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Home • Beauty

The Best Face Moisturizers For Dry Skin

You'll want to use these hydrating formulas from down to the last drop.
The Best Moisturizers To Quench Dry, Thirsty Skin
Sephora
By Jennifer Ford · Updated May 29, 2024
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Moisturizers that strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier are your best defense against dry, flaky skin. These formulas typically contain fatty acids better known as ceramides to help prevent water loss and natural humectants like hyaluronic acid to retain moisture. Ahead I break down various options that check the box from brands like CeraVe, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, and more. Find everything from fruit-infused picks to refillable options–all of which will leave the skin soft and incredibly smooth. And once you’re familiar with the best face moisturizers for dry skin, check out these hydrating picks to use from head to toe.

The Heavy-Weight Champ
Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Deep Hydration Moisturizer

Think of this formula as the protein shake of moisturizers. It’s a little thick, but that’s because it’s chock full of ingredients that will help strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, like lipids, fatty acids and hyaluronic acid.

Available at Sephora
60 Shop Now
A Hybrid Pick
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer

Struggling with dryness or shine? How about large pores or dark spots? This hybrid formula targets all of the above and provides sun protection to boot. And now for the best part: It comes in chic, refillable packaging.

Available at Sephora
38 Shop Now
A Daily Moisturizer For Soft, Younger Looking Skin
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Moisturizer

This lightweight moisturizer provides the type of hydration you’d expect from heavier alternatives, plus some anti-aging benefits. Thanks to AHAs and BHAs, it helps minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Available at Sephora
68 Shop Now
A Calming Cream
Eadem Cloud Cushion Plush Moisturizer

This velvety moisturizer soothes as it hydrates. Plus, it’s spiked with peptides and niacinamide to prevent and improve hyperpigmentation.

Available at Sephora
58 Shop Now
The Crowd Pleaser
Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer

Looking for a hydrating option that wears well with makeup? How about a formula that imparts a dewy finish or soothes inflammation? This gel moisturizer from Glow Recipe checks the box.

Available at Sephora
39 Shop Now
The Multitasker
Augustinus Bader Mini The Rich Cream

Teeming with over 40 natural ingredients, The Rich Cream is formulated to exacerbate cell turnover, strengthen the skin barrier, improve firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Available at Sephora
89 Shop Now
A Drugstore Favorite
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

This oil-free formula—spiked hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and three types of ceramides—soothes and hydrates the skin. It provides a boost of sun protection, too.

Available at Amazon
15 Shop Now

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