The 18 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin, Tested by Byrdie

Best Overall

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

$13 at Amazon $13 at Target $19 at Ulta

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

If you're searching for a simple, straightforward option, Vanicream Daily Face Moisturizer is the way to go. Not only does it quench dry skin on your face, but it can also be applied anywhere else on your body. It's not super thick, but despite being one of the most lightweight options on this list, it delivers plenty of moisture—all thanks to a formula loaded with hyaluronic acid and five ceramides.

It absorbed into our skin right away and created a prime makeup canvas. We also like that this product is approved by the National Eczema Association, so you can bet it takes care of dry, itchy patches and won't cause irritation.

Best Budget

Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion

$15 at Amazon $15 at Target $19 at Walgreens

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

Cetaphil's Daily Hydrating Lotion is a drugstore moisturizer must-have for two main reasons: It's recommended by most dermatologists and tolerated by even the most sensitive skin types. The affordable formula is lightweight, oil-free, noncomedogenic (meaning it won't clog pores), and effective on dry spots.

This face lotion has a watery consistency, but we didn't feel like this took from its moisturizing benefits. Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin plumped our skin and provided tons of hydration. We also like that the airtight pump ensures you won't contaminate it with grubby fingers.

Best Value

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

$20 $18 at Amazon $16 at Target $15 at Ulta

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

Want to hydrate your skin without shelling out the big bucks? CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is your guy. The stars of this wallet-friendly formula are moisture-locking hyaluronic acid and three ceramides that work together to ward off dry skin on the face and body. The huge tub is a stellar value, so you don't have to use it sparingly.

Though we like how the tub houses a ton of creamy goodness, we're not huge fans of how unhygienic (and potentially messy) it can become or the fact that it can oxidize any time you open it. Still, the hydration power of this cream gets top honors in our book—we love that it instantly quenches any dryness.

Best for Mature Skin

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream

$40 at Amazon $40 $21 at Sephora View on Glowrecipe.com

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, plum, willowherb | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Perfect for mature skin that needs a little boost, this cream is packed with plumping and tone-evening ingredients like polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, and plum. It's lightweight and whipped, so it blends easily but still provides all-day hydration and a dewy glow. We were pleased to see that our skin looked less dry and more glass-like after applying it.

Though Plum Plump Cream is particularly good for dry or combination skin, oilier friends can use it too since it contains willowherb, an ingredient that helps reduce oil and supports the skin microbiome. Our skin felt slightly tacky right after applying it, but that went away quickly. And while we're not huge on the jar-style container, it's recyclable, and refill pods are available.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

$24 at Amazon $24 at Target $25 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, ceramides, thermal water | Size: 3.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

We stan La Roche-Posay, especially since most of its products are formulated with reactive skin in mind—including the acne-prone set. This soothing, fast-absorbing formula contains ceramides, niacinamide (vitamin B3), glycerin, and thermal spring water. The latter is in all of the brand's formulas and helps heal and repair the skin barrier.

The texture isn't as rich as others we tested, but the lightweight formula absorbs fast and doesn't leave behind a greasy sheen—making it a fantastic option to apply before makeup. What's more, it's oil-free and noncomedogenic, so it won't clog pores or contribute to breakouts.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer

$39 at Amazon $37 at Dermstore $24 at Paulaschoice.com

Key Ingredients: Omega oils, shea butter, passion fruit extract, guava extract | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Rich in superfood fatty acids, replenishing ceramides, and antioxidants, Omega+ Complex Moisturizer nourishes delicate skin, minimizes redness, and calms down any signs of stress and irritation. Best of all, it helps strengthen the skin barrier to prevent further agitation.

If you've got dry, flaky patches, you can count on this creamy elixir to restore your complexion and give it that sought-after supple feeling. Those with extremely dehydrated skin will appreciate how easily the formula sinks in for instant hydration and softness. It does contain several plant oils, so it may not be the best option for oily or acne-prone skin. But we love the dewy, healthy-looking glow it gave us.

