With picks from Vanicream, Cetaphil, CeraVe, and more
No matter the place on your body, dry skin can be a struggle—especially when those dry patches, flakes, and itchy spots are on your face. A good 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 formulas that are rich, on the thicker side, and contain hydrating ingredients like butters and oils (rather than water).
According to board-certified dermatologist 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, occlusives are especially important for those with dry skin, much more so than for those with other types of skin, she points out.
To help you narrow down the one that’ll benefit you the most, we researched the best moisturizers for dry skin and then put them to the test. We tried out 35 moisturizers at our lab in NYC on the basis of consistency, absorption, dryness, appearance, and value — and we’re sharing our findings with you.c
Best Overall: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Those 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.
According to our tester, it goes on sheer and 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, the tester noted that because it’s not super thick, those with ultra-dry skin might benefit more if they layered a richer cream on top of it.
“This product offers great value. It’s really affordable and performs well,” our tester said. “I’d purchase this again and again.”
Best Budget: Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion for Face With Hyaluronic Acid
Cetaphil’s Daily Hydrating Lotion is a drugstore 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, non-comedogenic, and tough on dry spots is hard to come by, which is why our tester was so impressed. (As was another round of testers—this exact formula won Best Overall in our drugstore moisturizer test.) Thanks to nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and humectants, it helps plump the skin and provide it with a ton of moisture. Best of all, it’s super hygienic. Its air-tight pump ensures that you won’t contaminate it with grubby fingers (or risk getting anything in it).
“It’s such an easy product to incorporate into your daily routine,” our tester noted. “I love that it caters to skin sensitivity, too.”
Best Drugstore: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
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. And, because it comes in a huge tub, 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 it can become. To keep it as clean as possible, be sure to wash your hands before using to avoid contaminating the cream with unclean fingers.
“I love the feeling of this moisturizer—it reminds me of a nice lotion that you dream of in the winter,” our tester raved. “For once, my skin actually feels hydrated and I want to put it all over my body.”
Best for Mature Skin: Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream
Best for those with mature skin in need of 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 by no means disappears. In fact, the cream imparts a dewy-looking glow that remains all day. According to our tester, her skin looked less dry and more glass-like after application.
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.
Best for Acne-Prone: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
We’re big fans of La Roche-Posay, especially because most 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 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.
“This is a fantastic daily moisturizer with a great price to match,” our tester said. There aren’t many cons about this product, but something we wish we could change is how lightweight it is; those with really dry skin might need extra moisture than this can provide.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Lightweight Face Moisturizer
For those looking to spend a little more, this moisturizer from Paula’s Choice is a great option. 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, like our tester, you can count on this creamy elixir to restore your skin and give it that sought-after supple feeling. She shared that her skin drank up the moisturizer and after a few minutes, there was a “significant improvement” in the texture of her skin.
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 to see how their skin reacts.
Best with SPF: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
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 Fenty Skin’s Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30. This refillable two-in-one sunscreen moisturizer is easy on the skin (it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic), but tough on dark spots. Our tester found it to be super dewy and hydrating, making it a fantastic option to wear either on its own or underneath makeup. In fact, she even mentioned how it ticked all of her boxes (she was pleased with the value and efficacy) and she couldn’t find any actual flaws in the product. 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.
Best for Texture: EltaMD AM Therapy Face Moisturizer
If you’re dealing with skin texture—whether it be from acne, dry skin, or an eczema flare up—look for a moisturizer that will go on smooth, feel lightweight, and calm the skin. The EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer does just that: It moisturizes skin easily, leaves very little residue visible to the naked eye, and offers a cooling effect upon application. The sheer, non-comedogenic formula helps stimulate cells to increase absorption and retention, while willow bark non-irritatingly stimulates skin cell turnover. Plus, the hero ingredient niacinamide helps even out skin tone and texture for a more radiant appearance. Our tester, who hates the look of a white cast, was especially pleased with the fact that it was invisible and absorbed almost right away. She also appreciated its unexpected “glowy” and “hydrated” finish that feels like therapy for the skin.
Best for Redness: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Dryness and sensitivity go hand-in-hand—a compromised skin barrier is often the root cause of both issues. Happily, this makeup artist loved moisturizer addresses exactly that with the help of shea butter. At the same time, it also has soothing ingredients (like aloe vera) for instant relief and help fighting redness. After application, our tester saw a noticeable change in her skin’s hydration levels. She noted that it felt “softer” and “plumper” to the touch. It also calmed the redness due to rosacea on her 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.
