14 Best Face Moisturizers for Dry Skin

If you experience constant cracking, itchy or flaky skin, you likely suffer from the struggles of dry skin. We understand how this can impact not only your daily comfort but also your confidence. If you feel like you don’t know where to start to fix the issue, or you need some guidance, then we have the answer to your prayers.

It may seem obvious, but moisturizer is a wonder for all skin types but especially dry skin. Choosing the right moisturizer is, therefore, an enormous step in the right direction if you are hoping to relieve yourself of your dry skin. Applying the correct moisturizer can not only restore the moisture balance in your skin but also stop essential oils from escaping, keeping your skin hydrated for longer.

If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of scrolling through countless websites trying to find the product that will suit you best, then look no further because we have done all the work for you. We have carefully crafted this list of the 14 best face moisturizers for dry skin just for you! We are sure you will find your perfect match in this list, as they are all incredible products that go beyond solving the problem of dry skin.

1. Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer

You will truly forget what it was like to have dry skin after using this incredible face moisturizer from Blu Atlas. There are a number of reasons as to why this face moisturizer had to be ranked as the best face moisturizer for dry skin and its formula is the leading one. Blu Atlas has devoted themselves to creating premium skincare with only natural and fully clean ingredients. They understand that the application of toxic chemicals to the skin can have damaging results, especially for those who experience dry skin. Blu Atlas has thus created this ultra-hydrating face moisturizer using ingredients specifically formulated to not only help with dry skin but also improve the overall health of your skin as well.

Mango Seed Butter is an effective moisturizer and is the perfect ingredient for someone who suffers dry skin. It also contains Vitamins E and C which has the ability to protect your skin from environmental stressors such as sunlight, bacteria, blue light, and pollutants. Seaweed Extract is an incredible hydrator and works effectively to moisturize dry skin, leaving it bright and nourished. Vitamin C works to maintain healthy skin and regulates oil production, ensuring that your dry skin is no more.

Not only do Blu Atlas provide you with an extremely effective moisturizer for dry skin but they also offer 20% off their entire range when you subscribe. If that wasn’t enough, this product is also completely vegan and cruelty free. There is no way you can lose with this product and we cannot recommend it enough!

2. Sukin Nutrient Rich Facial Moisturizer

If you want a face moisturizer that is full of all the good stuff, smells incredible, and helps balance out your dry skin, then look no further. Sukin has developed a nutrient-rich moisturizer which does all of this and more! With a blend of Kale, spirulina, parsley and chlorella, your skin will love you for this Super Greens combination that promotes healthy and glowing skin.

The formula does not stop simply at tackling this. The inclusion of avocado, jojoba, and rosehip oil ensure that your dry skin receives the hydration it needs and that this is locked in to provide day-long hydration. Carrot seed oil, acai, and gogi berry have been known to protect the skin from environmental stressors and so you can rest assured that your dry skin will not only receive essential hydration but it will also be protected from irritants which worsen your condition.

Sukin is an Australian-based brand who are focused on providing affordable and natural skincare. They ensure that their products are cruelty-free, vegan, and their packaging is recyclable. This product is not only incredible for your skin but also your wallet and the environment and we could not leave it off our list of the best face moisturizers for dry skin for all of these reasons.

3. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

This Moisturizing Cream from CeraVe is a dream for anyone who experiences dry skin. CeraVe works closely with dermatologists when developing their products so you can rest assured that your skin is receiving a treatment designed by professionals.

CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream has been specifically formulated for dry skin and its formula contains three essential Ceramides as well as hyaluronic acid. These work together to lock in your skin’s essential moisture and further assist in maintaining your skin’s protective barrier, ensuring that irritants do not penetrate the skin’s surface. These ingredients also have long-lasting hydration properties so you will never feel the need to worry about having dry skin again.

This Moisturizing Cream has been accepted by the National Eczema Association and is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. Therefore, it is safe to use on even the most sensitive of skin types. We love this moisturizer and we are sure you will too.

4. Trilogy Ultra Hydrating Face Cream

Trilogy is an incredible New Zealand-based brand founded by two sisters who discovered the outstanding effect that rosehip oil can have on skin. They are committed to being a transparent company and are focused on providing beauty products which are made with all natural ingredients while keeping the environment in mind. We love them for their devotion to creating products with only authentically organic ingredients and this Ultra Hydrating Face Cream is no exception to this.

