Thousands of Reviewers Have Spoken: These 16 Moisturizers Will Save Your Dry Skin

Thousands of Reviewers Have Spoken: These 16 Moisturizers Will Save Your Dry Skin

10/18/2021

There are tons of reasons why your skin might feel extra dry lately (think: excessive exfoliation, the weather, and wearing a face mask). While some people can blame genetics for their flakey skin, the environment you're in (particularly cold weather) can dry out your skin, too. Another common cause? Age. 

"Your outer skin layer is designed to maintain hydration, but in some people, this system is weaker than others," Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City tells InStyle. "Skin barrier function weakens with age. Someone who did not need a moisturizer when she was young may find it is necessary as she gets older." And if your skin's barrier is defective, he says you might find super tiny cracks and increased inflammation. But the good news is that slathering on a good moisturizer can help restore dehydrated skin. 

These are the 16 best moisturizers for dry skin of 2021, according to reviews:

  • Best Overall: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
  • Best for Sensitive Skin: Eau Thermale Avène Skin Recovery Cream
  • Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gel-Cream
  • Best for Under Makeup: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
  • Best Celeb-Approved Option: Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
  • Best Anti-Aging: Olay Regenerist Fragrance-Free Micro-Sculpting Cream
  • Best for Extremely Dry Skin: Aquaphor Healing Ointment
  • Best With SPF: EltaMD UV Facial Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30+
  • Most Affordable: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
  • Best Lightweight: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream
  • Best K-Beauty: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
  • Best With Ceramides: Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream
  • Best Night Cream: Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 
  • Best Firming: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer
  • Best for Itchy Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
  • Best Cooling Option: Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Probiotic Gel-Cream

What to Consider When Shopping for a Moisturizer

Since not all moisturizers are equally as hydrating, we got the lowdown on exactly what to look for from Dr. Zeichner and Dr. Sheila Farhang, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics. 

First up, you want to make sure you choose the right type of product. "For a good moisturizer, choose a cream over a lotion. Lotions are more water-based, so more lightweight but not as hydrating," says Dr. Farhang. And to make sure your skin absorbs every drop, she recommends applying moisturizer within a minute of getting out of the shower every day. 

What Ingredients to Look for in a Moisturizer for Dry Skin

As for ingredients, the most common types are occlusives, emollients, and humectants, and they all work in different ways. "Occlusives are ingredients that form a physical barrier over the skin to prevent loss of hydration," says Dr. Zeichner. "Common occlusives used in skincare products are petrolatum or dimethicone." And then there are emollients like natural oils and fatty alcohols, which he says "directly hydrate and soften rough cells on the outer skin layer." 

Humectants, like the popular hyaluronic acid, aren't actually moisturizing on their own, which is why they need to be paired with an actual moisturizer to hydrate dry skin. Instead, these molecules "pull in water to hydrate and plump the skin," according to Dr. Farhang. 

With those dermatologists' tips in mind, we scoured thousands of customer reviews to help you find the best-rated moisturizers for dry skin. And while this list is focused on face moisturizers, many of the products below can be used on your body, too. 

Keep reading to learn more about the best moisturizers for dry skin from brands like CeraVe, Drunk Elephant, Olay, and Skinceuticals, including affordable drugstore options and celeb-approved options that are worth the splurge.

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Best Overall: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

With an average of 4.8 stars from nearly 65,000 customers, this CeraVe cream is perfect for people with dry skin on their face or body — and it’s really affordable, too. It contains powerhouse ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, the latter which Dr. Farhang says are “a lipid that helps with the integrity of the skin barrier.” The fragrance-free formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin, and even shoppers with eczema have found relief in this thick moisturizer. (It’s earned a National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.)

What reviewers are saying: “I have extremely sensitive skin. The past six months or so my skin has become very dry, likely due to my age. I’ve tried so many different lotions, oils, even supplements. I finally came [across CeraVe] and I’ve only used it for two days and I cannot believe the difference in my skin!”

Shop now: $16 (Originally $19); amazon.com

Best for Sensitive Skin: Eau Thermale Avène Skin Recovery Cream

Specially formulated to be safe for super sensitive skin, Avène’s moisturizer will reduce redness, calm irritation, and most importantly, hydrate. Compared to other moisturizers, it has very minimal ingredients — but that’s one reason why it’s a safer option for people with sensitive skin. 

What reviewers are saying: “The very first time I applied this cream to my eczema-induced facial rash, my skin felt and looked hydrated. The transformation from rough, scabby, raisin/prune like skin was immediate and amazing… It reduced the inflammation and redness and calmed my irritated facial skin.”

