Last Updated on August 13, 2024 by Shavy Jain
Dry skin is the trickiest of all skin types. It changes from being hydrated, and moisturized to being sensitive and irritated overnight!
To prevent that and truly nourish your dry skin, there’s one and only one rule: Use the right moisturizer for dry skin!
Dry skin can be caused by various factors, including harsh winter weather, indoor heating, certain medical conditions like diabetes, and even simple dehydration. Whatever the cause, a good dry skin moisturizer made with clean ingredients helps seal moisture, repair skin cells, and maintain the skin barrier, which leaves your skin supple and hydrated.
Thus, finding the right moisturizer is essential, and Ecowiser has shortlisted 11 moisturizers for dry skin to help you find the right one among the overwhelming choices available.
In this detailed article, we’ll explore the best moisturizers to hydrate very dry skin, diving deep into what makes a moisturizer effective, the different types available, and our top picks for 2024. Whether you’re looking for the best moisturizers for dry skin or the best moisturizer for aging skin, we’ve got options to suit every need and budget.
First, let’s learn, what ingredients are must-haves to make a good dry skin moisturizer.
What Makes A Moisturizer Work For Dry Skin?
The best formulation for a best moisturizer for dry skin typically contains a combination of these three key components:
Emollients
Emollients are ingredients that soften and smooth the skin. They work by filling in the gaps between skin cells, creating a smoother surface, and improving the overall texture. Common emollients include:
- Ceramides: These are natural lipids found in the skin that help maintain the skin barrier and retain moisture. They are crucial for preventing dryness and irritation.
- Coconut Oil: Known for its nourishing properties, coconut oil provides deep hydration and helps restore the skin’s natural barrier.
- Shea Butter: This rich, creamy ingredient is packed with vitamins and fatty acids, making it excellent for soothing and moisturizing dry skin.
Occlusives
Occlusives create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing moisture loss. They are particularly beneficial for very dry skin and include:
- Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a superstar for hydration.
- Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera also acts as a humectant, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
The effectiveness of a moisturizer largely depends on these ingredients and the formulation. That’s why, when shopping for the best moisturizer for dry skin, dermatologists often recommend products that combine all three of these ingredient types for maximum effectiveness.
Now the formulation of moisturizer can’t be ignored to find the best moisturizer for women with dry skin. Let’s see its types for a better understanding.
Various Types of Moisturizers
Moisturizers come in different formulations, each suited for specific needs and preferences:
- Oil-Based Moisturizers: These provide more hydration and often leave a glowy appearance. They are ideal for very dry skin types, especially in colder climates.
- Water-Based Moisturizers: Lighter in texture, these absorb quickly and are suitable for those who prefer a non-greasy feel. They are great for layering under makeup or other skincare products.
You would be happy to know that the products recommended here are not shared without research. Here’s how Ecowiser hand-picks each product.
How Ecowiser Tests Moisturizers?
At Ecowiser, we take our product recommendations seriously. Our testing process for finding the best moisturizers for dry skin is rigorous and comprehensive:
- Vetting Ingredients: We started by researching the ingredients of approximately 38 moisturizers, focusing on quality and effectiveness.
- Narrowing Down: After careful consideration, we narrowed the list to their top 11 picks, based on our evaluation criteria, to meet the highest standards for dry skin care.
Here’s some brief information about our evaluation process of the best 11 dry skin moisturizers and creating the guide to moisturizer for dry skin.
Ecowiser’s Evaluation Criteria
Ecowiser uses specific criteria to evaluate how well each moisturizer performs. These criteria help us identify the best moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin, and other specific needs.
- Absorption: They check how well and quickly each product absorbs into the skin, assessing the immediate feel after application.
- Hydration: Skin moisture levels are measured before and after using the products to determine their effectiveness in providing hydration.
- Consistency: The texture and feel of the product are assessed both before and after application to ensure a pleasant user experience.
- Blotting Paper Test: This test evaluates oiliness by using oil-absorbing sheets after application to see how well the product controls shine while maintaining hydration.
By understanding these key aspects of moisturizers for dry skin, you can make informed choices that will help you achieve a hydrated and healthy complexion. Whether you prefer a rich cream or a lightweight gel, knowing what to look for will help you choose the best moisturizer for glowing skin.
Now, let’s check out our top picks for the best face moisturizers of 2024. We’ve included options for various skin types, concerns, and budgets, so you’re sure to find your perfect match.
11 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin
Tatcha, founded by Vicky Tsai in 2009, is inspired by Japanese beauty rituals. The brand is known for its use of traditional ingredients like green tea, rice, and algae.
Description: The Water Cream is a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that delivers nutrient-rich, balanced hydration with a water burst that breaks upon application to deliver nourishment without leaving skin sticky or greasy.
