The 13 Best Products for Dry Skin Save My Epidermis When the Chilly Fall Temperatures Hit
Here's everything I swear by to soothe and hydrate.
Lately, my dry skin has reached a whole other level. I'm often finding myself extra flaky and scratching my skin to oblivion until my barrier is irritated, red, and really pissed off. My problem is likely partly due to all the traveling I've been doing, neglecting my usual skincare routine, and the oncoming seasonal allergy spikes. As a result, I called in the big guns and enlisted my MVP lineup of dry-skin products for face and body. And let me just say—my skin is now as slippery and smooth as a dolphin.
If you're struggling with an irritated barrier and may not have the same variables as me, board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, says dry skin can stem from many factors, both internal and external. "It's more common to see in older age as the skin naturally produces fewer lipids and ceramides, which makes it harder to retain moisture. But other causes I see in my practice are genetics, certain medications, or underlying skin conditions that cause a weaker skin barrier."
Regardless of the cause, look for hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, and ceramides in your skincare products. A well-rounded dry skin routine also contains a few key players: a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum, and a rich moisturizer. Depending on the root cause of your dry skin, you may want to add targeted treatment products, such as an anti-aging serum or a nourishing hand cream, for a 360-degree approach to your skincare.
I've tested hundreds of dry skin products over the years and can promise that these 13 are the best of the best. Read ahead to discover my favorite formulas to keep your skin soothed and hydrated.
The Best Products For Dry Skin
- Best Cleanser For Dry Skin: Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
- Best Serum For Dry Skin: Keren Bartov Advanced Skin Serum
- Best Moisturizer For Dry Skin: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
- Best Barrier-Repairing Moisturizer For Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
- Best Cream For Dry Skin: Avène Cicalfate+
Best Cleanser For Dry Skin
The key to choosing the right cleanser for dry skin is selecting a formula that removes dirt, makeup, and buildup without using harsh ingredients that further dry it out. Neutrogena's ultra-gentle formula does this pretty well. It's a cream that transforms into a rich, foamy lather when it comes into contact with water, and it contains soothing ingredients such as cica (known for soothing irritation and dryness) and glycerin to help keep water and moisture locked into the skin. Dr. Shirazi recommends this as an option that "cleanses and effectively removes makeup without stripping the skin."
Size: 8.5 oz.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin; Cica
What I Love: It's a gentle formula that doesn't dry out the skin; It's inexpensive
What I Don't: It might feel greasy to someone who has oily skin
Customer Review: "I've been using this for years. Cleans well without irritating skin no matter how many times you wash your face." — Amazon
Best Serum For Dry Skin
This serum from Keren Bartov might play a trick on you at first. That's because it's a thick formula that looks like a gel, feels like an oil, and applies like a traditional serum. It has a silky consistency but dries down and absorbs quickly without clogging pores or causing congestion. Fatty acids and ceramides are the two star ingredients, as the serum is meant to moisturize and support the skin barrier for irritated or sensitive skin.
Size: 1 oz.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides
What I Love: A small amount goes a very long way; It absorbs quickly without making the skin look or feel greasy
What I Don't: It's very expensive; It has a slippery finish that makes it feel slightly oily
Review For MC: "I got a facial a few months ago, and the esthetician used this serum on me after telling me that my skin was dry—I've been hooked ever since. For weeks, I've been applying it under my makeup to give myself a more glowy finish (as opposed to a matte one), and it hasn't let me down once." — Danielle Jackson, Senior Beauty Writer
Best Barrier Repair Moisturizer For Dry Skin
There's a lot of talk about skin barriers these days, and if you've ever experienced a damaged one, the likelihood that you've been recommended this moisturizer is probably pretty high. That's because the star ingredient is niacinamide, which is well known for moisturizing while reducing redness and irritation. La Roche-Posay's formula is a no-fuss product that gets the job done without any extra ingredients, such as irritating actives or fragrances, that might further compromise sensitive skin.
