After Rigorous Testing, We Found the Best Derm-Approved Moisturizers for Dry Skin (2024)

No matter the place on your body, dry skin can be a struggle—especially when those dry,scaly patches, flakes, and itchy spots are on your face. A goodface moisturizer, however, can rehydrate parched skin, soothe inflammation, and improve rough texture. Not sure how to find the right one for you? Start by seeking rich formulas that contain hydrating ingredients like butters and oils (rather than water).

According to board-certified dermatologistDr. Marie Hayag, M.D., you should also make sure that the moisturizer you pick contains all three types of moisturizing ingredients:humectants (which attract water and trap it into the skin),emollients (which smooth and soften), and occlusives (which create a seal on top of the skin to retain moisture). Of those three, she notes that occlusives are especially important for those with dry skin.

To help you narrow down the options, we researched the best moisturizers for dry skin.Wetested 35 moisturizers at our lab in NYC, ranking them based on consistency, absorption, dryness, and overall value. After testing and consulting experts, we landed on these top picks to give you the best inshow.

Our Top Picks

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What We Like

  • Can be used all over your face and body

  • Budget-friendly

  • Nongreasy

What to Consider

  • Might not be thick enough for some

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 8, 16 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re searching for a simple, straightforward option, the Vanicream Daily Face Moisturizer is the way to go. Not only does it work well for dry skin on your face, it can also be applied anywhere else on your body. Despite being one of the most lightweight options on this list, it imparts plenty of moisture, all thanks to a formula loaded with hyaluronic acid and five ceramides.

We found that it absorbs into the skin right away, making it suitable to wear under makeup during the day. It even boasts the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Approval, so you can rest assured knowing that no matter how you use it, any dry, itchy patches will be taken care of gently and efficiently. Though it’s great on its own, it’s not super thick, so those with ultra-dry skin might benefit more if they layered a richer cream on top of it.

What We Like

  • Wallet-friendly

  • Lightweight consistency

  • Noncomedogenic

  • Leak-proof pump dispenser

What to Consider

  • Watery consistency

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Skin Type: Dry, combination, sensitive | Size: 3 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Cetaphil’s Daily Hydrating Lotion is a drugstore moisturizer must-have for two main reasons: It’s recommended by most dermatologists and can be tolerated by even the most sensitive skin types. An affordable formula that’s lightweight, oil-free, noncomedogenic, and effective on dry spots is hard to come by, which is why we're so impressed by this one since it checks all of those boxes. It can feel a bit watery when you apply it, but we didn't feel like this took away from its moisturizing benefits.

Thanks to nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and humectants, which help plump the skin and provide it with a ton of moisture. Best of all, it’s super hygienic. Its airtight pump ensures that you won’t contaminate it with grubby fingers (or risk getting anything in it).

What We Like

  • Tons of product in the container

  • Intense hydration

  • Noncomedogenic

What to Consider

  • Tub packaging isn't our favorite

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 16 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Want to hydrate your skin without shelling out the big bucks? There’s no better option than this wallet-friendly standout (which, to be honest, is so good that it can beat out many of its pricier counterparts). The stars of this formula are moisture-locking hyaluronic acid and three types of ceramides that work together to ward off dryness on both the face and body. Even better, it's a great value because it comes in a huge tub, so you don’t have to use it sparingly. Just scoop out however much you need and rub it into your dry skin.

Though we love the fact that the tub houses a ton of creamy goodness, we’re not huge fans of how unhygienic (and potentially messy) it can become. To keep it as clean as possible, be sure to wash your hands before using it to avoid contaminating the cream with unclean fingers. However, the feel and hydration power of this cream still gets top honors in our book. We love that it instantly quenches any dryness and that you can put it all over your face and body (and you'll want to).

After Rigorous Testing, We Found the Best Derm-Approved Moisturizers for Dry Skin (4)

What We Like

  • Plumping

  • Whipped consistency

  • Adds a dewy finish to the skin

What to Consider

  • May feel sticky at first

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, ice willowherb | Skin Type: Dry, combination | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you have mature skin that needs a little boost, this hydrating cream is packed with plumping and brightening ingredients like polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, and plum. It’s lightweight yet whipped so it blends into the skin easily, but still provides hydration that lasts all day. In fact, the cream imparts a dewy-looking glow that lingers way after application. We were pleased to see that our skin looked less dry and more glass-like after applying it.

