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We updated this article in January 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
There’s nothing worse than having dry, flaky skin—whether it’s caused by the cold, wintry weather or by using a particularly harsh skincare product on your face. Luckily, the best moisturizers for dry skin can quickly provide hydration to even the most parched skin.
But first: What exactly causes dry skin to begin with? Part of it has to do with your skin type—some people just naturally have drier skin than others, which largely depends on genetics. Skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema, chlorine in pools, and simply getting older can also make your complexion feel dry and dull. “Your skin becomes thinner as you age, so it retains less moisture,” explains Meghan Feely, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey and New York City who serves as a clinical dermatology instructor at Mount Sinai.
Meet the Experts: Meghan Feely, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey and New York City who serves as a clinical dermatology instructor at Mount Sinai; Yoram Harth, M.D., San Francisco-based dermatologist and co-founder of MDacne; Mona Gohara, M.D., associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board; Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist; Michael Kassardjian, D.O., a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles; Sapna Palep, M.D., a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.
Of course, when you do experience dry skin, it’s important to use a good moisturizer to help hydrate and restore that skin barrier. But finding the right moisturizer—especially one that’s a good fit for your skin type—can be a hard task. Here, find the best moisturizers for dry skin as recommended by dermatologists (from drugstore finds to splurgy picks!) that will have you glowing in no time.
Our top moisturizers for dry skin:
Pros
- Fragrance-Free
- Developed With Dermatologists
- One Pound of Product
Cons
- Bulky Packaging
“Ceramides are an emollient that can help repair the skin barrier in conditions like eczema,” Dr. Feely says. They’re the foundation of all CeraVe products, including their cult-favorite Moisturizing Cream, which was recommended by numerous dermatologists we talked to. The gentle, non-irritating formula works with all skin types, can be used all over the body, and is rich enough to seriously hydrate the most parched complexions. Bonus: You get 16 ounces of product in this tub!
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid |
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Formula Benefits | Noncomedogenic, Oil-Free, Fragrance-Free |
2
Best Moisturizer for Mature Skin
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Face Cream
Pros
- Lightweight
- Plumping
- Dewy Finish
Cons
- Some users say it can feel too sticky
If you have mature skin in need of some extra plumping, this ultra-hydrating and lightweight face cream from Glow Recipe is a great choice. It’s packed with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid as well as antioxidant-rich plums to plump and brighten skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
“This moisturizer makes my skin so plump and fresh! I use it every morning and my skin looks great all day,” raves one reviewer, also noting that it gives the most “beautiful dewy glow.”
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, Plum |
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Formula Benefits | Paraben-free, Phthalate-free, Silicone-free, Mineral Oil-free, Fragrance-free, Vegan, Cruelty-free |
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Pros
- Slightly Thick
- Fast-Absorbing
Cons
- Contains Fragrance
This top-notch face cream from Clarins contains calming botanical extracts, shea butter, and dimethicone to help dry skin retain its moisture, says Dr. Zeichner. Testers rave about its silky-soft finish, ability to wear well beneath makeup, and comfortable feeling. Bonus: It’s noncomedogenic, and free of sulfates and parabens. If you prefer your creams a bit on the thicker side (without reaching heaviness), this rich, luxurious formula is for you.
Key Ingredients | Leaf of Life extract, Beautyberry extract |
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Formula Benefits | Noncomedogenic, Paraben-free, Sulfate-free, Phthalate-free, Silicone-free, Mineral oil–free |
4
Best Day and Night Moisturizer for Dry Skin
TULA 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream
Pros
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Contains Fragrance
This cruelty-free product merges nourishing vitamin E, anti-aging peptides, and probiotics (the good bugs that live on and in our bodies) to smooth lines, even tone, and hydrate parched spots with lots of botanical oils for reinforcements. “Leaves skin feeling hydrated and fresh,” one happy reviewer writes. “I like that it doesn’t feel oily after application. Smells good, feels good, looks good.”
You can pick it up in a size that works best for you: 1.5 or three ounces.
