
If you've been using the same industrial-sized jar of moisturiser on dry skin and you’ve not seen any results, it might be time to rethink your regimen. After all, the humble moisturiser is the bookend to your skincare routine, so it's important to find the right one.
We often get caught up in a ‘more is more’ approach when applying moisturiser, but while this may feel great on thirsty skin, it’s all about the type of cream you use, rather than the amount you apply.
There’s plenty to consider when shopping for the right formula. What texture is best? What are the good ingredients to look out for – and what are the bad ones too? Suddenly, the straightforward task of applying moisturiser just got a little more complicated.
The best moisturisers for dry skin
Simple Rich Repairing Cream
£5.35 at Amazon
£5.35 at Amazon
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The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser
Read more
Best budget moisturiser
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
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Best gel moisturiser
Nip+Fab Hyaluronic Fix Extreme4 Hybrid Gel Cream
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How do we test moisturisers?
When it comes to our carefully curated moisturiser recommendations, we considered a lot of factors from ingredients, product specs and most importantly, our own experience with each and every one. Some of our product suggestions have been favourites of ours for well over a year, whilst others made their way into our hearts in more recent months.
With so many moisturiser recommendations on the market, our list solely focuses on moisturisers that have helped to soothe and keep our dry skin at bay. The price point varies between each product but whether you're looking for a budget-friendly suggestion or fancy a bit of a splurge, we've included moisturisers for all price points.
So, where to start when finding the best face cream for your poor dry skin? Here, see the most effective hydrating formulas that have a place in our bathroom cupboard, and shop for your winner.
The best moisturisers for dry skin...
Pros
Supports the barrier function
The hydrating cream instantly sinks into the skin
It's fragrance free
Cons
It's relatively expensive
Medik8's Advanced Night Restore cream is a tried-and-tested fave amongst the Cosmo gang.
It may tip towards the pricey side, but the results are worth every penny; the ceramide-packed formula helps to restore the skin's barrier while keeping it hydrated and radiant.
Plus, if you're a stan of the brand's cult Crystal Retinal, this makes the perfect counterpart, reducing any potential irritation from the vitamin A.
Pros
It's an intensely rich formula that nourishes and hydrates
It can be used under makeup
The cream can be used on face, elbows, hands and feet
Cons
It has a strong botanical-like scent that some may not like
Ah, the mighty Weleda Skin Food. This humble high-street player may cost £16 but it has remained a favourite amongst celebrities and makeup artists for years – not to mention the many awards it has won.
What makes it so special? It's a multi-functional, satisfyingly rich treatment that makes the perfect base for makeup, thanks to its glowy sheen, but it also deeply hydrates the skin, lips and cuticles. It'll be the hardest working product in your makeup bag.
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Pros
Formulated to strengthen the skin barrier
It offers effective and long-lasting hydration
It sits nicely under makeup
Cons
Difficult to tell how much product is left
Barrier isn't just a buzzword, especially to Byoma. The Barrier+ Repair Treatment was created to counteract damage (read: dryness and sensitivity) caused by potent actives or retinoid use.
The skin barrier (have we said that enough?) is the outermost layer of the skin, designed to protect the deeper layers from pollution or environmental damage. When this layer becomes compromised – be it through exfoliation, climate or stress – it can open the door to sensitivity.
This rich ointment is loaded with superior restorative ingredients to bring harmony back to a compromised complexion. There's avocado oil to deeply nourish on the surface, while ectoin and squalane provide hydration that lasts the day.
If you're yet to understand your barrier function, you can use the brand's Skin Analysis Tool to discover the products that will best suit your needs.
Pros
It can be used as a multi-purpose cream
It layers well under makeup
It's affordable
It keeps the skin plump and hydrated
Cons
Some may not like the subtle scent
Approved by celebs (like Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande), this cream is an industry secret used by MUAs for decades.
Seriously, this multitasker can be used as a primer, face cream and makeup remover. The super creamy formula nourishes dry skin and gives a healthy radiant glow. So, makes sense it has over 12,000 5* reviews on Amazon.
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Simple Rich Repairing Cream
Now 46% Off
£5.35 at Amazon
Pros
Ceramides keep the skin supple and hydrated
It helps to protect the delicate skin barrier
The thick texture is ideal for dry skin types
Cons
Although it is billed fragrance free, some may not like the subtle scent
Formulated with 22% Ceramide Boosters, Simple's Rich Repairing Cream works wonders at relieving dry skin and adding long-lasting hydration.
