These Moisturizers Quenched Tester's Dry Skin, Starting at $10 (2025)

TL;DR

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe bio-ferment, vitamins C and E | Size: 0.5, 1, 1.7, 2.5, 4.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If your skin needs hydration ASAP, reach for this jar from Clinique. It’s formulated specifically for dry skin (though anyone can use it) with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe bio-ferment to drench dry patches and flakes in deep hydration. Because it has a lightweight gel-cream consistency, it absorbs into the skin quickly (our tester, Mary, said it took a few seconds) and layers beautifully under SPF and makeup.

Mary, tester with dry, sensitive skin: “I noticed a difference immediately after using this moisturizer, especially post-shower when my skin was dry and red. It relieved itchiness, reduced flaking, and improved redness.”

Key Ingredients: Thermal spring water, shea butter, proprietary lipid trio | Size: 1.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Flakes and dry patches are no match for this luscious, rich cream from Avène. It takes a minute or two to soak in, but that’s where the magic happens; Byrdie writer Shannon Stubbs says it makes skin look glowy and radiant immediately after application. Due to retinol and winter weather, her skin was going through it, but as soon as she added this cream to her routine, her skin became soft and smooth. Whether you owe it to the thermal spring water, shea butter, or the brand’s proprietary lipid trio, there’s no doubt in our minds that this moisturizer deserves a spot in your routine.

Shannon Stubbs, Byrdie writer with combination/dry skin: “My skin can get flaky and rough, but this has soothed and hydrated my skin. When applied before bed, I’d wake up with soft, bouncy skin. I regularly use retinol and AHAs, but this soothed any irritation or dryness.”

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, probiotic thermal water | Size: 1.3, 3.38 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

A classic drugstore moisturizer, this formula is a favorite of ours. It feels luxurious and rich, except it can be found almost anywhere at an affordable price. With ingredients like ceramides (aka lipids that support a healthy skin barrier), niacinamide (known to address dullness, large pores, and excess oil), glycerin (a hydrator), and the brand’s probiotic thermal water, it’s simple, nourishing, and calming—a no-brainer for acne-prone skin. It glides over the skin effortlessly and imparts a lovely lit-from-within glow. Though I’d say it’s a little too thick and shiny for oily skin friends, those with dry skin will adore this.

Caitlyn Martyn, associate editor with combination/oily skin: “While I don’t technically have dry skin, I’ve been experiencing dry patches due to retinol and winter weather. This moisturizer—initially recommended to me by my dermatologist—deeply hydrates my skin, calms my rosacea, and makes chapped areas feel baby-soft.”

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, Japanese purple rice ferment | Size: 0.34, 1.7, 2.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Those on the hunt for a glowy complexion will not want to miss out on this hydrating and refreshing cream from Tatcha. It combines hyaluronic acid, squalane (an ingredient that hydrates and protects skin), and Japanese purple rice ferment to hydrate, plump, and support the skin’s protective barrier. It feels cooling upon application, and, according to our tester, Associate Editor Alyssa Kaplan, spreads like butter. Keep this on hand for days when your skin feels dry and dull—you’ll love the radiance you see post-use.

Alyssa Kaplan, associate editor with combination skin: “This formula leaves a gorgeous glowy finish that makes my complexion look fresh and youthful.”

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, fatty acids, essential oil blend | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

One of the most iconic moisturizers of all time, this formula from SkinCeuticals is a dream. It’s ridiculously silky and rich so that you may be surprised at the thickness right out of the jar, but if you warm it up a bit between your (clean) hands, you’ll find that it melts onto skin effortlessly. As the name suggests, it contains a ratio of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids (each found in the skin) that helps balance and restore the skin’s barrier. Extended use may make lines and wrinkles appear plumper and your overall complexion more youthful.

Erica, tester with dry skin: “My skin instantly feels calm after application and looks plump and dewy. It has a lovely scent, too: a soothing mix of lavender, rosemary, and mint essential oils that smells therapeutic.”

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Size: 3 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This is a drugstore must-have for two reasons: It’s recommended by most dermatologists (including my own), and it’s tolerated by the most sensitive of skin types. It’s also affordable, lightweight, oil-free, and noncomedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores)—need I say more? The face lotion has a watery consistency, but it doesn’t take away from the moisturizing benefits. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin plump the skin and provide it with tons of hydration, nonetheless. The spill-proof airtight pump is also a nice touch, as it ensures you won’t contaminate it with dirty fingers.

Caitlyn Martyn, associate editor with oily/combination skin (not shown): “My boyfriend, who has very dry skin, uses this daily to combat flakes and dry patches. It is easily accessible, comes in a hygienic pump container, and feels nearly weightless."

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Size: 12, 16 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Want to hydrate your skin without doling out the big bucks? CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is where it’s at. The stars of this wallet-friendly formula are moisture-locking hyaluronic acid and three ceramides that work together to repair dry skin on the face and the body. The huge tub offers great value, so you don’t have to use it sparingly. Though the tub is filled with creamy goodness, it can be unhygienic if you continuously dip dirty fingers into it. Make sure to wash your hands before scooping some out—your skin will thank you.

Lauren, tester with sensitive skin: “I love how simple and effective this is at hydrating my skin, soothing it, and making it feel balanced.”

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, beta-glucan, shea butter | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you want to repair a damaged skin barrier or slather on moisture without greasiness, this formula from Kiehl’s is a solid choice. Its primary purpose is to heal and strengthen compromised skin and protect it from further damage. The ingredients—beta-glucan (a hydrator that boosts skin strength), colloidal oatmeal (a skin protectant), and shea butter—soothe and hydrate extremely dry skin. It applies as a thick balm (similar in texture to petroleum jelly). Still, it transforms into a cream, so it’s easy to spread and absorbs without residue—the result: A supersoft complexion that feels protected and smooth.

Olivia Hancock, beauty editor with dry skin (not shown): “I've used it in place of my moisturizer, which yielded favorable results. My skin felt more hydrated, but I found that my skin was still craving more moisture throughout the day. With this in mind, I realized the best method for my skin is slathering this cream on top of my moisturizer. Following this routine makes my skin feel incredibly moisturized, soft, and soothed all day."

FAQ

• What is the best moisturizer for extremely dry skin?

  The best moisturizer for extremely dry skin will contain a combination of humectants, emollients, and occlusives. A formula with these types of ingredients will draw moisture into the skin, help it retain moisture, and prevent water loss. You can find great options at the drugstore as well as from pricier brands.

• How often should you use a moisturizer for dry skin?

  Generally, it's recommended to moisturize your face twice a day if you have dry skin. You can use a cream or face lotion as part of your morning and evening skincare routines. For your body, you might apply moisturizer after bathing or more often as needed.

• Should a moisturizer for dry skin include SPF?

  Not necessarily. If you have a designated facial sunscreen you like to apply after moisturizer, you don't need a moisturizer with SPF. However, you can simplify your morning skincare routine with fewer products by using a hydrating face sunscreen. Also, this may go without saying, but night creams don't need to have SPF.