Shop now: $35; amazon.com 

Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream

This top-rated moisturizer from Neutrogena uses hyaluronic acid to help draw water to your skin and dimethicone as a physical barrier so it stays hydrated. It absorbs quickly so your skin instantly feels quenched, but it also locks in the moisture for 48 hours, according to the brand.

What reviewers are saying: “I’ve never been more pleased with a facial moisturizer. I got it yesterday and used it right away. I was impressed with how smoothly it went on and was completely invisible. Even better, my skin didn’t feel tight or coated. Then the miracle: A couple of hours later, I looked in the mirror, and surprise, no dry, flakey skin. I assumed it just hadn’t had time to get back to its dry condition, but this morning it still looks as smooth as it does in the summertime.” 

Shop now: $17 (Originally $19); amazon.com

Best for Under Makeup: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Amazon shoppers call La Roche-Posay’s face moisturizer “magic in a bottle,” and it’s for good reason. The oil-free formula is very hydrating and works well under makeup, which makes it a great daytime moisturizer. There’s even a version with SPF 30 so you don’t have to apply a separate sunscreen.

What reviewers are saying: “It’s lightweight, doesn’t leave a white cast, and I can use it under makeup without any problems. I don’t even have to use primer anymore.”

Shop now: $20; amazon.com

Best Celeb-Approved Option: Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream

Plenty of celebrities like Julia Roberts swear by Weleda Skin Food for head-to-toe hydration, so of course Amazon shoppers love it now, too. Formulated with plant extracts like pansy, chamomile, and sunflower oil, the thick cream will seriously nourish anywhere on your body that’s feeling extra dry — and customers say it definitely lives up to the hype. “This is the best moisturizer I have ever used,” said one person. “I’m an esthetician/makeup artist and have spent so much money on skincare. This is by far my favorite product. I used it at night, and for me, my skin soaks it right up.”

What reviewers are saying: “This is the best moisturizer I have ever used. I’m an esthetician/makeup artist and have spent so much money on skincare. This is by far my favorite product. I used it at night, and for me, my skin soaks it right up.”

Shop now: $19; amazon.com

Best Anti-Aging: Olay Regenerist Fragrance-Free Micro-Sculpting Cream

Not only is this moisturizer incredibly hydrating, but it’s also a powerful anti-aging product that thousands of shoppers swear by. In addition to hyaluronic acid, the Olay moisturizer uses amino peptides to smooth and firm your skin and niacinamide (a.k.a. vitamin B3) to reduce the appearance of dark spots. FYI: While some reviewers questioned the legitimacy of the cream, Olay confirmed to InStyle that Amazon is an authorized seller — just make sure the listing still says “ships from and sold by Amazon.com.” You can also order the anti-aging cream on Ulta. 

What reviewers are saying: “My skin was dull and dry and had a rough texture, [but] since using this product my skin has improved massively. I have seen a reduction in fine wrinkles, smoothness of skin texture, and my skin is holding moisture and is not dry anymore.”

Shop now: $21 (Originally $26); amazon.com

Best for Extremely Dry Skin: Aquaphor Healing Ointment

If you have extremely dry, cracked skin, then you need a heavy-duty moisturizer that can restore your skin without irritation, like Aquaphor’s Healing Ointment. Since it’s made of 41 percent petrolatum, the ointment creates a barrier over dry skin to prevent it from losing hydration. It’s great for chapped lips, and it’s gentle enough to help heal minor cuts and burns (that’s why it’s often recommended for tattoo aftercare). 

What reviewers are saying: “I’ve often spread [this] on my face after chemical peels or when my skin is chapped from cold, or just when it is really dry, and I’ve never broken out from it. In fact, often the opposite occurs, and it leaves my skin supple and glowing in the morning.”

Shop now: $12 (Originally $19); amazon.com

Best With SPF: EltaMD UV Facial Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30+

EltaMD is another popular brand of facial moisturizers, and this version is ideal for dry skin. It comes in tube and jar containers, and both boast a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ for sun protection and hyaluronic acid for moisture retention.

What reviewers are saying: “I have been using this product for several years as recommended by [a] dermatologist for use as a moisturizing sunscreen for the face. It is very creamy, absorbs well, and wears well under any foundation makeup. It has a white, creamy texture but disappears quickly as you smooth on. It has never irritated my skin in any way and feels great on dry skin.” 