You only need a pea-sized amount for the formula to work its magic and your skin will be left feeling soft and supple.
Pros
Strengthens and supports the skin barrier
It's fragrance free
It's affordable
Cons
It can pill if used with too many other skincare ingredients
We've gotten through more pots of this wonder moisturiser than we can count. Not only does the formula tackle visible signs of skin ageing, but it offers a rich boost of hydration.
Better still, if you love a product that offers a glow, you won't want to miss out on this one as it unveils a natural-looking radiance after every use.
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Pros
It's formulated with ceramides to support the skin barrier
It's fragrance free
It quickly absorbs and can be layered on top of other skincare products
Cons
The packaging has zero shelf appeal
For less than the price of your Friday night takeaway, this high-street moisturiser will deliver enough hydration to soothe even the driest complexions.
It’s packed with barrier-supporting ceramides and moisture-binding hyaluronic acid, and is totally fragrance free. It might not be sexy, but it sure delivers results.
Pros
It's packed with peptides to boost collagen production
It's a good price point
It's suitable for those with sensitive skin
Cons
Can take a little bit of effort to work the product in
Peptides are a great ingredient to incorporate into your skincare routine if you have dry skin – and this moisturiser is packed full of them! Essentially, they're chains of amino acids which occur naturally in the skin to create a youthful and plump appearance. They also work wonders for the skin barrier, helping reduce inflammation and dryness.
Not only is this moisturiser brimming with peptides, it also features a silky formula that instantly sinks into the skin and hydrates.
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Pros
It's packed with HA to boost hydration
The non-comedogenic formula won't clog pores
It's affordable
Some may love the refreshing gel texture
Cons
Some may not like the light fragrance
Neutrogena's Hydro Boost gel is a bit of a high-street classic: it's got a very lightweight consistency, feels refreshing on irritation or redness, and does a stellar job at hydrating, plumping and nourishing the skin.
It feels incredibly luxe, but won't make a high-end dent to your bank balance.
Pros
It contains low-weight HA to hydrate multiple layers of the skin
Some may love the lightweight, gel-like texture
It's affordable
Cons
May not provide enough moisture to seriously dry skin types
Nip+Fab's Hyaluronic Fix cream is one of the lightest formulas around. The liquid gel may feel delicate on the skin, but it still delivers deep hydration.
Not only does the formula contain low-weight hyaluronic acid to provide moisture to multiple layers of the skin, but there's also polyglutamic acid – a superior hydrator – that creates a protective layer over the skin to prevent moisture loss.
It'll soothe even the driest patches of skin while lending a healthy glow to your complexion.
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Pros
It's designed to strengthen the skin barrier
It can be used on sensitive skin
It comes with an easy-to-use pump dispenser
Cons
It's relatively expensive
Rich but not heavy, this baby doesn't just focus on hydrating your parched skin, but on restoring and repairing it so it will become less prone to dryness and better equipt to retain moisture.
Relieving dryness and redness, this uses a reparative blend of glucosyl ceramides, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, vital lipids and more to support your skin barrier. Somehow with a result that feels deeply soothed but also fresh.
Whether you smoothie it with your fave Drunk Elephant serums and drops or you use it solo, it's a joy to apply.
Drunk Elephant may have reached new notoriety as the obsession of pre-teens everywhere. But before you criticise them for their expensive taste, honestly try the products. The kids are on to something.
Pros
It can be used as both a moisturiser and toner
It feels light and refreshing on the skin
It absorbs quickly
Cons
Not suitable for very dry skin
So technically not a moisturiser – it's more of a toner/moisturiser hybrid – Laneige's Cream Skin is exactly what you need if you're after juicy, mega-hydrated skin.
The fluid, which is a fave of Kate Hudson's btw, can be used as the last step in your skincare routine or as a primer before your makeup.
Ceramides and peptides melt in to provide insane hydration and barrier support while delivering a plump and radiant finish. Simply splash the liquid into your palms and pat across the skin.
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Pros
It keeps the skin plump and hydrated
The lightweight gel quickly absorbs
Offers antioxidant benefits to the skin
Cons
Some may not light the subtle fruity aroma
If you're on the hunt for a great all-rounder, look no further than this pink pot of joy.
The Plum Plump Cream is loaded with hyaluronic acid which not only hydrates your skin on the surface, but in the deeper levels too.
Its shelfie-worthy packaging may be the initial attraction, but once you delve inside, you'll quickly realise it's much more than just a pretty jar.
