Best Overall Face Moisturizer: Olay Regenerist Micro
Why you should buy it: Through our tests, we found that the best face moisturizer overall is dermatologist favorite Olay Regenerist. The brand describes it as an anti-aging moisturizer that hydrates skin and helps retain skins youthful surface contours. Essentially, its meant to diminish the look of fine lines while improving skins elasticity and firmness. What sets it apart is the formula.
About the formula: According to New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, this provides the ideal combination of humectants like hyaluronic acid, emollients like triglycerides and occlusives to hydrate, support the skin barrier and lock in moisture. It also includes niacinamide, which is helpful for tone and texture, and anti-aging peptides as well. Its fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin too.
What we like: This is an all-around reliable moisturizer if youre looking for a product to have in your vanity year-round or want to test a low-risk option. One of our testers, who describes their skin type as normal with a bit of dryness in the winter, said that they like the weight of this formula. It looks creamy, but blends in immediately and you dont feel it on your face at all. The lightweight, but creamy texture allows it to sink right into the skin as opposed to simply sitting on top of it. None of our testers experienced any skin sensitivities or irritations while using it obviously a plus.
Youth To The People Superfood Air
This air-whipped, light gel moisture cream instantly hydrates, balances, and revitalizes your skin. Besides hyaluronic acid, this product contains a special superfood blend of kale, spinach, green tea, alfalfa, and vitamins C, E, and K.
It is designed for combination skin or oily skin types. However, it is also friendly for all skin types to keep the skin hydrated.
This product uses only the highest-quality ingredients to create exclusive cold-pressed plant extracts, which contain powerful antioxidants and phytonutrients. No animal byproducts or substances tested on animals are used in this moisturizer.
Furthermore, the formulation is free of mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and dimethicone.
Key Benefits
Squalane + Omega Repair Cream
Water, Squalane, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isoamyl Laurate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Ceramide NP, Jojoba Esters, Sodium Hyaluronate, Euterpe Oleracea Sterols, Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Ethyl Linoleate, Tocopherol, Isoamyl Cocoate, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Gluconate
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Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream $38
Laneiges popular Lip Sleeping Mask has some competition with the brands Water Bank Moisture Cream. Hinting really strong spa vibes, its powered by antioxidants and extracts of super greens artichoke, Brussel sprouts and lima beans to deliver a smooth-feeling formula.
And, if the idea of greens being in your skincare worries you, Laneiges formula is pretty much fragrance-free.
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Get the ultimate holiday glow with hydration-packed and radiance-enhancing formulas for your everyday skincare routine.
- Squalane + Omega Repair Cream : Deeply nourish and strengthen skins moisture barrier with ceramides and beneficial lipids.
- Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil : Brighten, firm, and fight free radicals with vitamin C, hydrating squalane, and Chios crystals.
- Apply repair cream to clean face and neck following eye products, serums and treatments.
Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
- Gently press a few drops of Vitamin C Rose Oil onto clean skin morning and night. Use the Vitamin C oil after your serum and moisturizer to lock in long-lasting hydration. You can also add a drop or two to your foundation for extra dewy coverage.
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Algenist Genius Sleeping Collagen $98
The Algenist Sleeping Collagen cream is definitely on the pricier side, but Powell thinks its worth investing in.
Your skin repairs itself the most overnight while you are sleeping, so your nighttime routine is essential in keeping your skin in the best condition, Powell said. Algenist Sleeping Collagen is a rich cream packed full of ingredients like collagen and ceramides that boost hydration and repair the skin overnight. You will wake up with soft cushioned skin that appears more radiant and smooth.
Do The Ingredients Matter
In a word, yes. The efficacy of a given face moisturizer rests almost entirely on its composition. Humectants feature in the formulas of most leading moisturizers for good reason they are moisture magnets that form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, luring water into the top layer of skin cells in the process. Some humectants are man-made, while others exist in nature.
Synthetic Humectants
Urea and glycerin are the synthetic humectants most common in the moisturizers on our list. Urea is a heavy-duty humectant known for hydrating the top layer of the skin and speeding the removal of dead skin cells. Urea is also a sworn enemy of eczema and psoriasis, aiding in the alleviation and prevention of those conditions. This tough-on-dry-skin platform is undoubtedly why Clinique included urea in their .
Glycerin is an emollient that traps moisture where we want it in our skin. In addition to its moisturizing properties, glycerin is also an effective antidote for rough or itchy skin and combats skin irritation, itching, and flaking.
