The Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin

Gorgeous foliage, hot cider, and pumpkin-everything are all hallmarks of the fall season. Unfortunately, dry and dehydrated skin lands on that list too. While we’re big fans of cool, crisp, and breezy air, we’re not in love with the drying effects it has on our skin— especially since finding a moisturizer that’s rich enough to combat flakiness, but still non-comedogenic so as not to induce a breakout is like navigating a minefield. But (with our help, of course) you can consider this minefield conquered, dominated, and ruled over. Below, we’re sharing our picks for the best moisturizers for dry skin—from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands—this season. They’ll help your skin stay hydrated and comforted even during the cold climates and chilly conditions while keeping your complexion clear and soothed.

SkinCeuticals Emollience

If this moisturizer had a motto, it would be: help comfort dry skin no matter what it takes. SkinCeuticals Emollience is formulated with an exclusive combination of three nutrient-rich Brazilian algae extracts and grape seed, rose hip, and macadamia nut oils, making it an optimal choice for restoring, nourishing, and maintaining skin moisture levels. For optimal results, use this hydrating face cream once or twice per day.

SkinCeuticals Emollience, $62

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel 

For an extra boost of moisture, smooth on a layer of SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel before Emollience. This lightweight, water-gel formula—with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5—not only moisturizers the skin itself, but helps maximize the benefits of your daily moisturizer. To use apply 3-5 drops to the face, neck, and chest once or twice daily, and follow up with your moisturizer of choice. 

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, $82.00 MSRP

La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense UV

With benefits like broad-spectrum SPF 20 to help protect skin against UV damage and all-day moisture, you really can’t go wrong this formula. It’s just what your skin needs when it’s parched and in need of some hydration, thanks to fragmented hyaluronic acid that infuses skin with water. What’s more? Like all La Roche-Posay products, Hydraphase Intense UV is formulated with the brand’s mineral-rich Thermal Spring Water. Long story short, it’s dubbed “intensely moisturizing” for a reason.

La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense UV, $35.99 

Kiehl’s Crème D’Elegance Repairateur

Kiehl’s Crème D’Elegance Repairateur—formulated for dry to very dry skin types—is highly effective to nurture and moisture any dry areas without leaving behind an oily residue. In fact, the formula is readily absorbed, leaving the skin soft, supple, and smooth. To use, apply a small amount of cream to clean skin with your fingertips and gently massage into extra-dry areas. Feel free to use this formula morning or night, under makeup or on it’s own.

Kiehls Crème D’Elegance Repariateur, $29.00 MSRP

Vichy Nutrilogie 2 

The key word here is nourishment—24 hours’ worth of it, to be exact. Formulated with patented Sphingo-Lipid technology this moisturizer compensates for the lack of lipids in dry skin while helping to limit further water loss. But that’s not all— nourishing essential fatty acids and vegetable oils help keep moisture in the skin, rather than out of it. Your skin will take on a whole new look, with roughness and tightness thrown out the window.

Vichy Nutrilogie 2, $33.00 MSRP 

L’OREAL PARIS HYDRA GENIUS DAILY LIQUID CARE—EXTRA DRY SKIN

Formulated with aloe water and three types of hyaluronic acid, this moisturizing formula provides dual action all-day hydration and continual comfort to leave your skin looking fresh and healthy. Immediately after one use, skin is comfortable, soothed, and nourished with moisture. Over time, skin texture appears smoother and plumped with hydration. 

L’Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care—Extra Dry Skin, $17.99 MSRP

KIEHL’S ULTRA FACIAL DEEP MOISTURE BALM

If you’re on the hunt for a facial moisturizer that can envelop your skin in rich, comforting hydration, look no further than Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm. The creamy formulation—enriched with Edelweiss flower extract, which is known to survive extreme conditions in the Swiss Alps—helps strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier and leaves dry skin comforted and soft. For best results, use as a moisturizer after cleansing, toning, and applying your serum of choice.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm, $56.00 MSRP

CERAVE RENEWING SA LOTION

For extremely dry, rough, and bump skin, look to this moisturizer that provides a patented controlled release of ingredients to help exfoliate, soften, and smooth skin. Plus, the formula—with salicylic acid, ceramides, and vitamin D—is non-comedogenic, lightweight, and non-irritating. The result is soft, smooth skin that looks and feels its best.

Editor’s note: Since this formula contains an alpha hydroxyl acid, your sensitivity to the sun and the possibility of sunburn may be increased. Be sure to layer on your favorite broad spectrum SPF after use and reapply throughout the day.

CeraVe Renewing SA Lotion, $16.49 MSRP