The 16 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin, Tested & Reviewed

Best Overall

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

$13 at Amazon $19 at Ulta $16 at Target

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 8, 16 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re searching for a simple, straightforward option, the Vanicream Daily Face Moisturizer is the way to go. Not only does it work well for dry skin on your face, it can also be applied anywhere else on your body. Despite being one of the most lightweight options on this list, it imparts plenty of moisture, all thanks to a formula loaded with hyaluronic acid and five ceramides.

We found that it absorbs into the skin right away, making it suitable to wear under makeup during the day. It even boasts the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Approval, so you can rest assured knowing that no matter how you use it, any dry, itchy patches will be taken care of gently and efficiently. Though it’s great on its own, it’s not super thick, so those with ultra-dry skin might benefit more if they layered a richer cream on top of it.

Best Budget

Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion

$12 at Amazon $21 at Ulta $15 at Target

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Skin Type: Dry, combination, sensitive | Size: 3 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Cetaphil’s Daily Hydrating Lotion is a drugstore moisturizer must-have for two main reasons: It’s recommended by most dermatologists and can be tolerated by even the most sensitive skin types. An affordable formula that’s lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and effective on dry spots is hard to come by, which is why we're so impressed by this one since it checks all of those boxes. It can feel a bit watery when you apply it, but we didn't feel like this took away from its moisturizing benefits.

Thanks to nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and humectants, which help plump the skin and provide it with a ton of moisture. Best of all, it’s super hygienic. Its air-tight pump ensures that you won’t contaminate it with grubby fingers (or risk getting anything in it).

Best Drugstore

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

$18 at Amazon $20 at Ulta $6 at Target

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 16 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Want to hydrate your skin without shelling out the big bucks? There’s no better option than this wallet-friendly standout (which, to be honest, is so good that it can beat out many of its pricier counterparts). The stars of this formula are moisture-locking hyaluronic acid and three types of ceramides that work together to ward off dryness on both the face and body. And, because it comes in a huge tub, you don’t have to use it sparingly. Just scoop out however much you need and rub it into your dry skin.

Though we love the fact that the tub houses a ton of creamy goodness, we’re not huge fans of how unhygienic (and potentially messy) it can become. To keep it as clean as possible, be sure to wash your hands before using it to avoid contaminating the cream with unclean fingers. However, the feel and hydration power of this cream still gets top honors in our book. We love that it instantly quenches any dryness and that you can put it all over your face and body (and you'll want to).

Best for Mature Skin

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream

$21 at Sephora $30 at Walmart $21 at Glowrecipe.com

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, ice willowherb | Skin Type: Dry, combination | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you have mature skin that needs a little boost, this hydrating cream is packed with plumping and brightening ingredients like polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, and plum. It’s lightweight yet whipped so it blends into the skin easily, but still provides hydration that lasts all day. In fact, the cream imparts a dewy-looking glow that lingers way after application. We were pleased to see that our skin looked less dry and more glass-like after applying it.

Those with dry or combination skin will love this one most, but oilier friends can use it too since it contains ice willowherb, an ingredient that helps reduce oil and support the skin microbiome. For best results, apply a dime-size amount onto clean skin morning and night. Once you’ve inevitably finished the jar (which is made with 20% post-consumer recycled materials), you can purchase recyclable refills so you don’t contribute to as much waste.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

$24 at Amazon $25 at Ulta $11 at Dermstore

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, ceramides, prebiotic thermal water | Skin Type: Dry, combination | Size: 3.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

We’re big fans of La Roche-Posay, especially because most of their products are formulated with sensitive skin in mind. This soothing, fast-absorbing formula contains dermatologist-recommended ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, and the iconic La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water to help repair the skin’s protective barrier. It absorbs fast, feels lightweight on the face, and doesn’t leave behind a greasy sheen, making it a fantastic option to wear before makeup.

In testing, we didn’t find much wrong with this product, but we did notice that it is very lightweight and thin, which means that if you have really dry skin, you might need something a little thicker. The airy formula is perfect for those with acne-prone skin, however, since it sinks into the skin easily and won't clog the pores.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer

$39 at Amazon $39 at Sephora $39 at Paulaschoice.com

Key Ingredients: Omega oils, shea butter, passion fruit extract, guava extract | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Rich in superfood omega fatty acids, replenishing ceramides, and antioxidants, the Omega+ Complex Moisturizer nourishes delicate skin and calms down any signs of stress and irritation. Best of all, it helps strengthen the skin’s barrier to prevent further agitation from happening in the future.

