Skinceauticals Daily Moisture $63
The SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture is another great option.
This is an extremely lightweight moisturizer that is designed for acne prone and oily skin that is dry. It moisturizes without clogging pores and breakouts, said Ramanadham. It contains botanical extracts, vitamin E and algae extracts that nourishes and protects skin without leaving it oiling or clogging pores.
Eltamd Am Therapy Facial Moisturizer $36
One of Ramanadhams favorite brands is EltaMD because they sell medical-grade products at affordable price points. Their products literally disappear into your skin without leaving residues, she said.
The EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer is great for sensitive skin, added Ramanadham. It is non-comedogenic and not greasy. This is lightweight and stimulates the skins water barrier without using oils or emollients. It also contains hyaluronic acid which hydrates our skin cells, niacinamide, an anti-inflammatory that reduces redness and vitamin C that reduces free radicals.
Ponds Rejuveness Advanced Hydrating Night Cream
Last but not least, we have Ponds Rejuveness Advanced Hydrating Night Cream. This easy-to-come-by moisturizer is likely available at your local CVS or Walmart. That makes it a great choice if youre in a bind and need a moisturizer fast.
This product can yield impressive results when used as the last step of your nighttime skincare routine. Its not the most exciting product, but if you just want something simple that works, this is it.
Price: $10
Key Ingredients: Retinol, Vitamin B3, and Alpha Hydroxy Acids.
Effects: Not only does this product hydrate but it also has anti-aging effects that will help reduce fine lines and wrinkles while preventing future aging signs.
Other Highlights: You dont have to wonder if this product is safe and effective. With over 1,100 reviews and a 4.4-star average rating, the results are in! Its even sporting the AmazonsChoice badge as of right now.
This article was supplied by Verma Media, a paid advertiser. Content has not been independently verified by Los Angeles magazine.
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Skinbetter Trio Rebalancing Moisturizer
One of the most advanced skin hydration formulas weve ever come across is that of Skinbetters Trio Rebalancing moisturizers. This product goes above and beyond what youd expect from a moisturizer, helping you unlock healthier, more radiant skin. It transforms your dry skin into smooth, supple, and bright skin fast with a powerhouse repertoire of ingredients that are proven to work.
The hydration is heavy, but the weight is light. Youll barely feel this cream after it absorbs into your skin. Its incredibly expensive, but it works, so dont overlook it based on the price alone.
Price: $145
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Squalene, Linoleic, and Linolenic Acids, Ceramides, Jojoba, Caffeine
Effects: Triple action formula works wonders to bring moisture, hydration, and balance to your skin. Youll enjoy noticeable decreases in fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness.
Other Highlights: This formula is free of all the stuff you want to avoid in a moisturizer: parabens, fragrance, dyes, and animal-based ingredients. The brand practices cruelty-free manufacturing as well and boasts several awards over the last 3 years.
Eltamd Am Therapy Facial Moisturizer
This oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic facial moisturizer is a great choice for those who dont necessarily have a dry skin type but are suffering from dry skin nonetheless. Maybe you only get dry during the cold winter months, but otherwise have a normal-to-oily skin type. If that sounds like you, this facial moisturizer is an excellent choice!
Not only does it moisturize, it smooths your skin and stimulates its natural water system to keep the hydration rolling long after application. As the name suggests, this formula is best used in the morning to protect and hydrate your face all day long.
Price: $36
Key Ingredients: Willow bark extract, Niacinamide, Caffeine, Piptadenia colubrina peel extract, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid
Effects: Moisturize and smooth your skin while brightening and balancing your skins tone. It also stimulates the skins natural hydration system.
Other Highlights: This formula won an award in 2021, and it earned a place on our list in 2022 because they continue to produce an effective facial moisturizer.
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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.
Versed Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream
Suitable for all types of skin, but especially dry skin, Versed Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream is a must-include on any list of the best face moisturizers currently on the market. Its enriched with restorative ingredients that hydrate and replenish the moisture your skin once had.
All the while, it helps fend off the signs of aging to keep you looking and feeling young. While its incredibly rich and potent, its not greasy at all. In fact, customers report the effects they feel from applying this product are dreamy.
Price: $18
Key Ingredients: Squalene, Hyaluronic acid, Red algae extract, Sodium hyaluronate
Effects: Moisturize your skin while also nourishing and fending off the telltale signs of aging so you can stay looking youthful and vibrant.
