Dermatologists Say These Moisturizers Will Bring Your Dry Skin Back to Life
Dermatologists Say These Moisturizers Will Bring Your Dry Skin Back to Life
We updated this article in January 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
There’s nothing worse than having dry, flaky skin—whether it’s caused by the cold, wintry weather or by using a particularly harsh skincare product on your face. Luckily, the best moisturizers for dry skin can quickly provide hydration to even the most parched skin.
But first: What exactly causes dry skin to begin with? Part of it has to do with your skin type—some people just naturally have drier skin than others, which largely depends on genetics. Skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema, chlorine in pools, and simply getting older can also make your complexion feel dry and dull. “Your skin becomes thinner as you age, so it retains less moisture,” explains Meghan Feely, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey and New York City who serves as a clinical dermatology instructor at Mount Sinai.
Meet the Experts: Meghan Feely, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey and New York City who serves as a clinical dermatology instructor at Mount Sinai; Yoram Harth, M.D., San Francisco-based dermatologist and co-founder of MDacne; Mona Gohara, M.D., associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board; Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist; Michael Kassardjian, D.O., a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles; Sapna Palep, M.D., a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.
Of course, when you do experience dry skin, it’s important to use a good moisturizer to help hydrate and restore that skin barrier. But finding the right moisturizer—especially one that’s a good fit for your skin type—can be a hard task. Here, find the best moisturizers for dry skin as recommended by dermatologists (from drugstore finds to splurgy picks!) that will have you glowing in no time.
Our top moisturizers for dry skin:
Choosing the best moisturizer for dry skin starts with hydrating ingredients. Dermatologists share what to look for, plus the best face creams for every budget.
