Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin in 2025

Dry skin is more than just uncomfortable—it can lead to premature aging, irritation, and a dull complexion. The right moisturizer creates a protective barrier while infusing your skin with hydrating ingredients.

We've tested moisturizers across all price points to find the best options for truly parched skin. Whether you're dealing with seasonal dryness, age-related dehydration, or chronic dry skin conditions, there's a moisturizer here that will transform your skin's hydration levels and restore your natural barrier function.

How to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Dry Skin

Before diving into our top picks, here's what to consider when choosing a moisturizer for dry skin:

Rule of thumb: Look for ceramides and hyaluronic acid for barrier repair and hydration. Choose fragrance-free if you have sensitive skin. Rich creams work best for very dry skin, while lighter formulas are better for daytime or combination skin. SPF is essential for daytime use to protect already-compromised skin.

Top Picks

1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - Best Overall

This dermatologist-favorite delivers intense hydration with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid in a non-greasy formula. The gentle, non-irritating formula is fragrance-free and works for both face and body, making it an incredible value. It's the go-to moisturizer for dermatologists because it effectively restores the skin barrier while providing long-lasting hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.

Pros:

• Three essential ceramides - Restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier function
• Hyaluronic acid - Draws moisture into the skin for deep, lasting hydration
• Fragrance-free formula - Gentle and non-irritating, perfect for sensitive skin
• Excellent value - Large 16-ounce size provides great cost per ounce
• Non-comedogenic - Won't clog pores, suitable for face and body
• Dermatologist-developed - Formulated with skincare professionals

Cons:

• Thick texture may not suit oily areas - Rich cream formula is best for dry to very dry skin
• Basic packaging - Simple tub design without pump dispenser
• May feel heavy for some - Those with combination skin might find it too rich

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2. Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream - Best for Sensitive Skin

If your dry skin is also reactive, Vanicream's ultra-gentle formula is free of common irritants while still providing rich moisture. This is the #1 dermatologist-recommended brand for sensitive skin, and it's earned the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. The non-comedogenic formula won't clog pores, and it's free of dyes, fragrance, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers—making it safe for even the most sensitive skin types.

Pros:

• Free of common irritants - No dyes, fragrance, lanolin, parabens, or formaldehyde releasers
• #1 dermatologist-recommended - Most recommended brand for sensitive skin
• National Eczema Association approved - Safe for eczema-prone skin
• Non-comedogenic - Won't clog pores, suitable for acne-prone dry skin
• Pump dispenser - Hygienic and easy to use, prevents contamination
• Thick, protective formula - Provides rich moisture without irritation

Cons:

• Very basic formula - No active ingredients like ceramides or niacinamide
• Plain appearance - Simple, no-frills packaging and texture
• May not be enough for very dry skin - Some may need additional hydration

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3. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair UV SPF Moisturizer - Best with SPF

Need hydration with built-in sun protection? This fast-absorbing moisturizer provides SPF 30 protection while delivering all-day hydration with niacinamide and glycerin. The oil-free formula layers beautifully under makeup and won't clog pores, making it perfect for daytime use. It helps restore the skin's barrier after just 1 hour of use, providing both immediate and long-term benefits for dry skin.

Pros:

• SPF 30 protection - Built-in sun protection prevents further skin damage
• Niacinamide and glycerin - Strengthens skin barrier and provides hydration
• Oil-free formula - Won't clog pores, perfect for combination dry skin
• Fast-absorbing - Lightweight texture that layers well under makeup
• Barrier repair - Clinically proven to restore skin barrier in 1 hour
• Non-comedogenic - Safe for acne-prone dry skin

Cons:

• Smaller size - 3.38 ounces is smaller than other options
• Premium price - More expensive per ounce than drugstore options
• Less intensive than creams - May not be enough for very dry skin at night

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4. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream - Best for Very Dry Skin

When regular moisturizers just don't cut it, this intensive formula with colloidal oatmeal and shea butter rescues the driest skin. Clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier in just 7 days, this whipped cream formula provides intense hydration while soothing irritation. It's allergy-tested and works for both face and body, making it perfect for those with very dry skin, eczema, or chronic dryness.

Pros:

• Colloidal oatmeal - Soothes irritation and provides intense hydration
• Clinically proven - Strengthens skin barrier in 7 days with visible improvement
• Shea butter - Rich emollient that locks in moisture
• Allergy-tested - Safe for sensitive and reactive skin
• Works for face and body - Versatile formula for all-over hydration
• Multiple sizes available - From 2 ounces to 14 ounces for different needs

Cons:

• Pricier than drugstore options - More expensive than basic moisturizers
• Eucalyptus scent - Some may find the natural scent too strong
• Rich texture - May be too heavy for those with combination skin

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Understanding Dry Skin

Before diving into products, let's understand what causes dry skin:

Environmental factors like cold weather and low humidity can strip moisture from your skin. Hot showers remove natural oils, while harsh products can damage the skin barrier. Age-related dryness requires richer formulas with barrier-repairing ingredients. Skin conditions like eczema need gentle, fragrance-free products.