Best With SPF

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Moisturizer

$40 $36 at Sephora View on Fentybeauty.com $36 $26 at Kohls.com

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Most people know sunscreen is essential for a happy, healthy complexion, but not everyone applies it every single day. If that's you, we recommend trying moisturizer with SPF, like this one from Fenty. This two-in-one product offers broad-spectrum protection from the sun's harmful rays while serving up a big dose of moisture. We like it on its own and under makeup.

It's not a mineral sunscreen, but this tells you it won't leave behind a white cast. We were more than pleased with its value and efficacy during testing, so it was hard to find any flaws. Hydra Vizor does have a strong fragrance, though, which might not be everyone's cup of tea.

Best for Texture

EltaMD AM Therapy Face Moisturizer

$44 at Amazon $35 at Walmart View on Beautifiedyou.com

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, willow bark extract, glycerin, caffeine | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you're dealing with skin texture issues—whether from acne, dry skin, or an eczema flare-up—look for a lightweight moisturizer that smooths and calms your skin. This one from EltaMD does just that: It hydrates skin easily, leaves very little visible residue, and offers a cooling effect upon application.

The sheer, noncomedogenic formula promises to stimulate cells to increase absorption and moisture retention. Meanwhile, willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid) gently exfoliates without causing irritation, and niacinamide helps even out skin tone for a more radiant appearance. Our only complaint is that the pump can be finicky. But we appreciate that this face moisturizer delivered ample hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.

Best for Redness

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

$17 at Amazon $17 at Dermstore $17 at Ecosmetics.com

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, aloe vera | Size: 1–2.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dryness and sensitivity go hand-in-hand—a compromised skin barrier is often the root cause of both issues. Happily, this makeup artist favorite addresses exactly that with the help of shea butter. At the same time, soothing ingredients (like aloe vera) help relieve irritation, calm inflammation, and prevent redness.

After applying this French moisturizer, we saw a noticeable change in our skin's hydration levels. Our skin felt softer and looked plumper. It also alleviated rosacea redness on the cheeks and helped even out texture. The product does contain perfume, so be aware of that if your skin often reacts to fragrance.

Best Lightweight

Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream

$48 $16 at Sephora $16 at Nordstrom View on Youthtothepeople.com

Key Ingredients: Kale, hyaluronic acid, green tea | Size: 0.5–2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This moisturizer from Youth To The People smells amazing and has a nice air-whipped texture that feels almost gel-like, making it an awesome choice for those who prefer moisturizers with lighter consistencies. The formula is packed with kale, spinach, and green tea to deliver phytonutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants into the skin—kind of like a green smoothie for your face.

A moisturizer that benefits all skin types is hard to find, but this one seems to pull it off. It might not be rich and creamy enough to smooth rough patches, but we think it's a prime choice for daytime use and anytime your skin craves lightweight moisture.

Best Rich

Then I Met You Renewing Rich Beauty Cream

$60 at Amazon View on Thenimetyou.com $60 at Sokoglam.com

Key Ingredients: Black ginseng, panax ginseng, red ginseng | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Loaded with a blend of ginseng, squalane, baobab, and hyaluronic acid, this rich, ultra-creamy moisturizer provides a smooth finish without being overly heavy or greasy. The consistency felt like a cross between a gel and a cream, and our thirsty complexions drank it right up. We enjoyed the cooling sensation it left behind, not to mention how refreshed our skin looked.

If you can get past the formula's slight smoky smell (thank you, ginseng), this moisturizer is a fabulous choice for dry skin that craves hydration. It not only moisturized our skin but also left it with a glowy finish.

Best Dewy Finish

COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cream

$25 $20 at Amazon $25 at Ulta View on Cosrx.com

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, hippophae rhamnoides water | Size: 3.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

COSRX is one of our favorite Korean skincare brands, so it's no surprise this moisturizer fared well in our tests. The hyaluronic acid blend effectively plumped our skin and left behind a dewy, glowy finish.

It felt a little tacky before fully absorbing. But we liked that the texture was lightweight without sacrificing moisture, making it a nice option for daytime use or layering underneath makeup. Just a little of the gel-like formula goes a long way, and the generously sized container will last a long time. That said, we recommend using a spatula or applicator to scoop out the product to avoid contamination.