If you’ve got any dry, flaky patches, you can count on this creamy elixir to restore your skin and give it that sought-after supple feeling. Those with extremely dehydrated skin will love that this formula sinks into the skin easily for instant hydration, and it can soften rough skin texture immediately. Because it contains potentially pore-clogging ingredients, like hydrogenated olive oil, those especially prone to breakouts might want to steer clear of this one or perform a patch test before using to see how their skin reacts.

Best with SPF

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Moisturizer

$36 at Sephora View on Fentybeauty.com $34 at Kohls.com

Key Ingredients: Kalahari melon, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, aloe | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Most people know that SPF is key to a happy complexion, but not everyone applies it every single day. If you struggle remembering sunscreen, opt for a moisturizer with sun protection, like this pick from Fenty Skin. This refillable two-in-one sunscreen moisturizer is easy on the skin (it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic), but tough on dark spots. We loved how dewy and hydrating it was, making it a fantastic option to wear either on its own or underneath makeup.

We were more than pleased with its value and efficacy during testing, so it was hard for us to find any flaws in this product. However, it’s worth mentioning that if you intend on applying it for sun protection—using half a teaspoon for your face and neck every two hours—you may run out sooner rather than later. To make it last longer, we recommend applying a separate sunscreen (of at least SPF 30) every few hours to ensure you’re completely protected.

Best for Texture

EltaMD AM Therapy Face Moisturizer

$44 at Amazon $39 at Dermstore $28 at Walmart

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, willow bark extract, glycerin, caffeine | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re dealing with skin texture issues, whether from acne, dry skin, or an eczema flare-up, look for a moisturizer that will go on smooth, feel lightweight, and calm your skin. This moisturizer from EltaMD does just that: It hydrates the skin easily, leaves very little residue visible to the naked eye, and offers a cooling effect upon application. The sheer, non-comedogenic formula helps stimulate cells to increase absorption and retention, while willow bark gently exfoliates without causing irritation. Niacinamide is also included in the formula to even out skin tone and texture for a more radiant appearance. We appreciated that it delivered moisture without feeling heavy or greasy, and left our skin looking radiant.

Best for Redness

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

$17 at Amazon $29 at Dermstore $16 at Embryolisse.com

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, aloe vera | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 2.54 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dryness and sensitivity go hand-in-hand: a compromised skin barrier is often the root cause of both issues. Happily, this makeup artist favorite addresses exactly that with the help of shea butter. At the same time, it also has soothing ingredients (like aloe vera), which can help relieve and prevent redness. After application, we saw a noticeable change in our skin’s hydration levels. Our skin felt softer and more plump to the touch. It also calmed some rosacea redness on the cheeks and helped even out the look of texture—a major win for those with sensitive skin. The product does contain some perfume, so be aware of that if your skin reacts badly to fragrance.

Best Multipurpose

Alleyoop Dream Team

$35 at Amazon

Key Ingredients: Squalane, macadamia nut oil, hyaluronic acid, coconut oil | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 1.68 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you prefer to take a more minimalist approach to your skincare routine, allow us to introduce you to a three-in-one moisturizer that should be on your radar. A first-of-its-kind formula, the moisturizer moonlights as an eye cream and a face mask, so you can cut down on the amount of products you use in your routine. It also has a cloud-like texture that we absolutely adore. Not only does it feel super luxurious, but it absorbs into your skin right away, with no stickiness or oiliness after. 

Keep in mind that the formula does contain macadamia nut oil, so if you’re allergic to (or just sensitive to) nuts, you may want to perform a spot test to make sure you won’t have a reaction or avoid it altogether.

