According to our experts, the best face moisturizers for dry skin are rich and contain three types of ingredients: emollients to seal in moisture, occlusives to create a protective layer, and humectants to attract water to the skin. There are different forms of moisturizers, such as ointments, creams, lotions and more, to suit different skin needs.
Our experts also advise avoiding products with ethyl alcohol, exfoliators or other harsh or drying ingredients. Based on these criteria, these are the top face moisturizers for dry skin that our experts recommend.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall
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CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
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Best Water Gel
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
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Best Cream
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First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
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Best Lotion
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Topicals Like Butter Moisturize
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How We Chose the Best Face Moisturizers
Key Criteria:
Our experts focused on several essential factors to select top moisturizers:
- Emollients: These seal in moisture and soften the skin.
- Occlusives: They create a barrier to prevent moisture loss.
- Humectants: These draw water to the skin to maintain hydration.
Formulations:
Moisturizers come in different forms, such as ointments, creams, lotions, and gels. The ideal product should be free from ethyl alcohol and other drying ingredients.
1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a rich, non-greasy, fast-absorbing moisturizer that hydrates and repairs your skin’s natural barrier. It contains three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum, which work together to lock in moisture, soothe dryness, and protect your skin from irritants.
Suitable for normal to dry skin on the face and body, this cream is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and accepted by the National Eczema Association.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is also Cradle to Cradle Certified at the silver level, which means it is safe, circular, and responsibly made. Try CeraVe Moisturizing Cream today and experience the difference of healthy-looking skin.
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
If you have dry skin, you might want to try Neutrogena Hydro Boost. This product is endorsed by both Dr. Barry Goldman and Jean Dachnowicz, a dermatologist and an aesthetician from Goldman Dermatology in New York City.
They say that Neutrogena Hydro Boost “hydrates the skin and reduces dryness”. Some of the key ingredients are hyaluronic acid, which holds water in the skin, dimethicone, which creates a protective layer, and glycerin, which draws moisture to the skin.
3. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is a versatile moisturizer that provides instant relief and long-term hydration for dry, distressed skin and eczema. It is suitable for both face and body, and can be used daily or as needed. This cream is enriched with colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and ceramides, which help soothe, nourish, and repair the skin barrier.
It also contains antioxidants and botanicals, which protect the skin from environmental aggressors and reduce signs of aging.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free. It is vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and cruelty-free. It is dermatologist-tested and safe for sensitive skin.
Whether you need a moisturizer for dry skin, eczema, or just a hydration boost, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is the perfect choice for you.
4. Topicals Like Butter Moisturizer
Topicals Like Butter Moisturizer is a daily moisturizer that targets extreme dryness, sensitivity, and eczema-prone skin. It is formulated with 1% colloidal oatmeal, a clinically-proven ingredient that soothes irritation and reduces redness.
It also contains botanical extracts such as green tea, turmeric, and centella asiatica that help restore the skin barrier and prevent flare-ups.
This moisturizer is steroid-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. It has a light and runny texture that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving any greasy residue.
It has a subtle natural scent that does not irritate the nose or the skin. With regular use, this moisturizer can help you achieve skin so smooth, it’s like butter.
What is a Moisturizer and How Does It Work?
Moisturizers penetrate the skin to hydrate from within. They come as lotions, creams, gels, or ointments. Lotions are lighter and less greasy, suitable for mildly dry skin. Creams are heavier and better for dry or sensitive skin. Gels and ointments lock in moisture by forming a protective barrier.
How to Shop for a Moisturizer for Dry Skin
When shopping for a moisturizer, consider the following:
Texture and Consistency:
- Heavier Textures: These provide a strong barrier for dry skin. Greasy creams and ointments are particularly effective.
- Ingredients: Pay close attention to the components. Look for humectants, emollients, and occlusives.
Key Ingredients:
- Humectants: These draw water to the skin’s surface, improving hydration. Common humectants include hyaluronic acid, urea, glycerin, and aloe vera gel.
- Emollients: These soften and smooth the skin, trapping moisture. Examples are shea butter, isopropyl palmitate, and colloidal oatmeal.
- Occlusives: These form a barrier over the skin to prevent water loss. They are beneficial for dry skin but might clog pores for those with acne-prone skin. Common occlusives include beeswax, silicone, and mineral oil.
Types of Formulations:
Experts recommend choosing formulations based on skin type and sensitivity:
- Ointments: Thick and highly moisturizing but greasy.
- Balms: Less thick than ointments but still noticeable on the skin.
- Creams: Suitable for dry skin, often used when ointments are too heavy.
- Lotions: Lighter than creams, ideal for less severe dryness.
- Gels: Cooling but less moisturizing, with gel-creams offering a balance between hydration and a non-greasy feel.
Why a Good Moisturizer Matters for Dry Skin
A good moisturizer is vital for maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier, the outermost layer protecting against damage and dehydration. Factors like cold weather, harsh soaps, and over-exfoliating can harm this barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.
Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Dry Skin
For the Body:
- Use creams instead of lotions, as creams are more moisturizing and less likely to dry out the skin.
For the Face:
- Select non-comedogenic products to prevent acne.
- Use a moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher to protect against sun damage.
