Facial moisturisers have hydrating properties that keep the face and neck, especially dull and dry skin areas, moisturised all day. Different brands have come up with a variety of formulations that comes as occlusives, humectants and emollients. Moisturisers intended for the face are commonly infused with emollients to create their hydrating properties. These emollients in facial moisturisers create barriers to keep the skin from drying. There are a lot of benefits one can get from using facial moisturisers as these products don't just hydrate dry skin, but also protect, brightens and slows down the effects of ageing. Most facial moisturisers now add on SPF or sunscreen properties that protect the skin from the destructive UV rays of the sun. They can also help brighten the skin with their nourishing ingredients that lighten blemishes and dark spots on the face. Ingredients found in facial moisturisers now include anti-ageing properties like retinol and retinoids. Most facial moisturisers are now hypoallergenic and have proven safe to use for people with the most sensitive skin.
Major brands have come up with different formulations of facial moisturisers that cater to the different needs of people. Those that have dry skin are vulnerable to certain aspects that can make the skin look dull and have uneven patches. It is important for them to choose facial moisturisers that have hydrating properties for the skin and should opt for less abrasive formulations. Picking out the right facial moisturisers can be tedious with all the moisturising products that are out right now. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is considered the overall best facial moisturiser for its overall hydrating formula. The OSCIA Cactus Water Moisturizer
is known for its quality ingredients that are optimum for dry skin. The Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is praised for its affordable value that does not fall short on quality.
Listed below is the top list of the Best Moisturisers for Dry Skin.
- Best Overall: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a perfect balance between a hydrating and nourishing skin product.
- Best Formula: BOSCIA Cactus Water Moisturizer contains organic and natural ingredients that make the moisturiser a quality clean product.
- Best Value: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream contains ingredients that are gentle on the most skins but create promising results at an affordable price.
1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (Best Overall)
The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a fan favourite that suits very well for people with normal and dry skin. Cerave promises 24-hours of continuous hydrating power with its three essential ceramides. This cream is so gentle that it can be applied as an overall body and face cream that leaves a lightweight and non-greasy feel on the skin. It targets the barriers of the skin that acts to replenish it with the moisture that it needs. Hyaluronic acid is infused into the cream to help lock in moisture on the layers of the skin. The ceramides rejuvenate the skin barriers to restore their function to effectively absorb nutrients. This mechanism is strengthened by CeraVe’s own MVE Technology that infuses these ingredients continually the entire time of application. The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is made free from Paraben, oils, and fragrances that may irritate sensitive skin. The hydrating and moisturising cream can be applied during the day and night generously all over the body and face.
2. BOSCIA Cactus Water Moisturizer (Best Formula)
The BOSCIA Cactus Water Moisturizer provides a clean product that hydrates dry skin using naturally-sourced ingredients. The water moisturising cream not only prevents the skin from drying but also repairs it with its plant extracts. It primarily contains its “Queen of the Night” Cactus extract that revitalises dry skin by moisturising them. It includes other botanical extracts like the South African Resurrection Plant and Aloe Vera Flower Extract that rehydrates dull skin. The BOSCIA Moisturiser can be a great companion o a hot summer day that can dry out the skin of its wits. It is made without harsh chemical ingredients, or synthetic fragrances and is recommended for vegans. One can apply the BOSCIA Cactus Water Moisturizer with a spatula or bare fingers on the cleansed and dry skin. This can be used day and night or when the skin starts to dry or flakes out.
3. Vanicream Moisturizing Cream (Best Value)
The Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is an ideal product for people suffering from skin drying and other related skin problems. It aims to maintain the natural hydration of the skin with its specialised formulation. The cream readily seeps right through the skin's barriers, leaving a lightweight feel without clogging them. It is created for dry and sensitive skin free from the harsh and stripping effects of some chemicals. It is tested by dermatologists and recognised by the National Eczema Association for its quality product. It is made without fragrance that tends to have drying and irritating effects on the skin. The Vanicream Moisturizing Cream can be ideally used on the entire body at any time of the day. The cream can be used as a treatment cream for moderate sunburns and long exposure to abnormal temperatures.
