Slather on these creams and prepare to say goodbye to dry, flakey skin.
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Since winter is officially here, we can venture to guess that your dry skin is suffering from the onslaught of cranked-up heaters, ice-cold temperatures, and brutal wind. If our hunch is correct, investing in a great dry skin moisturizer is the best beauty solution you can make this season for your winter skincare woes, like dryness, flakes, and irritation. And don't just take my word for it. As our NYC-based beauty editor, I consulted four board-certified dermatologists about all things dry skin moisturizers, and the doctors agree these must-have products are ideal for ensuring you have healthy and happy skin this winter season and beyond.
Beyond seasonal changes, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Stacey Tull, M.D., argues that we experience dryness when our skin loses its moisture, which causes skin cells to lose their ability to stick together and flake off. Her solution? Carefully focus on the ingredients in your dry skin moisturizer of choice.
"Humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin draw moisture to seal the skin. Emollients lubricate the skin while occlusives slow [the] evaporation of moisture. Moisturizer ingredients such as lanolin, ceramides, and dimethicone are both emollients and occlusives," Tull explains.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara, M.D., adds that all moisturizers are designed to hydrate the skin. However, those of us with dry skin need extra hydration. She's a massive fan of moisturizing ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and peptides, which help lock in moisture and prevent the skin from losing hydration.
"When it comes to dry skin, I look for ingredients that will add moisture, seal in that moisture, and smooth skin. The ideal product will have humectants, emollients, and occlusives like glycerin, shea butter, and petrolatum," adds board-certified dermatologist Dr. Laura Scott, M.D. If you're dealing with itchy skin — hi, my fellow eczema-prone friends — opt for something that contains aloe vera or oat.
Other standout dry skincare ingredients approved by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Angela Lamb, M.D., and Dr. Sapna Palep, M.D., are occlusives like petrolatum to prevent skin water loss. Palep says hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin, dimethicone, and ceramides, are critical for attracting and retaining moisture while strengthening and protecting the skin's barrier.
Paleup recommends that those with dry skin use a rich, thick cream to add more moisture and prevent water loss instead of a lighter or gel-cream option. The latter is better suited for someone who has oily, acne-prone, or combination skin types.
Lastly, Scott advises you to consider any skin sensitivities. "Just as important is what isn't in it as well. It should not have fragrances, dyes, or other potential allergens since dry skin can be especially sensitive," she says.
Good news: All of these dry skin moisturizers earned coveted endorsements from all four doctors featured in this story. What does that mean for you? Well, you can rest assured that their suggestions are legit! Not only are they all board-certified dermatologists, but I fully trust their guidance across all skincare topics, including dry skin moisturizers. After chatting with the experts, I carefully researched their selections to gain a further understanding of why these are all impressive picks. So keep scrolling for the softest, smoothest, and happiest skin you've experienced.
I know my best overall pick does not have the most budget-friendly price tag, but it earned major snaps from two experts who argue that SkinMedica makes an epic choice if your budget allows it.
Gohara considers Dermal Repair Cream one of her all-time favorite dry skin moisturizers for a smooth, hydrated complexion. "It’s an ultra-rich moisturizer that helps to prevent moisture loss and improves skin smoothness," she says.
Tull is a fan of using this heavier, more emollient face cream nightly to take advantage of the work our skin does to repair itself overnight. "SkinMedica’s Dermal Repair Cream has a creamy, luxurious feel that instantly moisturizes and smooths skin upon application. It is rich in reparative antioxidant vitamins C and E and sodium hyaluronate, the skin’s naturally occurring hyaluronic acid, and suitable for all skin types," she says.
You can apply this cream at a maximum of twice daily to your face, neck, and chest to ensure proper hydration and anti-aging effects.
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Scott's dry skin moisturizer of choice is from Gold Bond. "I love that it’s budget-friendly and easy to find, safe to use on [the] body and face, and has a great formulation with some of my favorite ingredients. It rubs in so nicely, packing moisture but absorbing quickly without feeling greasy," she says.
The California-based doctor also appreciates that it has science-backed results. "It’s the first in the category that is clinically shown not just to moisturize and soothe but also to heal dry, sensitive skin. It contains a SensiHeal Complex, an exclusive blend of soothing moisturizers and aloe to help heal and restore skin’s moisture barrier to relieve dry, sensitive skin," she adds.
Lamb's dry skin moisturizer of choice is from First Aid Beauty. It's thick, opaque, and contains some of her favorite ingredients, including shea butter and colloidal oatmeal. There's even allantoin to calm and soothe the skin. No wonder the brand promises to strengthen the skin barrier in a week.
"The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream has a lovely light scent and also absorbs quickly without a sticky residue," notes Lamb.
I first tried this cream in college when my mom became obsessed with the brand for moisturizing her dry skin. Since my skin is on the oilier side, I use this cream during winter for optimal, itch-free protection on my body. It's safe for my eczema-prone skin and even earned a seal from the National Eczema Association, indicating expert approval, testing for sensitivity, irritation, and toxicity, and reviewing ingredients and formulation data.
Before suggesting a dry skin moisturizer, Palep considered what her patients desire in their beauty products. They appreciate Cetaphil's moisturizing cream because of its fragrance-free formula, which is especially great for those with sensitive skin. Notably, she loves that it's made with hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol that work to improve the resilience of sensitive skin.
"The Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is one of my favorite moisturizers for dry and sensitive skin because it’s an intense, moisture-rich formula that hydrates for 48 hours. It’s a bit of a thicker consistency, which is great for dry skin in the winter, but it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin, which is important for my patients," says Palep.
Out of all these dermatologist-recommended products, Cetaphil earned the most Amazon reviews with a casual 4.7-star average from 15,857 ratings.
By now, you know that sunscreen is a non-negotiable — yes, even during the overcast winter days — so opt for this derm-loved dry skin SPF moisturizer from Neutrogena.
Tull highlights this as one of the best in the game, especially given the inexpensive price and its ease of access online. Above all, she loves that it's formulated with SPF 50, which is more than three times the minimal coverage (SPF 15) the FDA advises.
"Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 has a cool, soothing feel that absorbs almost instantly and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. It also has broad spectrum SPF 50 combined with environmental free radical protection from vitamin E. It is great for all skin types and won’t clog pores," she says.
Tull's third and final recommendation is a classic that can be used on the body and lips. It even helps protect small scrapes, cuts, scars, and burns.
"For the body, I tell all of my patients a dermatology secret: Keep a tub of white petroleum jelly in your shower. When you are done showering, and the water is at its hottest, take a healthy handful and rub it into your skin. The heat from the water will melt it into your skin and seal in the moisture without leaving you greasy," she notes.
Vaseline is non-irritating, so anyone with sensitive skin won't have to worry about inconvenient flare-ups. It's also hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't cause clog the pores, leading to acne.
Nicole Saunders is the Beauty Editor at BestProducts.com, where she oversees coverage on all things beauty. When she's not creating shopping guides, interviewing experts, and testing beauty treatments, you can probably find her walking around Lower Manhattan or overanalyzing the latest episode of "Succession." You can send all lipstick and calamari recommendations to her inbox and DM her memes on Instagram.
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