The buying guide: The best moisturisers and serums for all your in-flight skincare needs

Frequent flying may look glamorous, but your skin would beg to differ. Between the 10 to 20 per cent humidity in aeroplane cabins (that’s drier than the Sahara Desert) and recycled air that strips moisture from your face faster than a long-haul itinerary, even the most resilient complexions can end up dehydrated, dull, or irritated.

For regular business travellers and jet-setting executives, this means a little pre-flight prep can make the difference between landing glowing or grey.

The good news? Maintaining radiant, healthy skin mid-air isn’t complicated — it just requires intention. The proper in-flight skincare and aeroplane skin routine can help you fight dryness, protect your moisture barrier, and even catch a few hours of rest without worrying about a post-flight breakout.

Flying doesn’t have to mean compromising on your best moisturiser, face mask, or any semblance of skincare luxury.

Editor’s highlights: Skincare heroes to pack for every flight

• For barrier repair: Allies of Skin Molecular Barrier Recovery Cream Balm ($155.70) — A hydration powerhouse for cabin air. Ceramides and niacinamide fortify the skin barrier, locking in moisture through long-haul flights.
• For brightening post-flight dullness: Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum ($82 for 15ml/$139 for 30ml/$199 for 50ml) — A potent antioxidant serum that restores radiance and evens tone after hours in dry, recycled air.
• For all-over indulgence: La Mer The Body Crème ($461; $475, 3% off) — A decadent body treatment enriched with Miracle Broth that turns post-flight dryness into soft, luminous skin.

Why skincare matters on a plane

At altitude, air pressure and humidity both drop sharply, reducing the skin’s natural ability to retain moisture. That’s why even the most hydrating face moisturiser can evaporate faster than usual. Cabin air also increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL), leaving your skin tight and thirsty.

At the same time, the change in altitude can trigger inflammation, breakouts, or sensitivity — especially if you’re already using active ingredients like retinol or vitamin C.

A streamlined aeroplane skin routine helps reinforce the skin barrier and prevents dehydration before it starts. Think of it as armour — light, effective, and travel-sized.

That is why you can’t leave out a gentle face wash to clear impurities before take-off, a hydrating serum to keep the glow grounded, and a reliable lip balm and eye cream to ensure no one mistakes jet lag for fatigue.

How to maintain skincare on a plane

• Simplify your routine: Stick to a cleanser, hydrating serum, and a good face moisturiser. Layering too many products can backfire in low humidity.
• Go waterless: Swap rinse-off products for cleansing oils or micellar wipes to keep things efficient (and avoid awkwardly queuing for the lavatory).
• Hydrate inside and out: Drink water regularly, as caffeine and alcohol are dehydration traps. A mist or toner spray can provide instant refreshment mid-flight.
• Lock it in: Seal everything with a barrier-boosting cream or balm, especially if you’re prone to dryness around the nose and mouth.
• Use a face mask — discreetly: A thin, leave-on hydrating face mask works wonders mid-flight without scaring seatmates.

Skincare habits to avoid at altitude

• No actives mid-air: Skip your retinol serum or exfoliating acids. Cabin air weakens your barrier, making skin more sensitive to irritation.
• Avoid makeup (mostly): Foundations and powders dehydrate skin further and clog pores; a tinted moisturiser or SPF is plenty.
• Don’t over-mist: Hydrating sprays feel refreshing but can paradoxically dry you out if not sealed with a cream.
• Skip alcohol-heavy wipes or toners: These strip away oils your skin desperately needs to retain moisture.

Pre-flight purification: Cleanse, tone, and prep

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil

Price: $53

Flying begins long before boarding — and so should your skincare. Sulwhasoo’s Gentle Cleansing Oil uses Korean ginseng seed oil and jojoba extract to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and pollution buildup without stripping the skin’s barrier.

The result is a clean, supple complexion that feels hydrated, not tight. Its lightweight texture emulsifies effortlessly with water, making it ideal as the first step of your aeroplane skin routine or for a quick refresh before an overnight flight.

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner

Price: $39 for 100ml/$69 for 250ml

A cult favourite for good reason, this rose-petal-infused toner delivers an instant hit of moisture. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and rosewater, it softens skin and balances pH, leaving your face primed for long-haul conditions.

