Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
Chiu recommended Neutrogena Hydro Boost for people with dry skin, as did Dr. Barry Goldman and licensed aesthetician Jean Dachnowicz, both of New York City’s Goldman Dermatology, which Goldman founded. addresses the dryness and the face feel hydrated, Goldman and Dachnowicz said. Notable ingredients include hyaluronic acid, dimethicone and glycerin.
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.
What To Look For In A Moisturizer For Dry Skin
There are a few different things you can look for when it comes to a moisturizer for dry skin. “I usually recommend a fragrance-free product with ceramides that can help repair the skin barrier function,” says board-certified dermatologist Gary Goldenberg, MD, founder of Goldenberg Dermatology. “In some instances, lactic or salicylic acid can help get rid of the scaling and help dry skin.”
Moisturizers usually come in water-based or oil-based formulas, Rodney says. “Lighter, more hydrating lotions and gels are often water-based, while thicker creams and ointments are oil-based,” she says. The right moisturizer for you “really depends on whats causing your dry skin, and you may need one over the otheror both,” Rodney says.
For example, if you have dry skin and live in a hot environment, a thicker cream can help with water loss, Rodney says. “Thicker creams contain occlusives, which create a barrier to prevent water loss,” she explains. “Oily skin is crying out for more hydration and needs a moisturizer with emollients, which penetrate the skin with hydration, or humectants, which draw moisture from the environment.”
But some newer formulations of moisturizers allow for lighter delivery systems like lotions and gels to give you plenty of moisture, Zeichner says. With that in mind, these are the best moisturizers for dry skin:
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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.
How Much Moisturizer Should I Use

When it comes to skincare applications, namely how to apply moisturizer, the experts favor a fruit analogy. And in the case of moisturizer, were talking almonds. Aim for two almond-sized blobs, or three if you have a bigger face, and dot across the skin, distributing the moisturizer evenly. If the skin still feels dry and tight, apply another layer after a short wait.
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Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque $25
Image Skincares Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque is a great option for those who have dry skin and want to rejuvenate their skin with a mask.
This mask is soothing, anti-aging, hydrating and is great for all skin types, including dry and dehydrated skin. I recommend using it once a week. It smells great and leaves the skin looking and feeling refreshed, said Sperling.
Similar Products: Less Expensive Quality Options
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream : Crème de la Mer is meant to be used during the day and at night, but as I preferred to use it mostly at night, Ill compare it to another night cream Ive tested recently: Freshs Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream. Freshs night cream is exponentially lighter, absorbing almost instantly into the skin unlike La Mer, but in terms of texture, it really comes down to preference. Both creams are packed with antioxidants , and provide soothing, hydrating relief from dry skin. However, I found that Freshs creamwhich is significantly less expensivemore effectively improved dryness and skin texture over time , which makes it the clear choice.
Haoma Recovery Night Cream : When comparing Crème de la Mer to my usual night cream, Haomas Recovery Night Cream, Haoma is the winner for me. In terms of texture and feel, Haoma’s lightweight cream formula absorbs quickly and effectively hydrates the skin, while La Mers heavy formula tends to sit on top of it. Both soothe dryness, but I find that Haomas formula better penetrates the skin and has longer-lasting effects. Less expensive than La Mer but still with a luxury price tag , Haomas clean formulation is jam-packed with reparative and regenerative plant ingredients, while La Mers formulation, infused with the brands potent Miracle Broth and Lime Tea, is not considered clean by Byrdies standards.
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Kora Organics Noni Glow Sleeping Mask $48
Dr. Mariana Vergara, a cosmetic dermatologist, is a big fan of face masks and recommends the Kora Organics Noni Glow Sleeping Mask for those with dry skin.
This mask hydrates, smooths and plumps the skin. It contains silver ear mushroom, coconut milk, caviar lime and Kakadu plum extract, Vergara told The Post. Silver ear helps bind hyaluronic acid to your skin to deeply hydrate. Coconut Milk is a source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acid that balances dryness and improves the skin barrier protection which decreases inflammation in the skin. It also contains antioxidants like vitamin C which protects the skin from oxidative stress.
How To Pick The Best Moisturizers For Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, its important that you know how to find the best product for your skin type to solve the specific problems you’re facing. Here’s how to do that:
- Figure out your skin type with a wash test. After patting a wet face dry, assess how your skin feels, and that will tell you what skin type you have.
- If your skin is not dry or tight or if you have visible oil, then you have oily or combination skin dry cheeks, forehead or jawline indicate combination skin a dry or tight feeling reveals dehydrated skin if you experience none of the above, you’ve got normal skin.
- If you find that you have oily or combination skin and don’t know how to combat that, have a look at our guide on how to choose moisturizer suited to your skin type.
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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.
What Are The Differences Between Creams Lotions And Gels
The key differences are their ratios between water and oil. According to Dr. Hartman, creams are composed of half water and half oil, lotions contain mostly water and less oil, and gels are water-based and lack any trace of oil. This matters because, according to Dr. Mariwalla, thicker creams typically deliver more moisture than thinner lotions and watery gels. For example, extra dry skin might require a heavy cream, while dry, acne-prone skin might benefit from a lightweight, oil-free gel.
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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.
Team Beauty Mag
At Beauty Mag, all of our writers are passionate about skincare, makeup, haircare, and beauty. From lipstick experts to those who know everything about Korean face masks or how to tame frizzy locks, were here for all your beauty and style needs. The only thing we love more than finding our holy grail mascara? Sharing that knowledge with you. No matter what your style is, weve got the tips, tricks, reviews, and tutorials to help you shine.
How To Have Healthy Skin While You Are Pregnant

