12 expert-approved moisturisers to hydrate extra-dry skin
A good moisturiser should be the star of most skincare routines, but it’s especially important for those with a dry skin type. Characterised by a lack of oil and an impaired ability to retain moisture, dry skin needs more help than most when it comes to soothing, smoothing and locking in hydration.
While dryness as a skin type cannot be ‘cured’ (and nor should it need to be), there are plenty of ways you can supplement the surface, making it feel softer and look radiant.
Moisturisers for dry skin: what to look for
When choosing the best moisturiser for your dry skin, it’s important to consider the three core ingredient categories: humectants, emollients and occlusives. Humectants, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, are your hydrators, pulling in moisture and locking it into the top layers of the skin. Emollients, such as shea butter, work to soften, smoothing over the cracks in the barrier. Think of them as the ’grout’ that holds the tiles, or skin cells, together. Finally, occlusives are the security guard, sealing everything into the skin. They may make those with oily skin shudder, but occlusives are a valuable ally for anyone looking to balance dryness. Keep an eye out for olive, jojoba and squalane oils.
Sarah Chapman agrees that hyaluronic acid is ideal for dry complexions. "This active is capable of holding 1000 times its weight in moisture in the skin, replenishing hydration levels and restoring a dewy glow," she says. "Ceramides are also vital for keeping skin moisturised: these fatty acids help skin to maintain healthy hydration levels and encourage the production of more lipids." Whilst your body naturally produces ceramides, they do diminish over time, so a topical booster is always welcome. "Finally, omegas help to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, reducing moisture loss," she adds.
Soothing dry skin: the expert hacks
If you're slathering on your favourite cream and still not quite satisfied hydration-wise, there are a couple of tricks you can employ. Firstly, try applying a hyaluronic acid serum to damp (not bone-dry) skin before layering on your moisturiser. Daniel Isaacs, Medik8’s chief product officer, explains why it works. "Applying moisturiser to damp skin helps lock in moisture more effectively. When skin is slightly wet, it can absorb hydrating ingredients better, enhancing the efficacy of your skincare. This practice allows your moisturiser to create a barrier that seals in hydration, resulting in a plumper, more radiant complexion.” Using a hydrating spritz prior to applying moisturiser can work wonders for dry skin too (Bazaar loves Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist). Mist over skin during to replenish hydration levels, especially if you spend a lot of time in air conditioned or centrally heated spaces; both can zap dry skin of moisture.
For optimal hydration at night, consider calling on a face oil to supercharge your moisturising efforts. An occlusive oil will further seal in the hard-working ingredients in your moisturiser, preventing trans-epidermal water loss, which is naturally higher at night.
How you apply your skincare can also make a difference to how well moisturising ingredients penetrate your skin. Skin health specialist Annee de Mamiel recommends incorporating a quick facial massage into your morning and evening routine to enhance skincare absorption and boost blood flow, which in itself helps skin to conserve hydration. “Use the flats of the fingers to press products into skin to give a real ‘hit’ of actives and intense hydration, working up the cheeks and forehead using lighter, faster and ‘flickier’ motions to increase your micro circulation and blood supply.” It makes for a relaxing pre-bedtime ritual, and de Mamiel highlights that facial massage is a favourite technique of make-up artists for a reason: “You get the most incredibly dewy plumped up and healthy-looking skin that’s all prepped for make-up.”
Below, see our verdict on the best tried-and-tested moisturisers specifically for dry skin.
The 12 best moisturisers for dry skin
Toleriane Sensitive Rich Moisturiser
Did you know that there’s a dry skin gene? A mutation in a protein present in the skin called fillagrin can impair the skin barrier and mean that your natural lipid profile is depleted, leading to extreme dryness and inflammatory skin conditions (50 per cent of people with eczema have a fillagrin gene mutation). Those with the gene mutation will need ultra-rich, restorative skincare to quite literally fill the cracks, and this Allergy UK approved cream can bring instant relief thanks to its shea butter, squalene and glycerin rich formula.
Hydration Peptide Cream
A relatively simple blend of squalane, shea butter and strengthening peptides that’s elegantly formulated by renowned LA facialist Darden. The consistency of the cream is velvety, and it noticeably smooths and plumps skin in a matter of weeks. It plays well with other products, keeping skin supple and hydrated if you’re including strong exfoliating acids or retinol in your regime (both can aggravate dryness) and creating a silky canvas for make-up. Bazaar loves it for its redness reducing ability; one editor swears by it for alleviating rosacea flare-ups.
Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream
This fragrance-free all-rounder proves that a moisturiser for dry skin can still feel light and refreshing; it sinks in quickly (but not to the extent that it feels like it’s vanished), smoothing over dry patches to leave skin soft. Multiweight hyaluronic acid, ceramides and lipids restore hydration and a clever prebiotic peptide gives the skin’s microbiome some extra defenses, strengthening the skin barrier over time and, as a result, reducing moisture loss.
Flawless Moisturiser Intense
Given that skin barrier support is priority number one for dry skin, the fact that this moisturiser is clinically proven to repair a damaged barrier in a single use makes it especially appealing. Formulated with amino acid derivative ectoin, which “forms a seal over skin cells, reducing dehydration” according to dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting, it also contains sunflower shoot extract to boost levels of coenzyme NAD+ in the skin, essentially “recharging” skin cells so that they function at their best.
Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
So called due to a ‘Goldilocks’ ratio of lipids (2 per cent ceramides, 4 per cent cholesterol and 2 per cent fatty acids) this plush-feeling cream tops up your skin’s in-built moisturisers, which go into decline over time and in the face of extreme weather, UV exposure and strong skincare actives such as retinoids. For such a rich formula it sinks in quickly and layers surprisingly well with make-up and SPF, and the subtle lavender scent adds a sensorial quality, although those with sensitive skin may wish to opt for a fragrance-free skincare alternative.
£134.99 at facethefuture.co.uk
Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream
This cult favourite is designed to give dry, scaly skin back its 'bounce'. It contains five different forms of ceramides to replenish a weak barrier, increasing moisture while calming irritation. The iconic formula is such a hit that it's now available as a ceramide-heavy but lightweight milky lotion, hand cream and lip balm.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Multi Protection Moisturizer
A staple in many a backstage make-up kit, this cream not only works brilliantly as a deeply moisturising salve, but acts as a stellar primer for make-up too. If you find your foundation tends to look cakey or powdery as the day goes on, try applying this first. We're yet to find a French pharmacy that doesn't stock it.
Ice Ceramide Moisturising Cream
Anyone with very dry skin will be sold at first sight of Sunday Riley’s heaviest hydrator. Thick as buttercream (and with a sugared-almond scent), this pale-yellow cream is one of the most cosseting things you can apply to thirsty, uncomfortably tight skin. Shea butter, squalane and ceramides feature at the top of the ingredients list, meaning it’ll bring a depleted barrier swiftly back from the brink, taking down redness and flaking in the process.
Moisturizing Renewal Cream
Regular night-time exfoliation is especially important for dry skin types, as the natural exfoliation process is often slower. If you’re looking to target dull skin or scaly patches, Revive’s glycolic-acid based cream is ideal. Rather than simply removing dead skin cells, it replenishes skin too, using the brand's signature Nobel Prize-winning epidermal growth factors, which stimulate cellular regeneration. With regular use, skin will look plumper and feel fresher.
Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream
Most come to this legendary moisturiser for the luxurious texture and rich rose scent, but it's the results that ensure repeat purchases. Sisley's most iconic product contains several rose extracts that work to soften and soothe a dry, dull complexion. For something that feels truly indulgent, yet doesn't disappoint in the efficacy stakes, head here.
R&R Glow Recovery Cream
A balm-cream hybrid created by Sarah Chapman (facialist to Meghan Markle when she’s in London) to provide immediate comfort after everything from laser facial treatments to extreme dry skin spells. A unique delivery system makes the soothing antioxidants, ectoin and epidermal growth factors within the formula more ‘bioavailable’ to the skin, meaning that they’re even more effective. Extracts from medicinal herb centella asiatica also speed up cell repair processes, so it’s ideal for bringing down any lingering redness or inflammation following cosmetic procedures.
Resist Anti-Ageing Skin Restoring Moisturiser SPF 50
With broad-spectrum sun protection and a hit of antioxidants, this is a brilliant all-in-one daytime SPF moisturiser for dry skin. Emollient shea butter, barrier-building niacinamide and brightening liquorice all feature too, yet it remains gentle enough for sensitive skin. If you're looking to streamline your morning skincare regime, it's a failsafe choice.
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