Natural Humectants
Hyaluronic acid is the signature ingredient in many top-of-the-line face moisturizers, including our Gold Medal winner . This naturally occurring humectant stimulates moisture retention in skin cells, and also acts in an anti-aging capacity through diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and supporting skin elasticity.
Skin Irritants
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Elta Pm Therapy Facial Moisturizer $36
Elta PM Lotion is a hydrating and lightweight but still an effective moisturizer with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, said Levin.
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 thats anti-inflammatory and increases ceramide content in the skin which is calming and important for the skin barrier, Levin explained. Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar molecule that is found in our skin. Its incredibly effective at holding water in the skin which is why its a go-to hero humectant ingredient.
Lastly, ceramides are like the mortar to skin cells which are like bricks and ensure a healthy skin barrier.
Its great for all skin types, especially for those struggling with acne since its free of oil, parabens, sulfates, fragrances and is cruelty-free and non-comedogenic.
Hyaluronic Acid And Sodium Hyaluronate
Another important ingredient Dr. Yadav recommends is hyaluronic acid. This sugar molecule is one of the most popular humectants and is known for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, she says. When you apply it to your skin, it helps draw in moisture. Alternatively, she recommends sodium hyaluronate, a water-soluble salt that’s derived from hyaluronic acid. Sodium hyaluronate has a smaller molecule size than traditional HA, meaning it can more effectively penetrate the skin to pull in hydration. Just be sure to apply any HA-infused formula to damp skin or with damp fingertips to facilitate its natural humectant properties.
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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.
Best For Inflamed Skin: Eltamd Moisture
- Who it is best for: people with inflamed, flaky, sensitive, or dry skin
- Main ingredients: niacinamide, ceramide NP, hyaluronic acid, proteolytic fruit enzymes
- How much and when to apply: daily
- Advantage: contains anti-inflammatory ingredients
- Disadvantage: some users found the cream to have an unpleasant odor
This product from EltaMD contains niacinamide, a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient. The company writes that the proteolytic fruit enzymes in this formula help to soothe and calm inflamed skin.
Its formula is reportedly free from parabens and fragrance and is suitable for vegans.
EltaMD also states this lotion does not clog pores.
An 8-oz bottle is available for around $32.
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Skinmedica Ha5 Rejuvenating Hydrator $120
Although its on the pricier side, Sperling is a big fan of this serum. This moisturizing face serum is elegant and goes on nicely under makeup or at night before bed, she said. Its very hydrating from the hyaluronic acid which is found naturally in skin. Its safe for all skin types and great for anti-aging as it helps soften fine lines and wrinkles.
Dr. Roxy Grawe, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is also a fan. This is a lotion which actually has five different types of hyaluronic acid in it. Known to hold water, this hydrates your skin without causing acne, she told The Post.
Grawe added that a little goes a long way and that the product has a gel-like consistency.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Amazon
Who its for: People who want an affordable gel moisturizer.
Who it isnt for: People looking for a thick cream moisturizer.
Using products daily for face and neck care can get expensive over time. Thats why affordable drugstore moisturizer options like this Neutrogena formula are so popular. It has a lightweight gel consistency, but provides intense moisture like a cream.
The formula is non-comedogenic and oil-free, making it a good choice for people with acne-prone skin who are worried about clogged pores. Humectants include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and dimethiconola type of silicone that provides a super silky feel.
Price at time of publish: $19
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
- Size: 1.7 ounces
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What Is Byrdie Verified
Did you notice the Byrdie Verified seal of approval at the top of this story? This seal means that our team has researched and tested every product on this list using a unique methodology thats designed to focus on what our readers really want to knowand to deliver insights that you cant find anywhere else. Occasionally, beauty brands and PR agencies will send us samples for coverage consideration, but our thoughts and opinions are fully our own. If you visit links within our content, we may receive commissions from your purchases, but we never receive any compensation or consideration for the content of our recommendations. In short, the Byrdie Verified seal stands for product recommendations you can trust.
Aurelia London Cell Revitalise Night Moisturiser
Aurelia London Cell Revitalise Night Moisturiser, £19.20, Cult Beauty
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If you have dry or flaky skin it’s a great idea to choose a rich night cream, particularly during the colder months. The Aurelia revitalising moisturiser contains a soothing blend of borage, avocado and mongongo oils, and shoppers have commented on how they wake up with a dewy complexion when applying the cream before bed.
Top review: “Heaven in a jar. The best night moisturiser ever and I’ve tried lots!! Combined with cell repair night oil, it’s luxurious and gives my skin a fantastic feel and glow. Amazing.”
