Keeping your skin hydrated during the winter, especially if you have dry skin, is incredibly important to maintaining a healthy and balanced skin barrier. A great face moisturizer for dry skin is the best place to start, and our favorite formulas include at least one of the three moisturizing ingredients — humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Our favorite all-around pick for the best face moisturizer for dry skin, Dieux 's Instant Angel Moisturizer, contains both humectants and emollients, making it deeply nourishing and extremely beneficial for dry skin types.
Gloria Lin, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, notes that your skin's needs will likely evolve. "Skin changes throughout a person's lifetime, so you might need to change products depending on your age since what you used as a teenager may no longer work when you are in your 40s," she explains. "In addition, the skin may change depending on the season, so the products you use during the summer may not be appropriate for the winter season if there is a distinct difference in temperature and humidity."
With recommendations from Lin and a handful of tested picks, we've rounded up the best face moisturizers for dry skin across various categories.
Our top 5 picks for the best face moisturizers for dry skin
This ultra-rich, fragrance-free moisturizer is a dream come true for anyone with dry, sensitive skin, thanks to the science-backed nourishing ingredients that can help pull moisture to the skin — and keep it there. It absorbs fairly quickly, leaves a matte finish, and can be used day or night on most skin types. The hygienic, recyclable packaging doesn’t hurt, either.
This super affordable moisturizer has the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval and gets major points from dermatologists for containing three essential ceramides to support a healthy skin barrier.
Use this serum-in-a-moisturizer during your nightly routine when your skin is feeling extra thirsty, and wake up to a softer, smoother, more hydrated complexion. It may be a splurge, but you don’t need much to see and feel the effects.
The lightweight gel consistency of Belif's Aqua Bomb delivers a refreshing dose of hydration that lasts and is great for any skin type. Snag this staff favorite for 30% off.
Enriched with hyaluronic acid, this gel cream is specially formulated for extra-dry skin. The result? Up to 48 hours of hydration!
Best overall
This ultra-rich, fragrance-free moisturizer is a dream come true for anyone with dry, sensitive skin, thanks to the science-backed nourishing ingredients that can help pull moisture to the skin — and keep it there. It absorbs fairly quickly, leaves a matte finish, and can be used day or night on most skin types. The hygienic, recyclable packaging doesn’t hurt, either.
Some viral skincare products might be overhyped, but Dieux Instant Angel isn't one of them. This rich, luxurious cream contains humectants like glycerin and urea to draw water to the skin and emollient squalane to soften and nourish. The texture blends in easily and leaves behind a dewy finish and plumped effect. It can be applied morning or night and creates a beautiful base for makeup.
Best drugstore
This super affordable moisturizer has the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval and gets major points from dermatologists for containing three essential ceramides to support a healthy skin barrier.
There's no doubt that CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream is the best face moisturizer for dry skin at the drugstore. You've likely heard everyone, from your mom to your dermatologist, talking about it because it's an incredibly versatile and reliable formula. Powered by hyaluronic acid and ceramides, it's deeply hydrating and helps restore the skin barrier. It's also fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, making it a good option for sensitive skin, Dr. Lin says. Additionally, this cream can be used on both the face and body.
Best for mature skin
Use this serum-in-a-moisturizer during your nightly routine when your skin is feeling extra thirsty, and wake up to a softer, smoother, more hydrated complexion. It may be a splurge, but you don’t need much to see and feel the effects.
This innovative serum-in-cream moisturizer is a great option for mature skin. Japanese indigo extract targets redness and soothes irritation, while hyaluronic acid and ceramides hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. Mondo grass root helps boost radiance for a healthy-looking complexion. Because the formula is fragrance-free, it can also suit sensitive skin.
Best gel cream
The lightweight gel consistency of Belif's Aqua Bomb delivers a refreshing dose of hydration that lasts and is great for any skin type. Snag this staff favorite for 30% off.
belif True Cream Aqua Bomb might have a lightweight formula but also powerful hydrating properties. Claiming to penetrate 10 layers deep into the skin within 10 seconds of application, this moisturizer nourishes with squalane and hyaluronic acid. It gently brightens with niacinamide, revealing softer, more radiant, hydrated skin. It's worth noting that the price may seem a little steep to som,e considering that the jar contains less than an ounce of product.
Best lightweight
Enriched with hyaluronic acid, this gel cream is specially formulated for extra-dry skin. The result? Up to 48 hours of hydration!
