2025's 5 Moisturizers For Dry Skin That Work
How To Pick A Moisturizer For Dry Skin That Works And Get It At A Great Price
Dealing with dry skin poses multiple challenges, including issues like flakiness, dry patches, and a sensation of tightness. Adding to these concerns, dry skin tends to age faster and more noticeably. In simpler terms, dry skin is prone to displaying wrinkles and an uneven texture because it lacks the essential natural moisture required to diminish the appearance of those distinctive lines and creases.
Arguably, the most crucial element in a skincare regimen for dehydrated skin is a moisturizer designed for dry skin. Yet, it can prove to be a challenging task, if not entirely daunting, to locate a moisturizer that genuinely delivers results. Discovering the ideal moisturizer for dry skin can be a daunting task if you haven't conducted thorough research.
Feeling uncertain about how to begin? Don't fret. At Best Skincare Brands Reviews, we've meticulously assessed numerous products through a scientific perspective, so that you can establish a skincare routine that's both safe and efficient. In the following section, we present 5 moisturizers tailored for dry skin to assist you in achieving a radiant and healthy complexion.
How to Choose the Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin
A universal face moisturizer for dry skin doesn't exist. Although evidence-based ingredients hold significance (we'll delve into that shortly), it's crucial to take into account the following factors when selecting a moisturizer for dry skin.
Your Skin Type
Certainly, you're in search of an effective moisturizer for dry skin, but have you considered the specific characteristics of your skin? Is dryness accompanied by acne breakouts and areas of excessive oiliness or flakiness? Alternatively, do you have dry, sensitive skin that reacts uncomfortably to most skincare products?
If you find yourself dealing with more than one skin type or condition, it's essential to closely scrutinize the ingredients and consistency of the products you choose. Discovering the ideal face moisturizer for your skin may involve a bit of trial and error. If you continue to face challenges, it's advisable to seek guidance from a dermatologist or another skincare expert.
Skin Conditions
In cases where your dry skin is linked to a condition such as eczema or psoriasis, you may require specialized treatment under the care of a medical professional, possibly involving a prescription dry skin cream.
The Climate
While humid regions have abundant moisture in the atmosphere, this doesn't negate the need for moisturization. Whether you reside in sunny Florida or are enjoying a tropical getaway, a moisturizer remains a crucial component of skincare. Moisturizers containing humectants are particularly effective in humid areas as they draw in moisture from the air, relying on higher humidity levels for optimal performance. Seek formulations featuring ingredients like urea and hyaluronic acid, which we'll delve into shortly.
Conversely, living in a dry climate can be harsh on your skin, especially if it's already dry. When selecting a moisturizer for dry skin, contemplate opting for an oil-based formula to aid in retaining greater moisture within the outer layers of your skin.
Consider Your Age
As we age, our skin undergoes transformations, including a decrease in oil production that exacerbates dryness. Consequently, you may discover the need to adapt your moisturizer over time, experimenting with different ingredients or thicker textures, among other factors. If you're going through hormonal changes, such as menopause or pregnancy, expect further shifts in your skin's needs and characteristics.
Ingredients in Dry Skin Moisturizers
Research has indicated that the frequency of moisturizing holds more significance than the specific ingredients in the formula. Nevertheless, it's undeniable that certain elements are more effective at alleviating dry skin, including dry patches, than others.
When seeking the ideal moisturizer for dry skin, carefully inspect the ingredient list for the following components: hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, squalane, tocopherol (commonly known as vitamin E), and glycerin. These ingredients are often found as the second or third entry in the ingredient list of dry skin moisturizers.
The paramount consideration is that the product is expertly formulated, utilizing high-quality ingredients tailored to address your specific skin concerns. It's advisable to steer clear of alcohols, fragrances, dyes, and other ingredients that can potentially harm dry skin and exacerbate dryness. Instead, prioritize these key ingredients:
- Vitamin C: is a science-backed, dermatologist-favorite ingredient that may help slow early skin aging, prevent sun damage, and improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and acne.
- Vitamin B5 (Panthenol):is a humectant meaning it holds and binds water, and these properties mean that it is ideal when it comes to keeping water in the skin. It also works as an emollient which means it can moisturize and soothe the skin, as well as help, protect it from environmental factors and skin stresses.
