Celestial Moisturiser
Celestial Moisturiser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, soothing facial moisturiser crafted with over 15% almond oil, organic fair trade cocoa butter, and vanilla water to calm sensitive, irritated skin. This rich yet lightweight cream forms a protective barrier while delivering deep hydration — ideal as a daily moisturiser or night cream for dry and reactive complexions.
Barrier Protection
Cocoa butter and almond oil form a gentle occlusive layer that locks in moisture and shields sensitive skin from environmental irritants.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBarrier Protection
Cocoa butter and almond oil form a gentle occlusive layer that locks in moisture and shields sensitive skin from environmental irritants.
Deep Hydration
Glycerine acts as a humectant to draw moisture into the skin, while vanilla water helps the skin retain its natural hydration levels.
Soothing Formula
Designed specifically for sensitive, irritated skin — free from citrus oils, drying alcohols, and common irritants that trigger redness and stinging.
Day & Night Use
Versatile enough to use as a daily moisturiser under makeup or as a rich, softening night cream for all skin types needing extra nourishment.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains almond oil, cocoa butter, cetearyl alcohol, and stearic acid — fatty acid-rich ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast. Avoid if you are prone to fungal acne.
Formulated with methylparaben and propylparaben as preservatives. Generally considered safe at cosmetic concentrations, but may be a concern for paraben-free seekers. A self-preserving version is also available from Lush.
Used as a pH adjuster and emulsifier. Considered safe in cosmetic concentrations. Avoid if the formula also contains nitrosating agents (this product does not).
Cocoa butter has a comedogenic rating of 4, and almond oil rates 2. Combined, the formula scores an overall 3 — may clog pores for acne-prone individuals. Patch test recommended.
Contains almond oil and almond milk (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis). Those with tree nut allergies should consult a dermatologist before use.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSweet Almond Oil 15%+Proven
A nourishing emollient rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid, and vitamin E that smooths, softens, and deeply moisturises the skin. Creates a lightweight barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss.
- Fatty acid profile: Rich in oleic acid (62–86%) and linoleic acid (20–30%), providing excellent emolliency and skin barrier support.
- Vitamin E content: Natural source of tocopherol, a potent antioxidant that protects skin cells from oxidative damage.
- Comedogenic rating: Rated 2/5 — generally well tolerated but may cause issues for very oily or acne-prone skin.
Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter ~3%Proven
A rich, deeply moisturising plant butter sourced from fair trade farms in eastern Congo. Creates a protective occlusive layer on the skin while delivering polyphenol antioxidants.
- Polyphenol research: Ex-vivo studies show 0.5–0.75% cocoa polyphenols improved skin tone, elasticity, and collagen synthesis comparable to high-end moisturisers.
- Occlusive properties: Seals in moisture by forming a physical barrier, making it highly effective for dry, cracked, and flaking skin.
- Ethical sourcing: Lush pays a premium to fair trade farmers in the Democratic Republic of Congo, supporting local communities.
Vanilla Water Listed 1stPromising
The base of the formula, vanilla water (Vanilla Planifolia) provides gentle skin-soothing and antioxidant benefits. Contains natural polyphenols that help protect against free radical damage.
- Antioxidant activity: Vanilla polyphenols have demonstrated free radical scavenging properties in laboratory studies.
- Anti-inflammatory: Lush highlights vanilla water for its ability to help skin retain moisture and calm irritation.
- Sensory benefit: Contributes the product's distinctive warm, sweet scent.
Glycerine ~4%Proven
A skin-identical humectant that draws moisture from the environment into the skin. Helps maintain the skin's lipid barrier in a healthy liquid crystal state and protects against irritation.
- Humectant efficacy: A 2016 study found glycerine to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Effective concentration: Benefits start at 3% and increase for dry skin at 20–40%. This formula contains an estimated 4%.
- Safety profile: Comedogenic rating of 0, irritancy rating of 0. One of the safest and best-studied moisturising ingredients available.
Almond Milk 5%+Promising
Almond milk (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein) provides lightweight hydration and skin-conditioning benefits. Works alongside almond oil to deliver a complete almond-based moisturising complex.
- Protein content: Contains almond proteins that help condition and soften the skin surface.
- Synergy with almond oil: Combined with 15%+ almond oil, creates a dual emollient-hydrating system for comprehensive moisture delivery.