Key Ingredients to Look For

The right ingredients make all the difference for dry skin:

Ceramides are essential for barrier repair—they make up 50% of your skin's natural barrier. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it incredibly effective for hydration. Glycerin is a humectant that pulls moisture from the air into your skin. Shea butter and squalane are emollients that lock in moisture and create a protective barrier.

Day vs. Night Moisturizing

Different times of day require different approaches:

Daytime moisturizers should be lighter, absorb quickly, and ideally include SPF protection. They need to layer well under makeup and protect your skin from environmental damage. Nighttime moisturizers can be richer and more occlusive since you don't need to worry about makeup or sun protection. Your skin does most of its repair work at night, so this is when intensive formulas work best.

How to Maximize Moisturizer Effectiveness

Proper application and technique make a huge difference:

1. Apply to Damp Skin - Pat dry, don't rub, then apply immediately while skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture
2. Layer Products Correctly - Thin to thick, water-based before oil-based, to ensure proper absorption
3. Use a Humidifier - Adds moisture to the air in your home, especially important in dry climates or winter months
4. Lukewarm Water - Hot water strips natural oils, so use lukewarm water for washing
5. Gentle Cleansers - Cream or oil-based cleansers are better than foaming ones for dry skin
6. Exfoliate Gently - Remove dead skin cells so moisturizer can penetrate deeper, but don't overdo it

Pro tip: Apply moisturizer within 60 seconds of washing your face to lock in the water from cleansing. This simple timing trick can significantly improve hydration.

Building a Dry Skin Routine

A complete routine addresses all aspects of dry skin care:

Morning Routine:

1. Gentle cream cleanser - Removes overnight products without stripping
2. Hydrating toner (optional) - Adds an extra layer of hydration
3. Vitamin C serum - Protects from environmental damage
4. Moisturizer - Choose a lighter formula with SPF
5. Sunscreen SPF 30+ - Essential protection for compromised skin

Evening Routine:

1. Oil cleanser - Removes sunscreen and makeup gently
2. Gentle cream cleanser - Second cleanse without over-drying
3. Hydrating toner - Prepares skin for treatment products
4. Treatment serum - Retinol, peptides, or other actives (start slow)
5. Rich night cream - Intensive hydration and barrier repair
6. Facial oil (optional) - Extra occlusive layer for very dry areas

Pro tip: Start with a simple routine and add products gradually. Too many products at once can overwhelm or irritate dry skin.

Ingredients to Avoid

If you have dry skin, steer clear of these ingredients:

Denatured alcohol is extremely drying and can damage your skin barrier. Sulfates in cleansers can strip your skin of natural oils. Fragrances and essential oils can irritate already-compromised dry skin. Retinoids are great for anti-aging but must be introduced slowly to avoid excessive dryness and peeling.

Care and Maintenance

Proper storage and usage ensure your moisturizer works effectively:

1. Store in a cool, dry place - Keep away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve active ingredients
2. Use clean hands or applicator - Prevent bacteria from contaminating the product
3. Check expiration dates - Expired products may lose effectiveness or cause irritation
4. Don't mix with other products - Apply moisturizer as directed, don't mix with other creams
5. Patch test new products - Test on a small area first, especially if you have sensitive skin

Matching Moisturizers to Your Needs

Different needs require different moisturizer features:

Detailed Comparison Table

Final Recommendations

• Best Overall: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - Perfect balance of effective ingredients, value, and results for most people with dry skin
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream - #1 dermatologist-recommended, free of all common irritants, perfect for reactive skin
• Best with SPF: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair UV SPF - Built-in sun protection with barrier repair, ideal for daytime use
• Best for Very Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream - Intensive formula with colloidal oatmeal that strengthens barrier in 7 days

For most people, we recommend starting with CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for its excellent value and proven effectiveness. However, if you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, Vanicream is the safest choice. For daytime use, La Roche-Posay with SPF provides essential sun protection, while First Aid Beauty is the best option for severely dry or compromised skin.

Consistency is key with dry skin. Find your moisturizer, use it twice daily, and your skin will transform. Remember to apply to damp skin, use gentle cleansers, and protect your skin from environmental damage with SPF during the day.

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Completing your skincare routine? Check out our guides on vitamin C serums and hydrocolloid patches for acne.