Other Highlights: 100% vegan, cruelty-free, silicone-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and pregnancy safe. In fact, this ingredient label is free from almost 1,400 questionable ingredients.
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Eucerin Intensive Repair Body Lotion Amazon $987
This under $10 lotion is worth every single penny and you will sure want to stock up. Though thinner than other formulas for extreme dryness, there is no doubt that this product locks in moisture for up to 48 hours thanks to the alpha hydroxy product in the formula that restores the skin’s radiance and provides intensive care and relief. Fans love the convenience of the pump bottle which makes for easy storage and effortless application. It’s one of the best lotions for dry skin for good reason — many customers say it helps restore dry feet, which can be tough to do without a trip to the podiatrist or nail salon.
The Best Face Moisturizers For Dry Skin According To Experts
The experts we spoke to agreed that most effective face moisturizers for dry skin will be heavier and contain a combination of emollients , occlusives and humectants . They also noted that the products should be free of ethyl alcohol, exfoliators and other drying or irritating ingredients. With that in mind, these are the facial moisturizers the dermatologists and estheticians we spoke to said were their favorites for dry skin. One expert also recommended trying a moisturizing face mask, which contains similar moisturizing ingredients in a different form.
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Treat Yourself To The Best Face Moisturizers For Dry Skin
Just because you have dry skin doesnt mean you cant also have radiant, healthy, luminous skin. With the right moisturizer, the skin of your dreams can be in your reach. Hopefully, our list will help you identify the perfect face moisturizer for your skincare needs. But really, why stop at just one? Treat yourself. Even to La Mer.
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Goop Goopglow Cloudberry Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser $28
From the brand that brought us one of our favorite body butters we tested, theres a just-as-lovely Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser to add to your radar from Goop. From the second I tried it, it immediately nurtured my dry skin, reversing my dull texture into something more supple.
Not to mention, its gentle enough for everyday use.
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Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Skin Moisturizer
- Use more than one moisturizer . Nobody needs a cabinet full of moisturizing products. But a thin lotion for your face and a thick cream for your body may be just right for your all-over skin care.
- Apply your moisturizer while your skin is damp. Smooth on your favorite moisturizer a few minutes after a bath or shower. Then pat your skin dry.
- Make your moisturizer do double-duty. Want to even out your skin tone? Look for a tinted moisturizer suitable for your complexion.
Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen $115
Celebrity makeup artist, Jill Powell whose client list includes Demi Lovato, Jamie Lynn Spears, Sabrina Carpenter and many more loves the Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen Serum to bring back a youthful bounce to the skin.
This is one product that everyone needs in their routine as it firms and plumps the skin, said Powell. It pairs well with other products and absorbs nicely into the skin, allowing for layering more products on top with ease. Although it is a bit of a splurge, you will be so happy with your visible results and wont think twice about purchasing again when you run low.
This Algenist serum features alguronic acid which is naturally sourced and sustainably produced from algae and active vegan collagen that helps to strengthen and condition the skin to visibly improve suppleness and texture.
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Keys Soulcare Skin Transformation Cream
Keys Soulcare Skin Transformation Cream is an incredible formula for anyone suffering from dry skin. It hydrates, nourishes, and helps plump the look of your skin. Plus, it helps improve the appearance of your skins tone and texture while calming and soothing any form of irritation. All the while, it purifies your skin with cleansing effects.
This is one of the most versatile products weve seen, and the renewing it provides your skin is incredible. They call it meditation for your skin, and after trying it out, youll see why!
Price: $32
Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, Malachite, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid
Effects: Hydrating and nourishing effects leave your skin more plump and radiant than ever before.
Other Highlights: Also available in a fragrance-free formulation for those who want something more subtle or gentle on their skin.
Best Scent: Sol De Janeiro Coco Cabana Moisturizing Body Cream
Plenty of shoppers rave about the sweet scent of this Coco Cabana cream by Sol De Janeiro. It has notes of coconut, tropical orchid, and toasted praline, and one customer even said it’s the “absolute best-smelling lotion” they’ve ever found. It’s on the pricier side, but the cream comes in two sizes so you can try out the smaller one before committing. It’s actually another favorite of Dr. Zalka, who appreciates that the formula contains cocoa butter. “In the winter months, seek out one of these products come in a jar,” says Dr. Zalka. “They tend to be heavier and more ‘solid’ in consistency, and this equals a soft layer of skin protection that beats water-based lotions as a skin emollient.”