The best face moisturizers for dry skin aren't necessarily heavy. Especially during the day or under makeup, lightweight moisturizers may be a better option. Neutrogena's Hydroboost formula is a customer-favorite for its weightless gel consistency that absorbs quickly while offering deep hydration. "Neutrogena Hydroboost is lightweight while still being hydrating," says Dr. Lin. "It is non-comedogenic, so it should not clog the pores. This is a cult favorite because of its easy application and non-greasy feel."
Best for sensitive skin
This moisturizer contains both hydrating ceramides and moisturizing humectants. It’s also free of any potentially irritating fragrances, preservatives, parabens, oils, and alcohol.
This moisturizer's fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula makes it an excellent option for sensitive skin. In addition to nourishing shea butter, it contains neurotensin, a peptide that helps soothe inflammation and restore the skin barrier. Dr. Lin also notes that it features La Roche Posay's proprietary thermal water, which helps reduce irritation.
Best for eczema
This steroid-free cream contains colloidal oatmeal to soothe irritation and itchiness associated with eczema and dermatitis. It can also be used on both the face and body.
It can be difficult to find a moisturizer that doesn't trigger an eczema flare-up. SkinFix's nourishing cream is formulated for both the face and body, helping to soothe irritation wherever it may occur. Colloidal oatmeal calms irritation and itchiness, while ceramides and lipids hydrate and support the skin barrier.
Best for acne-prone skin
This simple yet effective moisturizer has earned The National Eczema Foundation’s seal of approval thanks to its humectant-rich formula that’s void of dyes, fragrances, formaldehyde releasers, and parabens.
Those with sensitive or acne-prone skin will love the gentle hydration of Vanicream. Dr. Lin notes that the formula features hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, and glycerin for hydration and is free of common irritants like fragrance, dyes, and parabens. This cream absorbs quickly and is non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores.
Best for combination skin
Lightweight yet nourishing, this formula helps absorb excess oils and provide hydration. The packaging also features a pump for mess-free application.
Combination skin tends to fare better with a lightweight moisturizer formula, but it's still important to prioritize hydration. This gel cream moisturizer from SkinFix contains niacinamide and zinc to help absorb excess oil. At the same time, a soothing lipid complex moisturizes and strengthens the skin barrier, so you get the best of both worlds. The pump-in-jar applicator also makes for a mess-free application.
Best for melanated skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is an ultra-gentle hydrating product packed with soothing ingredients.
Because this lightweight formula absorbs quickly without leaving behind a white cast, it's a great option for deeper skin tones. It also packs a punch when it comes to hydrating ingredients. Dr. Lin highlights the formula's ceramides and niacinamide, which promote a healthy skin barrier. "There is also a version that contains SPF in it, which can be helpful to decrease the number of steps in the morning skincare routine," she adds.
Best for redness
Tower28’s SOS moisturizer soothes redness and irritation and hydrates with hyaluronic acid ingredients.
Tower28's SOS skincare line is tailored toward redness and sensitivity. This moisturizer features allantoin, which is used for wound healing and helps reduce redness and soothe irritation. It also contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. The texture is lightweight and fragrance-free, so it's ideal for sensitive skin types.
Best for hyperpigmentation
This dermatologist-founded brand is designed to target hyperpigmentation. Powered by vitamin C, the gel formula helps to fade dark spots while supporting the skin barrier.
Dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss created her skincare line specifically for hyperpigmentation. The collection's gel moisturizer contains vitamin C and 4-butyl resorcinol to fade discoloration, while ingredients like glycerin hydrate support the skin barrier. Fragrance-free and oil-free, it's suitable for various skin types.
Best tinted
This cult-favorite tinted moisturizer provides nourishing hydration, a glowy tint, and SPF protection.
When it comes to multitasking skin products, this one stands above the rest. bareMinerals' cult-favorite tinted moisturizer was originally formulated as a moisturizer, so it has a deeply hydrating base powered by hyaluronic acid and olive-derived squalane. The light, dewy coverage is buildable, and SPF 30 offers daily sun protection.
Best with SPF
This viral moisturizer gives skin a gorgeous, glowy finish that looks beautiful under makeup and sun protection.
If you want a sunscreen moisturizer step, look no further. Naturium's viral Dew Glow Moisturizer is not only one of the best face moisturizers for dry skin but contains a whopping SPF 50 for some serious daily sun protection. The creamy formula is easy to blend in and leaves skin looking radiant, dewy, and plump, so it's the perfect base for makeup.
