- Best moisturiser for dry, sensitive skin
- Best purse-friendly skin nourisher
- Best affordable moisturiser for dry skin
- Best high-end moisturiser for dry skin
- Best rich cream for dry skin
- Best luxury buy
- Best for dry, sensitive skin
- Best science-y cream
- Best hydrating moisturiser for dry skin
- Best for sore, uncomfortable skin
- Best lightweight moisturiser for dry skin
- Best for fighting the visible signs of ageing
- Best nourishing formula
- One of the best-selling moisturisers for dry skin
- Best French pharmacy moisturiser
- Best repairing cream
- Best plumping moisturiser
- Best for hydration
- Best drugstore moisturiser for dry skin
Dry skin is the worst. Flaky bits appear out of nowhere and feels tight. And if it's really dry and sensitive, it can also be painful and sore. So using the best moisturiser for dry skin is super important to keep it comfortable and happy. Any old cream just won't cut it.
What causes dry skin?
Dry skin signifies an issue with the skin barrier, so you need a cream that will help to replenish lost moisture and fill in the gaps to restore optimal function. Temporary dryness may be caused by a number of factors. Cold and dry weather, over-washing (think about your hands during the pandemic) and hormonal changes may all contribute to a complexion that feels tight and drier than the Sahara Desert. If your actual skin type is dry, however, it's most likely determined by your genetics or even an underlying skin condition.
What makes a moisturiser ideal for dry skin?
These differ vastly from the best moisturisers for oily skin. Applied after your best face serums, they're developed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid (which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water), fortifying hydrators and soothing ingredients. These clever formulas can also attract moisture from the environment, drawing it deep into your dermis. They also defend your skin's protective barrier against environmental aggressors such as pollution, which then helps to lock in moisture. "Choose a good quality light moisturiser that soaks in readily, rather than just sitting on the surface of the skin," advises Dr Ross Perry, cosmetic doctor and managing director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics.
"Try a rich emollient cream as this will soften and smooth out any flakiness on a dry face whilst adding in that much-needed moisture boost," adds consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. "If in any doubt, speak to a dermatologist, GP or sales assistant to find the perfect moisturiser to suit your individual needs. There is no one size fits all when it comes to skincare."
But there's more to keeping your skin hydrated than simply applying moisturiser. One of the common causes of dry patches is dead cells adhering to your skin, so invest in the best cleanser that contains gentle exfoliating ingredients to break down the bonds holding those dead skin cells together. Follow this with the best toner for your dry complexion, which will boost hydration and your moisturiser will then sink into your skin better and be as effective as it possibly can.
And then when it comes to make-up, finish off with one of the best foundations for dry skin to keep your complexion looking healthy and glowing throughout the day. Scroll through for our round-up of the best moisturiser for dry skin to help you find one that suits your budget and lifestyle.
The best moisturisers for dry skin 2022
Here on the beauty desk at Marie Claire UK, it's safe to say we know a thing or two about what makes for the best moisturiser for dry skin. Over decades of combined experience in the beauty industry, we have tried and tested every moisturiser for dry skin out there.
This means we know what makes a moisturiser for dry skin worth your money. Below, we have rounded up the very best moisturisers for dry skin in existence. We have tested all of the below moisturisers over the years to find the best that help to tackle dry patches, tightness and the inevitable dullness that comes with parched skin.
Our testing criteria
How did we test these moisturisers? Well, we took everything into consideration, including the below.
- Is the texture soothing but not too heavy?
- How long does the moisturiser hydrate the skin for?
- Is the price reflective of the results?
- Have ingredients been properly formulated to cater to dry skin needs?
- Does the formula put the skin barrier and a healthy barrier function first?
If the answers to the above questions tick all of the right boxes, you better believe it made it on our list.
Now, let's find your new moisturiser for dry skin, shall we?
Best moisturiser for dry, sensitive skin
Kate Somerville's skin clinic in LA is a hotspot for celebrities. She's their go-to for all things skin. You don't need to cross the Atlantic to get super hydrated and calm skin. This little tub of joy is ideal if you have slightly sensitive skin, it cocoons skin in moisture and instantly feels soothed.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval: We would trust A-list aesthetician Kate Somerville with our lives. Acting Senior Beauty Editor, Shannon Lawlor says, "I wouldn't dream of letting this moisturiser run out. Whenever my skin has a flare up from a particularly active product, it's the first thing I reach for in attempt to get my skin barrier back to full health."
For
- Instantly soothing
- Rich but not greasy
- Looks pretty on the shelf
Against
- It's expensive
Best purse-friendly skin nourisher
Byoma as a brand is all about caring for the skin barrier. It does that by formulating all of its products to contain a tri-ceramide complex. The fantastic thing about this cream is that for a mere £14, you can see your skin transform for the better within a couple of weeks.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval: Affordable and accessible. "My breakout-prone skin but testing and trialling products all day means my skin goes through periods of intense dryness. This daily cream helps take down the risk of my skin barrier becoming too badly damaged," says Acting Senior Beauty Editor, Shannon Lawlor.
For
- Affordable
- Not greasy
Against
- Bakuchiol can, in rare cases, cause mild irritation at first
Best affordable moisturiser for dry skin
CeraVe might not have the sexiest packaging, but boy does the dry skin cream inside make up for that. This purse-friendly cream is rich and nourishing, but not greasy at all. It uses this clever thing called MVE Delivery Technology that releases the much-needed ingredients throughout the day, exactly when you need them. It's also a great, gentle cream for dry or itchy skin conditions like eczema, as it supports a compromised skin barrier.
