Dry skin can be uncomfortable, itchy, and dull-looking. It can also make you more prone to wrinkles, eczema, and infections. That’s why choosing the right moisturizer for your skin type is essential to keep your skin healthy and radiant.
But with so many moisturizers on the market, how do you find one that works for you? In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to choose a moisturizer for dry skin, and recommend some of the best products available in 2023.
How to Choose a Moisturizer for Dry Skin
When you have dry skin, finding a moisturizer that has the right texture, won’t clog pores, and adds moisture to your skin is crucial. According to dermatologists, there are three main categories of moisturizers: humectants, emollients, and occlusives.
- Humectants draw water into the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and urea.
- Emollients are formulas that feature water and oil so the product can do the work of humectants and occlusives. They smooth and soften the skin, such as shea butter, jojoba oil, and lanolin.
- Occlusives feature oil to create a barrier that reduces water loss and helps retain moisture. They seal in the hydration, such as petrolatum, beeswax, and dimethicone.
An ideal moisturizer for dry skin would have at least one of each category, since they do different things. You may also want to look for moisturizers that contain ceramides, which are lipids that strengthen the skin’s barrier and prevent moisture loss.
Depending on your skin’s needs and preferences, you may choose a moisturizer that comes in different forms, such as serums, gels, lotions, creams, or ointments. Generally speaking, the thicker the product, the more occlusive it is. However, some people may find thick products too greasy or heavy for their face or in warmer months.
You may also want to consider other factors when choosing a moisturizer for dry skin, such as:
- SPF: Sun protection is important for all skin types, but especially for dry skin that can be more sensitive to sun damage. Look for moisturizers that have at least SPF 30 and offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- Fragrance: Some people may enjoy scented products, but others may find them irritating or allergenic. If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, opt for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic moisturizers.
- Retinol: Retinol is a form of vitamin A that can help reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles and dark spots. However, it can also cause dryness and irritation if used too much or too often. If you want to use retinol in your skincare routine, start with a low concentration and apply it sparingly at night. Always follow with a moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning.
- Tint: Some moisturizers may have a tint or color that can help even out your skin tone or add a subtle glow. This can be a nice option if you want to skip foundation or concealer. However, make sure the tint matches your skin tone and doesn’t look unnatural or cakey.
The Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin in 2023
To help you narrow down your search for the best moisturizer for dry skin, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most highly recommended products by dermatologists and customers. We’ve also included their key ingredients, price range ($ = under $10; $$ = $10-$25; $$$ = over $25), SPF level (if any), and certifications (such as vegan or cruelty-free). Product Key Ingredients Price SPF Certifications CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Hyaluronic acid, ceramides $$ No Non-comedogenic Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion Hyaluronic acid $ No Non-comedogenic Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Hyaluronic acid $$ No Non-comedogenic Cetaphil Eczema Soothing Moisturizer Colloidal oatmeal $$ No National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV Ceramides, niacinamide $$ Yes (SPF 30) Non-comedogenic Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer Oat extract, feverfew extract $$ No Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free Weleda Ultra-Rich Cream Sunflower oil, beeswax, lanolin $$ No NATRUE certified natural Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream Retinol, ceramides, shea butter $$$ No Cruelty-free bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer Squalane, mineral electrolytes, titanium dioxide $$$ Yes (SPF 30) Vegan, cruelty-free
Here’s a brief overview of each product and why it’s great for dry skin:
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
This is our top pick for the best overall moisturizer for dry skin because it’s incredibly hydrating, comes in an easy to use tub, and is a fast-absorbing formula despite being a thicker cream. It contains hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin, and three different types of ceramides to strengthen the skin’s barrier and prevent moisture loss. It’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. You can use it for your face or body, and it’s suitable for all skin types.
Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion
This is our best budget-friendly option for a moisturizer for dry skin. It’s a lightweight lotion that contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and glycerin to lock in moisture. It’s also non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, making it gentle and safe for sensitive skin. It absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
This is our best moisturizer for dry skin for the face. It’s a gel formula that feels refreshing and cooling on the skin. It contains hyaluronic acid to plump up the skin and boost its hydration level. It also has a water-based formula that doesn’t leave any greasy or sticky residue. It’s non-comedogenic and oil-free, so it won’t cause any breakouts or shine.
Cetaphil Eczema Soothing Moisturizer
This is our best moisturizer for dry skin that is also eczema-prone. It’s a rich cream that contains colloidal oatmeal, which is a natural ingredient that can soothe itching, inflammation, and irritation caused by eczema. It also has ceramides and filaggrin to restore the skin’s barrier and prevent moisture loss. It has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, which means it meets the highest standards for safety and efficacy for eczema care.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV
This is our best moisturizer for dry skin that also offers sun protection. It has SPF 30 and broad-spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB rays, which can damage the skin and cause premature aging. It also has ceramides and niacinamide, which are ingredients that can repair the skin’s barrier and reduce redness and inflammation. It’s non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
This is our best moisturizer for dry skin that is also sensitive. It’s a gel formula that contains oat extract and feverfew extract, which are natural ingredients that can calm and soothe irritated skin. It also has glycerin to hydrate the skin and prevent moisture loss. It’s non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, making it gentle and safe for sensitive skin.
Weleda Ultra-Rich Cream
This is our best natural moisturizer for dry skin. It’s a thick cream that contains sunflower oil, beeswax, and lanolin, which are natural emollients that can nourish and protect the skin. It also has plant extracts such as chamomile and calendula, which can calm and heal the skin. It’s NATRUE certified natural, meaning it meets strict criteria for natural ingredients and ethical production.
Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream
This is our best moisturizer for dry skin that also contains retinol. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that can help reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles and dark spots. However, it can also cause dryness and irritation if used too much or too often. This cream has a low concentration of retinol (0.01%) that can gently exfoliate and stimulate collagen production without causing too much irritation. It also has ceramides, shea butter, and antioxidants to moisturize and protect the skin.
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer
This is our best tinted moisturizer for dry skin. It’s a lightweight formula that contains squalane, mineral electrolytes, and
Source:
(1) 13 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/moisturizer-for-dry-skin.
(2) The 9 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin, According to Dermatologists. https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-moisturizers-for-dry-skin-5547831.
(3) The 12 Very Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin – New York Magazine. https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-moisturizers-for-dry-skin.html.