4. Olay Regenerist Ultra Rich Hydrating Moisturizer
The Olay Regenerist Ultra Rich Hydrating Moisturizer comes with a richer formula to better hydrate and strengthens the skin. It is formulated with vitamin B3+ peptides that help retain the skin’s natural moisture inside the layers of the skin. Its Niacinamide complex technology reduces the loss of water that leads to dry patches on the skin. It comes in a cream-based texture that easily absorbs into the skin without feeling greasy. Results for the Olay Regenerist Hydrating Moisturizer show a renewed and revitalised skin that glows on the outside. This hydrating moisturiser can be applied during the day or at night before bedtime. Gentle massage the hydrating moisturiser on cleansed face and neck and allow it to be absorbed completely.
5. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration is a well-recognised skin moisturiser that provides the skin with the special care that it needs. Its gentle formula is made ideal for people with naturally dry skin and those suffering from skin problems like eczema, rashes, and redness. It eases skin irritation with its Colloidal Oatmeal and Allantoin ingredient that smoothens out the layers of the skin. Shea Butter provides the skin with the nourishment it requires as it is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. It is certified vegan and free from skin-irritating ingredients like nuts, soy, and gluten. It is recommended to use the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration twice a day to help achieve skin hydration and repair that is needed.
6. EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturiser
The EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturiser assures its users of moisturised skin for all-day use. This Therapy Facial Moisturiser can be helpful for dry and irritated skin as this gently eases out inflamed areas. The EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturiser is a perfect choice as a treatment cream for people with skin problems with diabetes and renal problems with its sensitive-friendly formula. The product contains Niacinamide that retains the moisture on the layers of the skin to prevent dehydration or skin drying for at least 12 hours. It is produced without heavy emollients and preservatives that make this product ideal for sensitive and dry skin. The EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturiser could also come in handy when going to the beach as it can treat minor sunburns on the skin. Apply a pea-sized amount of the skin moisturiser on damp skin and gently spread it with clean fingers. The formula easily absorbs through the skin and melts as it touches the skin epidermis. This could be applied daily or whenever necessary.
7. ReVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream
The ReVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream is the perfect night cream that gently renews the facial areas of the skin. It contains its own Bio-Renewal Peptide that reduces any visible lines and rejuvenates ageing skin. It is infused with glycolic acid and sunflower seed oil that induces skin renewal that brings out healthier skin cells. The ReVive Moisturizing Cream acts to hydrate dull skin back to life by going through the skin’s barriers to repair its original function. This is best applied at night after the skin has been cleansed and layered with serum. One can sleep overnight as the product does its work where the skin is left undisturbed and is at its most active state for repair. The ReVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream may contain chemicals that may harm sensitive eyes, washing hands after an application is recommended.
8. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturiser
The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturiser is formulated with lightweight ingredients that hydrate the skin and protect it. It contains SPF 30 that provides a protective layer for the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. It is formulated with its own Prebiotic Thermal Water that has selenium that naturally soothes the skin. Its skin moisturising property is retained with its ceramide-3 ingredient that improves the barrier of the skin. The La Roche-Posay Face Moisturiser is infused with Niacinamide that restores any destroyed skin cells and emerges a new healthy skin layer. It is produced free from paraben, oil, oxybenzone, and fragrance. This is tested for allergy and is best recommended for all skin types including the most sensitive and dry ones. One can apply the Double Repair Face moisturiser on cleansed face and neck in the morning and evening.
9. AVEENO Ultra-Calming Nourishing Night Cream
The AVEENO Ultra-Calming Nourishing Night Cream works well on dry and irritated skin that works during the night. It soothes and eases out any visible redness and skin irritation. It is made free from the stripping effects of harsh chemicals and drying added fragrances. The Night Cream is specialised for sensitive skin as it is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. It keeps the skin hydrated throughout the night when the body is at rest and immobile. Organic ingredients in the night cream include Nourishing Oat and Feverfew that gently provide the skin with the nutrients that it needs. The AVEENO Night Cream promises to keep the skin barrier moisturised and reduce any skin irritation in just one week. Apply the Aveeno Night cream on cleansed face and neck before bedtime.
10. SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Dry
The SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Dry is ideal for people with normal to dry skin that requires some skin intervention. It is formulated with hydroxy acid that mildly sloughs off the dead layers of the skin that inefficiently absorbs the nourishment that the skin needs. Repeated exfoliation would mean a reduction of visible lines of the skin and wrinkles. The Overnight cream contains plant-based ingredients like aloe, chamomile and rose oil that nourish dull and dry skin. It leaves the skin healthy and looking radiant after regular use. The SkinCeuticals Overnight Dry can be used regularly at night on cleansed skin. Apply an appropriate amount that evenly spreads on the face and neck. When paired with retinol, make sure to apply the night cream over it.
11. Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream
The Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream is a hydrating and rejuvenation cream that transforms dry and dull skin into a more radiant smooth texture. It is fortified with botanical extracts like Black Rose Oil, Black Rose aqueous, and Padina pavonica extract that smoothens the layers of the skin and hydrates them. Vitamin E combats free radicals from everyday environmental pollution. Glycerin from plants and biosaccharide solution further adds moisture to the skin and creates a layer of protection. The formulation comes in a rich texture that feels comfortably light on the skin. Apply drops of the Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream on cleansed face and neck until it is completely absorbed. For more effective results, use the cream daily during the day and at night before bedtime.
12. Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream
The Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream effectively hydrates the skin and repairs the skin barriers. It is a cream-based skin hydrator product that is ideal for normal to oily skin types and can be consumed by vegans. Skinfix formulated its own Triple Lipid Hydrating Complex solution that makes up for deficiencies in ceramide and fatty acid in the skin. It is infused with Seaweed Hyaluronate Blend that does the hydrating action of the face cream product. Its nutripeptide properties strengthen the barrier of the skin, reducing any visible redness and skin irritation. Sephora rates the Skinfix Face cream as a clean product that includes ingredients that are proven safe for human use and safe for the environment. The Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream can be used along with retinol and other active ingredients in skin products. Apply two pumps of the cream over cleansed face and neck during the day or night.
13. Cetaphil Deep Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Cream
The Cetaphil Deep Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Cream promises to keep the skin hydrated for up to 48-hours when the cream is applied. It is considered lightweight on the skin without the feeling of oil or grease build-up. Cetaphil Daily Cream contains nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, B5, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid that promote moisture retention on the skin for a long time. It claims to fight against the most problematic signs of the skin like dryness, irritation and weakened skin barrier. The Cetaphil deeply hydrates the layers of the skin without clogging its pores. The Cetaphil Deep Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Cream can be used right after the skin has been cleansed during the day or at night. Apply a small amount evenly on the face and all over the neck.
14. Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer
The Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer acts to hydrate and combats any signs of skin ageing. The lightweight moisturiser from Tata Harper is specially formulated for people with dry and wrinkled skin. It contains Buckbean Extract that helps tone the surface of the skin, reducing any visible fine lines. It is fortified with multiple vitamins and minerals composed in an organic Estate Grown Beauty Complex that deeply nourishes the skin layers. Hyaluronic acid plumps dull and dry skin back to its healthier form. Tata Harper products are made with 100% natural formula from its farm-grown company. This product is certified clean by Sephora for its safe-to-use ingredients and environmentally friendly components. The Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer can be used either during the day or night on cleansed face. Apply a decent amount, around two pumps of the product and gently massage the skin.
15. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream restores the skin’s natural hydration system by revitalising its skin barrier. It targets the skin’s dry patch areas and provides the overall skin with the 24-hour hydration it needs. It is formulated to be lightweight for all types of skin even sensitive ones. The Ultra Facial cream contains Glycerin that targets the skin barrier to restore its healthier function. Squalene and Glacial Glycoprotein are responsible for the product’s moisturising properties and strengthening of skin layers. The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is best applied after cleansing the face and putting on toners. A small amount of the facial cream is evenly spread on the skin and allows it to readily be absorbed. To see results, apply regularly during the day or night.
16. Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer
The Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer contains a slew of protein-based ingredients that moisturises and restores the skin layers. A total number of nine peptides forms its Signal Peptide Complex that works collectively to plump and increase the firmness of the skin. It is infused with Pygmy Waterlily Stem Cell Extract that revitalises the skin from free radicals that result in younger-looking skin. The Soybean Folic Acid Ferment Extract in the product increases skin elasticity and replenishes the skin’s need for folic acid. The Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer is best recommended for people with dry to oily skin. The moisturiser is best used during the day and at night after cleansing the face.
