Dry skin is a common issue that can cause irritation, flaking, cracking and general discomfort. Finding the right moisturizer is key to nourishing, restoring and protecting dry skin. With so many options on the market, choosing the best moisturizer for your needs can be tricky. We’ve compiled the top 15 moisturizers for dry skin available in the U.S., along with a detailed analysis of their key features. Read on for tips on selecting the best moisturizer for dry skin and answers to frequently asked questions.
This rich, fragrance-free moisturizing cream was developed with dermatologists to repair and strengthen the skin barrier. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid to retain moisture along with ceramides that help restore the skin’s protective layer.
We recommend this deeply hydrating, dermatologist-developed cream for nourishing very dry skin on both the face and body without clogging pores or causing new breakouts. The special ceramide-hyaluronic acid formulation replenishes vital hydration where skin needs it most.
Specifically formulated for extra dry and sensitive skin, this hydrating Cetaphil body cream delivers intense, long-lasting moisture without feeling heavy or greasy. It hydrates skin while also calming and soothing dryness and irritation.
We highly recommend this fragrance-free Cetaphil cream for incredibly nourishing hydration that lasts while catering to easily irritated dry skin. The texture glides on smoothly without leaving skin feeling smothered.
Formulated specifically for the delicate skin on the face, this Cetaphil daily face cream provides intense 48-hour hydration as it enhances skin’s natural glow. The formula includes vitamins and hydrating ingredients tailored to improve dry, sensitive facial skin.
We highly recommend this specialized Cetaphil face cream for combatting lackluster dryness on sensitive skin and renewing a dewy, healthier facial glow that lasts. The ingredients list is thoughtfully curated for nourishing ingredients that both soothe and deeply moisturize.
This dermatologist-developed daily face and body lotion contains an expertly crafted formulation of ceramides and hyaluronic acid ideal for hydrating and restoring dry skin on a daily basis without clogging pores. The oil-free, fragrance-free formula absorbs quickly while providing nourishing 24-hour hydration.
We highly recommend this dermatologist-backed, ceramide-infused lotion as an everyday staple for combatting dry skin all over the body, including the face. It delivers essential hydration without fuss or irritation even after repeated use.
This specialized oil-free Neutrogena gel-cream face moisturizer delivers pure hyaluronic acid to dry skin for a boosted moisture surge that quenches dehydrated skin and keeps it looking smooth, supple and glowy. The unique gel-cream texture instantly absorbs without residue.
We highly recommend this ultra-light hyaluronic acid-infused gel-lotion to intensely hydrate lackluster facial skin on contact for an instant beauty boost. Dry skin drinks it up for a plumper, more radiant complexion that doesn’t feel weighed down.
This specialized Neutrogena gel-cream face moisturizer delivers intense line-smoothing hydration to depleted skin with pure hyaluronic acid, the skin’s naturally occurring moisture magnet. Continuous hydration makes dry, rough facial skin appear supple and luminous.
We highly recommend this oil-free Neutrogena face moisturizer for instant absorption and a boost of beautifying hydration that penetrates dry skin deeply on contact. Maintained moisture smooths and brightens skin beautifully over time.
This Paula’s Choice facial moisturizer comforts stressed, easily irritated dry skin while delivering nourishing ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing peptides. This fat-free cream calms and cushions dry areas that often accompany conditions like eczema or rosacea.
We highly recommend this expertly crafted fragrance-free face moisturizer for replenishing dry, sensitive skin without adding to redness or reactivity. Nourishing ingredients offer relief while expert formulation ensures gentle effectiveness suitable for delicate skin.
This dermatologist-recommended Lubriderm body lotion delivers lightweight yet enriched moisture ideal for dry, depleted skin with a special ceramide + nourishing shea butter formula that moisturizes without greasiness. Skin recognizably improves while enjoying subtle notes of jasmine and palm.
We recommend this thoughtfully crafted, dermatologist-approved body lotion for combatting dryness on both the face and body without heaviness or offense to sensitive areas. Skin feels comfortable and balanced after application.
