Dry skin is the worst. Flaky bits appear out of nowhere and feels tight. And if it's really dry and sensitive, it can also be painful and sore. So using the best moisturiser for dry skin is super important to keep it comfortable and happy. Any old cream just won't cut it.
What causes dry skin?
Dry skin signifies an issue with the skin barrier, so you need a cream that will help to replenish lost moisture and fill in the gaps to restore optimal function. Temporary dryness may be caused by a number of factors. Cold and dry weather, over-washing (think about your hands during the pandemic) and hormonal changes may all contribute to a complexion that feels tight and drier than the Sahara Desert. If your actual skin type is dry, however, it's most likely determined by your genetics or even an underlying skin condition.
What makes a moisturiser ideal for dry skin?
These differ vastly from the best moisturisers for oily skin. Applied after your best face serums, they're developed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid (which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water), fortifying hydrators and soothing ingredients. These clever formulas can also attract moisture from the environment, drawing it deep into your dermis. They also defend your skin's protective barrier against environmental aggressors such as pollution, which then helps to lock in moisture. "Choose a good quality light moisturiser that soaks in readily, rather than just sitting on the surface of the skin," advises Dr Ross Perry, cosmetic doctor and managing director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics.
"Try a rich emollient cream as this will soften and smooth out any flakiness on a dry face whilst adding in that much-needed moisture boost," adds consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. "If in any doubt, speak to a dermatologist, GP or sales assistant to find the perfect moisturiser to suit your individual needs. There is no one size fits all when it comes to skincare."
But there's more to keeping your skin hydrated than simply applying moisturiser. One of the common causes of dry patches is dead cells adhering to your skin, so invest in the best cleanser that contains gentle exfoliating ingredients to break down the bonds holding those dead skin cells together. Follow this with the best toner for your dry complexion, which will boost hydration and your moisturiser will then sink into your skin better and be as effective as it possibly can.
And then when it comes to make-up, finish off with one of the best foundations for dry skin to keep your complexion looking healthy and glowing throughout the day. Scroll through for our round-up of the best moisturiser for dry skin to help you find one that suits your budget and lifestyle.
The best moisturisers for dry skin 2024 at a glance:
- Best moisturiser for dry, sensitive skin: Kate Somerville Recovery Cream | £69 at Lookfantastic
- Best moisturiser for dry skin, blemish-prone skin: Byoma Moisturising Rich Cream | £13.99 at Boots
- Best affordable moisturiser for dry skin: CeraVe Moisturising Cream | £5 at Lookfantastic
- Best moisturiser for mature dry skin: Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Lipid Replenishing Treatment | £148 at Lookfantastic
- Best rich moisturiser for dry skin: Weleda Skin Food | £10.47 at Lookfantastic (was £14.95)
- Best celeb-approved moisturiser for dry skin: Augustinus Bader The Cream | £230 at Cult Beauty
- Best moisturiser for dry and dehydrated skin: Vichy Minéral 89 72Hr Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane Moisture Boosting Cream | £17.60 at Lookfantastic (was £22)
- Best moisturiser for dry and tight skin: Avène XeraCalm A.D. Lipid-Replenishing Balm Moisturiser for Dry, Itchy Skin | £17.60 at Lookfantastic (was £22)
- Best moisturiser for dry skin for barrier repair: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream | £34.20 at Lookfantastic (was £38)
Here on the beauty desk at Marie Claire UK, it's safe to say we know a thing or two about what makes for the best moisturiser for dry skin. Over decades of combined experience in the beauty industry, we have tried and tested every moisturiser for dry skin out there.
This means we know what makes a moisturiser for dry skin worth your money. Below, we have rounded up the very best moisturisers for dry skin in existence. We have tested all of the below moisturisers over the years to find the best that help to tackle dry patches, tightness and the inevitable dullness that comes with parched skin.
Our testing criteria
How did we test these moisturisers? Well, we took everything into consideration, including the below.
- Is the texture soothing but not too heavy?
- How long does the moisturiser hydrate the skin for?
- Is the price reflective of the results?
- Have ingredients been properly formulated to cater to dry skin needs?
- Does the formula put the skin barrier and a healthy barrier function first?
If the answers to the above questions tick all of the right boxes, you better believe it made it on our list.
Now, let's find your new moisturiser for dry skin, shall we?
Best moisturiser for dry skin 2024
1. Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream
Kate Somerville's skin clinic in LA is a hotspot for celebrities. She's their go-to for all things skin. You don't need to cross the Atlantic to get super hydrated and calm skin. This little tub of joy is ideal if you have slightly sensitive skin, it cocoons skin in moisture and instantly feels soothed.