Size: 3.38 oz.
Key Ingredients: La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water; Niacinamide; Glycerin; Ceramides
What I Love: It's a fairly uncomplicated formula that's great for sensitive skin
What I Don't: It pills a bit when you apply it under makeup or other moisturizers
Review For MC: "In my opinion, La Roche-Posay can do no wrong when it comes to moisturizers, and this happens to be one of my favorites from the brand. The moisturizer passes the test in my book because it's fairly inexpensive, it addresses my super-dry, winter skin, and I truly feel like I'm doing my skin a huge favor when I wear it." — Danielle Jackson, Senior Beauty Writer
Best Moisturizer For Dry Skin
Olay's Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream combines two powerhouse moisturizers—hyaluronic acid and niacinamide—to address dryness. It also features a special blend of peptides designed to reduce texture and other signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. The texture is thick-but-not-too-thick, and it's so good at making loose skin look more lifted that a reviewer recently called it "sheer sorcery in a red jar."
Size: 1.7 oz.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid; Niacinamide; Amino peptide
What I Love: It's not too thick or greasy; It moisturizes without making my skin feel oily; It's non-irritating
What I Don't: Dipping my finger in the jar feels a little unsanitary
Review For MC: "I'm an oily girl, and this winter, my skin has been uncharacteristically dry. That said, this has played a significant role in my morning beauty routine over the last few weeks, and it's been such a big help when it comes to getting rid of tightness and not having to reapply moisturizer midday." — Danielle Jackson, Former Senior Beauty Writer
Best Cream For Dry Skin
This thicker formula works as a soothing cream and is loved by basically every beauty editor and dermatologist out there. It's also a French girl favorite barrier-supporting moisturizer that single-handedly carried me through my retinol-induced dryness and irritation. You can also use it during the day and as a makeup primer—it's a do-it-all cream that relieves even the most sensitive skin.
Size: 1.5 oz
Key Ingredients: Pre- and post-biotics; Thermal spring water; Zinc Sulfate Complex
What I Love: It's non-greasy and doesn't clog pores for being such a thick cream; Fragrance-free and safe for the most sensitive of skin types
What I Don't: May be slightly thick for some people's preferences
Customer Review: "I initially bought this to restore my skin after a laser treatment, and now I use it as my daily moisturizer. Not only did it speed up healing, but it also gives you a healthy glow. I'm obsessed with the results, especially when paired with hyaluronic acid. It dries down well for a semi-matte yet glowy finish. Couldn't recommend this enough! The compliments speak for themselves." — Ulta
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum For Dry Skin
You really can't beat a serum you can snag for under $10, especially when the low price tag doesn't mean you're skimping on quality. The Ordinary's hyaluronic acid serum is a cult favorite because it's affordable and effective. It's a super-lightweight formula that absorbs quickly and hydrates without stickiness or pilling. It's also a great addition to your skin prep routine, since it sits well under makeup without separating.
Size: 1 oz.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
What I Love: It's a quality product that's also inexpensive; It absorbs quickly
What I Don't: The bottle is pretty small
Customer Review: "I can't tell you how many bottles of this I've been through. I used it every day, twice a day, and have never had a problem with it. It hydrates really well and absorbs into the skin fairly quickly. I even use it under makeup, and it works great! My only con is I wish they offered a larger size!" — Ulta
Best Toner For Dry Skin
K-beauty brands are far ahead of the game when it comes to moisturizing products that give the skin that glassy, ultra-hydrated look, and these toning pads from Biodance are some of my favorites in the category. The toner is a soft, jelly-like formula with collagen water and hyaluronic acid to make skin look and feel bouncier and more elastic.
