17 best moisturisers for dry skin 2026, tried and tested
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Finding the best moisturisers for dry skin is something I take very seriously — both as a beauty writer and as someone who’s always dealt with dryness, especially in winter. And because moisturisers are one of the most crowded categories in skincare, working out which formulas actually hydrate (and keep skin comfortable all day) versus those that just deliver a quick fix can feel surprisingly tricky.
The good news: after years of interviewing dermatologists, digging into ingredients lists and testing more formulas than I can count, I know exactly what makes a moisturiser worth your money. If your skin is dry or sensitive, the key is going barrier-first. Think ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid and squalane; ingredients that help strengthen and protect the skin so it can hold onto moisture properly. Then, depending on what else you want from your moisturiser (glow, smoother texture, fewer fine lines), you can also look out for multitaskers like vitamin C, niacinamide or retinol.
Because finding “the one” can be a bit of a minefield, I’ve curated a round-up of the best moisturisers for dry skin to suit every budget and skin type, whether you want SPF, an oil-free finish, or serious barrier support. I’ve also consulted a handful of dermatologists and skincare experts to answer your most-asked moisturiser FAQs, so scroll to the bottom for the full lowdown.
How we tested the best moisturisers for dry skin:
At Glamour, testing moisturisers for dry skin is something we take seriously, mostly because so many of us actually struggle with dry or sensitive skin ourselves. Over the years, our team has collectively tested hundreds of formulas, from rich, winter-ready creams to lighter hydrators that still promise long-lasting moisture. We don’t just try something once and move on, either. We spend weeks putting these products through their paces, seeing how they perform in real life, not just in theory.
Every moisturiser in this edit has been judged on how it feels, how well it layers with other skincare and makeup, and most importantly, how effectively it locks in moisture over time. We’ve also kept conditions like eczema, sensitivity and rosacea front of mind throughout testing. If a moisturiser has made it onto this list, it’s because it genuinely impressed our dry and sensitive-skinned testers.
Why you can trust me:
I’ve been a beauty writer for six years, and testing products is a big part of my job, but I don’t do “one swipe and done”. Everything in our guides is properly tried over weeks (sometimes months), researched with ingredient deep-dives, and informed by expert insight from dermatologists and aestheticians, as well as feedback from different skin types across the Glamour team – not just my own.
Moisturiser is the one product I never skip, and as someone who’s dealt with dry skin for as long as I can remember (hello, UK winter), I take this category seriously. I also switch formulas depending on what my skin needs - richer, more nourishing textures when it’s cold, and lighter options in summer - so below are my tried-and-tested favourites as a self-proclaimed dry skin girlie.
Enter: the best moisturisers for dry skin, tried and tested…
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol.
- Best for: those after a quality fragrance-free moisturiser.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's beauty writer.
Why we love it: As far as Korean moisturisers go, the AESTURE Atobarrier365 Cream is easily one of the best formulas out there. For starters, it's clinically-proven to deliver lasting hydration without compromising your skin's natural moisture barrier. Thanks to the brand's patented encapsulation technology, this cream's absorption rate is actually 80% higher than that of a regular ceramide-infused formula. It's fragrance-free, it's reasonably priced ,and it delivers the most stunning post-facial-like glow.
“I recently switched my everyday moisturiser for this K-beauty hydrating hero - and haven't looked back since. It's thick enough to deeply hydrate but sinks into the skin beautifully and quickly - which is pretty uncommon. It's incredible under makeup, and has been popping up all over TikTok as the perfect glowy base - and I can definitely see why.” - Shani Cohen, Glamour's beauty writer.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser for dry skin with these Sephora discount codes.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Moisturiser Intense
- Key ingredients: NAD⁺ boosters, barrier-repairing lipids, humectants and emollients.
- Best for: Dry, sensitive or redness-prone skin that needs serious barrier support.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's beauty writer.
Why we love it: NAD⁺ is a bit of a buzzword in beauty right now — and for good reason. Often described as your skin’s “cell battery”, it plays a key role in repair and longevity, which is exactly where this moisturiser shines. Designed with sensitive and eczema-prone skin in mind, this rich but surprisingly lightweight cream is clinically proven to help repair the skin barrier from first use, without clogging pores or feeling heavy. It layers beautifully under SPF and makeup, and is one of the few moisturisers that genuinely makes using retinoids feel easier — or less intimidating if you’re just starting out.
Tatcha The Longevity Memory Cream
- Key ingredients: Okinawa Cellescence Complex, niacinamide, hadasei-3.
- Best for: Hydrating skin and individuals looking to combat signs of ageing.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's beauty writer.
Why we love it: “One of the most exciting launches of the year, Tatcha’s Longevity Memory Cream is all about that coveted glass-skin finish. I’ve been testing it for a few weeks now, and while the jelly-like, memory-gel texture won’t be for everyone, it’s what makes this cream feel so different - and so fun to use (the luxe gold spoon helps).