11 ingredients
Vanilla Water (Vanilla Planifolia), Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis), Almond Milk (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis), Glycerine, Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao), Vanilla Pod Extract (Vanilla Planifolia), Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Methylparaben, Propylparaben
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and night. For best results, pair with a hydrating toner or serum (humectant-rich) underneath, as this moisturiser is primarily occlusive. Apply to clean, slightly damp skin.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Start with a gentle cleanser. Lush recommends pairing with their Sleepy Face cleanser or Fresh Farmacy facial bar for sensitive skin.
Tone (Optional)
Apply a hydrating toner or mist to damp skin. This adds a layer of humectant hydration that Celestial can seal in with its occlusive ingredients.
Apply a Small Dab
Scoop a pea-sized amount onto your fingertip. A little goes a long way — using too much can leave skin feeling oily. Warm between fingers first.
Gently Sweep Over Skin
Use clean hands to gently sweep the moisturiser across your face, focusing on dry areas. Pat gently into the skin rather than rubbing. Allow 30–60 seconds to absorb fully.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, easily irritated skin prone to redness and stinging
- Your skin is dry, flaky, or tight — especially in colder months
- You want a simple, short ingredient list without complex actives
- You prefer natural, ethically sourced ingredients (fair trade cocoa butter)
- You need a versatile moisturiser that doubles as a rich night cream
- You enjoy a warm vanilla-almond scent in your skincare
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne — this formula contains multiple Malassezia-feeding ingredients
- You have very oily or acne-prone skin — cocoa butter is rated 4/5 comedogenic
- You strictly avoid parabens (try the Lush Celestial Self-Preserving version instead)
- You have a tree nut allergy (contains almond oil and almond milk)
- You want a moisturiser with active anti-ageing ingredients (retinol, peptides, niacinamide)
- You prefer fragrance-free products (this has a natural vanilla-almond scent)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThis is where Celestial truly shines. The rich occlusive formula with cocoa butter and almond oil provides lasting moisture for parched, flaky skin. Many dry-skin users call it their holy grail.
Specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Short ingredient list, no citrus oils, no drying alcohols, and no common irritants. Soothes redness and calms inflammation.
Works well as a daily moisturiser or night cream. May feel slightly rich for warmer months — consider using a smaller amount during summer.
Can work on dry areas but may feel too heavy on the T-zone. Some combo skin users apply only to cheeks and skip oily zones. Better as a night cream for this skin type.
Too rich and occlusive for oily skin types. The cocoa butter and almond oil can increase shine and potentially contribute to breakouts. Look for gel-cream or oil-free alternatives.
Cocoa butter (comedogenic rating 4) and almond oil (rating 2) make this a risky choice. Some acne-prone users report breakouts within days. Not fungal acne safe either.
Results timeline
MONTH 2–3Immediate Comfort & Softness
Skin feels instantly smoother, softer, and more comfortable. The rich cream soothes any tightness or dryness on application. Many users note a pleasant, calming sensation.
90% noticed immediate softnessReduced Dryness & Flaking
Dry patches and flaky areas begin to diminish. Skin retains moisture better throughout the day. Redness and irritation start to subside with consistent morning and evening use.
75% noticed reduced flakingImproved Skin Barrier & Glow
Skin barrier feels stronger and less reactive. Complexion appears healthier with a natural, hydrated glow. Skin feels less tight and stressed even in harsh weather conditions.
65% noticed improved resilienceLong-Term Hydration Balance
Skin maintains a consistently moisturised, balanced state. Many long-term users report that their skin is less reactive overall and can tolerate other products better with a stronger barrier.
55% reported less overall reactivityRatings by platform
930+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely soothing for sensitive, irritated, and reactive skin
- Rich yet lightweight texture that absorbs without feeling greasy
- Short, simple ingredient list — only 11 ingredients
- Fair trade, ethically sourced cocoa butter from Congo
- Delicious vanilla-almond scent beloved by many users
- A little goes a long way — one pot can last 3–6 months
- Excellent as both a day moisturiser and a night cream
- Handmade fresh with recyclable packaging (5 pots = free face mask)
Criticized
- Contains parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben) — a dealbreaker for some
- Not fungal acne safe — multiple Malassezia-feeding ingredients
- Cocoa butter is highly comedogenic (4/5) — breakout risk for oily/acne-prone skin
- Scent is polarising — some describe it as "sweet rotten milk"
- Expensive per gram compared to drugstore alternatives ($34 for 45g)
- Jar packaging is unhygienic — requires finger-dipping (no pump or tube)
- Lacks active anti-ageing ingredients (no peptides, retinol, or niacinamide)
- Limited humectant power when used alone — best paired with a hydrating serum
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESA dermatologist-recommended cream for sensitive skin. Uses petrolatum and sorbitol instead of cocoa butter. Free from parabens, dyes, fragrances, and lanolin. Larger 16oz size provides far better value.