This daily face cream is full of organic ingredients which targeted tackling dry skin. The inclusion of aloe vera ensures that your skin is hydrated, soothed, and replenished. New Zealand Manuka honey contains antibacterial and hydrating properties so your skin will not only receive the moisture it desires but it will also be protected against irritants. Their signature ingredient, rosehip oil, works wonders for the skin as it hydrates, nourishes, and promotes collagen formation. Your skin will love you forever with the use of this moisturizer, and you will never have to worry about your dry skin again!

5. Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream

This Lala Retro Whipped Cream from Drunk Elephant is a product sent from heaven for anyone who experiences dry skin. Drunk Elephant is committed to creating products with only those ingredients that are beneficial to the health of your skin. They have created formulas that are free of toxic ingredients which strip your skin of its natural oils. Therefore, this brand is incredible for anyone who experiences dry skin. This cream contains natural ingredients that have been specifically chosen due to their ability to relieve the symptoms of dry skin.

The formula includes six African oils which protect the skin against environmental irritants and omega acids which assist in the skin retaining moisture for longer. Drunk Elephant also includes multiple ceramides in the formula to help to protect the skin against water loss while balancing out the moisture level of the skin. On top of this, green tea extract provides your skin with moisturizing and nourishing benefits. This product is one of our most expensive options, but its ability to nourish and relieve your dry skin will make it worth every cent.

6. Weleda Skin Food

Weleda is a brand dedicated to creating natural skincare that doesn’t harm the earth. They have excluded all toxic ingredients from their formula, so you can rest assured that your dry skin is not being exposed to any chemicals that will damage it or dry it out further. Their Skin Food Moisturizer is the perfect product for anyone who experiences dry skin due to its intensive moisturizing abilities.

Weleda has created a formula that provides a thick moisturizing cream that is absorbed instantly into the skin. Including viola tricolor extract means that this product will maintain your skin’s protective layer and moisturize your skin to relieve the symptoms of dry skin. Sunflower oil is non-irritative and helps avoid skin dehydration while leaving skin feeling soft and well-nourished. There is no way you can lose with this product, and we could not leave it off our list!

7. Essano Hydrating Rosehip Regenerating Moisturizer

Essano is a brand devoted to providing you with natural skincare that provides effective results and is also sustainable and respectful of our environment and inhabitants. Their Hydrating Rosehip Regenerating Moisturizer will be your new best friend if you suffer from dry skin. It is composed of incredible natural ingredients that work harmoniously to tackle the issue of dry skin.

Jojoba oil balances the skin’s moisture level, while rosehip oil moisturizes and brightens the skin. Shea butter further ensures that your dry skin receives sufficient hydration levels, and altogether these ingredients soften and smooth the skin. On top of your dry skin being relieved, this moisturizer works to improve the appearance of wrinkles. With 95.7% of the ingredients in this moisturizer being from natural origins, we know that your skin is receiving a luxury treatment.

8. Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion

Cetaphil is a leading skincare brand, and it does not take long to understand why. Their Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion is specifically designed for those who suffer from chronic dry or sensitive skin. Its formula is enriched with 9 different moisturizers, including shea butter which is one of our all-time favorite natural moisturizing ingredients. Shea butter softens the skin while improving the strength of your skin’s natural barrier, protecting it from environmental irritants.

Cetaphil has also ensured that this moisturizer provides your skin with 48 hours' worth of hydration and nourishment so you can rest assured that your dry skin will not be a daily worry. This moisturizer has been dermatologically tested and clinically proven to be safe for sensitive skin. If you thought it could not get any better, think again, as Cetaphil includes glycerin and vitamin B in their formula to improve your skin’s protection from environmental stressors. This moisturizer is a great option for anyone who wants an effective way to revive their dry skin.

9. Earth Harbor Mermaid Milk Nutrient Glow Moisturizer

If the sound of Mermaid Milk does not excite you, then we are sure that what this moisturizer can do for your dry skin definitely will. This moisturizer from Earth Harbor is derived purely from plants and is free from all toxic ingredients and chemicals that are known to do a lot of harm. This formula is packed full of superfoods and nutrient extracts that not only relieve your dry skin but also work to keep your skin healthy for the future.

