This guide explores the best cream for dry skin, featuring carefully researched options supported by expert opinions, dermatologist insights, and trusted publications.
You’ll also find product suggestions that may be worth exploring further.
Table of Contents
What Makes a Great Moisturizer for Dry Skin?
Dermatologists and skincare authorities agree that effective moisturizers address multiple needs:
- Humectants (e.g., hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea) pull water into the skin
- Emollients (like ceramides, shea butter, oils) smooth and repair the skin barrier
- Occlusives (e.g., petrolatum) prevent moisture loss by sealing it in
- A good moisturizer often contains a combination of these ingredients for balanced hydration.
Expert-Recommended Moisturizers (2025 Insights)
Best Cream for Dry Skin #1: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- Highlights: Rich, non-greasy, deeply hydrating, ideal for restoring skin barrier with ceramides, glycerin, and petrolatum
- Frequently recommended by editors and dermatologists for dry skin
Best Cream for Dry Skin #2: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
- Gentle, SPF 30 variants available, featuring glycerin, niacinamide, ceramides, plus thermal spring water
- Lightweight yet reparative, great for daily use—even with acne treatments
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
- Gel-cream texture with hyaluronic acid and glycerin; soothing, fast-absorbing, ideal under makeup or for daily hydration
- Editor favorites across various skin types, including dry and mature skin
Creams for Dry Skin #4: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
- Rich, immediate relief with shea butter and colloidal oatmeal—excellent for very dry or irritated skin
- Frequently featured in dry-skin editor picks
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream (Night Option)
- Soothing, long-lasting hydration with squalane and glacial glycoprotein—ideal for overnight repair
- A top nighttime pick, though higher price point
Real Simple & Strategist Editor Picks
- Standouts include CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair, Neutrogena Hydro Boost, and First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Trending Ingredients to Watch in 2025
- Ectoin: A powerful “extremolyte” that shields skin from environmental stress, soothes, hydrates, and supports barrier repair. Found in products by Skinfix, The Inkey List, Allies of Skin, and Biossance
- Hyaluronic Acid + Squalane: As seen in Mario Badescu’s Hyaluronic Dew Cream, these ingredients deeply hydrate and support barrier strength—endorsed by dermatologists and notably used by Martha Stewart
Summary Table: Top Moisturizers at a Glance
| Skin Concern | Recommended Product | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| General Dry Skin | CeraVe Moisturizing Cream | Deep hydration + barrier support |
| Daily Lightweight Hydration | La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair | Light texture, SPF available, repairing |
| Under Makeup / Gel Preference | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream | Fast-absorbing, cooling |
| Very Dry / Irritated Skin | First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream | Rich with soothing oatmeal |
| Nighttime Repair | Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream | Deep hydration while sleeping |
| Barrier Rescue / Glow | Products with Ectoin or Hyaluronic + Squalane | Advanced hydration and environmental protection |
Tips for Choosing & Using a Moisturizer
- Select products rich in humectants, emollients, and occlusives to hydrate, smooth, and seal moisture in
- Avoid alcohol-heavy formulas or irritating alcohol toners—especially for dry skin
- For very dry skin, reach for cream-based over lotion-based products
- Consider layering: hydrating serum (like hyaluronic acid) followed by richer cream ● Use sunscreen daily—even for dry skin—if SPF isn’t built into your moisturizer
Best Lotion for Extremely Dry Skin
For extremely dry skin, lotions should go beyond basic hydration—they need to repair the skin barrier, deeply nourish, and lock in moisture over time.
Here’s what stands out, based on recent expert reviews and dermatological insights:
Key Ingredients to Look For
Dermatologists recommend lotions rich in both humectants and occlusives, which respectively draw moisture into the skin and seal it in:
- Humectants: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, urea
- Occlusives/Emollients: petrolatum, shea butter, ceramides, lanolin
These components work together to replenish and fortify the skin’s moisture barrier—essential for skin that’s chronically dehydrated.
Top Lotion Recommendations for Extremely Dry Skin
Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin Body #1. La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ (Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream)
- Crafted for very dry or sensitive skin, featuring shea butter, niacinamide, thermal water, and prebiotics to restore the skin microbiome
- Offers up to 48 hours of hydration with a non-greasy feel
Good Moisturizer for Dry Skin Body #2. Avène TriXéra Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Balm
- Ideal for vegans and those with reactive skin
- Enriched with ceramides, fatty acids, plant sterols, and soothing thermal spring water
3. Lano 101 Dry Skin Super Cream
- A dermatologist-endorsed rich cream suitable for extraordinarily dry skin
- Contains lanolin, shea butter, and vitamin E; study shows a 98% increase in hydration after one application
4. Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Moisturizer
Named “Best Overall” for dry skin; packed with omega fatty acids to deeply nourish the skin
5. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Dermatologist favorite for its blend of ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid that deeply hydrate while supporting skin barrier function
6. Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
Contains colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, dimethicone, and ceramides—excellent for eczema-prone, extremely dry skin
Summary Table: Choosing the Right Lotion
| Concern or Preference | Recommended Option | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Very Dry / Sensitive Skin | La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ | Long-lasting hydration, barrier repair |
| Vegan / Plant-Based Preference | Avène TriXéra Nutrition Balm | Barrier support with clean, soothing ingredients |
| Exceptional Dryness (rapid relief) | Lano 101 Super Cream | Quick hydration boost, rich emollients |
| Powerful Barrier Repair + Nutrition | Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Moisturizer | Omega fatty acids for deep nourishment |
| Trustworthy, dermatologist-backed | CeraVe Moisturizing Cream | Balanced hydration + ceramide support |
| Dry Skin + Eczema-Prone | Aveeno Eczema Therapy Cream | Soothes and protects weakened skin barrier |
Final Tips for Application
- Apply immediately after bathing, while skin is still damp to lock in moisture
- Use fragrance-free, gentle cleansers and avoid hot water to preserve natural oils and barrier health
- Consider layering with occlusives (like a thin layer of petroleum jelly or thicker cream) at night for added barrier reinforcement
Photo credits: Amazon