A good moisturiser is an essential part of a skincare routine, but even more so for those with dry skin. Moisturiser works to help skin retain moisture and is advised to be applied as a last step, after serums.
Whether you are looking to treat winter skin, add extra hydration for the warmer months or an all-year-round solution there are plenty of hydrating moisturisers for all skin types.
In this article, we will list and review nine of the best moisturisers for dry skin to suit all budgets. Each moisturiser has been selected for its ability to hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling plump and glowy.
If you’re looking for a rich and creamy moisturiser or a lighter lotion, we’ve got you covered!
9 of the Best Moisturisers for Dry Skin
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturiser
30ml
This French pharmacy staple is enriched with shea butter, beeswax, and mineral oil, providing long-lasting hydration and protection. The addition of soy protein helps to brighten and improve skin elasticity, resulting in a radiant appearance.
It can be used as a moisturiser, primer, hydrating mask, and cleanser, making it a perfect all-in-one solution for your skincare needs.
Mls: 75ml | Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Beeswax, Mineral Oil, Soy Protein
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
The Ultra Repair Cream from First Aid Beauty provides an instant hit of hydration, perfect for dry and dehydrated skin types. The cream is fast-absorbing and rich, making it a great option for those who need a deeply nourishing moisturiser. Living up to the brand name, this product provides instant relief ‘first aid’ to cracked, dry and irritated skin, while working to repair and protect the skin’s barrier.
Mls: 170g | Key Ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal, Shea Butter, Allantoin
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
This cream is specifically designed for dry and very dry skin on the face and body, making it the perfect solution for those with persistent dryness.
What sets Cerave Moisturising Cream apart from other moisturisers is its MultiVesicular Technology [MVE], which is designed to maintain hydration levels in the skin for 24 hours. The cream also contains ceramides, which help to maintain hydration and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.
Mls: 340g | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Hyaluronic acid
Weleda Skin Food
75ml
Leave your skin looking like a snack with Weleda’s Skin Food.
This power moisturiser is packed with 100% natural ingredients including soothing chamomile, rosemary, lanolin and sweet almond oil. This rich hydrating cream provides deep moisture and hydration to even the driest skin, with a refreshing scent that will leave you feeling revitalised.
The thick, creamy texture of plant oils, lanolin and beeswax is quickly absorbed by the skin, supporting its natural protective barrier. This is a skin saviour for those with severely dehydrated skin or flaky skin.
Mls: 75ml | Key Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Oil, Lanolin
Avene Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream
This luxurious cream contains a high concentration of Avene Thermal Spring Water, which is known for its calming and soothing properties, making it perfect for those with dry or irritated skin. Its unique Cohederm Complex helps to restore the skin’s natural lipids, improving the skin barrier function and providing essential nourishment. The result is long-lasting hydration that immediately smooths and softens the skin.
Mls: 40ml | Key Ingredients: Avene Thermal Spring Water, Cohederm™ complex
endota organics Deep Hydration Moisturiser
The certified organic cream from endota is made with an abundance of natural ingredients and oils to deliver a big gulp of water to your thirsty skin. With Omegas 3 and 6, it helps to soften your complexion for a smoother, more dewy appearance that you’ll love. Some of the key ingredients include Avocado to reduce inflammation and soothe rough, cracked skin. Amla Berry and Rosehip provide antioxidant benefits and work to protect, restore and nourish the skin.
Mls: 50ml | Key Ingredients: Avocado, Amla Berry, Rosehip
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
Loved by derms and beauty editors, the Ultra Facial Cream by Kiehl’s is an iconic product that has cemented its reputation as one of the best moisturisers on the market.
This is a secret weapon against dry skin thanks to its ability to continually moisturise your skin hours after application while also working to improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Some of the hero hydrating ingredients include Squalane and Imperata Cylindrica and Glacial Glycoprotein Extract.
Mls: 50ml | Key Ingredients: Squalane, Glacial Glycoprotein Extract, Avocado oil
Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer
This powerful formula contains a blend of emollients, anti-aging peptides, and antioxidants to help fortify the skin’s natural barrier against free radical damage and environmental stressors. This moisturiser also helps to preserve the skin’s moisture content and restore radiance with the help of antioxidants and plant oils. The inclusion of soothing ingredients makes this a beneficial moisturiser for those who experience redness and rosacea.