Spirulina and seaweed extract contain the majority of nutrients that our skin requires and leave your skin firm and hydrated. Omega acids and vegan peptides keep your skin hydrated and the oil balanced for longer. Then hyaluronic acid locks in the essential moisture. Eggplant acts to reduce redness, and aloe leaf juice provides a soothing lather to your skin. We can’t think of a reason why you will not love this product as it is not only great for your skin, but all of its ingredients are ethically sourced so it is also great for the environment.

10. Goodness Water Gel Hydrating Cream

We love this Water Gel Hydrating Cream from Goodness due to its lightweight formula which provides your skin with an instant boost of hydration which lasts all day. Goodness has packed this moisturizer full of emollients and humectants, which are ingredients that attract and maintain moisture within the skin.

The formula includes hyaluronic acid which is one of our favorite hydrating ingredients as it can hold an intense amount of moisture which ensures that your dry skin is no more. Goodness has also included pear extract in its formula due to its high levels of vitamin E, which stimulate new skin cells and restore healthy looking skin. Likewise, blackberry fruit extract contains vitamin C, which assists in the production of collagen, leaving you with an incredible complexion. Lastly, the power ingredient that is kawakawa is rich in Vitamin C and E and helps to maintain your skin’s moisture levels, and is even gentle enough to be used on even the most sensitive of skin.

Goodness uses plant-based packaging and all of their products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. As a brand, they are devoted to sustainable practices, and to make it even better, they use locally sourced ingredients in their skincare. There is nothing to dislike about this moisturizer and the brand as a whole.

11. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

The name of this product really speaks for itself. First Aid Beauty has created this product specifically for those who experience extremely dry skin. This Ultra Repair Cream provides you with intense hydration and long-term relief for not only dry skin but also skin conditions such as eczema or irritated skin.

First Aid Beauty has left all toxic ingredients and chemicals out of their formula so you know that your dry skin is not being exposed to anything which will worsen its condition. This product is dermatologically tested, so we know that your skin will love this. With its inclusion of shea butter, this product provides you with the ultimate hydration while your skin barrier is protected, locking in moisture and keeping out irritants. Colloidal oatmeal has been designed to be a non-irritant that relieves itching caused by skin conditions such as eczema and rashes.

Not only has First Aid Beauty created an incredible product, but as a brand, they work to create an entire range of products that are full of clean ingredients, cruelty-free and safe for sensitive skin. So, if you are someone who tends to suffer from sensitive skin, then this product could be an incredible choice for you.

12. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer

If you are looking for a moisturizer that will simply provide you with day-long hydration and will soften your skin, then this Ultra Facial Moisturizer from Kiehl’s might be the product for you. Kiehl’s is devoted to creating formulas using sustainably sourced ingredients, making them an extremely environmentally friendly and responsible brand. As a result of this, they have left out all toxic ingredients that are known to worsen your skin condition.

Kiehl’s has included their signature ingredient, squalane, in this facial moisturizer. It is a botanical lipid derived from olives and is known to contribute to the replenishment of your skin’s barrier, ensuring it remains moisturized and softer for longer. They have also included glycerin in their formula as it is a well-known moisturizing ingredient. Their use of high-quality ingredients in this moisturizer allows it to be used on all skin types and provides a quick solution to dry skin.

13. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides

The Ordinary is a brand that has recently taken the skincare world by storm with its simple yet effective products. This Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides is absolutely no exception to this. The Ordinary has specifically designed this moisturizer to be nearly four times more moisturizing than any of the moisturizers they have created before, so it is an incredible product for those who experience dry skin.

Designed to give your skin immediate hydration, we know you will love this product for its quick reaction. It not only works to hydrate your skin but also softens and smooths the skin while replenishing your skin’s protective layer. The Ordinary has also included skin-identical moisturizing ingredients, phytoceramides, and other skin lipids within this formula. These work together to give your skin a fresh, regenerated and nourished appearance. Your skin will have never looked better after using this product, and it is the perfect option for anyone who wishes to relieve their dry skin and not empty their wallet.

14. Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream

Skinfix believes in working towards encouraging healthy skin for everyone. As a brand, they are passionate about providing clean skincare, which is clinically proven to provide effective results which are also validated by dermatologists. This Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream is designed specifically for those who suffer from dry skin, as it includes ingredients that promote hydrated and elasticated skin.