Shop now: $28–$31; amazon.com

Most Affordable: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

At just $8, this hydrating moisturizer from The Ordinary is the most affordable option on this list. It has a non-greasy finish, which makes it a great moisturizer for people with combination skin. It’s so effective that some shoppers say they’ve replaced their expensive face creams with it.

What reviewers are saying: “This is the only moisturizer I plan to use for the rest of my life. This product did not make any dramatic changes to my skin besides keeping it healthy and hydrated every day, which I consider a plus. It’s the most simple, straightforward product ever.”

Shop now: $8; ulta.com

Best Lightweight: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream

If you’re looking for a super lightweight moisturizer, then this Peter Thomas Roth Cloud Cream is it. Shoppers say it really lives up to the name, with many describing its texture as “soft,” “fluffy,” and “silky.” The moisturizer contains 30 percent hyaluronic acid and Pentavitin, which is an ingredient that claims to keep skin hydrated for up to 72 hours after washing.

What reviewers are saying: “This is the lightest, airiest, dewiest, non-greasy, nicest smelling moisturizer I have ever used,” wrote a customer. “As soon as I scooped a bit out of the jar, I could tell it was going to be different from most face creams.”

Shop now: $22–$117; amazon.com

Best K-Beauty: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Another lightweight option, this gel moisturizer from Korean beauty brand Belif is designed to feel like a “drink of water” for your skin. Instead of hyaluronic acid, it uses glycerin and ceramides to moisturize skin and help it retain water — and customers say it keeps their dry skin feeling hydrated.

What reviewers are saying: “I’ve always suffered from very dry skin, especially my nose. I’ve tried many many moisturizers/lotions and nothing has come close to this. Since I purchased this Aqua Bomb, my skin has drastically changed for the better.” 

Shop now: $38; amazon.com or sephora.com 

Best With Ceramides: Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream

Sunday Riley’s super hydrating cream contains ceramides and vitamin F to replenish your skin’s natural barrier, and antioxidants (like coconut and beetroot extracts) for added moisturization. It has a very rich, creamy texture that will leave your skin glowing without any stickiness. “Absolutely loved this cream,” said one shopper.

What reviewers are saying: “The thicker consistency feels luxurious and it hydrates my skin so well. It has definitely been a lifesaver this winter.” 

Shop now: $65; amazon.com

Best Night Cream: Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

Another top-notch anti-aging cream, Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore uses a combination of ceramides, natural cholesterol, and fatty acids to nourish and hydrate your skin. And good news for people who want to start using retinol (which can be drying and irritating at first) in their skincare routine: The night cream was proven to cut back on how long it takes skin to adjust to retinoids, according to the brand. 

What reviewers are saying: “I woke up and just kept looking at myself in a mirror because my skin looked so good. After a few more uses, I realized that I could not live without this night cream.”

Shop now: $130; skinceuticals.com

Best for Itchy Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

This rich moisturizer from First Aid Beauty contains colloidal oatmeal to relieve itchiness and shea butter to hydrate and protect skin, so it’s ideal for healing flaky, irritated skin. Shoppers find it very soothing and say that it calms their rashes (even eczema). 

What reviewers are saying: “My face was red, itchy, and blotchy for months and I had no idea what was wrong. This product cleared up the problem overnight and I have [had] no eruptions since.”

 Shop now: $15–$36; amazon.com or sephora.com

Best Firming: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer

This protein-packed moisturizer from Drunk Elephant is one of the best-rated moisturizers from Sephora — and it has a whopping 323,000 ‘loves’ from people who say it makes their skin feel hydrated and smooth. The vegan and cruelty-free formula uses a combination of nine signal peptides, antioxidants, and folic acid to noticeably firm and plump your skin and improve its texture. Plus, the pump-style packaging dispenses the perfect amount of moisturizer (and means you don’t need to stick dirty fingers into the jar). 

What reviewers are saying: “I honestly can’t speak anything but good words about this moisturizing cream! I use it in my nighttime routine and it’s honestly made my skin feel so firm and plump the next morning!”

Shop now: $22–$68; sephora.com

Best Cooling Option: Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Probiotic Gel-Cream

This Korres moisturizer proves that skincare can be cooling, too. Thanks to the Greek yogurt on its ingredient list (it’s full of prebiotics and probiotics), this cream will help promote a healthy microbiome, boost your skin’s collagen, and leave your face totally refreshed.

What reviewers are saying: “It delivers an instant soothing and cooling sensation to the skin that feels absolutely amazing and relaxes me. I love applying [it], especially at the end of my stressful day.”   

Shop now: $27 (Originally $36); amazon.com

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