Astral Cream Review: How Good Is This Classic Moisturiser?
Astral Cream All Over Moisturiser has been a British skincare staple since the 1950s, trusted by generations for one simple reason: it works.
But does this budget-friendly cream deserve a place in your modern skincare routine? I’ve put it to the test to find out whether Astral lives up to the hype, or if it’s just nostalgic packaging with nothing special inside.
What Is Astral Cream?
Astral is an all-over moisturiser designed for the face 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. 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.
What’s Actually In It?
Astral’s formula is built around a few key ingredients:
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 Modern lanolin is highly purified, so concerns about pesticides or irritation are largely outdated.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.
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.
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.
How to Use Astral Cream
For your body: Apply liberally after a shower or bath while your skin is still slightly damp. Focus on dry areas like elbows, knees, and feet. For extra dry areas, pop on a pair of cotton gloves or socks overnight.
For your face: 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: Massage a small amount onto your face to break down makeup, then wipe away with a damp cloth. Follow up with your usual cleanser.
Who is Astral Cream perfect for?
Astral cream is brilliant for:
- People with very dry or mature skin
- Anyone on a tight budget
- Those who need a reliable body moisturiser
- Anyone looking for a simple, no-nonsense product
It’s probably not the best choice for:
- People with oily or acne-prone skin (especially on the face)
- Those with very sensitive skin or fragrance allergies
- Anyone looking for anti-ageing benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
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?
Astral cream doesn’t appear on official cruelty-free lists, and information about animal testing isn’t readily available on their packaging or website. If this is important to you, reach out to the manufacturer for clarification, as I struggled to find anything to confirm or deny it being cruelty-free.
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.
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.