Pricing: Premium ($62 for 1.7 oz)
Key Ingredients: Japanese Wild Rose, Japanese Leopard Lily, Hadasei-3™ Complex (Green Tea, Rice, and Algae), 23-karat Gold
Suitable for: Normal, combination, and oily skin types
Specific conditions: Pores, dullness, and uneven texture
Key Ingredients: PITERA™, Calla Lily Extract, Peony Extract, SKINPOWER Complex
Suitable for: All skin types, especially mature skin
Specific conditions: Fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness
La Mer, founded by aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber, is famous for its luxurious skincare products featuring the nutrient-rich Miracle Broth™.
Description: This ultra-soft cream delivers intense hydration and healing properties, leaving skin looking radiant and youthful.
Pricing: Ultra-luxury ($390 for 2 oz)
Key Ingredients: Miracle Broth™, Lime Tea Concentrate, Antioxidant Lime Tea, Moisturizing Spheres
Suitable for: All skin types, especially dry and mature skin
Specific conditions: Dryness, fine lines, and dullness
Founded by Professor Augustinus Bader, a biomedical scientist, this brand is known for its innovative, science-backed skincare.
Description: The Rich Cream is a deeply hydrating moisturizer that supports cellular renewal and dramatically improves skin’s appearance.
Pricing: Luxury ($300 for 1.7 oz)
Key Ingredients: TFC8® (Trigger Factor Complex), Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin E, Squalane
Suitable for: Normal to dry skin types
Specific conditions: Fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
Embryolisse, a French pharmacy staple since 1950, is beloved by makeup artists and dermatologists alike.
Description: This multi-purpose cream moisturizes, nourishes, and primes the skin, making it a versatile addition to any skincare routine.
Pricing: Affordable ($29 for 2.54 oz)
Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Beeswax, Soy Proteins, and Aloe Vera
Suitable for: All skin types
Specific conditions: Dryness, dehydration, and sensitive skin
Key Ingredients: Tri-Ceramide Complex, Green Tea Extract, Niacinamide, Licorice Root Extract
Suitable for: All skin types, especially combination and oily
Specific conditions: Dehydration, redness, and uneven texture
Key Ingredients: Glacial Glycoprotein, Squalane, Fountain Plant, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Suitable for: Dermatologically-Proven for safety and gentleness on all skin types, including sensitive skin, and as a day cream for dry skin
Specific conditions: Dryness, rough texture, and dullness
Philosophy, founded in 1996, is known for its multi-tasking skincare products with uplifting messages. It’s a cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny-certified brand.
Description: This multi-tasking moisturizer hydrates, brightens, and protects the skin, leaving it with a healthy, radiant glow.
Pricing: Mid-range ($49 for 2 oz)
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Peptides
Suitable for: All skin types
Specific conditions: Dullness, uneven skin tone, and fine lines
La Roche-Posay, a French pharmacy brand, is recommended by dermatologists worldwide for its gentle, effective formulas.
Description: This oil-free moisturizer helps restore the skin’s barrier and provides long-lasting hydration for up to 48 hours, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin.
Pricing: Affordable ($23.99 for 3.4 oz)
Key Ingredients: Ceramide-3, Niacinamide, Glycerin, La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water
Suitable for: All skin types, especially sensitive
Specific conditions: Dryness, sensitivity, and compromised skin barrier
Dermalogica, founded by a skin therapist, is known for its professional-grade skincare products.
Description: This rich cream helps repair and strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier, providing intense hydration and soothing sensitive skin.
Pricing: Premium ($64 for 1.7 oz)
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Oat Oil, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E
Suitable for: Dry, sensitive skin
Specific conditions: Redness, irritation, and compromised skin barrier
Exuviance, created by dermatologists, is known for its patented anti-aging ingredients and formulations.
Description: This night cream works while you sleep to boost collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Pricing: Mid-range ($89 for 1.75 oz)
Key Ingredients: NeoGlucosamine, Maltobionic Acid, Peptides, Vitamin E
Suitable for: All skin types, especially mature skin
Specific conditions: Fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture
Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin: Comparitive Study
Check the table to see the performance of the 11 best face moisturizers of 2024, based on their absorption, hydration, consistency, and blotting paper test, helping you compare their effectiveness for dry skin.