Alcohol-free and refreshingly light, it’s the pre-flight equivalent of a business-class upgrade for your complexion — the ideal start to any in-flight skincare routine.

In-flight defence: Strengthen the skin barrier

Allies of Skin Molecular Barrier Recovery Cream Balm

Price: $155.70

Cabin air humidity averages just 10 per cent, but this ceramide-rich balm ensures your skin never gets the memo. Designed to support the skin’s microbiome, it contains medical-grade honey, shea butter, and niacinamide to strengthen and soothe even sensitised skin.

The dense yet breathable texture forms a comforting veil that locks in hydration for hours — your invisible shield against recycled air and fatigue. For travellers seeking the best moisturiser for altitude, this one earns its frequent-flyer miles.

Erborian Ginseng Super Serum

Price: $70

For skin that’s been through time zones and turbulence, Erborian’s Ginseng Super Serum offers an instant revival. Formulated with 80 per cent ginseng root extract, peptides, and a prebiotic complex, this lightweight gel strengthens the skin barrier and smooths fine lines caused by dehydration.

The texture melts in without residue, leaving skin firm yet supple — a modern twist on K-beauty’s ancient herbal wisdom. Elegant, practical, and surprisingly weightless, it’s the ideal anti-ageing serum to keep your complexion grounded while you’re miles above it.

Altitude hydration: Masks and lip care essentials

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask EX

Price: $43.45 ($51, 15% off)

The ultimate in-flight face mask, this cult classic replenishes hydration levels while you sleep — or snooze through turbulence. Packed with squalane and a probiotic complex, it strengthens the skin barrier and restores moisture balance overnight.

The lightweight gel texture glides on invisibly, leaving skin soft, dewy, and pillow-crease-proof, making it a must-have for anyone who takes their aeroplane skin routine seriously.

Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask

Price: $49

Cabin air and chapped lips are a cruel match. This Japanese jelly balm blends peach extract, camellia oil, and squalane to lock in moisture and smooth fine lines. The cushiony texture creates a soft sheen without stickiness, keeping lips hydrated through the driest conditions.

It’s easily one of the best lip balms for long-haul flights — a little luxury in a tiny pot.

Post-landing revival: Brighten, de-puff, and restore

Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Price: $82 for 15ml/$139 for 30ml/$199 for 50ml

A red-eye’s worst enemy, Sunday Riley’s C.E.O. Brightening Serum delivers a potent dose of 15 per cent THD ascorbate, one of the most stable and powerful forms of vitamin C. It targets dullness, uneven tone, and fine lines while squalane and phytosterols keep skin plump and hydrated.

The citrus-infused formula absorbs quickly and layers beautifully under moisturiser or SPF, making it one of the best vitamin C serums for frequent flyers. Expect skin that looks fresh, luminous, and remarkably well-rested — even if you’re not.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme Synchronized Multi-Recovery

Price: $130 for 15ml

The ultimate antidote to red-eye flights. This upgraded eye cream blends hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and Chronolux Power Signal Technology to hydrate, smooth, and visibly brighten the under-eye area.

Its cooling gel texture instantly soothes puffiness while reducing the look of dark circles over time. Slip it into your carry-on — it’s the best eye cream for dark circles and fatigue, keeping you looking composed from tarmac to terminal.

Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum

Price: $108.50

Celebrity facialist Shani Darden’s cult serum makes retinol gentle enough for post-flight skin. Formulated with encapsulated retinol and lactic acid, it resurfaces texture while minimising irritation — ideal for reviving skin that’s endured recycled cabin air.

It’s hydrating, smoothing, and proven to reduce fine lines over time — the best retinol serum for frequent flyers who prefer results without the downtime.

Beyond the cabin: Body & long-term repair

La Mer The Body Crème

Price: $461 ($475, 3% off)

After you’ve landed, passed customs and collapsed into a hotel bed, your skin still carries the toll of altitude, air-conditioning and recycled cabin air. Enter The Body Crème by La Mer: a sumptuous body ritual in a jar.

Enriched with the brand’s legendary “Miracle Broth” and potent sea-based extracts, this body cream envelops your skin in a cocoon of hydration, smoothing texture and imparting a luminous, satin finish.

Heavy enough to feel like a treat, yet refined enough for daily travel use, it’s the body-care equivalent of an upgrade to first class.

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