Those with dry or combination skin will love this one most, but oilier friends can use it too since it contains ice willowherb, an ingredient that helps reduce oil and support the skin microbiome. For best results, apply a dime-size amount onto clean skin morning and night. Once you’ve inevitably finished the jar (which is made with 20% post-consumer recycled materials), you can purchase recyclable refills so you don’t contribute to as much waste.

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What We Like

  • Nongreasy

  • Contains barrier-repairing ingredients

  • Absorbs quickly

What to Consider

  • Texture could be more rich

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, ceramides, prebiotic thermal water | Skin Type: Dry, combination | Size: 3.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

We’re big fans of La Roche-Posay, especially because most of their products are formulated with sensitive skin in mind. This soothing, fast-absorbing formula contains dermatologist-recommended ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, and the iconic La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water to help repair the skin’s protective barrier. It absorbs fast, feels lightweight on the face, and doesn’t leave behind a greasy sheen, making it a fantastic option to wear before makeup.

In testing, we didn’t find much wrong with this product, but we did notice that it is very lightweight and thin, which means that if you have really dry skin, you might need something a little thicker. The airy formula is perfect for those with acne-prone skin, however, since it sinks into the skin easily and won't clog the pores.

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What We Like

  • Hydrating, gentle, and soothing ingredients

  • Cloud-like consistency

  • Absorbs quickly

What to Consider

  • Not the best for acne-prone skin

Key Ingredients: Omega oils, shea butter, passion fruit extract, guava extract | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Rich in superfood omega fatty acids, replenishing ceramides, and antioxidants, the Omega+ Complex Moisturizer nourishes delicate skin and calms down any signs of stress and irritation. Best of all, it helps strengthen the skin’s barrier to prevent further agitation from happening in the future.

If you’ve got any dry, flaky patches, you can count on this creamy elixir to restore your skin and give it that sought-after supple feeling. Those with extremely dehydrated skin will love that this formula sinks into the skin easily for instant hydration, and it can soften rough skin texture immediately. Because it contains potentially pore-clogging ingredients, like hydrogenated olive oil, those especially prone to breakouts might want to steer clear of this one or perform a patch test before using to see how their skin reacts.

What We Like

  • Contains SPF 30

  • Lightweight feel

  • Makes the skin look glowy

Key Ingredients: Kalahari melon, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, aloe | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Most people know that SPF is key to a happy complexion, but not everyone applies it every single day. If you struggle remembering sunscreen, opt for a moisturizer with sun protection, like this pick from Fenty Skin. This refillable two-in-one sunscreen moisturizer is easy on the skin (it’s oil-free and noncomedogenic), but tough on dark spots. We loved how dewy and hydrating it was, making it a fantastic option to wear either on its own or underneath makeup.

We were more than pleased with its value and efficacy during testing, so it was hard for us to find any flaws in this product. However, it’s worth mentioning that if you intend on applying it for sun protection—using half a teaspoon for your face and neck every two hours—you may run out sooner rather than later. To make it last longer, we recommend applying a separate sunscreen (of at least SPF 30) every few hours to ensure you’re completely protected.

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What We Like

  • Calming and refreshing

  • Dermatologist-approved

  • Feels lightweight and nongreasy

What to Consider

  • Finicky pump

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, willow bark extract, glycerin, caffeine | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re dealing with skin texture issues, whether from acne, dry skin, or an eczema flare-up, look for a moisturizer that will go on smooth, feel lightweight, and calm your skin. This moisturizer from EltaMD does just that: It hydrates the skin easily, leaves very little residue visible to the naked eye, and offers a cooling effect upon application. The sheer, noncomedogenic formula helps stimulate cells to increase absorption and retention, while willow bark gently exfoliates without causing irritation.Niacinamide is also included in the formula to even out skin tone and texture for a more radiant appearance. We appreciated that it delivered moisture without feeling heavy or greasy, and left our skin looking radiant.