Key Ingredients | Peptides, Squalane, Probiotic extracts, Prebiotics (Chicory Root) |
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Formula Benefits | Paraben-free, Phthalate-free, Sulfate-free, Mineral-oil free, Gluten-free, Propylene glycol-free, Cruelty-free |
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Pros
- Fragrance-Free
- Convenient Packaging
Cons
- Pricey
If you have a flaky patch that just won’t quit, this rich but gentle cream will take care of it ASAP thanks to a triple lipid complex and ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, aloe, and more. Bonus: It contains a unique peptide blend for extra anti-aging benefits, and features a unique push-top dispenser so you never have to dip your fingers into the product.
Grab it in a mini, value, or standard size.
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, Peptides, Shea Butter |
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Formula Benefits | Vegan, Gluten-free, Cruelty-free |
6
Best Luxury Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer
Pros
- Anti-Aging and Moisturizing
- Luxurious Packaging
Cons
- Contains Fragrance
- Pricey
If you’re looking for a more luxe option, Tata Harper has you covered. The Repairative Moisturizer is designed to target the dullness that accompanies colder, dry climates. Thanks to an expert blend of hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf juice, jojoba seed oil, mango seed butter, calendula flower extract, and more, this product delivers a potent shot of vitamins and essential fatty acids straight to your dry skin for an overall healthy glow.
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, Aloe leaf juice, Jojoba seed oil, Mango seed butter, Calendula flower extract |
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Formula Benefits | Vegan, Cruelty-free, Sulfate-free, Paraben-free, Phthalate-free, Mineral Oil-free |
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Pros
- Fragrance-Free
- One Pound of Product
- Great for Sensitive Skin
- Pump Dispenser
Cons
- Bulky Packaging
This hydrating face cream received a recommendation from Dr. Kassardjian, in our round-up of the best moisturizers for sensitive skin. The formula is packed with ceramides to quench dry skin, but it also earns a stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association for its lack of common irritants: dyes, fragrance, lanolin, formaldehyde, and parabens.
It’s a basic, solid moisturizer with no frills attached, great for those looking to establish a simple, bare-bones skincare routine. And one tub just might last your entire lifetime.
Key Ingredients | Petrolatum, Glyceryl Stearate |
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Formula Benefits | Fragrance-free, Paraben-free, Noncomedogenic, Dye-free |
8
Best Firming Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer
Pros
- Convenient Packaging
- Luxurious Formula
Cons
- Pricey
People love this cult-favorite cream for its smooth, gel-like texture, soft finish, and the results it leaves behind. Peptides, botanical oils, and antioxidants visibly firm, smooth, and plump the skin without ever feeling heavy or greasy. Reviewers rave that the “perfect consistency” will make your face “feel like silk.” The overwhelming verdict? “Totally worth it.”
Not to mention, it features a push-top dispenser that delivers the perfect amount of product every time, saving you from dreaded sticky fingernails.
Key Ingredients | Signal Peptide Complex, Pygmy Waterlily Stem Cell Extract, Soybean Folic Acid Ferment Extract |
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Formula Benefits | Vegan, Cruelty-free |
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9
Best Moisturizer for Extra-Dry Skin
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
Pros
- Fragrance-Free
- Combats Redness
- 6 Ounces of Product
Cons
- Thick Formula
Dr. Harth says dimethicone is one of best moisturizing ingredients for acne-prone skin. “It’s a man-made compound known to reduce water loss without leaving a greasy feel or clogging pores,” he says. First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream features the ingredient, along with a hydrating ceramides, soothing colloidal oatmeal, and rich shea butter. Free of fragrances and alcohol, it’s great for those with sensitive skin—even those who suffer from eczema or extremely itchy skin can use it.
Key Ingredients | Colloidal Oatmeal, Shea Butter, Allantoin |
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Formula Benefits | Vegan, Cruelty-free, Gluten-free |
Pros
- Convenient Packaging
- Contains Vitamin C
- Fragrance-Free
Cons
- May leave a cast on darker skin tones
Great for combo skin, this sheer, non-greasy moisturizer packs hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, and caffeine in order to moisturize, soothe, rejuvenate, and brighten all at once. The formula is noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores, and reviewers wonder “where has this been all my life?” Also, the lidded pump packaging is the perk you didn’t know you needed. Never worry about a tube or jar exploding in your bag, and confidently disperse the same amount of product with every use.