"We would trust A-list aesthetician Kate Somerville with our lives. I wouldn't dream of letting this moisturiser run out. Whenever my skin has a flare up from a particularly active product, it's the first thing I reach for in attempt to get my skin barrier back to full health." - Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor
2. Byoma Moisturising Rich Cream
Byoma as a brand is all about caring for the skin barrier. It does that by formulating all of its products to contain a tri-ceramide complex. The fantastic thing about this cream is that for a mere £14, you can see your skin transform for the better within a couple of weeks.
"My skin is oily and breakout-prone, but as part of my job testing and trialling products all day means my skin goes through periods of intense dryness. This daily cream helps take down the risk of my skin barrier becoming too badly damaged. Plus I love that it's accessible and affordable." - Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor.
3. CeraVe Moisturising Cream
CeraVe might not have the sexiest packaging, but boy does the dry skin cream inside make up for that. This purse-friendly cream is rich and nourishing, but not greasy at all. It uses this clever thing called MVE Delivery Technology that releases the much-needed ingredients throughout the day, exactly when you need them. It's also a great, gentle cream for dry or itchy skin conditions like eczema, as it supports a compromised skin barrier.
"CeraVe says that you can use this on your body and your face, which won't suit everyone, but as someone with chronic dry skin that hits peak panic in winter I can assure you that your face will love it. It's also so incredibly affordable and I recommend it to everyone." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
4. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Lipid Replenishment Skincare
If you have dry skin, its natural protection is weak and vulnerable, which makes it super fragile, which only worsens with age. It's crying out for a cream like this, which is water-based and rich in valuable lipids, natural extracts and essentials oils that cocoon the skin in softness. Expensive, yes, but also one of the best moisturisers you can get for really dry skin.
"If money wasn't an object, I would recommend this cult face cream to everybody I know. It is, without doubt, the most effective moisturiser for dry skin in existence. No fuss, no frills, delivers on its promises." - Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor
5. Weleda Skin Food
This cream is not for the faint-hearted. It is so thick and rich that it can be used all over the body, but some people think it makes the best moisturiser for super dry skin on the face too. You have been warned.
"When my skin is crazy dry, I always turn to Skin Food. My skin drinks it up and I'm left looking really dewy. Plus my make-up goes on better, which is always a bonus. It's a cult multipurpose classic that counts Victoria Beckham among its fans. So I'm a good group." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
6. Augustinus Bader The Cream
You've probably seen Augustinus Bader on some of your favourite celebrities' Instagram feed. Victoria Beckham loves it, Diane Kruger can't get enough and Marie Claire is just as obsessed. The science behind it a special complex that has previously been used to heal burnt skin. It's been a total game-changer in the industry for good reason.
"Gosh, this is such a smart product - a scientifically-proven skin healer. I know that the price won't suit everyone, but the research and science behind it is unparalleled. I am a huge fan and my skin loves it." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
7. Vichy Mineral 89 72H Moisture Boosting Cream
If you're plagued by dehydration, as well as dryness (yes, there is a difference) then what you want is a cream that contains hydrating ingredients, as well as soothing. Thankully, this rich formula is packed full of hyaluronic acid to rehydrate and shea butter to nourish. It has a velvety texture to it that you will instantly fall in love with.
"This is the product that I have in my cupboard at all times. My skin is often both dry and dehydrated - so tight in some areas, flaky in others with lines of thirsty skin across my forehead - and this is the only thing that I have found that work on both. There's also the added bonus that it works beautifully as a base for make-up. Huzzah." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beuty Editor
8. Avène XeraCalm A.D. Lipid-Replenishing Balm Moisturiser for Dry, Itchy Skin
When skin is so dry that it feels tight, sore and itchy, this soothes and prevents further moisture-loss. It works particularly well in Winter when skin needs an extra boost and is ideal for those with irritable, sensitised skin.
"I've never met a dermatologist who doesn't recommend Avène for stressed-out, dry skin. It's a French pharmacy must-have. It's also particularly good when you've gone a little overboard with retinol or other actives." - Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor
9. Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream
When your skin is dry and tight, you want a cream to do two things. One - envelop the skin in moisture, making it feel more comfortable. Two - penetrate deep into the dermal layers to improve hydration from within. This cream does both.
"Seriously, every beauty editor I know absolutely adores this cream, because of how nourishing and effective it is. It's Korean skincare at its best." - Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor
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