I've Tried the Lot—These Are the 12 Best Products for Dry Skin That Actually Work

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides

Not only is this one of my favourite cleansers of all time, but it's one of Dr. Granite's top recommendations. "I always recommend starting with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser, as harsh cleansing can worsen dryness," she says. "CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser is a great option because it cleanses without disrupting the skin barrier and contains ceramides to support the skin from the first step."

Key ingredients: Goat milk, manuka honey, avocado and jojoba oils 

For a luxury option, I always reach for the Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cleanser. Not only does this have the creamiest, most hydrating texture, but it removes any traces of makeup without leaving my skin dry or tight. It's also a great option for sensitive skin.

Key ingredients: Barrier lipid complex, polyglutamic acid and cica

Byoma is one of my go-to brands when my skin is feeling dry, as all its products work to boost the skin barrier. This milky toner is particularly nice to use before moisturiser as the milky texture feels both hydrating and calming on the skin. If you want to look extra glowy, I recommend adding this to your routine ASAP.

Key ingredients: Ceramide trio, mineral complex, vitamin E and glycerin

Speaking of glowy, I don't know what I did before Rhode's Glazing Milk came into my life. Whilst it isn't something you necessarily need in your routine, it's great for adding extra moisture and creating that glass-skin effect. Packed with ceramides and glycerin, not only does it leave your complexion feeling silky soft, but it also helps reinforce the skin barrier.

Price shown is members' price.

Key ingredients: Triple-weight hyaluronic acid elixir, peptides and ceramides

A serum is a key step in any skincare routine, especially for dry skin. Whilst you might want to use different serums every week, such as retinol serums or vitamin C serums, when my skin is parched, I always reach for a hyaluronic acid serum. Most notably, the Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide Serum. This floods your skin with moisture the second you apply it, whilst also adding a dewy finish. How? It's all down to a formula packed with ceramides, peptides and a triple-weight hyaluronic acid elixir.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and volcanic mineralizing water

A serum that has been in my skincare collection for years is Vichy's Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum. As the name suggests, this is another gem packed with hyaluronic acid, alongside the brand's volcanic mineralizing water, and I like to think of it as a big glass of water for my skin. It's incredibly lightweight, so perfect for layering with your go-to moisturiser.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid

Whilst lots of moisturisers for dry skin can be very rich, what I like about this offering from Cetaphil is that it's lightweight on the skin, so although it's super moisturising, it works well as an everyday option. It features hyaluronic acid for that much-needed hit of hydration, and it's another product that's also ideal for sensitive skin.

Key ingredients: The brand’s exclusive thermal spring water and panthenol

That being said, if you do want something rich, you cannot go wrong with La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Balm. At just £11, this is like a miracle in a tube (and I don't say that lightly). It has a thicker consistency, and I like to apply it at night and let it work its magic. The balm texture immediately hydrates the skin, and whenever I use it, I wake up with a noticeable glow. I'll never be without a tube of this stuff.

Key ingredients: Ceramides and eucalyptus extract

I never used to use a face mist, but I've come to learn that they are the ultimate pick-me-up for my dry skin, whether I'm using it as part of my skincare routine or simply need a boost when at my desk. This one from Curél is particularly good as the lightweight mist is packed with ceramides to hydrate the skin. Because it's so lightweight, I can even apply it over my makeup.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and ceramides

I'm yet to find a facial mist as hydrating as this one from Dermalogica. Yes, it's expensive, but in my opinion, it's totally worth it. It's definitely not as lightweight as the option above, so it's not something I use over makeup, but it's great on bare skin for an instant hydration boost. Seriously, I'd bathe in this stuff if I could.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and tripeptide

When we think of dry skin, we often only talk about the skin on our face, but I also suffer from incredibly dry lips, so I thought I'd share my top lip balm recommendations, too. New from Vaseline, this serum gloss has quickly become a favourite of mine. It has such a creamy, hydrating texture, creates a subtle plumping effect and adds a wash of colour to the lips, all in one swipe. And don't worry, there isn't a hint of stickiness in sight.

Key ingredients: Shea butter

Anyone who knows me will know I'm always within a close distance to a pot of this stuff. I have one in every handbag, as well as my bathroom cupboard and bedside table. Whilst it's designed to be an overnight lip mask, I use it in place of regular lip balm as the thicker consistency is so hydrating.