Best Multitasking: Alleyoop Dream Team 3-in-1 Moisturizer Eye Cream & Mask
For those with a more minimalist approach to skincare, allow us to introduce you to a three-in-one moisturizer that should be on your radar. A first-of-its-kind formula, the moisturizer moonlights as an eye cream and a face mask, so you can cut down on the amount of products you use in your routine. It has a cloud-like texture that our tester loved—she said three pumps was the perfect amount. Not only does it feel super luxurious, but it absorbs into skin right away, with no stickiness or oiliness after. Keep in mind that the formula does contain macadamia nut oil, so if you’re allergic to (or just sensitive to) nuts, you may want to perform a spot test to make sure you won’t have a reaction or avoid it altogether.
Best Whipped: Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream
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 really nice air-whipped texture, which the tester claimed was “like luxury in a jar” and that using it felt like she was treating herself.
Best Natural: Then I Met You Renewing Rich Beauty Cream
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 more natural. Loaded with a blend of ginseng, squalane, baobab, and hyaluronic acid, it offers a soothing finish without being overly heavy. Our tester, who was a huge fan, especially loved how the consistency was a cross between a gel and a cream that her skin “drank right up.” She also lauded at the fact that it offers a cooling sensation that left her skin feeling refreshed and smooth.
“The level of hydration on my forehead and chin skyrocketed,” our tester said. “I’d incorporate this into my routine in a heartbeat.”
Best Lightweight: COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cream
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. According to our tester, a little bit goes a long way in plumping skin and creating a dewy, fresh finish. Though it didn’t calm the redness on her cheeks, it did make a difference in the overall feel of her skin.
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is Vanicream Daily Face Moisturizer, a formula approved by the National Eczema Association which contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to drench dry skin in hydration while being easy to absorb. It’s also really affordable and can be found at plenty of local drugstores. But if you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, go with Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer.
How We Tested
Byrdie editors did extensive research on popular moisturizers for dry skin, taking expert recommendations and consumer reviews into account before choosing 35 to test out first-hand. Our testers took skin moisture ratings, using a digital skin moisture analyzing tool, before and after applying their product to determine effectiveness. They also assessed each one based on consistency, absorption, dryness, performance, and value, before deciding on a rating from one to five. Those with the highest scores made the list. All tests were performed in The Lab, our Manhattan product testing facility.
What to Look for in a Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Occlusives
According to Dr. Hayag, occlusives (like the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream) are the most important category of ingredients to look for (common ones include dimethicone and petrolatum). 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 (like the Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate, for example) 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, so you can bet that the CosRx Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream is a great option.
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 (unless you’d like to simplify your morning routine, in which case you should consider the Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30). Moisturizers for nighttime use do not need to have SPF in them.
What is moisturizer?
Moisturizer is a crucial skincare category. Whether in the form of a lotion, gel, or face cream, it delivers hydration to the skin to ensure it stays moisturized throughout the day and night. You’ll generally want to apply it twice daily, once in the morning and once before bed, after a serum or toner.
Some people prefer lighter-weight formulas during the day (like a gel or lotion) that play well under makeup and can be layered with sunscreen. At night, you might reach for something thicker, like a cream. Have oily skin? Opt for a department or drugstore moisturizer for oily skin instead, but you’ll still want to moisturize your face twice a day.
What skincare ingredients are best for dry skin?
The best skincare ingredients for dry skin are humectants, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. These ingredients actually draw moisture from the air and pull them into your skin to keep it hydrated.1
Then there are emollients that deposit moisture directly into the skin and work as a protective lubricant.2 These include petrolatum (petroleum jelly), mineral oil, squalane, cocoa butter, shea butter, and various plant oils.
What moisturizer is best for dry skin?
The best moisturizer for dry skin will contain humectants, emollients, or both. For instance, our best overall pick, Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer, boasts a blend of hyaluronic acid, glycerine, ceramides, and squalane.
Ultimately, the best option is something that feels good on your skin and doesn’t cause irritation. This will encourage you to apply it every day (ideally twice a day) and see optimal results in the battle against a parched complexion.