- Use a fragrance-free hydrating moisturizer. Massage it well for deeper penetration.
- Select natural botanical extracts with mild exfoliating ingredients to provide nourishment and buff away dead skin cells.
- Ensure the salicylic acid content in the moisturizers is less. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a small concentration of the topical application of over-the-counter products, including salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and glycolic acid,is safe during pregnancy.
What should you check for before buying pregnancy-safe moisturizes? The following buying guide can help you understand.
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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.
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.
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Best Face Moisturizer For Dry Skin
When looking for the finest moisturizer for dry skin, its easy to feel like Goldilocks in the cereal aisle. There are a lot of choices, but only a handful of them feel quite right. Given how vital moisturizer is in avoiding essential water loss and so keeping skin healthy and happy, youd think that people with dry types of skin would have an easy way of finding a best face moisturizer for dry skin that works for them. In actuality, moisturizing is a vital part of everyones skin care regimen and finding a good moisturizer for dry skin may be just as difficult as finding one for blemish, pimple or sensitive skin.
How To Find The Best Face Moisturizer For Dry Skin
Finding a nutritious, moisturizing, and soothing moisturizer that isnt oily is one of the most arduous tasks. After using a moisturizer, even the flakiest, thirstiest skin shouldnt feel like an oil slick. Aside from that, the amount of dryness on your skin will influence which moisturizer feels the best. While those with really dry skin may profit from a thick cream, those with problem skin where certain sections of the face are best face moisturizer for dry skin, but others are greasy or prone to breakouts would likely prefer something lighter but still moisturizing.
Ingredients Of Best Face Moisturizer For Dry Skin
Occlusives are very vital for people with dry skin, they say, much more so than for people with normal skin.
Contributions Of Our Skin Of Best Face Moisturizer For Dry Skin
Are The Best Moisturizers For Dry Skin More Expensive
In a word, no. Theres nothing wrong with splashing out on a luxurious, divine-smelling face cream that prompts feelings of euphoric every time its applied. In fact, that sounds like an extremely valid way to spend a self-care day! But on the flip side, drug store brands with reasonably priced offerings will also provide your skin with all the nourishment it needs. Dr Ross Perry agrees, telling us: Expensive options may not be that different when it comes to ingredients – they just have more marketing behind them and play to peoples perceptions of hope in a jar.
Instead, look for quality ingredients from brands you can trust.
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Results: Very Soothing On Dry Skin But No Long
While Ive already talked about the not-so-favorable residue, I cant deny how soothing this cream was for dry, rough patches of skin.
During both daytime and nighttime use, my cheeks felt protected against the elements and any discomfort I felt was immediately alleviated. However, this relief was surface-level.
The cream didnt absorb very well, and it didnt feel like it penetrated my skin enough to actually heal it. Sure, it would feel supple and soft once I applied it, but as soon as I washed my face, it immediately went back to feeling rough and dry.
I tested this product over the course of 12 days, and I didnt notice much of a long-term improvement in my skins texture and overall moisture levelit was more of a temporary fix, rather than the miracle cure-all its hyped up to be. Being how respected Crème de la Mer is, I was hoping this product would truly heal my dry skin and help it retain more moisture over time.
However, it’s also worth noting that Crème de la Mer could be a great option for anyone with more mature skin because it feels super rich upon application and leaves a luminous finish.
The Best Moisturisers For Dry Skin 2022
As a team, we have tested all of the below moisturisers to find the best that help to tackle dry patches, tightness and the inevitable dullness that comes with parched skin. But how did we test? Well, we took everything into consideration. The texture you want a cream that will instantly soothe, but also not feel too heavy on the skin. The formula does it hydrate all day long or is your skin in need of a boost after lunch? And of course, we looked at the price.
Lets find your new moisturiser, shall we?
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Top 10 Best Face Moisturizers For Dry Skin 2022
Why we like it:
Editors Rating:
Regenerist is the flagship anti-aging product line from veteran drugstore cosmetics brand, Olay. Intended for daily use, the Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is a multifaceted face moisturizer effective for all skin types, and useful across the spectrum of skincare and beauty needs.
Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Creams formula includes a multitude of humectants and antioxidants. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin lead the way by encouraging hydration and moisture retention at the skin level, while vitamin B3 accelerates skin cell regeneration and the culling of dead skin cells. Dimethicone, an emollient, helps treat and prevent itchiness and skin irritation. In sum, expect Regenerist to keep your skin moist and hydrated and limit the visibility of lines and wrinkles.
On the negative side, Olay Regenerist is notably thick and sticky, akin to cake frosting, meaning consumers might find it uncomfortable or cumbersome to layer it over or underneath makeup and/or sunscreen. Its available in both scented and fragrance-free varieties.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
Why we like it:
Editors Rating:
- Skin Type: Sensitive, Acne-Prone, Dry
- Formula: Gel Cream
Generally available for under $30, Neutrogena Hydro Boost is a premium cosmetic at budget prices. While certainly costlier on average than , it offers plenty of value in addition to the low price-point.
Pros
Why we like it:
Editors Rating:
- Formula: Multi-Use Lotion
Pros
Why we like it:
Pros
Cons
When To See A Dermatologist

Visiting a dermatologist should be routine at least once a year. Even if you dont have a skin condition, getting a dermatologist to thoroughly examine your skin for irregular growths or asymmetrical moles or lesions could be a key step in preventing skin cancers like melanoma.
And of course, if you notice any existing moles or skin growths changing in shape, color, texture, or size, make an appointment to see a dermatologist.
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