When you have dry skin, you’re all too familiar with the challenges: tightness, flaking, and that pesky ashy look that seems to surface as soon as you step out of the shower. It’s all due to a lack of moisture in your skin’s natural barrier, which is why a high-quality moisturizer for dry skin is a must-have. But finding the perfect one isn’t always easy; you need to consider your specific skin concerns and the finish you desire, whether it’s matte, light, or dewy.
Thankfully, we’ve made it our mission to test and use the finest moisturizers on the market, so we can confidently recommend the best options for dry skin year-round. Those with dry skin should seek out cream-based moisturizers, which have a richer consistency and are typically the most effective at locking in hydration. Our top picks not only alleviate tightness and irritation but also seal in moisture without clogging pores, work well under makeup, and leave your skin soft and content.
We even consulted the experts: Dr. Thomas Griffin Jr., a board-certified dermatologist with a focus on cosmetic dermatology, and Vanessa Thomas, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Freelance Formulations, to get their insights on what to look for in a moisturizer for dry skin.
The product can be applied to both your face and body, and its essential ceramides and thick, creamy texture provide deep hydration.
However, the cream’s thickness can make it challenging to dispense with a pump.
CeraVe has earned a reputation as a go-to brand among dermatologists, and it certainly delivers. We applied it twice daily and saw immediate results; our flakes vanished, our itching was gone, and our skin felt soft and supple. It even lasted through a round of hand-washing, proving its durability.
For those with sensitive skin or eczema, it never caused irritation or stinging. We were delighted to find that it was rich enough to nourish without feeling greasy or sticky under makeup. The creamy texture does require caution when applying it under makeup to avoid overdoing it.
The formula includes ceramides, which retain moisture and restore the skin, glycerin, which draws moisture into the skin, and petrolatum, an occlusive that seals everything in, preventing water loss and protecting the skin barrier.
Despite its thick consistency, it absorbs quickly; we also appreciated its versatility, allowing us to apply it to our hands, arms, and legs. Our skin felt super hydrated for hours after the first application. The price is unbeatable, and for the quality and quantity you receive, CeraVe really offers great value.
Our only gripe was that the cream’s richness made it difficult to use with a pump dispenser; a slightly thinner consistency or a different dispenser style would make it easier to apply.
Formulation: Cream | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
It offers SPF 30 and helps to smooth and even out the skin texture over time.
It offers SPF 30 and helps to smooth and even out the skin texture over time.
Due to the SPF content, this is a daytime moisturizer, so you’ll need a separate product for nighttime.
La Roche-Posay is a beloved brand, and we wholeheartedly agree: We were so impressed with this moisturizer that it also topped our list of the best drugstore moisturizers we’ve ever tested. Despite being oil-free, it leaves behind a natural, dewy finish, reminiscent of a pleasant sunscreen’s glow without the usual sunscreen’s film-like feel.
We tested it during the fall, and over the course of two weeks, we noticed that our skin gradually looked more even-toned and hydrated than usual during the cool autumn months. This is likely due to the niacinamide in the formula, which refines skin texture, reduces discoloration, and strengthens the skin barrier to prevent water loss and dryness. The formula also includes squalane, which softens the skin.
Our skin felt incredibly smooth and silky—no flaking, redness, or irritation. However, due to the SPF, it can sting if it gets into your eyes, so be cautious when applying it around that area. One morning application lasted all day, and we appreciated that the moisturizer never became greasy.
While we love that this moisturizer is dual-purpose with the added SPF, it does mean that it’s not suitable for nighttime use, and you’ll need a separate cream for your evening skincare routine.
Formulation: Cream | Key Ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, niacinamide, ceramide 3, glycerin, squalane
It reduces redness and soothes severe dryness around sensitive areas.
The higher price point seems a bit unjustified when compared to the size.
The cream’s smooth texture and finish were among our favorites. It absorbed quickly, leaving our skin soft, silky, and with a dewy glow without feeling sticky. It was a perfect blend of lightweight and creamy, spreading easily on our face like softened butter.
What we loved most was how effectively it combated dryness. We had been dealing with severe dryness around the eyelids, nose, and lips due to a drying acne cleanser before using this cream.
After applying the moisturizer, we noticed that it not only reduced redness and irritation but also provided lasting hydration to soothe those sensitive areas overnight, making it an ideal night cream. Upon waking up, our faces still felt moisturized. This is consistent with the cream’s claim of providing up to 72 hours of hydration.
The moisturizer contains 4.5% squalane and glacial glycoprotein, a natural compound derived from Antarctic glaciers known for protecting the skin from cold and dryness, and providing long-lasting hydration.
While the cream is pricey for the amount you get, the quality and feel justify the investment.
Formulation: Cream | Key Ingredients: Squalane, glacial glycoprotein
It provides immediate relief and the rich texture offers intense, non-greasy nourishment.
Overapplication can leave a residue on the skin.
For very dry skin, we believe this is one of the best moisturizers we’ve ever used. Upon application, our faces looked as if they’d been refreshed with eight glasses of water. It was as if our severely dehydrated skin had just received a jolt of extreme hydration; we loved how rejuvenated and revitalized we appeared. Plus, the additional hydration helped our makeup apply more smoothly, which is a bonus for flaky skin.
The texture is thick and lush yet didn’t leave us looking greasy. Due to its richness, it takes about five minutes for the cream to fully absorb into the skin. It also took us some time to figure out the right amount to use since it comes in a jar, and using too much left residue, making it harder to fully rub in.
