The 14 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin of 2023
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One of the most important steps of any skincare routine.
Real Simple / Brian Kopinski
If you’re constantly battling dry skin, it’s time to upgrade your routine with a super effective moisturizer. The right product will help lock in moisture to prevent flaky, ashy, or dry-looking skin.
“Ingredients that are most helpful when you need to moisturize are called humectants,” says Thomas Griffin Jr., MD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology. Common humectants include hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, and urea, which “work to pull water into the skin and hold it in the skin.” He adds that glycerin and ceramides are other ingredients that lock in moisture. When selecting a moisturizer for dry skin, look for something with one of these proven humectants.
Moisturizers also contain emollients, which Dr. Griffin says “repair the skin barrier and soften the skin.” Common emollient ingredients include lipids, oils, colloidal oatmeal, and shea butter. “Emollients are good for most skin types,” he says, noting that some people with particularly oily or acne-prone skin can experience clogged pores from heavier emollients.
We spent hours researching moisturizers for dry skin, looking for products that contain effective ingredients and evaluating their formulation and size. In addition to Dr. Griffin, we also spoke with Vanessa Thomas, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Freelance Formulations, for her expert insight on what ingredients to look for in a moisturizer—and what to avoid.
Best Overall: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
What Stands Out
Anti-inflammatory ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and allantoin help soothe skin and reduce dryness, roughness, and redness.
What Could Be Improved
It's a thicker cream, so it's not a good option for people looking for something more lightweight.
This daily moisturizer has soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients that can help tackle skin redness and irritation. The star ingredient is colloidal oatmeal, which can help improve skin dryness, roughness, scaling, and itchiness. This moisturizer also contains shea butter and allantoin, another soothing chemical compound. These ingredients, while highly nourishing, do create a slightly thicker consistency, so this isn't a great option for people looking for a very lightweight formula.
It’s fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and allergy-tested, so it’s a good pick for people with sensitive skin and redness, including eczema. In fact, it's accepted by the National Eczema Association, so you can rest assured that it's safe to use on even the most sensitive skin types. You can even use it on the rest of your body, making it one of the most versatile options out there.
Price at time of publish: From $18
Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, colloidal oatmeal, allantoin | Size: 2, 6, 8, and 14 ounces
Best Drugstore: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
What Stands Out
Ingredients include five ceramides, helping to boost your skin’s barrier and lock in hydration.
What Could Be Improved
It absorbs very quickly, which may not be great for people who prefer a dewy feel.
This unscented, mild moisturizer contains squalane and glycerin as well as five “key ceramides” (Ceramide AP, Ceramide AS, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NG, and Ceramide NP). Ceramides are super hydrating fatty molecules that trap moisture and help support your skin’s natural barrier, so this cream is highly nourishing.
The non-comedogenic formula is dermatologist-tested and can be used during the day or night, making this a versatile pick. Plus, it’s free from dye, fragrance, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde, botanical extracts, and gluten, so it's safe for sensitive skin as well.
Price at time of publish: $14
Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane | Size: 3 ounces
Best Splurge: Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
What Stands Out
This rich cream, packed with moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, has a light botanical scent.
What Could Be Improved
The larger jar isn't very easy to travel with.
This rich, hydrating cream has moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and Tatcha’s signature anti-aging complex made with green tea, purple rice, and Okinawa algae. It also contains oils and extracts from wild thyme, ginseng, and marjoram, which is designed to help the skin “retain and release moisture as needed,” per the brand.
Because the cream is so rich, a little goes a long way—the brand recommends just a pearl-size amount for daily use, which helps make up for the higher cost. The cream even comes with a golden spoon for application, but clean hands will do the trick, too. Just note that the jar isn't the most travel-friendly container, so this might not be a good option for people who like to carry around moisturizer with them during the day.
Price at time of publish: From $72
Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, Japanese purple rice, Okinawa algae | Size: 1.7 and 2.5 ounces
Best Multitasking: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
What Stands Out
This versatile moisturizer contains essential ceramides for excellent hydration.
What Could Be Improved
It’s a heavy option, so people with combination or oily skin may want a more lightweight pick.
Sometimes you need a product that can multitask. Enter CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream, which contains three essential ceramides (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP) to restore your skin’s hydration, as well as hyaluronic acid.
You can use it on your face, body, and hands—anywhere that needs a strong dose of hydration. It’s hypoallergenic and allergy-tested, so people with sensitive skin can use it. It is also non-comedogenic, making it ideal for people with acne-prone skin, and has a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association. Overall, it’s one of the most effective, budget-friendly moisturizers out there, although people with combination or oily skin will likely find it to be too heavy.