Why it gets Marie Claire seal of approval: It's purse-friendly and really, really good.
For
- Affordable
- No-fuss formula
Against
- Very rich, so requires some absorption time
Best high-end moisturiser for dry skin
If you have dry skin, its natural protection is weak and vulnerable, which makes it super fragile. It's crying out for a cream like this, which is water-based and rich in valuable lipids, natural extracts and essentials oils that cocoon the skin in softness. Expensive, yes, but also one of the best moisturisers you can get for really dry skin.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval: No fuss, no frills, delivers on its promises. "If money wasn't an object, I would recommend this cult face cream to everybody I know. It is, without doubt, the most effective moisturiser for dry skin in existence," says Acting Senior Beauty Editor, Shannon Lawlor.
For
- Instant hydration
- Not greasy
- Suitable for most skin types
Against
- Very expensive
Best rich cream for dry skin
This cream is not for the faint-hearted. It is so thick and rich that it can be used all over the body, but some people think it makes the best moisturiser for super dry skin on the face too. You have been warned.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval: A cult multipurpose classic that counts Victoria Beckham among its fans. "When my skin is crazy dry, I always turn to Skin Food. My skin drinks it up and I'm left looking really dewy. Plus my make-up goes on better, which is always a bonus," says Marie Claire Features Editor, Jenny Proudfoot.
For
- Leaves skin glowing
- Affordable
Against
- Can leave greasy residue
- Has a natural fragrance
Best luxury buy
If you have nearly £150 to spend on a day cream, then you should do it. Sisley know how to create a beautiful moisturiser and this one is no different. This cream can be used day and night and eases tightness, calms redness, soothes discomfort. This cream is all about making your skin feel comfortable and that's thanks to the Saffron flower extract.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval: A dreamy luxury that's worth every penny.
For
- Soft, cushiony finish
- Luxurious texture
Against
- Very expensive
Best for dry, sensitive skin
Curél is one of Japan's bestselling skincare brands, and we're obsessed. Although it's described as an intensive cream and is lovely and thick, it importantly doesn't feel too greasy on your skin. It supports your skin barrier with a thick dose of hydration, and it's nothing short of excellent.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval: Instantly soothes tight skin.
For
- Relatively affordable
- Not greasy
Against
- Packaging lacks luxury points
Best science-y cream
Best science-y cream: You've probably seen Augustinus Bader on some of your favourite celebrities' Instagram feed. Victoria Beckham loves it, Diane Kruger can't get enough and Marie Claire is just as obsessed. The science behind it a special complex that has previously been used to heal burnt skin. It's been a total game-changer in the industry for good reason. Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval: A scientifically-proven skin healer. "Gosh, this is such a smart product. I know that the price won't suit everyone, but the research and science behind it is unparalleled. I am a huge fan and my skin loves it," praises Senior Beauty Editor Katie Thomas.
For
- Oozes luxury
- Not greasy
Against
- Very expensive
- Contains potentially irritating vitamin A
Best hydrating moisturiser for dry skin
If you're plagued by dehydration, as well as dryness (yes, there is a difference) then what you want is a cream that contains hydrating ingredients, as well as soothing. Thankully, this rich formula is packed full of hyaluronic acid and shea butter. It has a velvety texture to it that you will instantly fall in love with.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval: Works beautifully as a base for make-up.
For
- Instantly hydrating
- Impressively plumping
Against
- Contains potentially pore-clogging shea butter
Best for sore, uncomfortable skin
When skin is so dry that it feels tight and sore, this soothes and prevents further moisture-loss. It works particularly well in Winter when skin needs an extra boost, and comes with the added bonus of SPF 30.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval: A French pharmacy must-have. "I've never met a dermatologist who doesn't recommend Avène for stressed-out, dry skin," says Acting Senior Beauty Editor, Shannon Lawlor.
For
- SPF protection helps fend off UV-related dryness
- Instantly soothing
Against
- SPF can sometimes cause minor irritation on exceptionally dry skin, so give it a test first
Best lightweight moisturiser for dry skin
If you’re after lightweight hydration rather than creamy nourishment, then Neutrogena’s gel moisturiser is an absolute dream. This one’s all about its hyaluronic acid, which draws in water and essentially locks it to your skin cells, meaning all-day hydration without any greasiness.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval: It makes the perfect summer lightweight hydrator. "I really love a lightweight cream and they don't come much better than this. You can barely feel it on the skin and anything that goes on top - a primer or foundation - goes on perfectly," says Marie Claire Producer Grace Warn.
For
- Relatively affordable
- Cooling, lightweight texture
Against
- If you like a matte finish, this dewy formula might not be for you
Best for fighting the visible signs of ageing
Need a cream that delivers loads of results? Packed full of anti-ageing technology (that’s been developed by Harvard Medical School), this cream targets lines and wrinkles and improves the skin’s elasticity. By combining hyaluronic acid and Caudalie's exclusive vine sap, it combats dark spots and prevents dry, peeling skin too.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval: 10 years of scientific research went into perfecting this formula.
For
- Luxurious texture
- Technology developed by Harvard Medical School
Against
- Expensive
- Despite being dubbed 'anti-ageing', it won't shave years off your face (remember: nothing topical will!)
Best nourishing formula
When your skin is in need of rescuing, maybe the weather has turned or you've used a pretty punch peel, this will boost your skin's moisture levels leaving it smooth, plump and nourished.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval: It's basically a skin rescue in a pot.
For
- Instantly soothing
- Can be used as an intensive overnight treatment
Against
- Very rich texture that requires some absorption time