My 54-Year-Old Mom and I Struggle With Dry Skin—7 Derm-Approved Moisturizers We Both Swear By

Our top pick gets a green flag from derms for its ability to soften dry skin while remaining sensitive skin-safe. "Avène Tolérance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm is a particularly strong option for dry and sensitive skin because the richer balm texture provides substantial moisture without an overly complicated formula," says board certified dermatologist Anetta Reszko, MD. "The combination of glycerin, shea butter, and squalane helps soften dry skin while supporting the barrier"

Pros: Barrier-supporting; redness-soothing; sensitive-skin friendly

Cons: Pricey; rich texture

Key ingredients: D-Sensinose; Avène Thermal Spring Water; shea butter

Fragrance-free: Yes

Size: 1.3 oz.

Customer reviews: "I first purchased this when trying to simplify my skincare due to a breakout and redness. It’s helped me so much that I’m now on my 3rd purchase. I find it so soothing and it’s been a perfect AM and PM moisturizer."

Mature skin needs specific ingredients in order to thrive, which is why Reszko is a fan of this formula from Bioeffect. "The EGF Power Cream is a more luxurious option for dry or mature skin that needs richer hydration," she says. "It combines ingredients such as squalane, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E in an elegant cream texture that works well morning or night."

Pros: Firming, plumping, brightening

Cons: Expensive, rich texture

Key ingredients: EGF, niacinamide, squalane, vitamin E

Fragrance-free: Yes

Size: 1.69 oz.

Customer reviews: "This is a rich cream that melts into your skin without feeling greasy or too heavy. It leaves a beautiful sheen that looks healthy. It makes my skin plumper and stronger. I have very sensitive skin, and this is not irritating at all."

It goes without saying that an expensive product isn't always the most efficient. Still, there are a many splurge-worthy formulas on the market that are actually worth the money like this one from Valmont. "The Hydra3 Charging Cream is a solid option for dry skin that needs richer, longer-lasting hydration without feeling overly heavy," says Reszko. "Its emollient texture works especially well for skin that feels tight, depleted, or less supple, helping improve comfort while supporting a smoother, more hydrated appearance."

Pros: Plumping, barrier-supporting, radiance-boosting

Cons: Expensive, fragranced

Key ingredients: Triple DNA, fermented gentian extract, hyaluronic acid, shea butter

Fragrance-free: No

Size: 1.69 oz.

Customer reviews: "My skin often feels dry, especially during seasonal changes. This cream helps keep my skin feeling comfortable and balanced."

Treating dark spots can feel like a never-ending process if your cream doesn't have the right ingredients. That's why we're fans of options like this one from Augustinus Bader that target discoloration while smoothing and firming skin. "The Rich Cream works especially well for dry or mature skin because it provides substantial hydration in a rich, nourishing texture," says Reszko. "For skin that feels persistently dry or depleted, the richer formula helps support the barrier and leaves the skin looking smoother and more supple over time."

Pros: Firming, smoothing, barrier-supporting

Cons: Expensive, fragranced

Key ingredients: TFC8, vitamin A, vitamin E, avocado oil

Fragrance-free: Yes

Size: 1.7 oz.

Customer reviews: "This products are amazing. I really feel and look 10 years younger. I had a lot of fine lines and wrinkles and now I can clearly see the difference. I'm loving the results so far. My skin feels soft, smooth, and my lines have almost disappeared and the spots on my skin have almost faded."

Budget-friendly options will always be standouts, and this Skin Relief Healing Ointment from Aveeno also happens to be a multipurpose formula. "The Aveeno Healing Ointment delivers fast relief from chapped, dry skin and at a very affordable price," says Clay-Ramsey. It can be used on the body, face, hands, and even lips.

Pros: Non-greasy, multi-use, sensitive-skin friendly

Cons: Thick texture, limited face appeal

Key ingredients: Triple Oat, shea butter, glycerin

Fragrance-free: Yes

Size: 2 oz.

Customer reviews: "The Aveeno skin relief healing ointment is amazing stuff! It soothes and smoothes the skin. Not greasy at all. Skin felt soft for several days. You can use it all over your body. I have very dry skin the older I get, and the shea butter and triple oat help relieve my menopause-related skin issues." 

I've been using this water-based cream for well over five years now and can't recommend it enough for people who have combination skin that leans on the dries side. Its lightweight texture makes it perfect for year-round use, and it's my secret weapon for reducing acne-related redness. If you're a fan of the brand and need a richer option, consider the Belif True Cream Moisturizing Bomb.

Pros: Cooling, lightweight, pore-refining

Cons: Fragranced, less rich

Key ingredients: Lady’s Mantle, oat extract, panthenol

Fragrance-free: No

Size: 1.68 oz.

Customer reviews: "Been using this cream for more than 10 years. I've cheated with other cream but this one is ultimately the one I always come back to. Smooth, refreshing, and hydrating!"

Good makeup application starts with good skin prep, which is why this Tatcha cream is a staple in my route. It plumps my skin while delivering an undeniable glow that I can see under my makeup. The texture is rich but it's non-comedogenic, meaning I never have to worry about it clogging my pores and causing breakouts.

Pros: Plumping, radiance-boosting, makeup-friendly

Cons: Expensive, fragranced

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, red algae, Japanese purple rice, squalane

Fragrance-free: No

Size: 1.7 oz.

Customer reviews: "This is the holy grail for mature skin. I've been using the product for about 2 years and so glad I discovered Tacha. This moisturizing cream makes my fine lines melt away. I use morning and night and my skin has never felt better."