“I’m totally obsessed with this cream”: Bella Hadid uses 8 tubes a month, and it costs less than 10 €
A moisturizer that costs less than €10 and is selling out all over the world, used by celebrities who could afford any luxury skincare product. This paradox is intriguing, and the answer lies in a single name: Weleda Skin Food.
A century-old product that has become an international cult favorite
Launched in 1926 and virtually unchanged since then, Weleda Skin Food is now one of the world’s best-selling products, according to the brand. For years, it remained a well-kept secret in natural pharmacies, prized by insiders and professional makeup artists alike. Today, however, it has established itself as a must-have on the vanities of the world’s biggest beauty icons.
For example, in a beauty video for Vogue, Bella Hadid explains that she uses up to eight tubes of Skin Food a month and that she’s “totally obsessed with this cream.” For her part, Victoria Beckham asked the brand for an extra-large size. Hailey Bieber, Emily Ratajkowski, Jenna Ortega —the list of celebrities who love it goes on and on.
It’s also a regular fixture on makeup tables at fashion shows. British makeup artist Alex Saint, who has been using it for over twenty years, says that Lisa Eldridge told her it was “a real skin care treatment.” She adds that this product “saves the day in any situation.”
What really sets it apart from other treatments
Compared to classic Nivea, Skin Food takes a more natural approach and features a certified formula. Compared to the jars from the 1960s, it also offers a completely different promise, one that better meets the needs of today’s skin.
This multifunctional moisturizer is NaTrue-certified as a natural cosmetic. For those who check labels and the INCI list, this is an important detail. Dermatologists emphasize that, for very dry skin, a rich, slightly occlusive texture helps restore the skin barrier.
“It saves the day no matter what.” — Alex Saint, British makeup artist, who has been using it for over twenty years
A formula that has remained virtually unchanged since 1926: what’s in it
Weleda Skin Food is a moisturizing cream for the face and body, designed for dry, rough, or chapped skin. The formula combines sunflower and sweet almond oils with beeswax and lanolin. These ingredients form a protective barrier on the skin and help prevent moisture loss.
It also contains extracts of organic pansy, calendula, and chamomile, known for their soothing and restorative properties. As a result, the formula has remained virtually unchanged since 1926, which is rare in the cosmetics industry. If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended that you first perform a patch test on a small area.
The formula contains alcohol and fragrant essential oils. As a result, people with very sensitive skin should exercise caution before applying it generously. However, for dry to very dry skin, this occlusive texture is often ideal.
- Makeup base: Warm a tiny drop between your hands, apply it to your face, then add a small amount of foundation for a natural, healthy glow.
- Natural highlighter: Apply in small dabs to the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, the collarbones, and the décolleté to create a shimmer without glitter.
- “Wet” look: Apply to the brow bone or bare eyelids for that classic beauty magazine look.
- SOS Lip and Nose Mask: Apply a thick layer, leave on for ten minutes, then gently pat off any excess.
- Nighttime hand and foot treatment: Apply a generous amount before putting on cotton gloves or socks for ultra-repairing results.
Tips from Professional Makeup Artists
The real reason this moisturizer is a must-have everywhere? It does just about everything—and it does it well. Applied to slightly damp skin after toner or a facial mist, it locks in moisture for long-lasting hydration. Applied in a thin layer to tight areas—cheeks, around the nose, and chin—it’s also the ideal winter skincare product.
What’s more, just a tiny amount is enough to tame dry ends and frizz. So a single tube serves many purposes at once. It is precisely this multifunctional aspect that appeals to both makeup artists and celebrities.
Which version should you choose based on your skin type?
The classic version of this moisturizer is particularly effective for dry to very dry skin that has been weakened by cold, heat, and frequent washing. It is suitable for tight cheeks, chapped hands and elbows, and rough heels. However, if you have combination skin, you can reserve it for specific areas: the eye area, lips, and the sides of the nose.
For combination skin or skin prone to shine, Weleda also offers Skin Food Light. This version provides the same nourishing benefits but with a lighter, fast-absorbing texture. It’s best suited as a day cream or for use on sunny days.
Many beauty journalists point out that those with sensitive and dry skin prefer the classic version, while those with blemish-prone skin opt for the lightweight version. In both cases, the promise of nourished and soothed skin remains the same.
Price, format, and how to incorporate it into your daily routine
A 75-ml tube of Weleda Skin Food costs about €9.95, depending on the retailer, and is often a little cheaper on sale. Travel-size options are available so you can try this product with no obligation. It can be found in many pharmacies, drugstores, organic beauty stores, and on major online retailers of natural cosmetics, as well as on the brand’s website.
Its high concentration is a major advantage: one tube lasts for several months, even with daily use on multiple areas. In the morning, apply this moisturizer after your serum and light cream, only where your skin needs it, then add your sunscreen. In the evening, use it as a spot treatment night mask on your cheeks, lips, hands, and feet.
So, for those looking for a versatile, natural, and affordable moisturizer, this century-old formula remains hard to beat. Its longevity speaks for itself.