17. Avène Tolerance Control Skin Recovery Cream
The Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream helps the skin cope with the damage from environmental pollutants and free radicals. It promises to provide continuous 24-hours skin hydration. The Avène Skin Soothing Cream addresses skin problems like inflammation and redness with its key ingredients such as the D-Sensinose. It is infused with its own Avène Thermal Spring Water that soothes the surface of the skin. It has an overall sterile formula that is made without parabens, synthetic scents, and preservatives that disrupt skin flora and may cause irritation. It promises to calm the skin within 30 seconds of application and protects and rejuvenates the layers of the skin for 48 hours. The Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream can be used two times a day right after facial cleansers. Apply evenly on the surface of the skin, eye contour areas, and neck.
18. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream provides the skin with the hydration that it truly needs. It is a gel-cream consistency that easily seeps in through the skin layers. It is super lightweight that it can be applied before makeup. The Gel-Cream is effectively absorbed by the skin but makes sure it does not clog the pores. It contains hyaluronic acid helps alleviate dry skin problems and also works on fine lines and wrinkles. It is formulated free from dyes, synthetic scents and oil. Its hydro-boost feature provides hydration for the driest types of skin for up to 48-hours after application. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream can be applied day and night after the skin has been cleansed and dried.
19. TULA 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream
The TULA 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream promises a whole day of hydrating power that is packed with nourishing ingredients to revive the natural skin. It is formulated with extracts from prebiotics and probiotic that keeps the normal flora of the skin and reduces any signs of irritation. It is infused with watermelon and apple that helps reduce fine lines while hydrating the skin’s surface. The day & night cream contains peptides and squalene that improve the skin texture and further nourish it. One can apply a pea-size amount of the TULA 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Cream on clean dry skin during the day or at night before bed. One can see results as early as one week of use.
20. Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer
The Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer gives the skin the hydration it needs without the heavy texture of most skin moisturisers. It also doubles as a sunscreen that has an SPF 30 for sun protection. The solution readily absorbs through the skin and is ideal with makeup for its lightweight texture. Its Niacinamide content brightens and reduces visible dark spots that result in an instantly smoothening of the skin’s appearance. It is made for all types of skin and is recommended for vegan users for its clean formula. It has a pink tint that blends well with most skin tones. It is infused with Kalahari Melon and Baobab extract that nourishes the skin with its antioxidant and vitamin property. Hyaluronic Acid eases out skin irritation and helps further hydrate the skin. The Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer can be used either day or night on cleansed and dry skin.
21. Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Rich Cream
Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Rich Cream is best recommended for people with dry and sensitive skin. It is packed with ingredients that nourish the skin and increase its tightness. Clarin’s facial cream solves common skin problems such as dryness, redness caused by irritation and overall dullness. Most of its ingredients are plant-based that shield the skin from environmental pollution resulting in a plumper and radiant-looking skin. Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Rich Cream is first warmed on both hands before gently massaging it on the surface of the skin. A draining gesture by the hands is recommended on the cheeks, forehead and on the neck for it to absorb effectively.
22. L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Face Moisturizer
The L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Face Moisturizer is specialised for people with mature skin. It contains Imperial Peony Extracts and LHA that slough off dead and dry layers of the skin to renew its natural appearance. This slows down signs of skin ageing and eventually reduces visible wrinkles and fine lines. Its tinted formula leaves a rosy glow on the skin that fits any skin tone. The day and night moisturiser actively absorbs through the skin, thoroughly hydrating them for hours. The L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Face Moisturizer can be applied on cleansed skin and neck, gently massaging a decent amount in a circular direction.
23. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Daily Moisturizer
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Daily Moisturizer is a lightweight formula that hydrates dry skin. It effectively restores the skin’s moisture by targeting the skin’s natural barriers. It contains Hyaluronic Acid, Triglycerides and Ceramides that collectively rejuvenate the skin’s surface and repairs skin damage. The daily moisturiser is formulated without ingredients that may irritate the skin like Parabens, Sulfates, oils, gluten, and fragrance. The pH is formulated between 6.50 to 7.00 that perfectly balances the skin. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Daily Moisturizer is best applied on the skin after facial serums. Put on cleansed and dried face as regularly or as it is needed.