Price at time of publish: $19
Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerin, ceramides | Size: 16 ounces
Best for Acne: Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer
What Stands Out
It contains acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, as well as prebiotic ingredients to support your skin’s barrier.
What Could Be Improved
Because it’s mattifying, it won’t give your skin a dewy finish.
Battling acne and dry skin is tough since heavy moisturizing ingredients can clog pores and contribute to breakouts. The Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer is a lightweight cream that contains 0.5 percent salicylic acid solution to fight blackheads and whiteheads, and is ideal for people with acne-prone skin.
The cream also contains prebiotic ingredients to protect your skin’s barrier, along with kojic acid and licorice root extract (which can potentially help reduce acne-related marks and scarring). This hypoallergenic moisturizer is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic. It's mattifying though, which could be a con for people looking for dewy skin.
Price at time of publish: $11
Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Size: 3 ounces
Best for Sensitive Skin: Weleda Sensitive Care Facial Cream
What Stands Out
This is a soothing, nourishing moisturizer for people with sensitive skin.
What Could Be Improved
It's only available in a 1-ounce size, so it's not very cost-effective.
If you have sensitive skin, steer away from products that contain fragrances, chemical exfoliants, and common allergens. A soothing moisturizing cream with a short ingredient list, like the Weleda Sensitive Care Facial Cream, is the way to go.
Sweet almond oil is the star ingredient in this moisturizer, which also contains lactic acid to provide gentle exfoliation and promote skin cell turnover. Glycerin and hydrolyzed beeswax help moisturize and protect sensitive skin.
Price at time of publish: $25
Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, glycerin, lactic acid, hydrolyzed beeswax | Size: 1 ounce
Best for Mature Skin: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
What Stands Out
The formula is designed to promote elasticity and reduce signs of sun damage.
What Could Be Improved
It’s an expensive option.
This protein-packed moisturizer hydrates skin while reducing the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, and fine lines. Drunk Elephant’s Signal Peptide Complex contains nine growth factors (made from amino acids) that help “bind moisture to skin,” per the brand. Another key ingredient is soybean folic acid ferment extract, which may contribute to skin elasticity.
The formulation is fragrance-free and doesn’t contain essential oils or silicones. While a quality formula, this moisturizer does come out on the pricier side, so people who are not worried about skin elasticity or the effects of sun damage might prefer a different product.
Price at time of publish: $68
Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Signal peptide complex, pygmy water lily stem cell extract, soybean folic acid ferment extract, glycerin | Size: 1.69 ounces
Best With SPF: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV With SPF 30
What Stands Out
This daytime moisturizer offers SPF 30 sun protection, along with humectants like glycerin and niacinamide.
What Could Be Improved
This is a lightweight formula, so you may need to reapply throughout the day.
It’s commonly said but worth repeating: The best thing you can do for your skin is protect it from the sun every day. Using a moisturizer that contains SPF makes that super easy. La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is an SPF 30 cream with humectant ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide along with a host of emollients like dimethicone, stearic acid, and palmitic acid.
The lightweight face sunscreen is fragrance-free, paraben-free, oil-free, and non-comedogenic, so it’s good for all skin types (including sensitive!). Since it contains SPF, it’s a daytime-only moisturizer. Users should look for another night cream to provide hydration while sleeping, like La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Ultra Night Cream.
Price at time of publish: $22
Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, silica, dimethicone | Size: 2.5 ounces
Best for Night: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Omega-Rich Cloud Cream
What Stands Out
This deeply nourishing night cream contains shea butter, botanical oils, and skincare acids to target fine lines and dullness.
What Could Be Improved
It’s a thick, rich formula and not a lightweight cream.
Night creams are usually heavier than moisturizers designed for daytime use, containing rich ingredients to hydrate your skin while you sleep. This popular option from Kiehl’s contains shea butter and a blend of botanical oils for serious moisturizing power.
Also present: omega 3 oil, omega 6 oil, and fatty acids. Skincare acids can get confusing, but the rundown is that fatty acids play an important role in keeping your skin barrier healthy so it can lock in moisture. This cream not only targets dryness, but also fine lines and general skin dullness, resulting in younger looking skin.
Price at time of publish: $60
Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Omega fatty acids, squalane, shea butter, botanical oils | Size: 1.7 ounces
Best Brightening: Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Moisturizer
What Stands Out
It contains vitamin C to brighten dull skin and reduce dark spots.
What Could Be Improved
It has a citrus scent that some people may not love.
