Just Me, Or Do 80% of Moisturizers Make Dry Skin Even Drier? Experts Told Me to Try These 16 Instead

These moisturizers will change your skincare game.

Best Moisturizers For Dry Skin
(Image credit: @hannajuvena; @claire_most)
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Here's the deal. Finding a face moisturizer that, for all intents and purposes, does exactly what it promises to do for your skin can be a challenging feat for anyone (yes, even your most trusted Who What Wear beauty editors). One thing we can count on, however, is the guidance we have from skin experts across the U.S. We're lucky enough to have them on speed dial offering steadfast solutions for all our skincare woes. Before you add another moisturizer to your virtual shopping basket without experiencing it in person or sifting through thousands of reviews, check out what two of the industry's most reputable dermatologists and one integrative aesthetics doctor have to say on the topic.

I've been beyond lucky to try countless moisturizers promising a burst of hydration for dry skin like mine (which gets even more dry once the temperature drops). Yes, there have been a good number of moisturizers that deliver deep hydration from the second it makes contact with my skin, but an almost equal amount seems to disappear within minutes. Not all moisturizers are made equal, but I have a good idea of which ones actually perform they're supposed to for dry skin. To add to my list, I asked our three skincare experts for their top picks.

Scroll on to find 13 of the face moisturizers they swear by, ranging from products offering broad spectrum UV protection to others that dramatically minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Don't worry—you can thank us later.

Nnenna Echem with dewy, even-toned skin and under eye patches

(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

What Should I Look For In A Moisturizer?

For Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, finding the perfect moisturizer match is all about identifying the ingredients that are most beneficial to your skin. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid, for example, draw in moisture, while ceramides lock it in. "Some moisturizers may also contain occlusive ingredients like petrolatum, which can be especially helpful for those with dry, flaky skin," says Garshick. "Other ingredients that can be helpful include emollients to help to soften and smooth the skin, like squalane and niacinamide, which helps to calm the skin and reduce redness."

What Moisturizer Is Best For Dry Skin?

But what about individuals dealing with a compromised skin barrier? Another dermatologist, Mara Weinstein Velez, MD, FAAD, recommends choosing a moisturizer that has ceramides, lipids, and peptides to encourage repair. Rahi Sarbaziha, MD, a board-certified integrative aesthetics doctor, also offered her take on simplifying the decision process based on the specific needs of your skin type. "Most moisturizers contain three categories of ingredients: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Humectants draw water into the skin, emollients seal the skin's outer layer, and occlusives prevent moisture loss," she adds. Sarabziha recommends looking for moisturizers crafted from formulas that contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and glycerin to provide the skin with its required hydration and protection.

Keep scrolling to see which moisture replenishing moisturizers these experts recommend, plus a few of my personal favorites from best-selling brands like Neutrogena, La Roche-Posay, Skinbetter Science, and CeraVe.

The Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin, Listed

Hanna Juvena with a sun-kissed complexion and mauve lips

(Image credit: @hannahjuvena)

Associate Beauty Editor Maya Thomas displays the Dr. G R.E.D. Blemish Clear Soothing Cream

Associate Beauty Editor Maya Thomas displays the Dr. G R.E.D. Blemish Clear Soothing Cream.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Maya Thomas)

Claire Most with glowy skin and groomed brows

(Image credit: @claire_most)

Associate Beauty Editor Maya Thomas after applying Elemis' Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30

Thomas after applying Elemis' Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Maya Thomas)

How We Tested

As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To identify the best moisturizers for dry skin on the market, we leaned on guidance and recommendations from two dermatologists and an integrative aesthetics doctor, as well as my knowledge and first-hand testing experience as a beauty expert. As part of my research, I considered several factors, including the skin-loving ingredients used to enhance each formula, average absorption time, and immediate results. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.

Why Trust Who What Wear

At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.

Maya Thomas
Maya Thomas
Associate Beauty Editor

Maya Thomas is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.

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