24. Fleur & Bee Crème de la Cream Moisturizer
The Fleur & Bee Crème de la Cream Moisturiser aims to keep the skin hydrated and fights early signs of skin ageing. This vegan cream is packed with nourishing products that rejuvenate the skin to its healthier state. It contains vitamin C that lightens dark spots and reduces wrinkles. Niacinamide protects the skin barrier and the peptides overhaul the skin’s elasticity. The organic properties found in Gotu kola extract are responsible for the moisturiser’s anti-ageing properties. It has another slew of ingredients like horsetail, green tree, and açai fruit extract that nourish the skin even more. The Fleur & Bee Crème de la Cream Moisturizer can either be used during the day under one’s makeup or at night for an overnight skin repair.
25. Avya Skincare Night Moisturizer
The Avya Skincare Night Moisturiser provides an effective formula that addresses ageing skin problems. It acts to brighten, smoothen, and hydrates the skin surface with its nourishing ingredients. The night cream contains vitamin A (retinoid) that hastens skin layer renewal that eliminates hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. It is formulated to deeply hydrate the driest types of skin that bring its dull-looking appearance back to life. The Avya Skincare Night Moisturizer can be used during the day and at night all over the face and neck for the ultimate hydrating product. A dime-size should be enough to evenly spread through the entire face and absorbed readily.
What are the advantages of using Facial Moisturizers for Dry Skin?
Moisturisers contain nourishing ingredients that help strengthen the barriers of the skin against free radicals that destroy the skin’s natural protective layer. They help the feeling of dryness with their hydrating properties that can go on for hours throughout the day. It works against further damage to the skin layer caused by everyday environmental pollutants, extreme temperatures, and stripping skin chemicals that destroy the skin barrier even more. If the skin barrier is further damaged, this would increase the susceptibility of the skin to drying even more. Facial moisturisers are also packed with nourishing ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, vitamins, minerals and organic extracts that revitalise the skin to its healthier state.
What is the best moisturiser for dry sensitive skin?
CeraVe’s moisturising cream is the best moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin. It is perfectly formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramide that directly addresses destroyed skin barriers that increase the skin’s sensitivity and dryness. Its three ceramide formula helps retain the natural hydration of the skin to prevent dryness brought by extreme humidity during the day. It uses its own MVE Delivery Technology that assures these hydrating and moisturising ingredients are delivered to the skin barriers for hours. It is fragrance-free that prevents any risk of skin irritation and allergies. It is developed by Dermatologists themselves to assure that it has optimum results for people with dry and sensitive skin.
What will happen if you use a moisturiser that isn't suited for your skin?
Incompatibility between skin types and moisturisers has the tendency to have skin reactions depending on the ingredients they are exposed to. Common results would be drying out, skin redness, itching, and burning sensation. People with skin conditions like eczema will show signs of dermatitis that is triggered by the immune response to certain allergens found in products. A patch test is very important to see if there is a skin reaction to products like moisturisers that can be detrimental to health. Certain ingredients of moisturisers come in high concentrations that may strip away the natural oils and flora of the skin that results in drying them out even more.
Do moisturisers hydrate the skin?
Yes, moisturisers help hydrate the skin. Facial moisturisers are formulated to treat dry patches of skin that easily succumb to hot temperatures and humid areas. Different brands incorporate a variety of ingredients that helps hydrate the skin even more. Moisturisers contain humectants like Hyaluronic Acid helps the skin repair its natural barriers that help retain the moisture inside its layers. Another common ingredient in moisturisers is emollients that bridge broken skin layers that cause flaking and peeling.
Is face cream and face lotion the same?
No, face cream and lotion are not the same. Facial creams have a higher concentration of oil than regular lotions that makes them feel a bit greasier in texture. They do have the same base formulation of water and oil but face cream has a higher amount of oil content and is much thicker when it comes to consistency. Facial moisturisers are formulated to create a barrier in the skin that keeps them hydrated for hours. It is best recommended being applied in humid weather that disrupts the natural barriers of the skin that eventually results in drying.