Best Moisturizer For Dry Skin

A hydrating moisturizer is a must for every complexion, but it’s especially important for those with dry skin. The right formula will lock in moisture to prevent flakiness and itchiness, so read on for our top picks.

To make our list, we asked dermatologists for their recommendations. Look for ingredients like humectants (which attract water), emollients (which smooth and soften) and occlusives (which create a seal to help retain moisture). Click through for our favorite options.

1. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Moisturizer

Olay is one of the most affordable anti-aging brands out there, but it delivers on its promises. Its regenerating moisturizer helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while its retinol night cream promotes cell turnover to increase elasticity. It’s the perfect foundation to build a routine around, and I recommend this product for anyone starting out with anti-aging skincare.

This fragrance-free face moisturizer deeply hydrates to firm skin and erase fine lines. Its advanced formula includes Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Amino-Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid and Antioxidants for ultimate penetration. It starts visibly reducing wrinkles and fine lines on day 1 and improves elasticity for a lifted look. This anti aging face cream also protects against the #1 cause of early/premature aging-the sun.

In blinded consumer testing, this Olay face cream outperformed 10 top prestige creams costing up to $440! It moisturized better than them at the three hour mark and had a longer lasting effect on dry skin. In addition, this Olay face lotion was found to be more effective than Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Regenerating Cream in terms of improving skin texture by 10% after just four weeks.

The Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Moisturizer contains the same ingredients as its older formula, including olivem, which increases skin’s penetration of anti aging products. It also has vitamin E and shea butter, which help soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve elasticity. It is free of parabens and other harmful preservatives.

2. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

When it comes to bathroom cabinet staples, few do-it-all products are as beloved as the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream. The cult beauty product has been a favourite of the brand’s loyal following since 1930, when the cosmetics entrepreneur fashioned an apricot-toned glossy ointment with healing properties. It was given its name by a client who used it on her son’s skinned knee, discovering that eight hours later the wound had healed (and she reportedly even applied the balm to her thoroughbred horses).

The multi-tasking cream can be worn in a variety of ways: moisturizing face and body; hydrating lips and nails; shaping brows; taming flyaways; highlighting cheeks; and Best moisturizer for dry skin soothing dry hands. The classic formula is rich in emollient ingredients like petrolatum and lanolin, while the addition of antioxidant-rich shea butter and inflammatory-busting salicylic acid make it an ideal choice for soothing dry, itchy or irritated skin.

In fact, it is so effective at combating dryness that the iconic product is a favourite of Victoria Beckham and Zendaya (as well as Prince Harry, who once claimed to use it to protect his skin from windburn while trekking in arctic conditions). If you’re looking for a moisture boost, apply a small amount over your go-to nighttime moisturizer, then rinse in the morning. A little goes a long way, so start with just a dime-sized dab and build from there.

3. Dior Addict Hydrating Cream

A repairing and hydrating balm that melts on the skin with a velvety finish. Its formula is enriched with shea butter to protect the lips and hands from dehydration while a jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis) emollient provides a smoothing effect on the skin and lips. The baume also contains centella asiatica (cica), a plant that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots while also providing antioxidant protection.

The new version of Dior Addict has cleaned up the ingredients, so now 90% of the products are of natural origin and it’s refillable! It still has the same great look and feel of the original product, but with a better formula.

This hydrating lipstick is a true fashion accessory and it comes in a variety of colors that will work with every skin tone and lip color preference. It’s a very rich, pigmented lipstick that lasts a long time and is incredibly comfortable to wear.

The applicator is oversized, and feels so soft on the lips as you swipe it across them. I tried the shade Rosewood, which is a muted pink. There are seven other shades in the line, ranging from transparent to pink and coral to deep burgundy. It’s available in both a glossy and matte finish, so you can choose what you want.

4. L’Occitane Shea Butter Cream

The nourishing Shea Butter Cream is formulated to deeply moisturize dry skin and protect it from external aggressors. Suitable for all skin types, it is especially effective on eczema, forming a protective barrier to increase water retention and prevent water loss, and it also helps reduce stretch marks. It contains 95% natural ingredients, including regenerative Argan Oil and hydrating coconut oil, and it is dermatologically tested so that it won’t disrupt your skin’s microbiome.

One of L’Occitane’s best-sellers, this luxurious hand cream is a must-have for anyone with dry hands. It’s made with 20% shea butter Beauty and skin care product manufacturer from the fruit of a shea tree, which is renowned for its nourishing and softening properties. This shea butter is complemented by honey and sweet almond extract, leaving your hands feeling noticeably softer and smoother.

It also contains glycerin, which is an excellent humectant that binds moisture to the surface of your skin and prevents it from escaping. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it an excellent ingredient to help soothe your skin.

Lastly, this shea butter cream is enriched with shea oil, which is known for its anti-ageing properties and ability to soften the skin. It’s a good source of omega 6 and karitene, which are both great for nourishing the skin and reducing redness and irritation.