It may not be as trendy as the latest PDRN serum or sleek gadget, but if there’s one skincare step that’s giving workhorse vibes, it’s definitely moisturizer. From shielding skin from dry, cold weather to strengthening the skin barrier, proper hydration and moisture (which are two different things, both important: In layman’s terms, hydration is more surface-level, lending an immediate softening, plumping effect to skin, while moisturizing locks in hydration via oils/butters to prevent evaporation.) is an essential step in your routine, and one worth investing in.
I personally learned (the hard way, might I add) that neglecting moisturizer is honestly, one of the worst things you can do to your skin. As an acne-prone gal, I spent more years than I’d care to admit robbing my face of hydration in the hopes it would curb my breakouts, when in reality, it only exacerbated them since my sebum production skyrocketed as a result of dehydration.
As beauty editors, we test hundreds of moisturizers a year, and as such, know a thing or two about the ones that actually work and the ones worth skipping. Ahead, the 12 best moisturizers for dry skin that really quenched our thirst.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Bubble Skincare Soft Swerve Barrier Restore Balm
“This is no ordinary dry-skin moisturizer. For starters, it’s thick — probably the most dense I’ve tried. But it delivers instant, long-lasting relief for very dry, flaky skin, with results that last for hours. When I use it at night, I wake up to skin that looks and feels brand new. That’s thanks to squalane, a humectant that draws moisture into the skin, alongside skin-smoothing ceramides, hydrating niacinamide and cholesterol — a natural lipid that helps repair and maintain the skin barrier, keeping moisture in and bacteria out. The most interesting thing about this moisturizer, though, is the way it dispenses: it comes out like whipped cream. It’s so satisfying and fun to use — which dry skin definitely isn’t.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
Bubble Skincare Soft Swerve Barrier Restore Balm, $, available at Ulta
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides Rich Moisturizer
“When I need intense, long-lasting moisture during the driest of cold, arid weather, this is what I reach for every time. It’s thick, but not greasy, which I know sounds impossible — but not for The Ordinary. Plus, the ceramides work wonders to support a healthy, happy skin barrier.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior writer.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors Rich Moisturizer, $, available at Ulta Beauty
U Beauty The Super Hydrator
“If you’re going to invest in a high-end moisturizer, make it this one. In winter, cleansing my skin can leave it feeling so tight and rough it’s as though it might crack, but when I use this consistently, that never happens. U Beauty promises hydration for up to 48 hours, and it’s all down to five sizes of hyaluronic acid molecules that hydrate every layer of the skin. It doesn’t stop there, though. Skin-strengthening peptides and smoothing shea butter support repair and deliver deep moisturization. Two pumps is enough to cover the entire face, and while it takes a moment to absorb, the glow is truly unrivaled.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
U Beauty The SUPER Hydrator, $, available at U Beauty
The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer
“When freezing temperatures and icy winds make my skin feel like it’s about to fall off, I turn to this. Applying it feels like instant relief, thanks to a trifecta of moisturizing, hydrating ingredients. First up are ceramides, which act like glue between skin cells, keeping skin soft and healthy rather than rough and flaky. Then there’s shea butter, which dermatologists praise for its deeply moisturizing properties, alongside glycerin. Glycerin is both a humectant (meaning it draws moisture into the skin) and an emollient, helping to keep that moisture locked in. Even though it’s a souped-up moisturizer, it never breaks me out. I must be on my fifth tub by now.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer, $, available at Sephora
Beekman 1802 Bloom Cream Daily Moisturizer
“This everyday moisturizer is the GOAT — no, really: It’s made with goat milk, niacinamide, and botanical extracts to quench dryness and promote radiant, glowing skin.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior writer.
Beekman 1802 Bloom Cream Daily Moisturizer, $, available at Ulta Beauty
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair® Cream Intense Hydration
“For very dry skin, it has to be First Aid’s Ultra Repair Cream. It feels like wrapping your skin in silk, instantly calming thanks to oatmeal and allantoin. If I’ve overdone it on the Differin, this is the only thing that helps repair my skin barrier. But don’t just take my word for it — its five-star reviews speak volumes, with users praising the comforting whipped texture, its ability to soothe even eczema, and the fact that it contains no added fragrance or perfume, so it won’t aggravate sensitive skin.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration, $, available at First Aid Beauty
Sofie Pavitt Face Omega Rich Moisturizer
“If you’re dry and acne-prone, I truly cannot recommend a better moisturizer than Sofie Pavitt’s Omega Rich Moisturizer. The texture is divine — silky, creamy, but not heavy or greasy — and my skin drinks the stuff right up.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior writer.
Sofie Pavitt Face Omega Rich Moisturizer, $, available at Sephora
Aestura ATOBARRIER365 Cream Moisturizer with Ceramides & Niacinamide for Skin Moisture Barrier Repair
“I’ve used Aestura’s Autobarrier Cream down to the last drop multiple times—it’s that good. Beneath the simple packaging, it feels and performs just like a high-end moisturizer. I’d expect nothing less — it’s Korean, after all. This cream cocoons dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin with ceramides, which act like scaffolding to reinforce the skin barrier without leaving a greasy residue. Fatty acids and glycerin mimic the skin’s natural moisturizing lipids, topping up hydration where it’s needed most. For best results, use it morning and night.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream, $, available at Sephora
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Niacinamide
“Another excellent formula available at most drugstores is La Roche-Posay’s soothing moisturizer, which counts ceramides, thermal water, and niacinamide among its powerhouse ingredients.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior writer.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Niacinami, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Caudalie VinoHydra Sorbet Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
“If your skin is showing subtle signs of dryness — like flakiness around the mouth or tightness on the cheeks — but you hate that most dry-skin creams feel suffocating, you have to try Caudalie’s VinoHydra Sorbet Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid. It’s more of a lotion than a thick cream, but don’t underestimate it. A blend of hydrating hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich grape water, and soothing chamomile extract is complemented by nourishing glycerin and shea butter. Even though it’s packed with all the good stuff, I find it sinks in quickly, leaving behind a hint of dew. Even better, it’s non-comedogenic, so it’s unlikely to clog pores.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
Caudalie VinoHydra Sorbet Cream Moisturizer, $, available at Sephora
Vichy Minéral 89 100H Rich Cream Fragrance-Free
“I’ve lost count of how many dermatologists have told me they rely on this cream; it’s often one of the first they mention when I ask for recommendations for dry skin. It sits in a comfortable space between a lightweight lotion and a rich face mask, spreading easily and quenching skin instantly. I love that it leaves skin feeling bouncy to the touch, thanks to ultra-moisturizing squalane and vitamin E, along with hydration-boosting niacinamide. It’s dependable, effective, and reasonably priced.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
Vichy Minéral 89 100H Rich Cream Fragrance-Free, $, available at Ulta Beauty
BeautyStat Universal Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Cream
“This cushiony cream from cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson’s beloved brand, BeautyStat, is perfect for sensitive skin types since it has biofermented reishi mushroom extract and a ceramide-powered complex to deliver soothing moisture that lasts.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior writer.
BeautyStat Cosmetics Probiotic 24HR Moisture Boost Cream Moisturizer, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
“I always have a tub of this on hand for sub-zero temperatures. It’s the only thing that quenches my parched skin without triggering breakouts. If your makeup tends to cling to dry patches like it does on me, I can vouch for this as an excellent smoothing primer. It makes my skin gleam without appearing oily.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
Tatcha Chilli Oil on Everything 250ml Pourer Jar, $, available at Tatcha
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
14 Pro-Approved Moisturizers For Sensitive Skin