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What To Avoid While Shopping For Moisturizers For Dry Skin
As youre shopping for facial moisturizers to heal and revitalize your dry skin, you might notice that most of them are labeled as fragrance-free and alcohol-free. Thats because fragrances and denatured alcohols can dry out the skin, which is counterproductive when youre trying to combat dryness.
According to our skin care experts, here are some of the ingredients you should avoid while shopping for a face moisturizer for dry skin.
Mcaffeine Deep Nourishing Face Moisturizer
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Some Of The Best Lotions For Dry Skin
Below are 10 of the best lotions for dry skin a person can purchase online.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
- Who it is best for: individuals with dry, eczema-prone skin
- Main ingredients: colloidal oatmeal
- How much and when to apply: as needed on mild to moderate eczema
- Advantage: contains a large amount for an affordable price
- Disadvantage: may test its products on animals
Aveeno writes that this product is suitable for dry, eczema-prone, and sensitive skin.
It contains colloidal oatmeal, which the Food and Drug Administration has recognized as a skin protectant that helps lock in moisture. It also contains ceramides and water.
The cream aims to intensely hydrate the skin and reduce the symptoms of eczema, including redness, itching, irritation, and dryness.
The company claims this cream is free from fragrances and steroids, and that it has received approval from the National Eczema Association .
A 12-fluid-ounce bottle costs around $19.
- Who it is best for: those with balanced or dry skin
- Main ingredients: hyaluronic acid, essential ceramides, water
- How much and when to apply: liberally and as frequently as needed
- Advantage: does not contain fragrance
- Disadvantage: may test its products on animals
This product is suitable for balanced to dry skin.
Avne Tolerance Extreme Emulsion $38
Avene Tolerance Cream is my go-to recommendation for dry skin due to its minimal ingredients loaded with glycerin to support the skin barrier and moisture for exquisitely sensitive skin under more severe weather conditions, said Levin.
Lamb also recommends this Avene product. This moisturizer contains Vitamin E and Glycerin, which helps plump skin and leads to decreased appearance of fine lines, she said.
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Cerave Am Facial Moisturizing Lotion Normal To Dry Skin 3 Fl Oz
- Get nourished and healthy looking skin with the help of this sunscreen
- SPF 30 helps safeguard your skin from harmful sunrays
- Formulated with ceramide helps restore moisture for smooth skin
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Product Details
A lightweight, moisturising face lotion with broad spectrum SPF25, for all-day hydration for normal to dry skin. Specifically formulated to moisturise sensitive skin that is normal to dry and exposed to UV rays.
Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Sunscreen provides protection against UVA and UVB rays while the formula hydrates, while helping maintain and protect the skin barrier of the face. Spreads easily and dries with a clear finish.
With 3 naturally occurring ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid which are essential in supporting the skin barrier and retaining moisture. Suitable for normal to dry skin. Moisturises and maintains the protective skin barrier.
Lightweight formula with UV protection locks in moisture for 24 hour hydration. Fragrance free and non-comedogenic. With 3 essential ceramides to protect skins natural barrier. Recommended use in conjunction with CeraVe cleansers.
Our Top Moisturizers For Dry Skin
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- Best Moisturizer for Extra-Dry SkinUltra Repair Cream Intense HydrationFirst Aid Beauty
- Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin for EczemaMoisturizing CreamVanicream
- Best Day and Night Moisturizer for Dry Skin24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night CreamTULA
- Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin for Under MakeupHydra-Essentiel Rich CreamClarins
- Best Value Moisturizer for Dry SkinNatural Moisturizing Factors + HA Daily MoisturizerThe Ordinary
- Best Firming Moisturizer for Dry SkinProtini Polypeptide MoisturizerDrunk Elephant
- Best Lightweight Moisturizer for Dry SkinUltra Facial CreamKiehls
- Convenient Packaging
- Some Users Report Pilling
Use products without fragrance if you have conditions like eczema or sensitive skin, Dr. Feely says. We love this fragrance-free moisturizer by La Roche-Posay for what it does have: hydrating ceramides and soothing niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that also helps minimize annoying redness.
A high concentration of Prebiotic Thermal Water also promises 48 hours of hydration, and reviewers say it calms rosacea flare-ups. Im on my 5th bottle. My face is supple, one Amazon shopper writes.
Know your skin type: If your skin is really dry and sensitive , a richer cream or lotion will probably give you the results youre looking for. People with oily or acne-prone skin will benefit from lighter gel formulas instead.
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