'The Budget-Friendly Moisturizer That Transformed My Dry Skin'

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Focusing on hydration in winter is about as groundbreaking as florals for spring, but hear me out: Year-round dry skin has always been my top complexion concern, and it's even worse during colder months while visiting high altitude spots. I've tried many a moisturizer to combat it and found decent results most of the year. However, in the winter all my lotions, creams, and gels seem to fall short and I'm left with skin as dry as the desert and flaky as a croissant.

When I had the opportunity to attend the Winter X Games in Aspen, CO, and try out the new moisture line from Thayers, I instantly said yes. Not only was I stoked to see all the incredible tricks in person, but I hoped I'd find a moisturizer to solve my winter woes as well. (Spoiler: I did.)

After a jam-packed weekend snowboarding and watching all the competition on the slopes, here's my in-depth review of the brand-new moisturizer.

What Makes Thayers Barrier Bestie Unique

This Ultra Whip Face Cream comes in a 2 oz jar with easy dip-in access. That means you can use every last drop and none goes to waste. (A big win IMO.) The bright red lid makes it pop on the shelf, too. The only downside is the twist on/off cap that doesn't protect the cream from potential contaminants or contact with the air while in use.

The ingredients are 99% of natural origin and a real highlight of the product. A few worth calling out: sugarcane squalane, cholesterol, and ceramides. These felt like a water fountain quenching all the dry patches on contact and replenishing the outermost layer of skin. (I'm in my mid-30s and therefore have diminishing ceramides naturally, so the boost from a topical is perfect for my concerns.) "Ceramides are essential lipids in your moisture barrier to prevent water loss," says Dr. Dustin Portela, DO, is a board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Treasure Valley Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Boise, Idaho. "The sugarcane-derived squalane and cholesterol also help repair dry skin damage, helping protect skin especially in the cold winter months."

The rich formula also appealed to me. The only moisturizers that have been able to keep pace with my parched skin in harsh climates are ultra-creamy and thick. I dabbled with the Soak It Up 80HR Liquid Moisturizer, which contains snow mushroom, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter for hydrating normal to dry skin, but knew I needed more oomph.

How I Tested Thayers Barrier Bestie

The directions are super simple: After cleansing, gently rub into skin morning and night. That's exactly what I did, applying twice a day throughout the long weekend to put it to the test.

After a quick morning rinse and tone, I dipped a finger in the jar and smoothed over my bare skin. Right off the bat, I noted the thick texture, but I was surprised to see a little goes a long way. It also soaked in fast. There's no greasy feel or any residue whatsoever. In fact, the result is almost as smooth as a primer and boosted bare skin. Then, I layered SPF and a touch of blush over the top and I was good to go for the day. (I'm talking the whole day.)

I usually start to feel telltale dry cracks and flakes reappear and windburn shows up with my other moisturizers by lunch, but not so with Barrier Bestie. It worked overtime, keeping my cheeks and smile line areas dewy smooth. I subjected my face to the elements, too, including one full day snowboarding (below freezing temps, wind, and snow spray) followed by hours of watching athletes compete on the superpipe (shoutout Chloe Kim) and another cheering on the pros at the brand-new event Thayers Women's Knuckle Huck. Admittedly, I didn't have quite enough water either with all the running around, so I didn't give my skin any boost from the inside.

After each full day on the snow, I double-cleansed my face and applied acne spot treatment to a few pesky blemishes before slathering only the Barrier Bestie on top. (I didn't use any hydrating masks or other treatments, either.) I let it soak in for a few minutes before plopping in bed. I knew it worked when I woke up with plump, perky skin ready to do it all again. The instant barrier repair is real.

I didn't use it solo. Just like me, this product likes a workout buddy and plays well with the Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner, Thayers Milky Cleanser With Snow Mushroom, and an SPF topper.

Does the ultra-whipped moisturizer work?

My answer is a resounding yes based on my experience testing in pretty harsh conditions—blazing sun, cold winds, dry air, high altitude, and full, active days outside. With Barrier Bestie slathered on, my formerly dry skin was downright dewy. It's less than $20 for a 2 oz jar, which equals solid value in my book. In fact, I'd go as far as to say it wins out against creams in the $100-200 range.

While it might have been easier to use one product with hydration and SPF, I didn't mind applying two steps. I also loved being able to use it day and night. Plus the Barrier Bestie was thicker and creamier than any moisturizer with enough sunscreen included to protect against the harsh sun and snow glare.

Thayers Barrier Bestie earned a spot in my skincare routine, and I won't hit the slopes without it.

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