This specialized night cream by CeraVe deeply nourishes facial skin overnight with a targeted formulation including skin-restoring niacinamide, peptides and three vital ceramides. Together they optimize skin’s natural renewal process while sealing in moisture. Skin appears visibly rejuvenated by morning.
We strongly recommend this night cream for repairing and renewing dry facial skin during sleep cycles when cell turnover is most prolific. Key ingredients join forces to restore healthy moisture levels, repair skin’s protective barrier and visibly smooth skin’s texture.
True to its name, this ultra-light Bio-Oil body lotion delivers highly concentrated natural skin oils —without a greasy feel—to intensively replenish chronically dry skin. Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid pair perfectly to retain hydration so skin looks supple and smooth instead of parched.
We recommend this ultra-concentrated natural oil-infused body lotion for the most enriching dose of replenishment chronically dry skin craves without typical oil slickness. The custom oil blend absorbs beautifully while working deeply to restore suppleness and glow.
This Amazon Basics skin cream comforts chronically dry areas with an ultra-hydrating yet easily absorbed cream formula ideal for delicate skin. Soothing colloidal oatmeal joins ceramides and lipids mimic healthy skin for smoothing rough spots and restoring resilience to depleted skin.
We recommend this affordable, soothing oat-infused cream for protecting extremely dry, easily irritated skin with nourishing ingredients that mimic the skin’s natural composition for compatibility and effectiveness. The comforting formulation absorbs well for lubricating rough areas.
This thoughtfully crafted daily facial moisturizer from Vanicream hydrates sensitive complexions using smart skin-friendly ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and fatty acids essential for healthy function. The formula avoids sensitivities and common irritants.
We highly recommend this specialist facial moisturizer for nourishing sensitive complexions prone to dryness without triggering the common skin irritations and allergies found in typical products. Smart skincare means avoiding unnecessary ingredients.
This indulgent anti-aging face cream by Tatcha envelopes skin with luscious Japanese botanicals that optimize moisture retention for a youthful, luminous complexion. The rich purple cream features Okinawa red algae, hyaluronic acid, Japanese purple rice and 23-karat gold for combatting fine lines.
We recommend this luxurious, botanical-infused face cream for nourishing dry, mature skin needing line-smoothing moisture retention and improved resilience over time. The right blend of Japanese superfood ingredients makes skin look radiant and renewed.
This oil-free Neutrogena facial moisturizer delivers hydrating hyaluronic acid and broad spectrum SPF 50 sun protection in one water-light formula ideal for dry, sensitive skin. The fast-absorbing gel-cream soothes as it nourishes for smooth, supple skin with a dewy glow.
We highly recommend this uniquely textured SPF moisturizer for replenishing thirsty skin with vital hydration while providing essential facial sun protection without heaviness or added irritation to dry skin. It expertly combines the best of both worlds in one bottle.
This specialty Japanese Curel face cream comforting dry, delicate facial skin also improves visible signs of aging like fine lines and dullness by supporting skin’s natural renewal process. Ceramides join exclusive Japanese botanicals to reinforce skin’s moisture barrier.
We recommend this standout Japanese face cream for repairing, renewing and visibly rejuvenating dry, sensitive facial skin prone to fine lines and roughness. Exclusive ingredients and advanced technology set it apart from typical moisture creams.