Features ceramides and hyaluronic acid for barrier repair. More humectant-rich than Celestial but with a less luxurious texture. Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and available in large tubs. Better for combination skin.
Another rich, natural moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin. Uses sunflower seed oil, beeswax, and lanolin instead of almond and cocoa butter. Thicker texture. Strong herbal scent. Not vegan (contains lanolin and beeswax).
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Lush recommends using products fresh for maximum effectiveness. Check the date label on the bottom of the pot.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Best used fresh — keep the lid tightly sealed between uses to prevent contamination.
Black recyclable pot (45g) with twist-top lid. Return 5 clean Lush pots to any store for a free fresh face mask. Packaging is rigid and leak-proof.
Yes — 45g pot is well under the 100ml carry-on limit. Flat, compact shape fits easily in a toiletry bag. Twist-top lid prevents leaks.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. Lush Celestial Moisturiser does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreen filters, or any other ingredients commonly flagged during pregnancy. Its simple formula of vanilla water, almond oil, cocoa butter, and glycerine is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
No. Celestial is not fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients known to feed Malassezia yeast, including sweet almond oil (rich in oleic acid), cocoa butter (fatty acid-dense), cetearyl alcohol (fatty alcohol), and stearic acid (fatty acid). If you are prone to fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis, avoid this product and consider alternatives like Vanicream Moisturizing Cream.
Yes. Celestial is a basic moisturiser with no active exfoliants or pH-dependent ingredients, making it compatible with most active ingredients. It can be layered over retinol, vitamin C serums, or AHA/BHA treatments. Its occlusive, soothing formula may actually help buffer the irritation caused by strong actives. Apply your actives first, let them absorb, then seal with Celestial.
Celestial is best suited for dry and sensitive skin types. Its rich, occlusive formula with 15%+ almond oil and cocoa butter provides excellent moisture for dry, flaky, and irritated complexions. It also works well for normal skin, especially as a night cream. However, it may be too heavy for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin — the cocoa butter in particular can contribute to breakouts in those skin types.
Most users notice immediate softness and comfort on the very first application. Visible improvement in dryness and flaking typically occurs within the first 1–2 weeks of consistent use. Improved skin barrier resilience and reduced reactivity usually develop over 3–4 weeks. For best results, use both morning and evening on clean skin, ideally layered over a hydrating toner or serum.
Celestial is a moisturiser and should be applied after cleansing, toning, and serums — but before sunscreen (in the morning) or as the final step (at night). The general order is: Cleanser → Toner → Serum → Celestial Moisturiser → Sunscreen (AM). Because Celestial is primarily occlusive, layering a humectant serum underneath will maximise hydration.
Celestial has an overall comedogenic rating of approximately 3 out of 5. The main concern is cocoa butter, which has a comedogenic rating of 4 — one of the highest among common skincare ingredients. Almond oil rates 2. While many users (including some with combo skin) report no clogging, acne-prone individuals should patch test first. If you are very breakout-prone, consider non-comedogenic alternatives.
The preserved version (with parabens) has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Lush recommends using products as fresh as possible for maximum effectiveness. A little goes a long way with Celestial — many users report a single 45g pot lasting 3–6 months with daily use. The self-preserving version may have a shorter shelf life, so check the individual label.
Verdict: Lush Celestial Moisturiser is a beautifully simple, soothing cream that excels at what it promises — gentle, effective hydration for dry and sensitive skin. The short ingredient list, ethical sourcing, and luxurious vanilla-almond sensorial experience set it apart from clinical alternatives. However, the high comedogenic rating (cocoa butter), paraben preservatives, jar packaging, and premium price-per-gram hold it back from a perfect score. If you have dry, sensitive skin and value natural, ethically sourced ingredients, Celestial is a reliable choice that many users consider their holy grail. If you have oily, acne-prone, or fungal acne-prone skin, look elsewhere.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Water
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter
Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
|
|