This affordable citrus-scented moisturizer is packed with humectants and emollients, from jojoba oil and argan oil to aloe vera extract and shea butter. The star ingredient is vitamin C, which is a powerhouse ingredient for brightening the skin and diminishing the look of dark spots.
This lightweight cream also contains green tea extract, an anti-inflammatory ingredient that can also help protect against free radicals. Plus, the formula is non-comedogenic, vegan, and cruelty-free. Just remember to keep it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight—not doing so will diminish the efficacy of the vitamin C.
Price at time of publish: $26
Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, tri-peptide, green tea extract | Size: 1.7 ounces
Best for Redness: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream Moisturizer
What Stands Out
It has a slight green tint to minimize redness.
What Could Be Improved
Because of that green tint, it needs to be thoroughly blended in.
This rich moisturizing cream contains Centella Asiatica (tiger grass), a medicinal plant that can help heal wounds, burns, and redness. Other ingredients include niacinamide and glycerin, humectants that lock in moisture and keep your skin barrier healthy and nourished.
The slight green tint of this product is very effective at canceling red hues, making it ideal for days when you don’t want to wear makeup while still covering irritated skin. Just note that this product is a rich cream, so while it’s great for dry skin and redness, it might be too heavy for people who prefer a lighter product. Plus, it needs to be really blended in.
Price at time of publish: $50
Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, tiger grass | Size: 1.69 ounces
Best Gel: Clinique Moisture Surge 100-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
What Stands Out
It's lightweight yet still very moisturizing.
What Could Be Improved
The price point is high compared to other humectant-rich gel moisturizers.
This gel cream from Clinique is lightweight and oil-free to prevent clogged pores. The formula features humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, hydroxyethyl urea, trehalose, sucrose, and saccharide isomerate, which work to add much needed hydration to extra dry skin. Clinique’s Aloe Bioferment + HA Complex harnesses the power of aloe vera to keep your skin moisturized.
It’s also worth noting what this moisturizer doesn’t contain. It’s fragrance- and alcohol-free, two common skincare ingredients that can dry your skin and cause irritation. This moisturizer is available in multiple sizes, although it is pricier than some other options. Still, it’s a powerhouse product with impressive hydration benefits for those who love the feel of a gel moisturizer.
Price at time of publish: From $29
Type: Gel cream | Key Ingredients: Aloe bio-ferment, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, hydroxyethyl urea | Size: 1, 1.7, 2.5, and 4.2 ounces
Best Lightweight: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
What Stands Out
A hyaluronic acid complex helps moisturize, while anti-aging ingredients reduce the signs of wrinkles.
What Could Be Improved
It's expensive.
This cream contains a 30 percent hyaluronic acid complex, with three different molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid for maximum hydration. It also contains ProHyal+, an active ingredient derived from yeast extract, that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, according to the brand.
The formula also contains hydrolyzed silk, which leaves your skin feeling smooth to the touch. This product is designed for use twice daily on your face and neck, but the high price point means it won’t be a great pick for shoppers on a budget.
Price at time of publish: From $54
Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed silk, ProHyal+ | Size: 1.7 and 5.1 ounces
Best Natural: SeSpring So Rich Moisturizing Cream
What Stands Out
This EWG-verified moisturizer is made with natural ingredients including macadamia oil and shea butter.
What Could Be Improved
It contains plenty of plant extracts, which some people prefer to avoid.
SeSpring’s So Rich Moisturizing Cream contains moisturizing shea butter, cocoa butter, macadamia oil, and hyaluronic acid, all of which are ultra nourishing. Niacinamide helps keep your skin’s barrier healthy, and extracts of lavender and tea tree oil are natural remedies for soothing acne or irritation. This moisturizer is EWG-verified, vegan, and free from fragrance, dye, and over 1,300 ingredients the brand has identified as “potentially harsh or harmful,” making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin.
Price at time of publish: $25
Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, macadamia oil, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, spring camellia, lotus | Size: 2 ounces
Final Verdict
For those with extra dry skin, we recommend the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, a nourishing moisturizer that can be used anywhere on the body, not just the face. The formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and contains powerhouse ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and shea butter.
How to Shop for Moisturizers Like a Pro
Type
According to board-certified dermatologist Thomas Griffin Jr., MD, a moisturizer’s formula is directly correlated to how well it works. He says that lotions, while thin and easy to spread, “are really not helpful for moisturizing dry skin.” Petroleum jelly ointments like Vaseline and Aquaphor provide excellent moisture and protection—but, he notes, they’re “greasy and goopy” and can be difficult to spread over large areas of your body. “I most commonly recommend cream-based moisturizers for patients with dry skin,” Dr. Griffin says. “Creams have a thicker consistency and are generally the most well-tolerated and effective at moisturizing.”