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide (vitamin B3), Caffeine |
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Formula Benefits | Oil-free, Fragrance-free, Noncomedogenic |
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Pros
- Fragrance-Free
- Minimal Ingredients
- Convenient Packaging
Cons
- Not Ideal for Those With Sensitive Skin
“Glycerin, another humectant, is non-irritating and less comedogenic than natural oil-based moisturizers,” Dr. Harth says. You’ll find the gentle, yet ultra-moisturizing ingredient in this cream from Avène. It’s particularly perfect for sensitive skin since it’s also soap- and fragrance-free.
If you’ve accidentally over-exfoliated and disrupted your skin’s barrier, this cream promises to set it right in 48 hours and calm irritation and tightness in as little as 30 seconds.
Key Ingredients | Avene Thermal Spring Water, Glycerin |
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Formula Benefits | Fragrance-free, Paraben-free |
Pros
- Fragrance-Free
- Lightweight
- Plant-Based
Cons
- Only 1.6 Ounces
This lightweight gel-like formula is is free of commonly irritating ingredients like sulfates, mineral oil, and fragrance. It also has a secret ingredient up its sleeve. “Queen of the night cactus is a rare ingredient that’s known for storing water,” Dr. Palep previously told Prevention. Translation: It does wonders on even the thirstiest skin.
“It is super cooling to the skin, like aloe vera. It makes my skin feel moisturized and doesn’t leave it sticky/tacky. It smells very nice and natural... not chemically or artificial like other moisturizers,” one Amazon shopper writes. “As long as this brand is around, I’m going to keep buying this moisturizer... it’s my forever choice!”
Key Ingredients | Cactus, Aloe Vera |
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Formula Benefits | Vegan, Cruelty-free, Sulfate-free, Mineral Oil-free, Fragrance-free |
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Pros
- Vegan
- Contains Vitamin C and Niacinamide
Cons
- Only 1.5 Ounces
If you’re looking for a moisturizer made with all-natural ingredients, you’ll love this Fleur & Bee pick. The formula is packed with powerful good-for-you botanical ingredients (like organic aloe vera, glycerin, vitamin C, E, and B3) to moisturize and hydrate skin. It’s also cruelty-free and 100% vegan, making it safe to use on sensitive skin types. All of the brand’s products are made with 100% renewable wind energy, and 1% of all sales go to Days for Girls, which helps distribute menstrual hygiene products to girls in need.
Key Ingredients | Vitamin C, Niacinmaide, Squalane, Acai, Green tea, Aloe Vera |
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Formula Benefits | Paraben-free, Sulfate-free, Phthalate-free, Silicone-free, Fragrance-free |
14
Moisturizer for Dry Skin with SPF
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer
Pros
- Contains SPF
- Convient Packaging
- Suitable for All Skin Tones
Cons
- Not Ideal for Nighttime Use
Designed to target dryness and dark spots, this two-in-one sunscreen moisturizer is lightweight, oil-free, and makeup-friendly. Its key ingredients include Kalahari melon, which is rich in antioxidants, as well as hyaluronic acid and aloe. The pink cream appears invisible on all skin tones and gives skin an overall brighter appearance.
Plus, the sleek pump packaging helps you use every ounce of product. And when you run out, you don’t have to buy a whole new unit—grab a refill instead.
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe, Niacinamide, Kalahari Melon |
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Formula Benefits | Gluten-free, Cruelty-free, Vegan |
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15
Best Value Moisturizer for Dry Skin
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Daily Moisturizer
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fragrance-Free
- Affordable
Cons
- Some Users Say the Formula Is Too Thick
This $10 product won “best night cream” in our 2020 Healthy Beauty Awards for a reason. “I’m a big fan because it’s so affordable,” Dr. Gohara says. “It does a nice job of incorporating basic ingredients like hyaluronic acid in a cosmetically elegant formulation that isn’t too heavy. I put it on after my retinoid at night.”
It also contains ceramides and triglycerides to support a healthy moisture barrier. Plus, the tube packaging is travel-friendly and keeps the product sealed and sanitary. (No germy fingers digging around in a jar.)
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, Triglycerides, Ceramides |
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Formula Benefits | Vegan, Cruelty-free |
16
Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin for Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
Now 17% Off
Pros
- Fragrance-Free
- Celeb-Loved
- Affordable
Cons
- Only 1.7 Ounces
This oil- and fragrance-free moisturizer delivers rich hydrating power with hyaluronic acid, a humectant that helps your skin retain moisture. “It draws water up from the dermis (the inner layer of skin) to the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) and absorbs moisture from the air,” Dr. Harth says. Derms love hyaluronic acid because it holds a thousand times its weight in water and seriously plumps up skin (it’s commonly used in cosmetic fillers for this reason).