Powered by the brand’s nutrient-rich Okinawa Cellescence Complex, it’s designed to support elasticity, boost hydration and help skin look brighter and more resilient over time. It sinks in beautifully, sits well under makeup, and delivers glow without heaviness. The pot can get a little messy during application, but the fresh, watery texture makes it a great pick for warmer months or anyone who wants hydration with a luminous finish.” - Shani Cohen, Glamour's beauty writer.
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, shea butter, oat extract and glycerin.
- Best for: Daily hydration and prepping skin for makeup.
- Tested by: Georgia Trodd, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: Some may find the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream a bit heavy for a daily moisturiser (although there's a lighter water cream rendition which we really rate), but for priming pre-makeup, evening out a patchy complexion or instantly feigning you've had eight hours sleep? Nothing beats it. The deeeeep quenching action has deservedly won an addicted fan following. Slather it on every morning before you apply your favourite makeup look – trust us, your skin will thank you for it.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser for dry skin with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
- Key ingredients: Argan oil, avocado oil, evening primrose oil, hydrolysed rice protein, squalane and glycerin.
- Best for: Deep hydration with a luxury feel.
Why we love it: When it comes to skincare, there's nothing that screams “luxury” just as much as Augustinus Bader. This intense hydrating moisturiser is made to help stimulate your body's natural collagen production and also contains a wide range of helpful vegan-friendly ingredients, including a blend of natural oils, soy bean, rice proteins and more.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
- Key ingredients: Vitamin B5 (panthenol), glycerin, madecassoside, thermal spring water.
- Best for: Damaged skin barriers, extreme dryness, winter skin emergencies.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's beauty writer.
Why we love it: “When I damaged my skin barrier last year, this was genuinely the only product that fixed it. I always describe this as my skin SOS cream. It’s thick, so it’s definitely not something I’d use every single day, but when your skin is really struggling, irritated or completely dried out, this is the one I reach for. The formula is packed with Vitamin B5, glycerin and soothing madecassoside to deeply hydrate and calm everything down, and it works fast. I lean on it most in winter, after overdoing it with actives, or whenever my skin feels seriously dehydrated. It’s not glamorous packaging-wise, but it absolutely does the job when your skin needs serious repair. One thing to note is that it's not too easy to blend in, and can leave a bit of a white cast.” - Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Writer.
- Key ingredients: Shea Butter, squalane, peptides, açai.
- Best for: deep hydration and supporting your moisture barrier.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Writer.
Why we love it: “You can see in the video how quickly the Barrier Restore Cream absorbs; it just melts in straight away. It’s packed with niacinamide, shea butter, squalane and peptides, so it keeps my skin hydrated and balanced without feeling heavy or greasy. The texture hits that perfect sweet spot between rich and lightweight, and Rhode suggests using about a finger-length amount, which feels like the perfect amount. It gives my skin that healthy, natural glow where I could easily skip makeup and still feel put together – very clean girl aesthetic. I’d say it’s ideal for daytime or summertime, but during the winter, I tend to reach for something a bit richer."
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser for dry skin with these SpaceNK discount codes.
Laneige Water Bank Cream Moisturizer
- Key ingredients: Blue-Hyaluronic Acid (double-fermented hyaluronic acid + fucoidan), Pepta-Panthenol Complex, ceramide NP, cholesterol and fatty acids.
- Best for: Dry skin, makeup prep and anyone who loves a multi-tasker.
Why we love it: Korean skincare brands are serious about plumper, smoother skin. Laneige is the perfect example of this, having nailed intense yet weightless hydration with a formula that locks in moisture for up to 100 hours. The star ingredient here is fermented deep-sea algae, which has a low molecular weight of hyaluronic acid, meaning it is able to sail into the deeper layers of skin where it strengthens and reduces redness.
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, panthenol and glycerin.
- Best for: Those who are after an irritant-free formula.
Why we love it: One of the brand's most sought-after products, the Ceramidin Cream is a fool-proof moisturiser that will keep your skin plump and hydrated without irritating it in the process. Boosted by a blend of ceramides to nourish your moisture barrier, this clever face cream is also infused with other hydrating heroes such as panthenol and glycerin to help your skin retain moisture for as long as possible. The result? Fresh, supple skin with a healthy-looking dew.
- Key ingredients: Glacial glycoprotein and squalane.
- Best for: Those who dislike a greasy, sticky feel.
Why we love it: It would hardly be a round-up of the best moisturisers without the iconic Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, right? Thought so. Formulated with high-grade skincare ingredients such as squalane and glycoprotein, this product promises up to 24 hours of hydration to keep your skin nice and smooth throughout the whole day (and night). Oh, and did we mention that it has a non-greasy formula too?
Save big when shopping for moisturisers for dry skin using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser
- Key ingredients: Essential fatty acids, vitamins.
- Best for: Dry skin, makeup prep and anyone who loves a multi-tasker.