Ingredients
What to look for (and what to avoid) depends on your skin type and the specific concerns you have. Vanessa Thomas, a cosmetic chemist, recommends moisturizers that contain one or more of the following:
Glycerin, a humectant that “works to attract moisture from the air into your skin.” She notes that glycerin has a small molecular weight, allowing it to penetrate the skin to hydrate the outermost layer, speed up wound healing, and seal in moisture.
Hyaluronic acid, which Thomas describes as “an extremely adept moisturizer because it attracts and binds to water molecules.” Generally speaking, hyaluronic acid doesn’t cause skin irritation, so it’s suitable for all skin types.
Ceramides, which “help create a barrier to prevent permeability.” According to Thomas, “this locks moisture into your skin, which helps prevent dryness and irritation.”
There are also some skincare ingredients that people with very dry skin will typically want to avoid. These include:
Alcohols. Thomas explains that high amounts of alcohol in a skincare product “can strip your skin of moisture, which causes dry skin.” Most products don’t list how much alcohol is in their formula, but Thomas has a tip: Take a look at the order of ingredients on the label. “The higher up on the ingredients list an ingredient is, the higher the concentration,” she says. It’s also important to note that not all alcohols are drying—fatty alcohols like cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl, and propylene glycol have emollient and occlusive properties that make them suitable for moisturizing the skin.
Fragrance. “Moisturizers that are fragranced should be generally avoided, especially for those with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Griffin. That’s because synthetic fragrances can cause irritation or contact dermatitis.
Certain acids. “Other ingredients that can irritate the skin include AHA, BHA, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid,” Dr. Griffin says. Some moisturizers contain these ingredients to help address certain issues, like acne, but they can cause dryness or irritation on dry and sensitive skin.
Skincare Concerns
When shopping for a moisturizer, look for a product designed for your skin type or skin issues.
People with acne-prone dry skin will want a non-comedogenic formula to avoid clogging their pores. They may also want a moisturizer with salicylic acid, which treats acne.
If you have dark spots or hyperpigmentation, you might want a moisturizer that contains brightening ingredients like vitamin C.
People with redness or eczema should use a moisturizer with anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide, tea tree extract, green tea extract, or aloe vera.
Questions You Might Ask
Is moisturizer necessary for people with dry skin?
“Pretty much everyone needs or can benefit from moisturizers,” says Dr. Griffin—particularly those with dry skin. Lifestyle changes can help prevent some skin dryness (more on that in a moment) but using moisturizer is a simple, effective way to add skin moisture.
How often should people with dry skin apply moisturizer?
If you have dry skin, Dr. Griffin says you should moisturize “at least once a day.” You might consider using one moisturizer for the daytime and a richer formula at night. A body cream can help address dry skin on your limbs and torso—and don’t forget about hand cream, especially in the winter.
What are some other ways to combat dry skin in addition to using moisturizer?
“If your skin is dry, it's important to focus on what you do in and immediately after your shower,” Dr. Griffin says. “Moisturization is best done after a bath or a shower when the skin is hydrated, as it will help lock in the moisture.”
Some tips he recommends: Avoid super hot showers or baths that can dry out your skin, use a soft washcloth or your hands to apply soap or body wash, and try not to use soap on your body more than once a day.
“If that's not enough, home water softeners can help in areas with very hard water,” he says. “So can using a humidifier in the winter season.”
Is it possible to use too much moisturizer?
Yes! In fact, you only need a small amount of product to moisturize your entire face. Every product will have different instructions, but most brands recommend using a dollop the size of a pea, dime, nickel, or quarter.
Using too much moisturizer might lead to congestion or other skin issues down the line. Be sure to follow the instructions that come with each product to avoid overuse. The best way to apply moisturizer: Gently pat the product onto slightly damp skin. If your face feels oily after applying, you can remove excess product by wiping with a clean, damp washcloth.
What brands do dermatologists recommend the most for moisturizer?
Depending on the dermatologist, they often recommend different brands and products based on a person’s unique skin concerns, budget, and preferences (for example, preferring unscented vs. scented products). Many brands work with dermatologists, creating dermatologist-tested moisturizers. Brands with dermatologist-approved products include Vanicream, CeraVe, Cetaphil, and LaRoche-Posay.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Nina Bahadur, a writer with over a decade of beauty, health, and lifestyle experience. She researched dozens of moisturizers, evaluating them on formulation, ingredients, and intended usage, and consulted board-certified dermatologist Thomas Griffin Jr., MD, and cosmetic chemist Vanessa Thomas for expert input.
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