Despite this, the cream worked immediately, felt great, and quickly became a staple in our routine. It’s dermatologist-tested and formulated with colloidal oatmeal, which relieves itching and irritation, allantoin, which calms and soothes, and shea butter, which locks everything in. We didn’t experience any sensitivity, and we particularly liked that the cream is fragrance-free.
We’ll definitely continue using this, especially during the harsh winter months when our faces feel like they’re about to flake off. Dry skin is challenging enough, but when you need that extra boost, this moisturizer’s rich, luxurious texture is just the thing to fill in those gaps.
Formulation: Cream | Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, allantoin, shea butter
It’s allergy-tested, and the gel texture offers a very clean and lightweight hydration without irritation.
The price may seem high for the amount you receive.
We didn’t expect to fall in love with a gel moisturizer for dry skin, but this one surprised us with its effectiveness. It’s been dermatologist- and allergy-tested; in fact, our most sensitive-skinned tester, whose skin usually reacts to everything, had no issues.
We also loved that the moisturizer had no scent, minimizing the risk of irritation or reaction. Compared to other moisturizers on this list, the aloe-infused formula is extremely lightweight and feels like a splash of water. It absorbs into the skin very quickly, and we noticed a difference in texture after a few consistent uses: Our faces felt softer and smoother without any greasiness.
Since it’s not a creamy moisturizer, the finish is non-heavy, clean, and dewy, disappearing into the skin as long as you don’t overdo the application. The formula includes aloe, which calms and hydrates, hyaluronic acid for plumping and smoothing, and vitamins E and C, which offer antioxidant protection against environmental stressors that can further dry out the skin.
A little goes a long way, which is good news because the bottle is on the smaller side, and the price might make you blink twice. However, since you don’t need much, you can easily make the jar last a long time.
Formulation: Gel | Key Ingredients: Aloe bioferment, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E
Our top pick is the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for its deep nourishment, ceramides, and versatility for both face and body use. For extremely dry skin that requires an extra boost, the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair is a great choice, as it completely revives the skin with long-lasting, intense hydration that’s non-greasy.
For dry skin, moisture is paramount, so look for hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients. Griffin advises to seek out humectants, which draw water into the skin and hold it, such as hyaluronic acid and lactic acid.
Additionally, look for emollients like lipids, oils, colloidal oatmeal, and shea butter, which help repair the skin barrier, soften, and deeply nourish. The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Moisturizer, for instance, includes colloidal oatmeal and shea butter for intense hydration.
If your skin is dry and prone to acne, Griffin warns to be cautious with oils, as they may lead to clogged pores. Ensure your moisturizer is labeled as non-comedogenic.
Thomas suggests looking for moisturizers that contain one or more of the following:
Glycerin, a humectant that draws moisture from the air into your skin. According to Thomas, glycerin’s small molecular weight allows it to penetrate more easily, speed up wound healing, and seal in moisture.
Hyaluronic acid, which attracts and binds to water molecules, providing deep hydration. It’s generally suitable for all skin types.
Ceramides, which protect the skin barrier and lock in moisture, helping to prevent dryness and irritation.
Our overall best pick, the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, contains all three ingredients mentioned above.
There are also ingredients that can commonly irritate dry skin. Here are some to avoid:
Alcohols: Alcohol in skincare can strip your skin of moisture, exacerbating dry skin. Most products won’t specify exactly how much alcohol is in the formula, but Thomas offers a tip: Check where it falls in the ingredient list. “The higher up on the ingredients list an ingredient is, the higher the concentration,” she says. Also, note that not all alcohols are drying or harmful—fatty alcohols like cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl, and propylene glycol actually help moisturize the skin due to their emollient and occlusive properties, so don’t be afraid of the word “alcohol” itself.
Strong fragrance: “Moisturizers that are fragranced should be generally avoided, especially for those with sensitive skin,” says Griffin. Synthetic fragrances can cause irritation or contact dermatitis.
Certain acids: According to Griffin, use AHA, BHA, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid sparingly on dry skin, as these can cause irritation. Some moisturizers may include these ingredients to target concerns like acne, but on sensitive skin, they can worsen dryness, so make sure you know what your skin can handle.
Consider your additional skincare concerns beyond dryness to find a moisturizer that not only benefits dry skin but also addresses other issues.
For dry, acne-prone skin, look for a non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog pores, such as the dermatologist-tested CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. For redness, eczema, or ultra-sensitive skin, opt for calming ingredients like niacinamide, tea tree extract, green tea extract, or aloe vera to help soothe and reduce inflammation. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream uses glacial glycoprotein, a natural compound derived from Antarctic glaciers, to cool and soothe the skin, and reduce redness. Our best pick for sensitive skin, the Clinique Moisture Surge, includes aloe in its formula to calm redness and irritation as well.
If you’re dealing with stubborn spots or hyperpigmentation, choose a moisturizer with brightening ingredients like niacinamide or one with SPF to help even out your skin tone. We love the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer for this: It has SPF 30 and niacinamide, and with consistent use, it refined our skin tone and texture, leaving us with dewy, glowy, and well-hydrated skin.
This article was written by Nusrat Sultana, an editor for Real Simple with six years of experience covering lifestyle and beauty. A skincare enthusiast, she is particularly passionate about K-beauty and Japanese skincare, having advocated for it for nearly a decade. She cherishes a radiant, dewy complexion.
Nusrat has combination skin, and using the wrong moisturizer can lead to dry patches and tightness, so she appreciates a quality, cream-based formula. She particularly enjoys Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream and the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer (our top picks for daily and nighttime use).