- Retinol or Vitamin A ester (Retinyl Palmitate) : has the ability to speed up cell turnover and increase collagen production. This makes it an effective ingredient for reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol's exfoliating effect also helps it treat hyperpigmentation and acne.
- Avocado Oil: boost soluble collagen content, contributing to firmer, healthier, and smoother skin. Fights free radicals: Avocado oil's high antioxidant levels aid in absorbing free radicals and protecting the skin from environmental pollutants.
- Ceramides: Ceramides play a pivotal role in establishing a protective barrier, which locks in moisture and guards against dryness and irritation.
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E): This term encompasses various vitamin E derivatives, known for their potent antioxidant properties that protect cells. Tocopherol also binds moisture in the skin's outer layer, aids in cell renewal, possesses anti-inflammatory attributes, and reduces UV radiation-induced skin damage, resulting in smoother skin texture.
- Glycerin: Another effective humectant, glycerin seals in moisture, preserving skin's suppleness and smoothness.
Tips for Dry Skin Care
Attaining healthy, well-hydrated skin extends beyond selecting the best facial moisturizer for dry skin. Here are some valuable tips to combat dryness over the long term:
- Prior to using a new dry skin moisturizer, perform a patch test to avoid exacerbating dryness in case of any adverse reactions.
- If your skin is both dry and sensitive, opt for a moisturizer or lotion designed for dry skin that lacks acids, dyes, and fragrances.
- Avoid using hot water when cleansing your face, showering, or bathing; tepid water is the preferable choice.
- Apply moisturizer when your skin is slightly damp after bathing or showering, following your serum – another beneficial skincare product for combating dryness.
- Never go to bed with makeup on, as cosmetic ingredients can dehydrate the skin, particularly when left on overnight during the skin's repair phase.
- Moisturize your skin both day and night, with increased frequency if your skin is exceptionally thirsty.
- Consider applying a face oil on top of your moisturizer for added moisture, along with other benefits like antioxidant protection and a radiant complexion.
- Maintain hydration, not only for your skin but for your entire body, by consuming a minimum of eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, adjusting as needed based on factors such as climate, exercise habits, and diet.
- If your skin becomes excessively dry, especially in a dry environment, consider using a humidifier at night while sleeping. If your workplace's air quality is the culprit, invest in a portable humidifier for your workspace as well.
Does Dry Skin Contribute to Acne?
Dry skin itself is not a direct cause of acne, but it can trigger an overproduction of sebum or skin oil due to an imbalance. This can necessitate a change in your moisturizer. The combination of oil, dry, flaky skin cells, and bacteria can lead to a continuous cycle of dry skin and acne.
Below are 5 Moisturizer For Dry Skin in no particular order

Model Off Duty Beauty
Dream Glow Moisture Cream
- High-Quality Ingredients
- 30 Day Risk-Free Trial
- Great Reviews
The Dream Glow Moisture Cream by Model Off Duty Beauty is a luxurious moisture cream that gives you intensely hydrated and supple skin. The nourishing and naturally sourced ingredients rejuvenate and replenish even the driest skin types providing long lasting hydration.
All-natural ingredients like antioxidant-rich avocado oil keep your skin firm, elastic, and calm. Nourishing jojoba oil soothes the skin from within. Rosemary extracts protect your skin from sun damage, rosehip seed oil minimize dark spots and signs of aging along with multivitamins that cater to several skin concerns and give you the a great glow!
Model Off Duty beauty wears its status as a clean, cruelty-free, vegan, and all-natural brand with pride, along with its recyclable packing. The moisture cream is natural, and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for all ages and Dry skin types.
They offer a 30-day Risk-Free 100% Money Back Guarantee which is great to try out their product.
Get 20% off by using code: DGMODB20
Pros
- Helps with dry skin and reduces the signs of aging.
- Clinically tested and developed by skincare experts for the highest quality
- The ingredients used are natural and synthetic-free
- The moisture cream is Non-GMO, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, and Non-Toxic.
- The product is vegan, cruelty-free and Made in USA.
- The brand uses recyclable packing and is 100% sustainable.