| Brand | Absorption | Hydration | Consistency | Blotting Paper Test |
| Tatcha | Quick, non-greasy | Long-lasting from Japanese botanicals | Lightweight gel-cream | Minimal oiliness, no excess shine |
| SK-II | Fast, smooth base for makeup | Intense, improves texture and radiance | Rich yet lightweight | Hydrated, no excessive oiliness |
| Crème de la Mer | Slow, rich formula | Deep, ideal for very dry skin | Thick, buttery | Hydrating but heavy for oily skin |
| Augustinus Bader | Quick, velvety finish | Deep, supports skin regeneration | Luxurious, creamy | Hydrated without excess oil |
| Embryolisse | Easy, versatile for daily use | Effective from shea butter and aloe vera | Creamy, rich but not heavy | Balanced, no excessive shine |
| Byoma | Quick, refreshing | Excellent from ceramides and niacinamide | Light gel-cream | Hydrated without greasiness |
| Kiehl’s | Smooth, good for layering | Intense, maintains moisture | Rich yet lightweight | Well-hydrated, no excess oil |
| Philosophy | Quick, easy-to-use | Excellent, improves texture and glow | Smooth, creamy | Hydrates without shine |
| La Roche-Posay | Fast, provides comfort | Long-lasting, restores moisture barrier | Lightweight, creamy | Balanced hydration, no excess oil |
| Exuviance | Efficient, overnight hydration | Deep, promotes skin renewal | Rich, creamy | Hydrated, suitable for nighttime use |
| Dermalogica | Quick, smooth finish | Deep, restores balance | Rich, comforting | Hydrated without oiliness |
Tips for Choosing and Using Moisturizers
Apply to damp skin: For maximum absorption, apply your moisturizer to slightly damp skin right after cleansing.
Layer properly: If you use multiple skincare products, apply them from thinnest to thickest consistency, with your moisturizer typically being one of the last steps.
Don’t skip the sunscreen: If your moisturizer doesn’t contain SPF, be sure to apply a separate sunscreen during the day.
Adjust seasonally: You might need a lighter moisturizer in summer and a heavier one in winter. Listen to your skin and adjust accordingly.
Use night creams: Consider using a richer moisturizer at night when your skin does most of its repairing and regenerating.
Don’t overdo it: More isn’t always better. Using too much moisturizer can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Be patient: It can take a few weeks to see the full effects of a new moisturizer. Give it time before deciding if it’s working for you.
Consider your skin type: While we’ve focused on dry skin, remember that combination skin might need different products for different areas of the face.
Check the ingredients: Look for products with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides for intense hydration.
Massage it in: Gently massaging your moisturizer into your skin can help with absorption and boost circulation.
The Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin in Winter
When the temperature drops and the wind picks up, your skin needs extra TLC. The best moisturizer for dry skin in winter is typically richer and more occlusive to combat the harsh effects of cold weather and indoor heating.
Look for products with ingredients like shea butter, lanolin, or petrolatum, which create a protective barrier on the skin. Our top picks for winter include La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream and Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, both of which provide intense hydration without feeling greasy.
Dermatologist Recommended Moisturizer for Dry, Sensitive Skin
If you’re dealing with both dryness and sensitivity, you’ll want to be extra careful about what you put on your skin. The dermatologist recommended moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin is often the one that’s fragrance-free and contains soothing ingredients.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer and Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream are best moisturizer for dry skin face. Both are formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin while providing deep hydration.
Summing Up: Finding Your Perfect Moisturizer
There you have it, the 11 best moisturizers to hydrate very dry skin. From luxe creams to budget-friendly options, there’s a dry skin moisturizer for everyone. Let’s not forget, that our skin is the most delicate part of our body. Only by using clean and green products, you can nurture it effectively.
Whether you’re looking for the best moisturizer for dry skin face or the best moisturizer for dry, aging skin, the options we’ve discussed provide a great starting point. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little – what works wonders for one person might not be the perfect fit for another.
Lastly, remember that hydrated skin is happy skin. Moisturizing isn’t just about avoiding dryness – it’s an essential step in maintaining healthy, radiant skin at any age. So go ahead, treat your skin to some much-deserved hydration. Your future self (and your glowing complexion) will thank you!
We hope this guide to moisturizer for dry skin has been helpful in your skincare journey. Remember, beautiful skin is just a moisturizer away. Happy hydrating!
Here’s your next read on the best natural face moisturizers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which moisturizer do most dermatologists recommend?
Dermatologists often recommend moisturizers like Tatcha The Water Cream for its lightweight, oil-free hydration, SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream for its rich, firming formula, Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream for luxurious deep hydration, Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream for its nourishing and regenerative properties, and Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, a versatile moisturizer that hydrates and preps the skin for makeup.
2. How to choose a moisturizer for dry skin?
When selecting a moisturizer for dry skin, focus on products with emollients (like ceramides or shea butter) to soften the skin, occlusives (like beeswax) to lock in moisture, and humectants (like hyaluronic acid) to draw in hydration. Creams are typically the best choice due to their thicker, more hydrating formulas compared to lotions.
3. Which type of moisturizer is best for dry skin?
Creams are generally the best option for dry skin. They provide more intense hydration than lotions, making them ideal for replenishing lost moisture and leaving the skin soft and nourished.
4. What is the best moisturizer for extremely dry skin?
For extremely dry skin, top choices include Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream for its deep hydration, Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream for its regenerative and hydrating properties, and Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance, which deeply restores the skin’s natural moisture.
5. What is the best skin product for dry skin?
Aside from a good moisturizer, essential products for dry skin include a gentle, non-foaming cleanser, a hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, a mild exfoliator to remove dead skin cells, and a facial oil to lock in moisture and provide extra nourishment.
