As we contend with summer’s heat waves and humidity while also preparing for winter’s harsh conditions, finding the best moisturizer for dry skin has become top priority. (Rough and dehydrated doesn’t quite fit the sun-kissed agenda.)
The key to settling on the right body or facial moisturizer one starts with understanding what your skin actually wants in the first place. “People with dry skin typically experience flaking or cracking of the top most layer of their skin and difficulty maintaining moisture,” says board-certified dermatologist Caroline Robinson. “This can be related to genetic factors such as eczema, or environmental factors like living in an area with low humidity, or both. Our skin needs moisture to function optimally so if dry skin is not addressed it can lead to itching, redness, rashes and other skin changes.”
Locking in moisture is essential for dry skin, so while the desire to skip the creams in the summer may seem smart, it’s actually depriving your skin of what it craves and will only exacerbate the problem. “When we are not regularly moisturizing our skin or using a moisturizer that is appropriate for skin type, our skin cells become sluggish in their turnover process and it’s difficult for our skin to hold on to the water it needs,” says Robinson.
She advises those with drier skin types look out for ingredients that are truly hydrating. Natural lipid moisturizers that our skin already produces like ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids are a great place to start. “The ideal moisturizer has a blend of all of these ingredients so that the skin recognizes it and soaks it up, rather than the moisturizer sitting on the skin.” Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid are also good to consider, Robinson adds, as they help attract water to the skin.
As for what to avoid? You’ll want to stay away from applying raw oils like coconut oil and shea butter to the face. “Many of these contain molecules that are too large to be absorbed and provide any benefit,” says Robinson.
Below, she shares her face and body picks when it comes to the best moisturizer for dry skin.
Hero Cosmetics Collective Prebiotic Moisturizer
Robinson’s top pick is the Collective Prebiotic Moisturizer by Hero Cosmetics. “It blends squalane, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid in a super hydrating formula.”
Lord Jones Acid Mantle Repair Moisturizer
“Containing quercetin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, this is another rich moisturizer to add to your list.” –Dr. Robinson
“This is great for the body! The formula contains glycerin, fatty acids and microdroplets of Vaseline Jelly to help support the skin barrier. ” –Dr. Robinson
Editor’s Picks
Our editors are always on the lookout for the latest formulas that deliver on smooth, bouncy skin. From helping the skin retain moisture to tackling fine lines, these are the ones that pass the test time and time again.
“Every winter I struggle with dry, itchy legs, but last year I finally found a solution in Kate McLeod’s Body Stone, which I apply after I shower and shave. I love that its minimal packaging is plastic-free, and it leaves my skin moisturized for days.” – Ella Riley-Adams, Senior Living and Beauty Editor
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
“I’ve tried all types of moisturizers over the years, from fancy-schmancy crèmes to trendy, new launches, but at the end of the day, I always go back to Hydro Boost. It’s perfect for my oily, dehydrated skin because the lightweight formula won’t clog my pores, and the moisturizing gel quickly absorbs into my skin, leaving it feeling instantly hydrated.” – Alexis Bennett, Commerce Writer
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream
“Whenever my dry, rosacea-prone skin has a flare-up, I look to Dr. Jart+’s Cicapair Tiger Grass moisturizer. I love its rich yet lightweight texture and color-correcting tea green color, which helps diffuse ruddiness before I apply foundation. Its star anti-inflammatory ingredient cica, aka centella asiatica, really works wonders to calm and reduce the appearance of my redness.” – Lauren Valenti, Senior Beauty Editor
Avene Trixera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Balm
“This is one of the only body lotions that actually works for my eczema-prone skin. It keeps you moisturized the entire day and is really gentle on the skin.” – Puja Prakash, Senior Manager, Social Media
Fortuna Skin Rinascita Delle Olive Replenishing Balm
“I prefer a balm to a thick cream in the summer since I want to avoid heavy layers in the face of humidity. Recently, I’ve started to grab for Furtuna Skin’s Replenishing Balm when my skin is feeling more dehydrated than usual. Packed with phyto-ceramides and antioxidants, like spirulina concentrate, the formula quickly melts in with the heat of my fingertips, leaving my face supple and glowy.” – Michella Oré, Beauty Assistant
Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
“Aside from my normal skin-care routine, I try to find clever ways to keep my dry skin moisturized at all times. I’ve found that if I mix a little of Weleda’s skin food into my foundation, my skin looks and feels dewy and hydrated.” –Rachel Besser, Market Editor
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
“I have extremely sensitive skin and a good moisturizer is my secret weapon. Because I wear sunscreen every day, it’s really important for me to make sure my skin still has a glow to it and Cerave does exactly that!” – Cassandra Pintro, Associate Producer
