Slathering on moisturizer isn’t just a daily skincare step, it’s a necessity for anyone with dry skin. The best face moisturizers for dry skin do more than just provide a quick fix—they help restore your skin’s natural barrier, lock in moisture, and help soothe irritation. Without proper hydration, dry skin can become flaky, tight, and prone to show signs of aging. That’s why finding the right formula is crucial. Whether you need an ultra-rich cream for winter, a lightweight hydrator for daily use, or a soothing option for sensitive skin, there’s an ideal moisturizer in your future. To help you navigate a crowded marketplace, we’ve narrowed down 10 of the best face moisturizers for very dry and sensitive skin that provide deep, long-lasting hydration without a greasy feeling. These must-try formulas feature nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and natural oils and help lock in moisture for soft, healthy-feeling skin. Discover our top picks to shop right now, below. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream This cream is a true skincare staple, beloved by dermatologists and easily found at nearly any drugstore. It’s so popular because the rich, non-greasy formula absorbs instantly while offering long-lasting hydration. The fragrance-free cream features nourishing ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum that are typically suitable for sensitive skin (the daily moisturizer is even approved by the National Eczema Association). Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Botanical Night Cream Just because a cream is light doesn’t mean it’s not seriously hydrating—and that’s certainly the case with this whipped formula. It’s packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and helps replenish the skin’s natural lipid barrier to renew and refine tired-looking skin. Smooth it on before hitting the sheets and plumper, more youthful-looking skin come morning. Vichy Minéral 89 48H Moisture Matte Sorbet This refreshing moisturizer boasts a powerful blend of hydrators, including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and the brand’s signature Vichy Volcanic Water. It boasts a unique gel texture that immediately refreshes the skin, providing up to 48 hours of weightless hydration. Plus, once it absorbs, it leaves behind a soft matte finish, making it ideal for those prone to mid-day shine. SkinCeuticals Emollience Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin This luxuriously rich yet lightweight face moisturizer for dry skin is designed to help nourish dry and sensitive skin. Infused with natural botanical extracts and essential lipids, it provides intense hydration while supporting the skin’s barrier. You won’t regret spending a little extra on the fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula that, when used daily, leaves skin feeling smooth and replenished. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 UV SPF 50 Don’t forget to pack this multi-use therapeutic balm on your next trip. Not only does it help with dry, cracked skin but it also offers UV protection thanks to broad-spectrum SPF 50. Whether you’re going skiing or lounging on a beach, we predict this balm will come in handy. IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Barrier Boost Skin Barrier Repair Daily Moisturizer This gentle, fragrance-free formula feels like a lightweight moisturizer but repairs skin like a much richer cream. It can be helpful to soothe skin that’s either chronically dry or seeking a little extra TLC due to a damaged skin barrier. It delivers up to 100 hours (!) of hydration and leaves the skin softer and smoother within a single use. Plus, thanks to its non-greasy feel, you can use it morning and night—it even layers well under makeup. L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Cell Renewal Midnight Cream Slide into your favorite pajamas and “wrap” your skin in moisture by applying this overnight cream known to help repair the skin’s barrier while you sleep. This non-greasy moisturizer helps smooth the skin overnight while consistent use leaves the skin looking firmer, smoother, and more radiant. Youth to the People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream Rely on this intensely hydrating pick to help revive dry, reactive, and sensitive skin. Featuring squalane, jojoba butter, shea butter, and peptides, it’s an excellent choice to help calm and nourish skin. An added bonus: it also helps with smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Lancôme Absolue Soft Cream Moisturizer Treat your skin to this timeless, best-selling dewy cream, known to help brighten, smooth, and firm tired-looking skin. Featuring a rose extract from France, this decadent cream is a staple for helping combat the signs of aging while leaving skin looking revitalized. Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream for Dry Skin If you have combination skin that’s dry in some areas and oily in others, try a lightweight, oil-free gel cream to help hydrate your skin without weighing it down. This drugstore pick is an excellent option, as it offers long-lasting hydration without clogging pores. It’s made with antioxidant fruit water and can help protect skin against damage caused by exposure to pollution and environmental stressors. Frequently Asked Questions What is the best face moisturizer for dry sensitive skin? The best face moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin depends on your specific needs and preferences. We often say the best product is the one you’ll actually use (for instance, if you love a light, cooling feel, try a gel moisturizer; if you favor richer moisturizers, a cream will be your best bet). Generally speaking, if you have dry and sensitive skin, you’ll want to look for products that are fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and packed with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. Avoiding artificial fragrances and harsh alcohols can help minimize irritation and keep your skin barrier healthy. One excellent option is CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, a non-greasy buttery cream ideal for all skin types, including sensitive ones. It’s non-comedogenic (does not clog your pores) and fragrance-free, and offers the skin hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides. Whether you need deep hydration overnight or a gentle, uber-hydrating daily moisturizer, this cream checks the boxes. What is the best face moisturizer for very dry skin? The best moisturizer for very dry skin depends on your specific needs and preferences, and you can always consult with a board-certified dermatologist if you’re not sure what to use and where to start. Typically, thick, rich, and fragrance-free formulas with super-hydrating ingredients can provide the best relief. Look for moisturizers containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or glycerin as these are known to be nourishing and work well for sensitive, dry skin. One top recommendation is La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 for Dry Skin Irritations. This intensely nourishing, multi-purpose balm is dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, and suitable for uber-dry, sensitive skin. It even helps with chapped skin and baby diaper rashes. How to moisturize your face While moisturizing your face may seem straightforward, there’s both an art and a science to doing it effectively. Start by washing your skin with an effective cleanser suited for your skin type. Next, apply your serum of choice, ensuring any active ingredients can penetrate clean skin. For the main event, gently massage the moisturizer into your skin using upward, circular motions. Focus on areas prone to dryness, such as your cheeks and forehead, and don’t forget your neck. For daytime, follow up with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect against UV damage. In the evening, you can opt for a richer moisturizer to replenish hydration while you sleep. How often should you moisturize your face? Consistency is key when it comes to moisturizing. Most experts recommend doing it twice daily—once in the morning and again in the evening. In the AM, moisturizing helps prep the skin for the day, providing a smooth canvas for makeup and sunscreen, as well as creating a barrier against the elements. In the evenings, it helps lock in moisture and helps the skin repair as you rest. If you have extremely dry skin, you can moisturize as often as needed throughout the day. Applying a lightweight hydrator or a richer cream whenever your skin feels tight, flaky, or irritated can do the trick. We also recommend hydrating mists for a quick, refreshing boost. Next Up: Facial Moisturizers: Gels vs. Creams vs. Lotions