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La Roche Posay Double Repair Cream
One of the most effective face moisturizers weve seen is the La Roche Posay Double Repair Cream. Its dual action of skin repair and lasting hydration makes it a versatile addition to any skincare routine. The formulation is safe, tested alongside dermatologists, and shown to be effective for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Backed by 10 years of research, it actively repairs your skins microbiome to leave your skin healthier than ever before.
Price: $20
Key Ingredients: Ceramide-3, Niacinamide, Glycerin, and La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water
Effects: Double-action cream that works to repair your skins natural barrier and also offers hydration for up to 48 hours. And this product features prebiotics that restores the microbiome.
Other Highlights: Paraben-free, fragrance-free, drying alcohol-free, oil-free, and perfect for sensitive, allergic skin.
How To Shop For A Moisturizer For Dry Skin
Most moisturizers formulated for dry skin have a similar thick texture to provide a heavy barrier on the skin. Greasy creams and ointments work best for dry skin, Goldman and Dachnowicz emphasized.
You should also pay close attention to the ingredients in each product youre considering. Typically, these ingredients can fall into one of three categories, experts told us:
Humectants, emollients and occlusives all work together to hydrate the skin and lock that moisture in.
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Alastin Skincare Restorative Skin Complex $195
Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology, told The Post her top choice is the Alastin Restorative Skin Complex.
While this is one of the most expensive products on our list, she describes it as a medical-grade, all-in-one product thats completely different from any other out there.
The brand claims to help maintain skin health for a vibrant, youthful appearance so its a great anti-aging option, as well. It includes a hydrating formulation with key ingredients to help produce new and healthy elastin and collagen in your skin and combat visible signs of aging.
Cetaphil Deep Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Cream $1699
Cetaphils Healthy Glow Dailey Cream is another great budget-friendly option.
Cetaphil Healthy Glow Daily Cream is a great moisturizer for dry skin, said Powell. It penetrates and hydrates even the most sensitive skin and leaves the skin soft and supple. This is by far the best intense moisturizing cream [if youre on a budget} and you can grab it at most major drugstores.
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Best For Face Body And Hands: Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Key features:
CeraVes daily moisturizing lotion contains hyaluronic acid to provide hydration and retain the skins moisture. The product is suitable for use on the face, body, and hands.
According to CeraVe, the lotion is smooth, lightweight, and non-greasy. CeraVe also claims that the product is suitable for people with the following skin types:
Who its best for
This product is best for people with areas of dry skin on the face and body.
Pros/cons
Pros:
- contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help moisturize the skin
- features MVE technology, which slowly releases ingredients into different layers of the skin for effective moisturization
- allergy-tested and noncomedogenic
- product has the National Eczema Associations Seal of Acceptance
Cons:
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid
My eczema reacts so badly around my eyes that even the best eye creams and the best moisturizers cannot bail me out. In times of distress, I smear just a small amount of Aquaphor onto my under eyes to restore moisture. I apply it as needed, but most typically before bedtime to lock in moisture and before I apply makeup so my eyelids can soak it up and prevent my concealer from looking cakey. Jacqueline Saguin, style & beauty reviews fellow
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When Should You Apply A Moisturizer
To make sure your skin absorbs every drop of moisturizer, Dr. Farhand recommends applying moisturizer within a minute of getting out of the shower or washing your face every day. It also helps to apply it when your skin is still a bit damp to help seal the moisture in. Since moisturizer has such a big job when it comes to your barrier and the health of your skin, apply a moisturizer a.m. and p.m. for best results. Make sure to top your morning routine with a sunscreen.
Kora Organics Noni Glow Sleeping Mask
While most of these products are applied first thing in the morning to start your day, the Kora Organics Noni Glow Sleeping Mask is a great overnight approach to hydration. It boosts moisture content in your skin while you sleep, so you wake up with smoother, plumper skin.
The pillow-proof formula wont come off as you toss and turn. Start each morning by being greeted with renewed, repaired skin with the help of Kora Organics. Its free of artificial fragrance, colors, GMOs, and all the other stuff you want to avoid.
Price: $48
Key Ingredients: Coconut milk, Kakadu plum extract, Caviar lime extract, Silver ear mushroom
Effects: 100% of consumers report an improvement in skin bounce and elasticity, while many still reported that their skin felt amply hydrated and noticed a reduction in fine lines.
Other Highlights: Was awarded by the Cleo Beauty Hall of Fame in 2019.
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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