Quality moisturizers can help soothe and repair dry, itchy, and irritated skin. Moisturizer is an essential piece of any skincare routine. It helps maintain your skin’s moisture barrier and protects your skin from environmental damage.
If you’re experiencing dry or dull skin, you can really benefit from a daily lightweight moisturizer that’s jam-packed with hydrating ingredients.
But with so many moisturizers on the market, how do you find one that works for you? It usually comes down to a matter of preference. You may choose to have a few on hand to suit your various needs.
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How to choose
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.
Here are the most highly recommended moisturizers for dry skin.
Andalou Naturals Purple Carrot + C Luminous Night Cream
Key ingredients: vitamin C, sunflower oil, aloe vera
SPF: no
This night cream from Andalou Naturals focuses on renewing surface skin cells. It is designed to absorb easily into your skin and work overnight to revitalize your complexion. The formula helps defend against UV damage, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging.
Reviewers say they saw an almost immediate difference in their hyperpigmentation and scarring. Some reviewers also say it has a slight candy-like smell, which might not be everyone’s preference.
Pros
helps defend against UV damage, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging
boosts collagen and elastin for an even skin tone
aloe vera hydrates and protects the skin’s moisture barrier
Cons
some reviewers report a burning sensation
some reviewers dislike the strong tangy scent
NIVEA Soft Moisturizing Creme
Key ingredients: jojoba oil, vitamin E, glycerin
SPF: no
This NIVEA cream contains both vitamin E and jojoba oil. It is designed to absorb quickly into your skin and hydrate without being overly oily. It can be used on the face, hands, and body.
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Pros
glycerin works to bind moisture to the skin
vitamin E and jojoba oil hydrate the skin
for all skin types
Cons
contains myristyl myristate, a comedogenic ingredient that could lead to breakouts
some reviewers complain about sticky residue
Best moisturizer for sensitive skin
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
Key ingredients: squalane, glycerin, glacial glycoprotein
SPF: no
This cream is formulated to withstand cold, dry climates. Its thick consistency is designed to be nourishing for severely dry skin. The company says the cream absorbs into the skin easily with a lightweight texture.
Pros
squalane helps strengthen the skin barrier
glycerin helps skin retain moisture
hydration lasts up to 24 hours
Cons
some reviewers find it to be too thick and heavy
cheaper alternatives available
Best moisturizer for rough, cracked, and scaly skin
Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream
Key ingredients: ceramides, glycerin, urea
SPF: no
This cream from Eucerin contains 5 percent urea, which helps restore and hydrate problem skin. Urea helps to reduce water loss in the skin.
Pros
the formula gives immediate relief and delays the symptoms of very dry skin
ceramides work to repair the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss
suitable for mature-looking skin and conditions affecting the skin, such as xerosis, psoriasis, and diabetes
Cons
not safe for people with a lanolin allergy
the thicker cream formula might be too much for people who prefer lightweight lotions
Best luxury cream
Avène Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream
Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin, thermal spring water
SPF: no
This thick, creamy moisturizer is a popular French pharmacy beauty pick. Its soothing properties help restore and rebalance dry skin.
Pros
prevents water evaporation from the skin by reinforcing cell cohesion
smooths away dehydration lines
alleviates signs of aging, dryness, and dehydration with the help of shea butter
Cons
some reviewers find the cream to be too thick for their skin
some reviewers say they saw an increase in breakouts
contains fragrance
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Best moisturizer for acne-prone skin
St. Ives Renewing Collagen Elastin Moisturizer
Key ingredients: safflower seed oil
SPF: no
Full of collagen, elastin proteins, and safflower seed oil, this St. Ives moisturizer says it softens and repairs dry skin. Its medium consistency is good for both day and night use.
Pros
made with 100 percent natural moisturizers and safflower seed oil
dermatologist tested and paraben-free
infused with collagen and elastin proteins to hydrate the skin and promote a youthful glow
Cons
contains preservatives, like phenoxyethanol
contains fragrance
some reviewers complain that the scent is too strong
Best natural moisturizer
Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
Key ingredients: pansy, beeswax, sunflower seed oil, chamomile flower extract, calendula flower extract
SPF: no
You can use Weleda Skin Food anywhere on your body that needs some extra attention. It’s formulated using plant extracts to heal and improve the appearance of dry, rough skin.
Pros
chamomile, calendula, and pansy work to soothe the skin and deliver moisture
can double as a makeup primer
cruelty-free and free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic preservatives, and synthetic fragrances
Cons
some reviewers find the scent overwhelming
some reviewers complain the natural oils left them looking shiny or greasy
ointment texture is hard to massage in.
Most moisturizers for dry skin have a thicker consistency and are cream-based. It’s up to you if you want to avoid fragrances or use only natural ingredients. Alcohols, fragrances, dyes, and other ingredients can be harmful to dry skin and cause further dryness.
It is said that using a moisturizer on a regular basis is more important than the moisturizer’s specific ingredients.
Look for products that have hydrating ingredients because the most important thing is that the product is well formulated using quality ingredients and works well for your specific skin concerns.
Choose a moisturizer that contains at least some of the following ingredients:
- hyaluronic acid
- ceramides
- glycerin
- urea
- antioxidants
- aquaporins
- plant butter and oils
A good combination of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients depends on your skin type and what skin concerns you’re trying to address.
Moisturizing Tips
Achieving healthy skin depends on more than just what moisturizer you choose. How you apply the moisturizer is also counted. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your moisturizer:
- Apply moisturizer when your skin is still a little damp after you shower or wash your face.
- If you have sensitive skin, use moisturizers with soothing ingredients that are free of acids, fragrances, and dyes.
- Do a test before using a new product.
- Buy from a brand you trust.
- Avoid very hot water for showering and washing your face.
- Stay hydrated, at least 8 glasses of water.
- Moisturize at least twice every day or more if your skin is extremely dry.
- Add a protective facial serum under your moisturizer for added benefits.
- Mix an oil, like jojoba or rosehip oil, into your moisturizer if your skin is extremely cracked.
Other habits preferable for dry skin outside of moisturizer, are to drink a lot of water, drink less coffee, and drink less alcohol.
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How long does it take for moisturizer to help dry skin?
A good moisturizer should improve your skin within 2 or 3 weeks. If you don’t start to see results within 1 month, consult a healthcare professional, like a dermatologist. They may suggest you try a prescription cream or ointment.