What We Like

  • Soothing ingredients can reduce redness

  • Rich consistency

  • Gentle enough for sensitive skin types

  • Soften skin's texture

What to Consider

  • May cause breakouts for those with acne-prone skin

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, aloe vera | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 2.54 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dryness and sensitivity go hand-in-hand: a compromised skin barrier is often the root cause of both issues. Happily, this makeup artist favorite addresses exactly that with the help of shea butter. At the same time, it also has soothing ingredients (like aloe vera), which can help relieve and prevent redness. After application, we saw a noticeable change in our skin’s hydration levels. Our skin felt softer and more plump to the touch. It also calmed some rosacea redness on the cheeks and helped even out the look of texture—a major win for those with sensitive skin. The product does contain some perfume, so be aware of that if your skin reacts badly to fragrance.

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What We Like

  • Gel-like texture

  • Lightweight yet moisturizing

  • Plant-based ingredients

What to Consider

  • Doesn't soften skin texture that well

Key Ingredients: Kale, hyaluronic acid, green tea | Skin Type: Oily, combo, normal, dry | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A moisturizer that benefits all skin types is hard to find, which is why we love the Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisturizer. The formula is packed with kale, spinach, and green tea to deliver phytonutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants into the skin—kind of like a green smoothie for your face. It smells amazing and has a nice air-whipped texture that almost feels gel-like, making it an awesome choice for those who prefer moisturizers with lighter textures. Because it's quite lightweight, it may not be ideal for those with rough skin, but it's a nice choice for daytime use if you're experiencing dryness.

What We Like

  • Formulated with skin-beneficial natural ingredients

  • Softens the skin

  • Leaves the skin looking glowy

What to Consider

  • Smells slightly smokey

Key Ingredients: Black ginseng, panax ginseng root water, panax ginseng seed oil, red ginseng | Skin Type: Oily, combination, dry | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you can get past the formula’s slight smokey smell (thank you, ginseng), this moisturizer is a fantastic choice for those in search of something powered by natural ingredients. Loaded with a blend of ginseng, squalane, baobab, and hyaluronic acid, it offers a soothing finish without being overly heavy. We especially loved how the consistency felt like a cross between a gel and a cream that our complexion drank up easily. We enjoyed using it because of the cooling sensation that left our skin feeling refreshed and smooth. It made our skin feel more hydrated overall, but it also made it look more hydrated thanks to the glowy finish.

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What We Like

  • Felt light on the skin

  • Great for fine lines

  • Unscented

  • Supple skin finish

What to Consider

  • Can feel tacky on the skin before it absorbs

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, hippophae rhamnoides water| Skin Type: Dry | Size: 3.52 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Plump the look of fine lines and wrinkles with the help of this moisturizer from Cosrx. The hyaluronic acid-infused formula comes in a huge tub, which ensures it’ll last a long time, but we recommend using a spatula or applicator to scoop out the product to avoid contamination. During testing, we appreciated that a little bit of this product went a long way, and it worked to plump our skin and leave behind a dewy finish. We also enjoyed that the texture felt lightweight without sacrificing moisture, making it a nice option for daytime or layering underneath makeup.

After Rigorous Testing, We Found the Best Derm-Approved Moisturizers for Dry Skin (19)

What We Like

  • Heals broken, itchy skin

  • Rich, soothing consistency

  • Doesn't feel heavy on the skin

What to Consider

  • Unpleasant smell

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, madecassoside, green tea| Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Skin conditions like eczema and rosacea can often lead to flare-ups of chapped, irritated skin—and a thick, creamy moisturizer that can heal and repair is needed. Look no further than this moisturizer from Topicals, which, as the name suggests, has a smooth consistency that feels like butter on the skin. It contains a combination of the most skin-soothing ingredients including shea butter, ceramides, centella, and most importantly colloidal oatmeal—which is one of the most recommended ingredients for treating dry and inflamed skin. It also has niacinamide to reinforce the skin barrier (which means fewer opportunities for irritated skin in the future). Even if you don't deal with eczema, it's a great daily moisturizer if you deal with dry patches during the winter, and we love that it can also be applied to the body for added hydration.

