The Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin

Skin yearning for hydration and occasionally feeling tight? You likely have dry skin. The great news is that for most people, dry skin can be easily remedied by adjusting their moisturizing routine, says the American Academy of Dermatology. But dry skin requires specific needs to feel quenched. Keep reading as we uncover the best moisturizer for dry skin.

Moisturizer Basics

While dry skin isn’t a medical issue, dryness left untreated can lead to discomfort, irritation, redness, flaky or rough texture, and itchiness. A moisturizer works by simply putting moisture into the skin and preventing water from leaving the skin, notes the AAD. A moisturizer comes in a variety of options, including gels, lotions, creams, and ointments. A gel is often water-based and tends to feel lighter on the skin than a lotion, adds the AAD. A cream is thicker and has higher oil content than a lotion and gel, making it more hydrating. An ointment is the thickest of all, which can be helpful at creating a barrier on the skin to fight extreme temperatures or dryness.

Those with dry skin have particular hydration needs, so look for moisturizers that include extra emollients, ceramides, and peptides to soften the skin’s surface and drench it with hydration.

Dry Skin Hydration Do’s and Don’ts 

• Do Hydrate on Damp Skin 

Putting a moisturizer on damp skin helps the product trap water in the skin and keep it from evaporating, says the AAD. Plus, a moisturizer will slide onto the skin more easily and absorb better when the skin is damp. Dry skin’s best friend? An essence, which can help prep skin and make a moisturizer hydrate more effectively.

• Do Inspect Skin Regularly 

What might be beneficial for skin one day or week, might not be as effective the following day or week. Skin is ever-evolving and adapting to its surroundings, and so should your skincare ritual. While a lightweight cream might be soothing majority of the time, extreme temperatures might leave skin in need of a rich cream. Analyze skin after cleansing regularly to assess its baseline.

• Don’t Do Too Much 

Introducing too many products or changes at once can be a surefire way to inflame dry skin. Test one product at a time and allow skin to adjust before considering another formula. If reactiveness is a common occurrence, spot test on an inconspicuous area first, like the neck or behind the ear to ensure there’s zero irritation.

Best Face Moisturizer For Dry Skin

Dry skin loves pampering, so restore it with hydrating moisturizers, rich creams, and protective treatments. The best facial moisturizer for dry skin is The Dewy Skin Cream. The rich, moisturizing cream plumps skin for a dewy, healthy-looking glow—thanks to the antioxidant-packed Japanese purple rice, algae, hyaluronic acid, and our superpowered Hadasei-3 Complex (a trinity of Japanese superfoods that restore healthy radiance). The rich texture increases hydration, radiance, plumpness, and overall texture and firmness—perfect for dry skin.

Best Face Cream For Extremely Dry Skin

For those who need to address both dehydration and irritation, grab the game-changing Indigo Overnight Repair. It’s one of the best face creams for very dry skin—although it’s technically a serum-in-a-cream—because it not only keeps moisture in, but it also is clinically shown to improve the strength of the skin barrier*, which can improve skin’s overall health and appearance.

*Based on a 4-week clinical study on 25 participants.

Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer For Dry Skin

The best face cream for dry skin can often be a cream or ointment—but that’s not always the best fit for acne-prone skin. Consider The Water Cream, which addresses both hydration and excessive oil in a single lightweight, clarifying cream. In a consumer study, 95 percent of users noted their skin looked brighter and more moisturized and 85 percent of users noted their pores appeared smaller.*

*Based on a twice daily use for four weeks, in an independent consumer study of 20 women.

No matter which moisturizer for dry skin you choose, be patient and diligent. While a moisturizer can instantly soothe skin, addressing dryness can be long-term. Follow a hydrating daily routine with love and care and your skin’s overall health is likely to follow.