiding fragrance
- Anyone wanting SPF or retinol-style skincare benefits
Would I buy Astral Cream again?
After actually using Astral Cream, I would definitely buy it again for when I just want a nice, easy moisturiser. For makeup removal or anything else, I would buy a more specific product.
I can certainly understand why it’s lasted for so many years. There’s something quite refreshing about a product that isn’t trying to persuade you that your face has seventeen different problems that all require separate £40 serums.
But whether it’s right for you ultimately comes down to what you want from a moisturiser and, most importantly, what your own skin likes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Astral cream good for wrinkles?
While it is not an anti-ageing cream with retinol, it helps plump up the skin with intense moisture. Dry skin makes fine lines look deeper. By keeping your skin highly moisturised, this cream helps lines look softer and less noticeable.
Is Astral cream good for your face?
It depends on your skin type. If you have very dry skin, it can work well as a night cream. For normal, combination, or oily skin, it’s too heavy and may cause breakouts.
Can I use Astral cream every day?
Yes, you can use it as often as needed. Most people apply it 2-4 times a day on particularly dry areas.
Is Astral cruelty-free?
I found some retailer listings saying Astral is not tested on animals, but I couldn’t find a clear cruelty-free certification from Leaping Bunny or similar. If cruelty-free certification matters to you, I’d recommend checking directly with the brand before buying.
Does Astral cream contain parabens?
Yes, the ingredients list includes propylparaben as a preservative.
Can I use Astral on my hands?
Absolutely. It’s particularly good for dry, cracked hands. Apply after every hand wash for best results. The British Association of Dermatologists recommends using emollients frequently throughout the day to protect your hands.
How long does a pot of Astral cream last?
It depends on how much you use, but a 200ml pot typically lasts several months with daily use.
Does it work on eczema or sensitive skin?
Many people with dry skin conditions find relief with this cream because it creates a protective barrier. However, everyone’s skin is different. If you have highly sensitive skin or severe eczema, it is always a good idea to do a patch test on a small area first.
Does Astral cream clog pores?
It can clog pores for some people, particularly if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
Does this cream contain sunscreen?
No, it does not contain SPF. If you use it on your face during the day, make sure to apply a separate sunscreen over it to protect your skin from sun damage.
Can you use Astral cream overnight?
Yes, it works well as a night cream, especially for dry skin.
Can Astral cream be used as a cleanser?
Some people use it to remove makeup because of its thick texture.
Is Astral cream greasy?
It can feel greasy, especially if you use too much. Using a small amount helps.
Is Astral cream still popular?
Yes, it’s still widely used in the UK because it’s affordable and effective.
Is Astral Cream anti-ageing?
I’d describe Astral primarily as a moisturiser rather than a dedicated anti-ageing treatment. Moisturised skin can look smoother and plumper, particularly if it was dry, but that’s different from claiming that a moisturiser reverses skin ageing.
Overall Thoughts
Astral cream isn’t fancy, and it won’t win any awards for cutting-edge skincare or stylish containers. But it does exactly what it promises: it effectively moisturises dry skin at an affordable price.
Is it perfect? No. The heavy texture won’t suit everyone, and it’s not the best choice for your face if you’re prone to breakouts. But as a body moisturiser or hand cream? It’s hard to beat, especially at such a low cost.
If you grew up watching your mum slather on Astral cream, give it a try. You might just understand why she’s been loyal to that blue tub all these years.
Where to buy: Available at Boots, Superdrug, and Express Chemist. Prices start from around £1.85 for the 50ml pot.
