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9 best moisturisers for dry skin: Hydrating face creams tried & tested

Suffering from dry skin? You need to try these top-rated moisturisers

best moisturiser for dry skin
Sophie Bates
Commerce Writer
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Moisturiser is arguably the most important factor in any skincare routine, so finding the right one for your skin type is key. Those with dry skin will understand the struggle of maintaining a hydrated complexion throughout the year - and there's no better time than now to level up your beauty routine.

Whether your skin is flaky, sensitive, or just in need of some extra hydration, we've searched high and low for the best moisturisers for dry skin from Weleda, Clinique, CeraVe and more. 

How do you know if your skin is dry?

Dry skin is one of the easier skin types to identify. Often showing as flaky or rough areas on the face, dry skin is particularly clear during a change to environment or in the cold weather. Dryness can also cause the face to become sensitive or red, and extremely dry skin can result in cracking and itching.

What to look for in a moisturiser for dry skin

For people with dry skin, the best type of moisturiser is one that contains hydrating key ingredients. Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter and Aloe Vera are all soothing actives that will help to lock in the moisture and leave the skin feeling plump. If your skin is also sensitive which can often be an effect of dry skin, avoid moisturisers with too many ingredients, or harsh ingredients such as a high amount of alcohol in your skincare routine.

How we chose the best moisturisers for dry skin

  • Ratings: Whether they're constantly selling out or have gone viral on TikTok, the moisturisers in this list have caused a buzz in the beauty world. 
  • Price: I've selected a range of price points for every budget, ranging from £9 to £80. 
  • Personal reviews: While it wasn't possible to use all of the moisturisers in the list, myself and members of the HELLO! team have given our honest feedback on the moisturisers that we've tried and tested.
  • Trusted brands: I've only selected moisturiers from brands that myself or the HELLOteam swear by.

Best moisturisers for dry skin

Weleda Skin Food

moisturiser for dry skin weleda

 

Weleda Skin Food has a rich formula that nourishes the face, hands and body. Made with organic sunflower seed oil and extracts, along with wild pansy, calendula and revitalising rosemary extract, the thick cream is designed for those with dry and flaky skin.

HELLO!'s Commerce Writer Sophie Bates said: Weleda Skin Food has been my holy grail moisturiser for years. I love the rich consistency, and it's the only product that I've found keeps my skin feeling nourished during the winter when my skin is extra dry. I tend to warm it up in my fingers before applying the product as it can be more difficult to blend than over creams. I use Skin Food as my night cream and Skin Food Light during the day, as I find it's also great for dry skin but it has more of a lightweight consistency and tends to work better for me under makeup. I love how affordable all of the Weleda products are, and I know I'm not the only one that swears by Skin Food. Victoria Beckham, Holly Willoughby and Hailey Bieber have all revealed that they love the cult favourite beauty buy, too.

CeraVe Moisturising Lotion

moisturiser dry skin cerave

Designed for dry to very dry skin types, the CeraVe face and body moisturiser works to leave the skin feeling super soft without being greasy, whilst helping to restore the skin's natural barrier. Infused with hyaluronic acid, the cream is great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin, and the milky formula helps makeup to glide on easily. 

HELLO!'s Senior Lifestyle Editor Karen Silas said: "I have eczema and very sensitive skin so I’m super careful as far as what products I use on my face and body. CeraVe’s moisturiser is one I swear by - it’s so lightweight but somehow feels so nourishing and keeps my skin soft and moisturised all day. It’s fragrance-free, and I use it year round."

Ella & Jo Plump & Protect Hydrating Day Cream With SPF 30

ella and joe day cream

Designed to plump and protect the skin for the busy day ahead, thanks to its UVA, UVB, pollution and anti-blue light filter-broad spectrum protection and skin-loving ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid, Crosspolymer, Ceramide Complex and Pigmentation Powerhouse. This hydrating day cream has broad spectrum UV protection, is suitable for all skin types and also helps protect against blue light from screens.

Skin Expert and Co-Founder of Ella & Jo Cosmetics, Niamh Ryan recommends applying half a teaspoon of this cream daily to your face, neck, ears and hands. Following the recommended amount will help ensure adequate SPF coverage.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Nourishing Moisturiser

embrolyisse moisturiser

The Embryolisse moisturiser is a multitasking beauty buy that's great for all skin types. With its creamy formula that's rich while still being light on the skin, it's perfect for smoothing out the skin before applying makeup. 

HELLO!'s Commerce Writer Sophie Bates said: "I've been using Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate for about a year now and it's my absolute favourite moisturiser for wearing beneath my makeup. I had to try it after it went viral on TikTok, and it did not disappoint. The cream is hydrating whilst being super lightweight, and it works as a 2-in-1 for a primer too. My foundation lasts stays on all day whenever I use it."

Clarins Super Restorative Day Cream

Clarins Super Restorative Day Cream

If you find that retinol is too harsh on your skin, but you're still in the market for a day cream with powerful anti-aging properties, then this product is your new best friend. Created with Harungana, an organic plant that offers the same powerful benefits as retinol with none of the sensitive side effects, this cream works to combat deep wrinkles while instantly illuminating and smoothing the skin's surface.

Suitable for all skin types, the formula is intensely nourishing and deeply hydrating and it also protects the skin from environmental damage while preventing dark spots. 

Clinique Moisture Surge 100-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

moisturiser dry skin clinique

Clinique is a go-to when it comes to luxurious skincare products that don't break the bank. The moisture surge provides deep, long-lasting moisture for all skin types. The oil-free, multi-tasking product can be used as a highlighter, on dry areas of your body as well as your face, and can even be used on split ends.

La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Riche Nutri-Reconstituting Cream

La Roche-Posay is a favourite amongst celebs and makeup artists, and the Nutritic Intense balm works to replenish very dry and sensitive skin. Formulated to combat irritation and tightness, the moisturiser not only provides rich hydration, it reinforces the skin's natural barrier.

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream

glow recipe plumping moisturiser

Glow Recipe is a hit on social media, and the Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream is described as a "one-way ticket to gorgeously plump, glowing skin". The whipped-gel formula means it's lightweight whilst still being super hydrating, leaving a healthy-looking glow all year round. 

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Formulated with Colloidal Oatmeal, Shea Butter, Ceramide 3 and the FAB Antioxidant Booster, the Ultra Repair Cream works to immediately hydrate skin, providing relief for use on the face and body. The whipped texture is highly nourishing without feeling greasy, so it can be applied morning and night. 

Why you should trust me 

I'd love to have tried on all of these moisturisers, but that wasn't possible. I have dry skin myself and have tried plenty of moisturisers over the years, and have included only the ones that I truly love. The moisturisers that haven't been tried by us have been thoroughly researched, with generally positive reviews online from shoppers.

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