What to look for
Ingredients:
Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, and shea butter have proven hydration benefits. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin act as humectants, meaning they attract and retain moisture. "Hyaluronic acid can be beneficial for the hydration of dry skin as it is a humectant that can bind an incredible amount of water," says Dr. Lin. "It is a naturally occurring substance in the human body and can be added to topical products to improve hydration and plumpness of the skin."
"Glycerin acts as a humectant to bring water to the skin, so it can be helpful in combination with other ingredients that act as an emollient," she adds.
Ceramides and shea butter are emollients, which help soften and moisturize the skin and repair the skin barrier. Dr. Lin notes that shea butter also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Those with dry skin should avoid potentially irritating ingredients like dyes and fragrances. "In addition, products that contain exfoliating or drying ingredients should be avoided," says Dr. Lin. "For example, salicylic acid may not be best for dry skin because the exfoliative properties can be too harsh and drying."
Consistency:
The best face moisturizer for dry skin will depend on your skin type and preferences. Formulas typically fall into four brackets: gel, cream, gel cream, and rich cream.
Gel moisturizers are usually lightweight, oil-free, and won't clog pores, so they may be better suited for those with oily or acne-prone skin. They also absorb quickly and won't pill under makeup. "This formulation is popular because it does not feel sticky, thick, or heavy," says Dr Lin. "Since it is not as hydrating, it may not be the best for more dry skin types since it will not last as long and requires more frequent reapplication."
Cream moisturizers are thicker and heavier, resulting in longer-lasting hydration. "This can be better for those with dry skin or during the dry, cold winter months as it helps improve the skin barrier," says Dr. Lin.
Gel cream moisturizers are a hybrid between gel and cream formulas. "It will be more hydrating than a plain gel moisturizer but feel more lightweight than the cream formulation," Dr. Lin explains. Dry skin types typically need a heavier formula but may benefit from a gel cream formula in the summer months.
Rich cream moisturizers are the heaviest, most nourishing option and ideal for dry skin types. "A rich cream moisturizer would also be good for dry skin, especially during the winter months, since this would be thicker and heavier than a standard cream moisturizer," says. Dr. Lin.
FAQs
What type of face cream is best for dry skin?
Cream or rich cream moisturizers are best for dry skin as these formulas provide the longest-lasting hydration. Formulas containing emollients, humectants, and occlusives can also be highly beneficial, as they each serve different purposes and often provide the most benefit when combined.
Humectants help to boost and retain hydration, but Dr. Lin notes that it's most beneficial when used with other kinds of ingredients. "A humectant alone might not be appropriate for dry skin because it can draw water from the deeper layers of the skin, which can dry out the skin more if not combined with an emollient or occlusive," she explains.
Emollients (such as butters, lipids, oils, and fatty acids) hydrate, soften, and improve the skin barrier. Occlusives (such as petroleum jelly and lanolin) create a physical barrier that helps lock in moisture.
When should you apply a moisturizer for dry skin?
Moisturizers should be applied in the morning and at night, and the time of day can dictate your product. "If you need something lighter during the day but heavier at night, then you might have different AM and PM skincare routines," says Dr. Lin. "If there are only certain areas of the face that are drier, then you can consider using a heavier product on the more dry spots and a lightweight one in the more oily areas."
How often should you moisturize your face?
Dr. Lin recommends that those with dry skin should, at a minimum, moisturize twice a day — once in the morning and once at night. However, this can vary depending on how dry your skin is and how moisturizing your products are.
Slugging, which involves applying a layer of an occlusive product as the last step in your nighttime skincare, is an additional step that can boost hydration for dry skin types, especially in the winter. "Some patients are also able to do slugging at bedtime, where they put a layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor over their moisturizer for additional hydration since they will provide occlusion," Dr. Lin explains while pointing out that this technique may cause breakouts for those with acne-prone skin.
Is hyaluronic acid good for dry skin?
Hyaluronic acid can be a beneficial ingredient for dry skin as it attracts water from both the air and deeper layers of the skin, helping to retain hydration and plumpness. "This is helpful as the body's production of hyaluronic acid decreases as we age," Dr. Lin explains.
However, she also notes that hyaluronic acid is most effective when used in tandem with emollients and humectants. Check out our guide to the best hyaluronic acid serums to increase your hydration routine.
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