Size: 60 pads / 140 g
Key Ingredients: Collagen; Hyaluronic acid
What I Love: They're really easy to travel with and can last months, depending on how often you use them
What I Don't: The serum contains a minimal scent, which might be off-putting for people with sensitive skin
Customer Review: "These toner pads are so unique and so hydrating. This immediately hydrates, plumps, and soothes my face and helps prep the rest of my skincare. This will also be a minimalist's favorite product as well." — Sephora
Best Moisturizer For Mature Dry Skin
Board-certified dermatologist Dara Spearman, MD, calls this moisturizer from SkinCeuticals a "heavy hitter for dry skin," and given the 5,000 reviews, it's easy to see why this is a best-seller for the brand. It combines moisturizing vitamin E (which supports the skin barrier and protects against pollution and environmental damage) with ceramides and fatty acids that give skin its bounce. The product has a texture that's thick enough to give dry, dehydrated skin a major moisture boost, but it doesn't feel heavy, greasy, or pasty.
Size: 1.6 oz.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides; Vitamin E
What I Love: It has a rich, creamy texture that hydrates without making the face feel greasy; It specifically addresses age-related dryness
What I Don't: It's really expensive
Customer Review: "This product is just thick enough but not too thick. My skin absorbs it really well, and it doesn’t feel heavy on my face. My skin feels well moisturized, and this works and mixes really well with sunscreen and foundation." — Dermstore
Best Sheet Mask For Dry Skin
What you see is what you get with this one-and-done sheet mask from Laneige. It delivers a quick, deep hit of moisture to dry, dehydrated skin when it needs it most, thanks to a slew of hydrating ceramides and barrier-supporting peptides. It is a sheet-mask version of the brand's famous milky toner, and it's one of my go-tos for a glass-skin feel and look. If you have an extra twenty minutes or so, pop it on while you watch an episode of Housewives, and you'll be good to go.
Size: 5 Masks
Key Ingredients: Ceramides; Peptides
What I Love: It's easy to travel with; Quick hit of hydration
What I Don't: Sometimes the serum can leak out of the packaging and cause a mess
Customer Review: "I’m usually a little skeptical of sheet masks because a lot of them feel nice for 20 minutes and then that’s it. This one actually made a noticeable difference. My skin felt super hydrated and soft afterward, but what I really noticed was how plump and glowy it looked. Very much that glass-skin effect without feeling sticky or like there was a ton of product sitting on my face. Also the mask is super tear-resistant and comes with a lot of serum." — Sephora
Best Overnight Mask For Dry Skin
So, here's the thing: this mask has a really thick, balmy texture, but fret not—once you scoop it into your fingers and give it a second to warm up, it melts down into an oil that's meant to sit on top of your skin overnight and prevent dryness and moisture loss. It does so by incorporating hydrating squalane at 10.5 percent and glacial glycoprotein, which helps maintain the skin's moisture balance.
Size: 3.4 oz.
Key Ingredients: Squalane; Glacial glycoprotein
What I Love: It can also be used as a cleansing balm because of the oily texture
What I Don't: It has the potential to cause breakouts for people with acne-prone skin
Customer Review: "This is the only product that works on my sensitive, dry, acne-prone skin without stinging when it feels extra irritated. I've tried multiple "barrier repair" products in the past with no success, but this has been absolutely amazing." — Sephora
Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin
As a person with a deeper skin tone, I have two non-negotiables when it comes to sunscreen. One: It must blend in easily and disappear on contact, and two: it must actually hydrate my skin. This one from Beauty of Joseon does both better than any chemical formula I've tried in a while. Hyaluronic acid is one of the key ingredients alongside niacinamide and panthenol, and the texture is lightweight and hydrating without feeling oily.