Why we love it: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré is one of those products I always find my way back to, no matter what else I’m testing. It’s a proper French-pharmacy classic, and I get why makeup artists call it their secret weapon. I use it as a moisturiser, a primer and even as a gentle makeup remover – it really does do everything. The texture is lightweight but still nourishing, and it leaves my skin soft, hydrated and perfectly prepped for makeup. It’s packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins, so it really helps when my skin is feeling dry or out of balance. My base always looks smoother when I use this underneath, which is why it’s permanently in my stash.
- Key ingredients: Ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
- Best for: Those looking for a quality budget-friendly alternative.
Why we love it: If in doubt, always choose CeraVe because you can’t go far wrong. Not only is it one of the most budget-friendly brands on the market, but its products are incredibly effective, and they just work, mostly down to the fact that everything is developed by dermatologists. This cream is bolstered with both ceramides and hyaluronic acid, moisturising and hydrating while protecting your skin cells. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, making it suitable for even the most sensitive of skin types.
Drunk Elephant Bora Barrier Repair Cream
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, jojoba seed oil, shea butter, evening primrose oil and squalane.
- Best for: Calming sensitive skin and strengthening your moisture barrier.
Why we love it: Designed to help soothe sensitive skin, this new release from Drunk Elephant is filled to the brim with lipids, ceramides, natural minerals, and potent antioxidant compounds. This helps it alleviate dryness, providing you with long-lasting hydration that firms the skin and reduces any unwanted redness.
Summer Fridays Rich Cushion Cream
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, camomile, allantoin, squalane and glycerin.
- Best for: Healing a damaged skin barrier.
Why we love it: Tired of stressed and dry skin? Say no more – this face cream has everything you need to achieve the silky smooth skin you deserve while also keeping it shielded under a strengthened moisture barrier. It also contains camomile and allantoin, which are both known for their soothing abilities.
Save big when shopping for moisturisers for dry skin using these Boots discount codes.
La Roche-Posay Toleraine Creme
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, vitamin B3, and thermal water.
- Best for: Soothing flare-ups.
Why we love it: Loved by beauty editors, dermatologists, and skin experts for a very good reason, this little tube of magic works wonders throughout the year. Thick but not greasy, it’s fragrance-free and packed with prebiotics to protect the skin and prevent moisture loss. It relieves dry, tight, stinging and irritated skin almost instantly while also re-hydrating and soothing any sensitivity.
- Key ingredients: Organic sunflower seed oil and wild pansy, chamomile, calendula and rosemary extracts.
- Best for: Healing dry patches, and ensuring lasting hydration.
Why we love it: The Weleda Skin Food moisturiser is one of the brand's best sellers, and it's easy to see why. It doubles as a body cream and thanks to its potent and deep-penetrating formula, it's also one of the best skincare products for dry skin in general. It's ideal for tackling dry patches, nourishing and hydrating your skin, without resulting in an oily, greasy feel.
Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream
- Key ingredients: Rice bran water, ginseng water, squalane, niacinamide.
- Best for: Dry skin, dewy glow lovers and barrier support.
Why we love it: “I’ve been obsessed with K-beauty for a good few years now, and this was one of the very first products I ever bought - and I still come back to it. The Dynasty Cream is rich but not heavy, and it gives my skin that proper dewy, glass finish without feeling greasy. It’s packed with rice bran water, ginseng, squalane and niacinamide, so it hydrates, plumps and keeps my skin barrier happy all at once. I reach for it when my skin feels dry, dull or just needs a bit of glow back, and it never lets me down. Plus, the little spatula makes it feel oddly luxe every time I use it.” - Shani Cohen, Glamour’s Beauty Writer.
FAQ's
What do dermatologists recommend for very dry skin?
“As the weather turns colder, skin tends to become drier and more sensitive,” shares Dr Alexis Granite, CeraVe’s consultant dermatologist. Dr Granite also advises to really take the time to massage your chosen product in, ideally for at least 30 seconds to really maximise the effects. “And if you find yourself reaching for it several times a day, you might want to consider a richer product,” she adds.
When should you moisturise?
First, remember that regardless of your skin type, it's important to moisturise all year round. And with winter fast approaching, moisturising is more important than ever, especially for the dry-skinned. After all, it’s the time of year in which skin goes into overdrive – skin barriers are easily depleted, and all moisture is zapped in the blink of an eye, both of which are most often caused by the combination of the bitterly cold British weather (yikes) and the constant need to have the central heating on at all hours of the day.
How to choose the right moisturiser for dry skin
The ideal moisturiser (or lotion) for dry skin will include a mixture of emollients such as ceramides, occlusives such as fatty acids, and lanolin (all of which help hydrate the skin and repair your natural skin barrier while locking in the moisture) as well as humectants, including glycerin, squalane and hyaluronic acid, all of which are essential active ingredients for the ultimate hydration cocktail.
Good-quality moisturising lotions are also known to include other high-grade skincare ingredients, such as retinol, vitamin E, green tea extract, niacinamide, aloe vera and vitamin C – all contributing towards not only nourishing your face, but also to help with various skin conditions (such as acne, rosacea and eczema), tackle breakouts, calm itchy and flaky skin and even reduce appearance of fine lines.