Mls: 60ml | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Chamomile Extract, Evening Primrose Oil
La Mer Crème de la Mer
30ml
Creme de la Mer is undoubtedly a boujee-buy but has grown a reputation beyond its price tag. Formulated with only the finest ingredients, La Mer Creme de la Mer is perfect for those who want to treat their skin to the best of the best.
This ultra-rich cream is infused with cell-renewing ocean botanicals, which work to hydrate your skin all day long whilst also repairing signs of ageing. Redness and irritation are visibly soothed as the cream repairs the skin’s natural barrier, and with its anti-ageing powers, fine lines and wrinkles are firmed and pores are tightened.
Sand & Sky Oil Control Clearing Moisturiser
Those with acne-prone skin will know the struggle of finding a moisturiser that is non-greasy and won’t make you break out. Not only does the Oil Control Clearing Moisturiser hydrate and nourish your skin, but it also helps to soothe inflamed pores while balancing your skin’s oil levels. It reinforces good bacteria to protect your skin from external aggressors, revealing a complexion that is clear of imperfections.
This pH-balancing formula has been shown to significantly increase skin hydration levels and reduce sebum production. This double-duty defence fortifies your skin and adds a layer of protection over your skin barrier, keeping you feeling confident all day long.
Natural Moisturising Factors by The Ordinary
This unique formula contains a blend of hydrating ingredients that occur naturally in the skin, such as Hyaluronic Acid and Amino Acids, to help nourish and hydrate your skin for both instant and long-term results.
Natural Moisturising Factors + HA is perfect for those with dry skin who are looking for a lightweight and oil-free solution to hydration. Delivering both instant and long-term hydration, this unique formula is oil-free and non-comedogenic and won’t clog your pores making it ideal for those with sensitive skin and oily skin.
Sand & Sky Oil Tasmanian Spring Water Hydration Boost Cream
Another fantastic product to deliver hydration hit to dry skin is the Tasmanian Spring Water Hydration Boost Cream by Sand & Sky. This luxurious, ultra-lightweight gel cream is packed with powerful aquatic ingredients that work together to hydrate and strengthen your skin.
Tasmanian Spring Water helps to deliver a burst of hydration, while Hyaluronic Acid Complex locks in moisture to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Fermented Sea Kelp smooths skin and targets wrinkles, and Red Seaweed Extract forms a ‘second skin’ to prevent dehydration.
How can I hydrate my skin fast?
There are a few things you can do to hydrate your skin fast:
- Use a humidifier: A humidifier can help add moisture back into the air, which will in turn help your skin retain its moisture.
- Drink plenty of water: Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day to keep your body and skin hydrated.
- Apply a hydrating cream or serum: Choose a product that is specifically designed to hydrate and nourish your skin and contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. Apply it liberally to your face and neck and allow it to sink in for best results.
- Use a hydrating mask: A hydrating mask can help to deeply hydrate and nourish your skin. Choose a product that is suitable for your skin type, and apply it according to the instructions.
- Limit your time in hot water: Hot showers and baths can strip your skin of its natural oils, so try to limit your time in them. When you do shower or bathe, use lukewarm water instead of hot.
Do moisturisers expire?
Yes, moisturisers do expire! The best way to tell if a moisturiser has expired is to check the expiration date on the packaging. Most moisturisers will have a shelf life of around two years, after which they may start to degrade and become less effective. If you can’t find an expiration date, it’s best to err on the side of caution and assume that it has expired.
Once a moisturiser has expired, it’s best to discard it and purchase a new one. Using an expired moisturiser can put you at risk of skin irritation or infection. So play it safe and make sure to always use a fresh, unexpired product.
Recommended Reading
9 of The Best Moisturisers for Dry Skin: Embryolisse, CeraVe, Weleda
In this article, we will list and review 9 of the best moisturisers for dry skin. Each one has been selected for its efficacy in hydrating and nourishing the skin.