Best Whipped

Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream

$16 at Sephora $16 at Nordstrom View on Youthtothepeople.com

Key Ingredients: Kale, hyaluronic acid, green tea | Skin Type: Oily, combo, normal, dry | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A moisturizer that benefits all skin types is hard to find, which is why we love the Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisturizer. The formula is packed with kale, spinach, and green tea to deliver phytonutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants into the skin—kind of like a green smoothie for your face. It smells amazing and has a nice air-whipped texture that almost feels gel-like, making it an awesome choice for those who prefer moisturizers with lighter textures. Because it's quite lightweight, it may not be ideal for those with rough skin, but it's a nice choice for daytime use if you're experiencing dryness.

Best with Natural Ingredients

Then I Met You Renewing Rich Beauty Cream

$58 at Amazon View on Thenimetyou.com $58 at Sokoglam.com

Key Ingredients: Black ginseng, panax ginseng root water, panax ginseng seed oil, red ginseng | Skin Type: Oily, combination, dry | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you can get past the formula’s slight smokey smell (thank you, ginseng), this moisturizer is a fantastic choice for those in search of something powered by natural ingredients. Loaded with a blend of ginseng, squalane, baobab, and hyaluronic acid, it offers a soothing finish without being overly heavy. We especially loved how the consistency felt like a cross between a gel and a cream that our complexion drank up easily. We also enjoyed using it because of the cooling sensation that left our skin feeling refreshed and smooth. It made our skin feel more hydrated overall, but it also made it look more hydrated thanks to the glowy finish.

Best Lightweight

COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cream

$17 at Amazon View on Ulta View on Cosrx.com

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, hippophae rhamnoides water | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 3.52 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Plump the look of fine lines and wrinkles with the help of this moisturizer from Cosrx. The hyaluronic acid-infused formula comes in a huge tub, which ensures it’ll last a long time, but we recommend using a spatula or applicator to scoop out the product to avoid contamination. During testing, we appreciated that a little bit of this product went a long way, and it worked to plump our skin and leave behind a dewy finish. We also enjoyed that the texture felt quite lightweight without sacrificing moisture, making it a nice option for daytime or layering underneath makeup.

Best for Eczema

Topicals Like Butter Moisturizer

$34 at Sephora $34 at Mytopicals.com

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, madecassoside, green tea | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Skin conditions like eczema and rosacea can often lead to flare-ups of chapped, irritated skin—and a thick, creamy moisturizer that can heal and repair is needed. Look no further than this moisturizer from Topicals which, as the name suggests, has a smooth consistency that feels like butter on the skin. It contains a combination of the most skin-soothing ingredients including shea butter, ceramides, centella, and most importantly colloidal oatmeal—which is one of the most recommended ingredients for treating dry and inflamed skin. It also has niacinamide to reinforce the skin barrier (which means fewer opportunities for irritated skin in the future). Even if you don't deal with eczema, it's a great daily moisturizer if you deal with dry patches during the winter, and we love that it can also be applied to the body for added hydration.

Best for Barrier Repair

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream

$48 at Amazon $48 at Sephora $48 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, beta glucan, niacinamide | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Locking in hydration with an occlusive is one of the best ways to keep dry skin moisturized, but slugging isn't the most appealing nighttime skincare ritual for some. If you want your skin to have that deeply nourished feeling sans the stickiness, we recommend this formula from Kiehl's. It applies as a thick balm (similar in texture to petroleum jelly) but transforms into a cream, so it's able to absorb into the skin effortlessly without leaving a residue. Its main purpose is to heal and strengthen a compromised skin barrier, but the ingredients included—such as beta-glucan, oatmeal, and shea butter—are also able to soothe and hydrate extremely dry skin. The result is a super-soft complexion that feels protected and smooth.

Best for Fine Lines

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

$72 at Amazon $23 at Sephora View on Tatcha.com

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, red algae, Japanese purple rice, squalane | Skin Type: Dry, normal | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you've noticed fine lines and wrinkles appearing (or if you already have deep ones that have formed), this rich moisturizer from Tatcha is able to seriously hydrate and plump your skin. Formulated with skin-nourishing ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, it seals in long-lasting moisture for skin that looks dewy and smooth. The hero ingredient however is Japanese purple rice, which is rich in antioxidants to protect the skin from free radical damage—something that can lead to irritated, chapped skin (as well as more fine lines). We love the rich consistency which can hydrate the driest of skin, and we also appreciate that it comes with a tiny golden spoon so you don't contaminate the formula when applying.