Plus, it’s beloved by Jennifer Garner, who says it “instantly” smooths her micro-lines after application.
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid |
---|---|
Formula Benefits | Fragrance-free, Oil-Free, Noncomedogenic |
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Pros
- Exfoliating
- Provides a Rosy Glow
- Fragrance-free option
Cons
- Some users say it’s too thick
Like it or not, external factors such as UV rays and pollution can take a toll on dry skin. From damaging skin’s moisture barrier to increasing loss of moisture and causing drier skin to develop, they can leave your complexion unhappy. So prep and protect your skin with this moisturizer formulated with lipohydroxy acids that exfoliate dull skin and stimulate surface cell renewal. Imperial peony extract, glycerin, and squalene quench skin with moisture and lock it in for an ultra-hydrated and rosy-looking glow.
“I love the way the pink tint takes away the more sallow tone of my skin. It really does give my skin a glow,” writes one Amazon reviewer.
Key Ingredients | Imperial peony extract, Glycerin, Squalane |
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Formula Benefits | Dye-free, Option for fragrance-free |
18
Best Lightweight Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
Pros
- Fragrance-Free
- Lightweight
- Brightening
Cons
- Pricey
If you’re looking for a lightweight moisturizer for dry skin that has all the power of a heavier formula, look no further. This classic face cream from Kiehl’s contains squalane, an emollient that leaves parched skin feeling hydrated and soft without that super greasy feeling. Avocado, apricot kernel, olive fruit, and sweet almond oils join forces to rejuvenate any dullness.
“I cannot believe I waited this long to try this miracle moisturizer,” one reviewer raves. “The texture itself is wonderfully light and nonsticky.”
Key Ingredients | Squalane, Glycerin, Glacial Glycoprotein |
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Formula Benefits | Fragrance-free, Paraben-free, Phthalate-free, Mineral oil-free |
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Fragrance-Free
Cons
- Only 1.7 Ounces
With loads of positive reviews, this Cetaphil face cream is a dry skin must-have. Formulated with a unique HydroSensitiv Complex ingredient, it works to provide deep hydration and soothes the skin for up to 48 hours. It has a lightweight, non-greasy feel and a gentle scent. The key ingredients also feature hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and B5.
“I use this in the morning and at night, and I can really see a difference...My makeup goes on smoothly and I no longer get dry patches,” writes one happy customer.
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Glycerin, Niacinamide |
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Formula Benefits | Fragrance-free |
Pros
- Fragrance-Free
- Combats Redness
Cons
- Only 1.7 Ounces
A favorite from New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Zeichner, Aveeno’s fragrance- and oil-free night cream instantly soothes dry skin with oat and feverfew extracts, thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties. If your skin is feeling red, itchy, and overall paper-y tight, slather on this nourishing cream for a more balanced, hydrated complexion come morning.
“After washing my face at night, I smooth on this night cream. My face is soft and supple and I wake up looking good. No more tight or itchy face or redness,” raves one reviewer. “Gets the red out of my cheeks and nose and keeps it out.”
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Oat and feverfew extracts |
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Formula Benefits | Fragrance-free, Oil-free, Hypoallergenic, Noncomedogenic |
Kiera Carter
Kiera Carter has a decade's worth of experience covering fitness, health, and lifestyle topics for national magazines and websites. In a past life, she was the executive digital editor of Shape and has held staff positions at Fit Pregnancy, Natural Health, Prevention, and Men’s Health. Her work has been published by Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Travel + Leisure, and more. She spends her free time boxing, traveling, and watching any movie or show with a strong female lead. She is currently based in New York.
Shauna Beni
Shauna Beni is the Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention. An NYC native and beauty product lover, Shauna has written for Beauty Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, and ABC News. She enjoys testing out new beauty products, watching makeup tutorials on Youtube, and binge-watching her favorite shows on Netflix. When she’s not writing, you can find her taking Zumba classes at Crunch, trying out natural curly hairstyles, and giving her friends advice on what makeup and haircare products they should buy. Follow her on Instagram @Beni127.