The inclusion of lipids within the formula lead to replenished and restored skin which is smooth and full of life. Skinfix knows the benefits of organic ingredients and has included lily root within the formula due to its known ability to be able to lock hydration into the skin, relieving dryness. Furthering this, the inclusion of seaweed sodium hyaluronate provides deep hydration. Shea butter is a known favorite ingredient of the skincare community due to its moisturizing property, and its presence in this moisturizer helps quickly relieve the symptoms of dry skin.

This product is allergy-tested and pH balanced so is suitable for those who have sensitive skin, and it is also vegan, so it can be used by all. Skinfix has excluded all toxic chemicals and ingredients from their formula, so you can rest assured that your dry skin is not being exposed to anything that will not benefit it. We do not doubt that you will love this product.

What is Dry Skin?

It is easy to believe that dry skin is something you are born with, that it is genetic and that you will never be able to get rid of it. While dry skin can be caused by genetics, it is a common misconception that this is the only source. As a matter of fact, dry skin can affect anyone, and it is not something that is impossible to fix.

It is caused when the outermost layer of the skin does not actively protect water from escaping, and as a result, the skin struggles to maintain sufficient levels of hydration, thus drying it out. Many factors, including health, routine, and environmental factors, can contribute to the drying out of your skin, and it is important to identify those that you might be most prone to.

Ingredients to avoid in order to relieve your dry skin

To begin, it is not a secret that certain brands use toxic ingredients and chemicals in their formulas. Sulfates, parabens, silicones, artificial fragrances, and synthetic dyes are some of the most commonly used toxic ingredients. Brands tend to opt for these products due to their low price and ability to provide short-term results. However, while you may be attracted to the short-term results that can be provided by these ingredients, the long-term effects will make you want to throw them all away. Ingredients like these are known to strip your skin of its natural and essential oils. For someone who experiences dry skin, these oils are a necessity for maintaining skin balance and ensuring your skin is not dried out further. Using products that contain toxic ingredients will worsen your dry skin, and they should be avoided at all costs. Therefore, our list is full of products made without these, using only natural ingredients, for your skin’s benefit.

Environmental factors and dry skin

A commonly unrecognized cause of dry skin includes certain environmental factors. You may notice if you live in places that are colder, have low levels of humidity, or have high levels of wind that, your skin is constantly dry. This is because all of these factors contribute to the lowering of the hydration levels in your skin. Factors like these draw water out of the skin due to unfavorable conditions and diminish your skin’s hydration. For people living in environments like these, it is extremely important to apply moisturizer daily when your skin is still damp to allow your skin to absorb the product better.

How your face washing routine may be contributing to your dry skin

Using hot water to wash your face, while it may feel great, can actually dry out your skin further. We, strongly recommend, like most skin care professionals, that you only use lukewarm water when washing your face, as this is the perfect temperature to remove all bacteria and impurities while not causing further irritation.

Secondly, we understand that an exfoliator is appealing. We, too, truly love them. However, it is extremely important that you do not use exfoliating products more than once every week to two weeks if you experience dry skin. These, while they rid your skin of dead skin cells, can contribute to drying out the skin further by over-exfoliating. We suggest that you use exfoliating products with caution if you suffer from dry skin.

Do not forget the sunscreen!

We have all heard about the detrimental effects that sun damage can have on our skin, and this is especially true for those who already suffer from the effects of dry skin. If you are constantly exposing your skin to UV rays and forget to apply sunscreen, the sun’s rays are able to damage your dry skin further due to the sunlight absorbing the much-needed moisture from your skin. This then leaves it to be dried out and can even result in flakiness.

Therefore, it is no surprise that we will sing praises for sunscreen. Not only does sunscreen help protect dry skin, but it can also assist in preventing premature aging as well as skin cancer. We recommend using an SPF50+ sunscreen if possible, as this provides the best protection against the sun’s harmful rays; however, if this is not possible for you, then try not to opt for anything lower than SPF20+. Ensure that your sunscreen does not contain toxic ingredients, and if you can find one that has been dermatologically tested, that is a great bonus.

There is a large range of sunscreens developed specifically for the face, as they are typically lighter and do not leave your skin looking oily. Whatever sunscreen you opt for, remember to slather it on your face every time you leave the house for ultimate protection and the preservation of healthy skin for longer!