Best for Eczema

Topicals Like Butter Moisturizer

$34 at Sephora View on Mytopicals.com

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, centella asiatica, green tea | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Skin conditions like eczema and rosacea can lead to flare-ups of chapped, irritated skin. The solution? A thick, creamy moisturizer with reparative properties. This one from Topicals contains green tea, centella asiatica (cica), and colloidal oatmeal to soothe, moisturize, and calm dry, flakey, and inflamed skin.

As the name suggests, it has a smooth consistency that feels like butter on the skin. The formula doesn't contain fragrance, but it has a strong smell—this tells us it's a no-nonsense blend of carefully selected ingredients. Even if you don't deal with eczema, it's a great daily moisturizer that addresses dry patches and uneven texture. It also works really well with sensitive skin.

Best for 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

Locking in hydration with an occlusive is one of the best ways to keep dry skin moisturized, but slugging isn't the most appealing nighttime skincare ritual for some. If you want your skin to have that deeply nourished feeling sans the stickiness, we recommend this formula from Kiehl's. Its main purpose is to heal and strengthen a compromised skin barrier, but the ingredients—beta-glucan, oatmeal, and shea butter—also soothe and hydrate extremely dry skin.

Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream applies as a thick balm (similar in texture to petroleum jelly). But it transforms into a cream, so it's easy to spread and absorbs effortlessly without leaving a residue. The result is a super-soft complexion that feels protected and smooth.

Best for Fine Lines

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

$72 at Amazon $89 $23 at Sephora View on Tatcha.com

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

This rich moisturizer from Tatcha wastes no time hydrating and plumping the skin to minimize the appearance of fine lines and other signs of photoaging (sun damage). Formulated with skin-nourishing ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, it seals in long-lasting moisture for skin that looks dewy and smooth.

The hero ingredient is Japanese purple rice, which is rich in antioxidants to protect the skin from free radical damage—something that can lead to irritation, a compromised skin barrier, and more fine lines. It can pill underneath silicone-based makeup, but we're all for the creamy, luxurious consistency, which hydrates even the driest skin.

Best Tried-and-True

Weleda Ultra-Rich Cream

$13 $13 at Amazon $18 at Target $20 at Dermstore

Key Ingredients: Calendula, chamomile, sweet almond oil | Size: 2.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Weleda Skin Food has been around for nearly 100 years, and the formula has never changed—as they say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." We tested it and like how well it moisturizes, softens, and heals cracked areas of skin.

This tried-and-true skin cream really lives up to the hype of its loyal following. The thick, balm-like formula can be hard to spread. But if your skin is extra-dry and you find it hard to not only hydrate adequately but also achieve a dewy finish, Skin Food will get the job done.

Best Under Makeup

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream

$111 at Amazon $100 $30 at Sephora $225 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, peptides | Size: 1–5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Charlotte Tilbury skincare products are formulated to make makeup application smoother with ultimately better results. Magic Cream is the moisturizer for under makeup. We tried it out and can tell you how deeply it hydrates without leaving a greasy finish.

The fast-absorbing formula soaks in quickly and makes your skin pillowy and soft. It can even double as a makeup primer. It's rich and creamy but definitely not too heavy or thick—honestly the perfect consistency. If you're looking for a pre-glam moisturizer and don't mind light fragrance, you can't go wrong.

Best Splurge

Omorovicza Queen Cream

$249 at Nordstrom View on Bergdorfgoodman.com $249 at Bloomingdales

Key Ingredients: Borage oil, evening primrose, microalgae, healing concentrate | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This moisturizer from Omorovicza is priced really steep, but if it's within your budget, we know you'll be pleased with the results. Queen Cream (love the name) contains the brand's healing concentrate to heal, strengthen, and replenish a compromised skin barrier.

We like that the super-hydrating formula instantly corrects dryness, then deposits much-needed nourishment to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. Another reason we're fans? It's both an excellent night cream and a pre-makeup moisturizer.