What We Like

  • Repairing and strengthening formula

  • Absorbs into the skin easily without leaving a residue

  • Balm-to-cream texture

What to Consider

  • Thick texture might not be for some

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, beta glucan, niacinamide| Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Locking in hydration with an occlusive is one of the best ways to keep dry skin moisturized, but slugging isn't the most appealing nighttime skincare ritual for some. If you want your skin to have that deeply nourished feeling sans the stickiness, we recommend this formula from Kiehl's. It applies as a thick balm (similar in texture to petroleum jelly) but transforms into a cream, so it's able to absorb into the skin effortlessly without leaving a residue. Its main purpose is to heal and strengthen a compromised skin barrier, but the ingredients included—such as beta-glucan, oatmeal, and shea butter—are also able to soothe and hydrate extremely dry skin. The result is a super-soft complexion that feels protected and smooth.

After Rigorous Testing, We Found the Best Derm-Approved Moisturizers for Dry Skin (22)

What We Like

  • Noticeably plumps the skin

  • Formulated with antioxidant protection

  • Locks in hydration

What to Consider

  • Can pill under makeup

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, red algae, Japanese purple rice, squalane| Skin Type: Dry, normal | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you've noticed fine lines and wrinkles appearing (or if you already have deep ones that have formed), this rich moisturizer from Tatcha is able to seriously hydrate and plump your skin. Formulated with skin-nourishing ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, it seals in long-lasting moisture for skin that looks dewy and smooth. The hero ingredient however is Japanese purple rice, which is rich in antioxidants to protect the skin from free radical damage—something that can lead to irritated, chapped skin (as well as more fine lines). We love the rich consistency, which can hydrate the driest of skin, and we also appreciate that it comes with a tiny golden spoon so you don't contaminate the formula when applying.

What to Look for in a Moisturizer for Dry Skin

  • Occlusives: According to Dr. Hayag, occlusives are the most important category of ingredients to look for. By forming a protective layer on the surface of the skin, they help to seal and lock in moisture. Some common occlusives to look for are petrolatum, waxes, or silicones.
  • Emollients: Another type of hydrating ingredient, emollients work to smooth the skin, filling in cracks in the skin barrier. They’re also ideal for almost instantly making the skin feel softer and more hydrated. Ceramides, shea butter, cocoa butter, and plant oils are some to look out for.
  • Humectants: Lighter than the other two types of ingredients, humectants are still important to seek out, as they help attract water to and hold it in the skin—our best bet for scoring instantaneous hydrating effects. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and urea are common humectants used in skincare—and ones you should look out for when purchasing a moisturizer for dry skin.

FAQ

  • When should you apply a moisturizer for dry skin?

    You should always apply a moisturizer when your skin is a bit damp. This will help seal the moisture on your skin and keep it hydrated. Use it after cleansing and serum application, as well as after washing your hands.

  • How often should you use a moisturizer for dry skin?

    This depends on the area you’re moisturizing. Generally, it’s recommended to moisturize your face twice a day to maintain hydration. For your body, it’s as much as you need it. If you have dry hands, you can apply moisturizer after you wash them to keep them soft and hydrated.

  • Should a moisturizer for dry skin include SPF?

    Not necessarily. If you have an allocated sunscreen for your daily sun protection needs, there’s no reason to buy a moisturizer containing SPF. Night creams do not need to have SPF in them.

Add to Cart

Before you check out, here are some other products that will add the extra moisture your skin needs:

  • Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster: This hyaluronic acid serum will plump and soften the skin from your first application, and the results just keep getting better. Mix this into your favorite moisturizer for a boost of hydration or alone for an equally desirable result.
  • e.l.f Holy Hydration! Makeup Cleansing Balm: Some makeup removers can be drying, but this cleansing balm is incredibly hydrating, hence the name. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides, it instantly melts makeup away (even stubborn mascara) and cleanses the skin while delivering incredible moisture.
  • La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser: This cleanser is suited for dry skin because its cream formula cleanses without stripping the skin of natural oils. Thanks to three vital ingredients—niacinamide, ceramides, and glycerin—it helps the skin retain moisture.

Why Trust Byrdie

Caitlyn Martyn is an experienced associate commerce editor in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has tested dozens of moisturizers—including several on this list from brands like CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, and Youth to the People. Caitlyn has been at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

Byrdie contributorMelanie Rudhas over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there.

To gather more information for this article, Team Byrdie consulted an expert for their insight:

  • Dr. Marie Hayag, M.D., a New York-based board-certified dermatologist.
After Rigorous Testing, We Found the Best Derm-Approved Moisturizers for Dry Skin (2024)
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