Size: 1.69 oz.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid; Niacinamide; Panthenol
What I Love: It moisturizes and provides sun protection with no white cast
What I Don't: I wish the bottle was larger
Customer Review: "Talk about a lightweight, moisturizing sunscreen with absolutely no white cast. I've tried it on deep skin tones, and it's absolutely invisible. A great product for a great price." — Sephora
Best Neck Cream for Dry Skin
Your moisturizing routine shouldn’t just stop at your jawline—the skin below your chin needs a lot of love, too, since it’s also very prone to dryness and aging. This cream tackles three issues at once (neck care, dryness, and sun protection), and it has a thick-but-not-too-thick texture that practically melts onto the skin to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Size: 1.69 oz.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid; Peptides
What I Love: It prevents sun damage and premature aging on the neck; It has a thick texture that isn't difficult to rub in
What I Don’t: It has a fragrance that might be irritating to people with sensitive skin
Customer Review: "Combined with the serum, this stuff is a powerhouse! It can reverse signs of crepe neck and there’s something in it that makes my skin glow. I was obsessed with this line of products after using it for a week—now, after more than six months using it, I can’t imagine going without it!" — No7
Best Lip Balm for Dry Skin
The lips take a beating when the weather is this cold (it's the most sensitive skin on your face after all) so it's crucial to keep a solid lip balm close by. This OleHenricksen formula is a Marie Claire editor-favorite for both the nourishing, peptide-rich formula and long-lasting wear. The scents are also divine, and with ten delectable options, there's something for every olfactory personality.
Size: .04 oz.
Key Ingredients: Peptides; Acai Sterols; Kokum and Mango Seed Butter
What I Love: Long-lasting, gorgeous scents, strengthens the skin barrier, feels cashmere-soft, very hydrating
What I Don’t: Nothing!
Review for MC: "My lips are chronically chapped. And since my radiator remains on full blast and there’s a never-ending chill in the New York City air, they’re actively begging me for hydration. This is always my go-to formula when cold weather arrives (it’s so effective), but the vanilla flavor means it’s something I genuinely look forward to applying. It smells incredible (and plays well with all my gourmand perfumes) and puts me in a warm and cozy mood. I’m stockpiling at the moment—and suggest you do too." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
What Causes Dry Skin?
A handful of things, really. Depending on your climate, it's not unusual to experience dry skin once the weather starts to cool. According to Dr. Shirazi, as temperatures drop, the air cools, causing your skin to lose water and moisture much faster. In some cases, your skin may be dry because the skin barrier is compromised (you'll know if this is the case if your skin is also dull, irritated, itchy, or inflamed, and/or if you have rough patches).
Dr. Spearman says other common causes of dry skin include genetics, taking too-hot showers, over-exfoliating, cleansing with harsh soaps, and, of course, aging. "Your skin naturally produces less oil over time," she says, which can make it harder to retain moisture.
What Ingredients Should I Look for If I Have Dry Skin?
"The best ingredients for someone with dry skin will support the skin’s natural barrier rather than disrupt it," Dr. Shirazi says. Both doctors agree that this means using humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin in products such as cleansers, serums, and moisturizers, as they can "help draw moisture into the skin." They also recommend looking for products that feature emollients like squalane and fatty acids that can soften and smooth the skin.
"Ceramides are also helpful, as they naturally occur in our skin and help repair a compromised skin barrier," Dr. Shirazi adds. And as a general note, Dr. Spearman thinks it's best to avoid any product that features harsh ingredients "like sulfates, strong fragrances, and high concentrations of alcohol," since they can dry out and further irritate the skin.
What Is the Best Skincare Routine For Dry Skin?
According to Dr. Spearman, dry skin needs only consistency and a routine that prioritizes hydration and barrier repair. "I typically recommend starting with a gentle cleanser followed by a hydrating serum if needed, then a rich moisturizer to seal everything in," she says. In the mornings, you should always finish with sunscreen (even if you don't plan to spend time directly in the sun), and at night, she recommends using heavy moisturizers and occlusives to prevent moisture loss while you sleep.
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Meet the Experts
Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a board-certified dermatologist. She specializes in cosmetic, surgical, and medical dermatology at La Jolla Laser Derm in La Jolla, CA. She is also the founder and CEO of AziMD Skincare.
Dr. Dara Spearman is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, IN.
