15 Aesthetician-Approved Moisturisers That Will See You Through Your Dry-Skin Phase

No matter what your skin type, a moisturiser is the cornerstone of any good skincare routine. Indeed, alongside cleanser and SPF, it's one of my 'bare minimum' beauty products—and if you have dry skin, it's an absolutely non-negotiable essential.

While applying hydrating mists and serums and avoiding stripping cleansers will also help to maintain healthy, hydrated skin, it's moisturiser that will make the biggest difference when it comes to addressing symptoms of dryness—such as tightness, redness, sensitivity, rough texture, flakiness, and dullness.

Whether you're prone to dry skin all year round, or you find your dryness flares up during the winter months, adding a thick and nourishing moisturiser into your routine can make all the difference when it comes to soothing, softening, and restoring hydration to parched skin.

moisturisers for dry skin

(Image credit: @thatgracegirl)

What moisturiser should I use for dry skin?

Of course, not all moisturisers are created equal, and so it's important to ensure that you're using the right type of moisturiser when you have dry skin. As a rule, avoid lighter, gel-textured moisturisers and opt instead for thicker, richer creams. Look out for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and oat, which will provide a more nourishing hydration boost and help to seal moisture into the skin.

When it comes to application, ensure you're moisturising twice daily. As an esthetician, I also advise my clients to apply their moisturiser onto damp skin after using mists and serums and before applying SPF. I also recommend applying a thicker, almost mask-like layer at night time to give skin an intensive moisture boost while you sleep.

Whether you're searching for 'the one' or you simply want a more nourishing face cream to see you through winter, we've rounded up the best moisturisers for dry skin below.

Shop the Best Moisturisers for Dry Skin:

  1. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm
  2. Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream
  3. Medik8 Advanced Night Restore
  4. The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser
  5. Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream
  6. Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream
  7. Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream
  8. Naturium Marshmallow Root Barrier Balm
  9. Dr. Loretta Anti-Aging Repair Moisturiser
  10. Skin Rocks The Rich Moisturiser
  11. Aveeno Face Calm and Restore Oat Rich Balm
  12. Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream
  13. Glossier After Baume
  14. Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream
  15. Rhode Barrier Butter

1. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm

2. Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream

3. Medik8 Advanced Night Restore

4. Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream

5. Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream

6. Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream

7. Naturium Marshmallow Root Barrier Balm

8. Dr. Loretta Anti-Aging Repair Moisturiser

9. Skin Rocks The Rich Moisturiser

10. Aveeno Face Calm and Restore Oat Rich Balm

11. Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream

12. Glossier After Baume

13. Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream

14. Rhode Barrier Butter

15. The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser

Explore More:
Freelance Beauty Editor

Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor to Who What Wear. She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.