Skincare — Dry skin
Best moisturiser for dry skin
The best moisturiser for dry skin is defined by its ingredients, not its price.
6 minute read
Written and reviewed by Beauty World Editorial · Last reviewed October 2026
Ingredients
What to look for
Ceramides
Rebuild the skin barrier that keeps moisture in.
Glycerin and hyaluronic acid
Draw water into the skin.
Shea butter, squalane, petrolatum
Seal moisture in and soften rough patches.
Colloidal oatmeal
Calms itchy, flaky skin.
Avoid
What to skip
Heavy fragrance
A common trigger for dry, sensitive skin.
Drying alcohol
Denatured alcohol high on the list can worsen tightness.
Harsh scrubs
Over-exfoliating makes dryness worse.
By person
Mature skin and men
Mature or older skin
Choose richer creams with ceramides and peptides; pair with nightly retinol if tolerated.
Men
A fragrance-free cream after shaving soothes and hydrates; an SPF moisturiser covers mornings.
Very dry or eczema-prone
Thick emollient creams or ointments; see a GP if skin cracks or bleeds.
How to apply
Get more from your moisturiser
Apply to damp skin
Within a minute of washing to trap water.
Layer
A hydrating serum under, a balm on driest areas over.
Morning SPF
Use an SPF moisturiser or a separate sunscreen on top.