Product | Key Feature 1 | Key Feature 2 | Key Feature 3 |
---|---|---|---|
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream | Hyaluronic acid | Ceramide complex | Fragrance-free |
Cetaphil Body Cream | 48-hour hydration | Fast-absorbing | Fragrance-free |
Cetaphil Face Cream | Hyaluronic acid | Vitamins E & B5 | Lightweight |
CeraVe Daily Lotion | Hyaluronic acid | Ceramides | Oil-free |
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel | Pure hyaluronic acid | Oil-free | Non-comedogenic |
Neutrogena Gel-Cream | Hyaluronic acid | Smooths skin | Fragrance-free |
Paula’s Choice Cream | Hyaluronic acid | Soothing peptides | Fragrance-free |
Lubriderm Body Lotion | Pro-ceramide | Shea butter | Scented |
CeraVe Night Cream | Niacinamide | Peptide complex | Non-comedogenic |
Bio-Oil Body Lotion | Natural oils | Hyaluronic acid | Fast-absorbing |
Amazon Basics Cream | Colloidal oatmeal | Ceramides | Fragrance-free |
Vanicream Face Cream | Ceramides | Hyaluronic acid | Free of irritants |
Tatcha Dewy Cream | Okinawa red algae | Japanese botanicals | Anti-aging |
Neutrogena SPF Cream | Hyaluronic acid | Broad spectrum SPF 50 | Oil-free |
Curel Face Cream | Ceramides | Improves aging | Fast-absorbing |
With countless creams and lotions available, choosing an effective moisturizer for parched skin requires attention to detail. Focus on key areas:
With customized care in mind, today’s moisturizers come formulated for specific situations:
The best moisturizer for dry skin is one that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and natural oils to hydrate the skin and restore its moisture barrier. Products like CeraVe moisturizing cream, Cetaphil hydrating moisturizing cream, Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel, and Paula’s Choice skin recovery replenishing moisturizer are top picks for very dry, sensitive skin based on expert and user reviews. They deeply moisturize while soothing and repairing the moisture barrier.
Based on expert and user feedback, the CeraVe moisturizing cream in a 19 ounce tub is considered the best CeraVe moisturizer for dry skin, especially body areas. It contains a potent blend of hyaluronic acid and ceramides to restore hydration. For the face, the AM and PM facial moisturizing lotions also perform well without clogging pores.
The Cetaphil Restoraderm body moisturizer features a soothing, clinically tested formula ideal for extremely dry, sensitive skin. It provides 48-hour hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing base. Similarly, the Vanicream daily facial moisturizer specifically caters to easily irritated dry complexions through smart, sensitive skin-friendly ingredients.
It’s important to moisturize dry skin consistently both day and night for 24-hour relief, using products specifically formulated for either day or night use. Richer night creams deeply nourish and repair skin overnight. Lighter lotions refresh and protect skin during day without interfering with cosmetics or sunscreen.
Creams containing colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, nourishing oils and skin-friendly hydrators can help relieve itching and flaking associated with eczema rashes. They moisturize while also repairing the damaged moisture barrier contributing to eczema flare-ups, helping prevent future breakouts.
Look for hyaluronic acid to draw moisture in along with ceramides and plant oils like jojoba or shea butter to seal it in. Dimethicone and glycerin act as surface barriers.
Yes. Face creams are typically gel-based to absorb quickly without clogging pores. Body lotions feature richer blends of moisturizing oils, butters and waxes ideal for extremely parched skin on the body.
Yes, using moisturizer morning and night ensures skin stays continually hydrated. Choose lighter gels or gel-creams during day so makeup and environmental elements don’t dilute moisture. Use richer creams at night so key ingredients absorb best while sleeping.
Yes. Well formulated creams containing colloidal oatmeal relieve itching and irritation associated with eczema breakouts while delivering vital hydration. They also fortify skin’s natural moisture barrier to help prevent future flare-ups.
Yes, gentle exfoliation lifts away dead skin cells to allow moisturizing ingredients to reach fresher skin and absorption. But avoid harsh scrubs. Look for lactic acid or glycerin-based creams for chemical exfoliation instead. Start slow.
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on merchant's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of these products. HappyLists is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As part of this program, we may earn commission from qualifying purchases made through the affiliate links provided on this website. We only promote products on Amazon that we genuinely believe are of high quality and value to our audience. The inclusion of affiliate links does not influence our editorial content or product recommendations. Our primary goal is to provide useful information and help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Certain portions of the text in this article might have been created using AI tools and subsequently edited by the author to improve the overall quality and clarity of the content for readers.