- Several positive reviews make it evident that the cream is a cult favorite.
- The clean formulation is perfect for Dry Skin but can be applied on any skin type.
- Soothes the skin with its avocado extracts and keeps it moisturized.
- The emollient cream can be used daily
- The company offers free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- High product demand may create out of stock issues
Drunk Elephant is a clean brand that takes pride in its safe, vegan, and gentle products.
The unique smoothie recipe of the brand works to replenish the skin thoroughly by combining nourishing nutrients like amino acids, signal peptides, and safe, synthetic growth factors in one product rather than layering multiple products. This protein-based moisturizer revives the skin.
The firming moisturizer is safe and suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive ones. Has a heavy price point of $68 for under 2 ounces of product.
Get 15% discount on all Drunk Elephant moisturizers with the code: DRUNKELECREAM
Pros
- This nourishing cream is free of essential oils, silicones, and fragrances.
- Packed with skin-benefitting nutrients.
- The product is vegan and cruelty-free
- The product is nourishing and rich for the nighttime routine.
- Sold in many online retailers.
- Packed with skin-benefitting nutrients
Cons
- The price point is exorbitant. For under 2 ounces, it is a hefty amount of $68.
This restorative day cream is an anti-aging moisturizer that targets all signs of aging with its 94% naturally sourced ingredients for a youthful complexion.
Its wrinkle-fighting organic harungana extract is a retinol alternative that has been proven to be effective and gentle on the skin. The ingredients nourish, hydrate, and soothe the driest skin types while its vegetal squalane content protects the skin barrier.
The rich cream is said to be comfortable on all skin types.
Heft price tag of $132 for 2oz.
Get 10% discount on this day cream with the code: CLARINSRESTORE10
Pros
- The cream consists of a plant-based anti-pollution complex.
- Transparent about its naturally sourced ingredients.
- The moisturizer is lightweight.
- The ingredients used are safe and organic.
- Harungana is a retinol alternative that is gentle on skin.
- Sustainable packaging design.
Cons
- Exorbitant, priced at $132 for less than 2 ounces.
- No significant results for its price.
- A generous amount of the product needs to be used in the routine, which makes the product run out faster.
- Not sulfate and silicone free.
- The scent can be overpowering.
SkinMedica AHA BHA Cream is an exfoliating moisturizer that contains alpha and beta hydroxy acids to renew the complexion while promoting softer, smoother and even-toned skin. It effectively targets multiple signs of aging. The hydration-packed moisturizer contains Pro-vitamin B5, which ensures the skin is less irritated, red or flaky, unlike several other exfoliating products.
Naturally sourced ingredients like bilberry-derived AHA ingredients, sugar cane extract, sugar maple extract, and citrus extracts are used.
The product is gentle enough for a daily skin renewal treatment. The product is available at major retailers like Amazon. The use of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) may increase the skin's sensitivity to sun for some.
Get 15% off on purchases over $60 with the code: OVER60
Pros
- AHA and BHA promote softer, and smoother skin.
- Hydrating and soothing Pro-vitamin B5 formulation.
- The product is gentle enough for daily use.
- Naturally, derived ingredients are used.
- Available on Amazon.
Cons
- The product does not do much for severe cases of pigmentation, dark spots or acne.
- The rich cream does not sit well with certain sunscreens or foundations.
This non-comedogenic moisturizer is a luxuriously rich cream with a balm-like texture to hydrate your skin, especially if it is parched. The brand states the product is suitable and designed keeping various skin types in mind to promote its smoothness.
Its unique and innovative Hydromanil technology provides long-lasting hydration, enhanced with other moisture-locking ingredients like shea butter, avocado, mango butter and glycerin.
The product is a medical-grade cream that is gluten-free and paraben-free but the brand itself is not cruelty-free, although they claim not to have tested their products on animals.
Get 20% OFF on this product with the code: HYDRALUXE20
Pros
- Provides long-lasting hydration.
- It is a medical-grade moisturizer.
- The formula is thick but not too heavy.
- Free from gluten and paraben.
Cons
- The product is pricey. It is $74 for 1.7 ounces.
- Obagi is not cruelty-free.
- Contains fragrance.