Ingredients to Avoid:
- Avoid fragrances and botanicals, as they can cause allergies and irritation. Opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products.
Keeping Your Skin Moisturized
Shower Habits:
- Limit showers and use lukewarm water to avoid stripping the skin of natural oils.
- Pat dry gently and apply moisturizer immediately to lock in moisture.
Consistency:
- Use moisturizer regularly, especially after bathing, to maintain hydration and protect the skin.
Why a Good Moisturizer Matters for Dry Skin
Importance of Hydration
The primary role of a moisturizer is to hydrate your skin’s moisture barrier. This barrier, the outermost layer of your skin, acts like armor, protecting the cells beneath from damage. Cold weather, harsh soaps, and over-exfoliating can damage this layer, leaving your skin dry, flaky, and itchy.
Choosing the Right Moisturizer
Selecting the right moisturizer is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Recommended brands for dry skin include CeraVe, Aveeno, Avène, La Roche-Posay, Eucerin, and Cetaphil. Here’s how to choose an effective one:
1. Choose Cream for Your Body
For body hydration, opt for creams over lotions. Creams contain less water and more moisturizing agents. Lotions, with higher water and alcohol content, can dry out your skin. For facial skin, lighter lotions are a better choice.
2. Skip the Fragrance
Avoid products with fragrances and botanicals, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. These can cause inflammation, leading to flakiness and itchiness. Common allergens to avoid include:
- Fragrance mix
- Balsam of Peru
- Cinnamal
- Eugenol
- Lavender
- Citrus oils
- Tea tree oil
3. Choose the Right Ingredients
Focus on the ingredients panel, not the price tag. Effective moisturizers contain a mix of humectants, occlusives, and emollients. These ingredients work together to hydrate and protect dry skin.
Humectants
Humectants draw water from the dermis to the epidermis, helping to shed dead skin cells and hydrate the top layer of skin. Common humectants include:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Lactic acid
- Urea
- Sorbitol
Occlusives
Occlusives prevent moisture loss by forming a barrier on the skin. They work well with humectants to keep skin hydrated longer. Look for:
- Dimethicone
- Lanolin
- Petrolatum
Emollients
Emollients fill in the cracks caused by dryness, smoothing and softening the skin. Some emollients also act as occlusives. Effective emollients include:
- Mineral oil
- Virgin coconut oil
- Palm oil
- Shea butter
Ceramides
Ceramides are lipids that make up about half of your epidermis. Synthetic ceramides in moisturizers boost hydration. Look for:
- Ceramide 1 (EOS)
- Ceramide 3 (NP)
- Ceramide 6-II (AP)
Choosing a Facial Moisturizer
For facial skin, select non-comedogenic products to prevent acne. A lighter gel or lotion is generally better, unless you have very dry skin. Always use a moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher to protect against sun damage.
How to Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Using the right moisturizer is just the start. Follow these steps for optimal hydration:
Take Fewer Showers
Reduce the frequency of showers to prevent stripping the skin of its natural oils. Shower every other day if possible.
Turn Down the Heat
Use lukewarm water instead of hot. Hot water evaporates more moisture from your skin.
Keep It Short
Limit your shower time to 5-10 minutes and focus on essential areas like armpits, groin, and feet.
Don’t Dry Off Completely
Pat dry to keep some water on your skin, then apply moisturizer within three minutes to lock in moisture.
Moisturize Consistently
Apply moisturizer after every bath or shower to restore lost oils and protect your skin. Consistency is key to reducing dryness and preventing flare-ups of conditions like eczema.
If these steps and the right moisturizer don’t improve your dry skin, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the key ingredients to look for in a moisturizer for dry skin?
When choosing a moisturizer for dry skin, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. These components help to retain moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Other beneficial ingredients include shea butter, squalane, and aloe vera which provide deep hydration and soothe the skin.
2. Can a moisturizer for dry skin also be suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, many moisturizers for dry skin are formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin. Products like Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion and CeraVe Moisturizing Cream are known for their mild, non-irritating formulas, making them suitable for sensitive skin types as well.
3. Are there budget-friendly options for dry skin moisturizers?
Absolutely! Some great budget-friendly moisturizers for dry skin include CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel. These products are effective in hydrating dry skin without breaking the bank.
4. What is the best moisturizer for mature dry skin?
For mature skin, Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream is highly recommended. It contains plumping and brightening ingredients like hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid, which help to improve skin texture and hydration, making it ideal for aging skin.
5. Can moisturizers for dry skin be used under makeup?
Yes, many moisturizers for dry skin are designed to be lightweight and fast-absorbing, making them suitable for use under makeup. For instance, Byoma Moisturizing Gel Cream and Alleyoop Dream Team 3-in-1 Moisturizer are great options as they provide a smooth base for makeup without leaving a greasy residue.
6. Do any moisturizers for dry skin come with sun protection?
While many moisturizers focus primarily on hydration, some also offer SPF protection. It’s important to either choose a moisturizer with SPF or layer your favorite moisturizer with a separate sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.
7. What are some multi-use moisturizers for dry skin?
The Alleyoop Dream Team 3-in-1 Moisturizer is a versatile product that acts as a moisturizer, eye cream, and mask. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid, making it a convenient all-in-one solution for dry skin.
