The 12 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin That Soften & Soothe

Best Overall

Clinique Moisture Surge 100-Hour Hydrator

$31 at Amazon $88 at Sephora $30 at Target

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.”

Best for Dry, Flaky Skin

Avène Hydrance RICH Cream

$42 at Ulta View on Aveneusa.com View on Strawberrynet.com

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 Associate Editor 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 associate editor 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.”

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

$25 at Amazon $26 at Ulta $25 at Target

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, former associate editor with combination/oily skin (not shown): “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.”

Best Hydrating

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

$23 at Amazon $93 at Sephora $93 at Sephora

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, 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, editor with combination skin (not shown): “This formula leaves a gorgeous glowy finish that makes my complexion look fresh and youthful.”

Best Hydrating, Runner-Up

Rhode Barrier Butter Intensive Moisture Balm

$36 at Sephora $36 at Rhodeskin.com

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramide NP, murumuru butter | Size: 1.5, 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This formula is rich and thick, so much so that our tester likened it more to Vaseline or Aquaphor than a standard cream. To that point, it’s super effective when used as a final step to lock-in moisture or for slugging purposes; our tester used it overnight as such and found that her complexion looked plump and glowy come morning. A little bit goes a long way, and it can take a little bit of rubbing to fully work into the skin with an initial tackiness, although that dissipates quickly. And while the consistency makes it especially ideal for nighttime use, we found that it still layered nicely under makeup should you want to use it in the morning. Plus, it’s super effective for softening and smoothing dry patches, too.

Shannon Stubbs, Byrdie associate editor with combination/dry skin: “This is deeply hydrating and leaves a nice glow on the skin. When applying at night, my skin would still feel pulp and hydrated by the morning.”

Best for Dry, Sensitive Skin

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

$18 at Ulta $18 at Target $20 at Walgreens

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

The stars of this fragrance-free, wallet-friendly formula are moisture-locking hyaluronic acid and three ceramides that work together to repair dry skin on both the face and the body—a true bang for your buck. 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 (not shown): “I love how simple and effective this is at hydrating my skin, soothing it, and making it feel balanced.”

Best Barrier Repair

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream

$48 at Amazon $48 at Sephora $48 at Ulta

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, senior 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."

Best Under Makeup

Aestura Atobarrier365

$32 at Amazon $21 at Sephora

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, fatty acid, cholesterol | Size: 2.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Not certified

One of these K-beauty staples is sold every seven seconds in Korea, so it’s not surprising that there was truly not one drawback to be found with this standout moisturizer. Our tester lauded it for yes, imparting tons of moisture (thanks to the combo of ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol, all essential components of the skin barrier, in this formula), but also additional benefits as well. Namely, a gorgeous glow, visible plumpness, and a pleasantly dewy feel. Still, the finish was perfectly hydrating and never greasy, soaking into skin beautifully as well as layering and blending seamlessly with other products, including primer. This is one you’ll want to get your hands (erm, face) on, stat. 

Mikey, tester with combination/dry skin: “I usually only notice hydration in a moisturizer, but with this I noticed an immediate glow and plumpness to my skin. This moisturizer is a dream—a true run, don’t walk purchase!”

Best for Overnight Use

Sofie Pavitt Face Omega Rich Moisturizer

$64 at Sephora $64 at Sofiepavittface.com

Key Ingredients: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, squalane, jojoba and argan oils | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Looking for a super rich cream to lock in moisture overnight? This is the pick for you. Heads up, it’s definitely rich, boasting a formula loaded with fatty acids and natural oils. (To that point, our tester with more of a combination skin type felt it was slightly too greasy, and best used for targeted dry spots, like around her eyes.) That being said, it spreads and absorbs nicely, making for very pleasant application, and doesn’t leave behind any residue that will stick to your pillow—a win for overnight use. It can be a bit thick to use under makeup, but does layer nicely under other skincare products that may already be a part of your P.M. protocol.

Alyssa Kaplan, editor with combination skin: “This absolutely adds a significant boost of moisture and glow—I think it’s particularly ideal for those with very dry skin.”

Best With Hyaluronic Acid

Torriden DIVE IN Soothing Cream

$27

$26 at Amazon $27 at Sephora $27 at Sokoglam.com

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, panthenol, allantoin | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Hyaluronic acid is a standout when it comes to delivering powerful hydration; the molecule can hold up to 5000 times its weight in water, but still feels very lightweight on skin. It’s the star of the show here; more specifically, a complex that’s made with five different types of HA to deliver long-lasting hydration throughout the layers of the skin. That lasting impact was something our tester noticed, raving about how her complexion still felt and looked great several hours after use. It’s worth mentioning that this is definitely one of the lighter formulas on our list. The gel-cream texture is a top pick for those with more combination skin, but, as our tester pointed out, if you’re very dry and/or on super cold, dry days, you may want to top this with a slightly thicker option.

Toni, tester with combination skin: “My skin felt refreshed, dewy, and plump. Several hours later, the hydration held up nicely, and with regular use I saw a subtle glow and more even texture.”

Best for Eczema-Prone Skin

Youth To The People Adaptogen Moisture Cream

$52 at Sephora View on Youthtothepeople.com $52 at Kohls.com

Key Ingredients: Reishi, lipids | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dry skin and eczema go hand-in-hand, since a compromised skin barrier is a major component in both. For those dealing with the inflammatory condition, this a choice pick, super moisturizing yet still extremely gentle and nonirritating, so much so that it boasts the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Approval. Our tester, whose skin is more combination/acne-prone, noted that it didn’t make her break out either, and excelled at combating flakiness. Other pros: A lovely, bouncy texture that applied and absorbed beautifully, and long-lasting hydration.

Madison Barber, writer with combination/acne-prone skin: “This has a bouncy texture, blends like a dream, locks in moisture, and helps my skin stay hydrated for hours and hours. It never feels tight or flaky when I wake up.”

Best Firming

Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer

$53

$53 at Amazon $45 at Sephora $45 at Dieuxskin.com

Key Ingredients: Barrier repair complex, plant ceramides, free fatty acid complex | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A choice pick for anyone looking for a moisturizer with benefits, we loved how this not only deeply moisturized but also left skin glowy and plumped/firmer, even after just one use. The consistency also strikes the perfect balance between thick yet not overly rich, making it very versatile to use morning and/or night. And, if you’re using it in the morning, you’ll appreciate that it makes for the perfect pre-makeup base; our tester loved not only how well it layered, but also the fact that the hydrating benefits lasted and were noticeable even underneath foundation. While it’s not sticky or tacky, a little definitely goes a long way. Using too much can make it a bit challenging to fully rub in, and can also leave a bit of a white cast on your skin, as our tester noted.

Lauren, tester with normal skin (not shown): “I noticed that this subtly plumped my skin upon first use, and it also left it dewy, supple and illuminated. And the hydration lasted several hours, even as a base under my makeup.”