Pros
It's deeply nourishing for dry and irritated skin
Some may love its rich and thick texture
Cons
It's fairly expensive
If you've ever had a fight with retinol and the retinol won (we're talking sore and irritated skin), we'd highly suggest getting your hands on Summer Friday's Rich Cushion Cream.
As the name suggests, the cosseting formula sinks into areas of dryness and feeds the skin with antioxidants to mollify irritation. Trust us, this is a real treat for retinol-ragged complexions.
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Pros
It can be used as a hydrating primer as well a moisturiser
A little goes a long way
It keeps the skin plump and hydrated
Cons
It's fairly expensive
Best used with makeup rather than a daily moisturiser
When you have chronically dry skin, you'll understand the annoyance of a foundation that looks patchy sitting on top of a dehydrated complexion.
If this is sounding all too familiar, Bobbi Brown's Face Base is a moisturiser that deserves your attention; it creates the perfect canvas to apply your makeup onto, while keeping your skin nourished and hydrated underneath.
All thanks to hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and shea butter, the cream will keep your base smooth and plump throughout its wear.
Pros
The rich cream instantly hydrates and nourishes
It has a thick texture that those with dry skin will love
A little goes a long way
Cons
It can pill if used alongside other skincare products
The Versed Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream is a soothing formula that nourishes and hydrates dry skin. With a thicker gel-like consistency, the squalene and red-algae infused treatment works overnight to leave your skin feeling supple come morning.
A little bit of this moisturiser goes a long way, so you’re really getting the most out of your moolah.
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Pros
The texture feels light and refreshing to use
Aloe water helps to hydrate and plump the skin
A small amount goes a long way
Cons
Those with very dry skin may need a richer cream
When it comes to beauty hall of fame products, Clinique's Moisture Surge would definitely make our edit. It's the moisturiser we'd recommend to everyone because there's simply nothing not to like about it – and for extra-dry skin, the Intense 72H version is a must-try.
This has the same lightweight consistency as the original Moisture Surge you know and love, but with the addition of lipids to restore and protect your all-important skin barrier.
Best moisturiser for seriously dry skin
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
Pros
The rich formula is perfect for (very) dry skin
A little bit goes a long way
Formulated with colloidal oatmeal, it's ideal for sensitive skin
Provides lasting hydration
Cons
Can we get a bigger tube please?
We're *huge* fans of the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream for when our skin is feeling tight and dry, so this upgraded, advanced cream takes the obsession to a whole new level.
This deeply-nourishing formula pays special attention to your skin barrier to ensure it stays soothed and moisturised. It's ideal if you use retinol or have gone a bit OTT on the actives.
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Pros
It contains shea butter, squalane and peptides to deeply hydrate
The moisturiser absorbs well
A great fuss-free moisturiser
Cons
The formula may be too simple for some
Making your skin look like a sugar-glazed doughnut never seemed appealing until Hailey Bieber made it cool. We've tested the entire Rhode collection but, we have to say, the ultimate glazed-skin girl nailed the Barrier Restore Cream.
The silky consistency of this product is refreshingly lightweight but still offers enough nourishment to reinforce your skin's moisture barrier.
Packed with all the right hydrating heroes (read: peptides, shea butter and squalane) it will deeply nourish your skin without leaving a greasy slick. Only glazed-looking skin is allowed.
Pros
It contains blue hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and nourish
It has no fragrance
Cons
Some may find the thick texture too rich
It requires a little effort to rub the product in
Laneige certainly knows a thing or two when it comes to creating intensely hydrating creams, with the Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Intensive Moisturiser being one of the best in the bunch.
Formulated with a blend of blue hyaluronic acid, which is the brand's proprietary form of micro-sized hyaluronic acid for ultimate skin hydration.
Whether using morning or night, this cream will quench thirsty skin.
Clare Stephenson
Beauty Ecommerce Writer
Clare Stephenson is a Beauty Ecommerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Red and Good Housekeeping, covering all things makeup, skincare and hair care, as well as deals events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Clare has been an ecommerce writer since 2022, writing matter-of-fact such as deep dives into and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need.
Before working at Hearst UK, she received a BA degree in Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on the world of magazines and editorial. From there, she worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events like Fashion Week and interviewing reputable brand founders, including Rea Ann Silva creator of Beautyblender.
When she’s not testing the latest and greatest products, you can find Clare sifting through vintage clothing stores in the city or horseback riding in the countryside.