10 Best Moisturizers to Keep Dry Skin Hydrated and Glowy in 2026
Of course, not all moisturizers are created equal. Some work best for acne-prone skin, while others are more suited for sensitive skin. When it comes to dry skin, Dr. Gabriella Vasile says, “In general, thicker formulas work better to help the skin retain moisture, and ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides can help replenish the skin barrier. This will lead to healthier, hydrated, and plumper skin.”
To help you find the best moisturizer for you, I’ve tapped Dr. Velez and Dr. Vasile for their go-tos, tested out cult-favorite creams, and read countless reviews of every formula. Ahead, find the 11 best moisturizers that actually keep dry skin hydrated and healthy.
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We naturally lose lipids as we age, which results in a loss of facial fullness, uneven texture, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Fortunately, the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is “great at restoring your skin’s lipid function,” says Dr. Velez. It’s also packed with vitamins and antioxidants that deeply hydrate the skin.
Key ingredients: Ceramides, vitamin E
Dermstore rating: 4.7/5
A Dermstore reviewer says: “Excellent product! I have tried multiple less expensive products and always come back to this. Leaves your skin smooth and soft.”
Pros
- Works for face, body, and hands
Cons
- May be too thick for some
If you’re looking for a thicker formula, Dr. Vasile says the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm is “a great option for winter months.” The thick, balm-like texture is “safe for all skin types and deeply hydrating.”
Key ingredients: Panthenol, centella asiatica, glycerin, shea butter
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “This balm is incredibly soothing and works wonders for dry, irritated, or compromised skin. The texture is rich but not greasy, and it absorbs well while leaving the skin feeling protected and calm. I love how gentle it is—no strong scent and no irritation—which makes it great for sensitive skin. A little goes a long way, and it’s been especially helpful during times when my skin needs extra care and moisture.”
Pros
- Multi-purpose
Cons
- Some reviewers experienced burning upon application
The Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask works wonders as an overnight hydrating mask, but it also doubles as an extra-creamy moisturizer for daily use. The fragrance-free formula nourishes, hydrates, and calms skin with key ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
Sephora rating: 4.1/5
An ELLE editor says: “The Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask is a staple in my winter skin care routine every year. The extra-thick texture feels incredible on my dry, sensitive skin, and since it’s intended to be a face mask, you can never use too much. It’s fast-absorbing, never greasy, and brings moisture back fast. I apply it every night and wake up with hydrated, healthy-looking skin.”—Emma Aerin Becker, associate beauty e-commerce writer
Pros
- Reduces redness
Cons
- Slightly sticky
“The StriVectin barrier restore cream is great for protecting the skin while keeping it hydrated,” says Dr. Vasile. Ideal for both the face and neck, this moisturizer strengthens sensitive skin, locks in moisture, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Key ingredients: Turmeric-146 Peptide, ceramides, centella asiatica
Amazon rating: 4.8/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is a really nice and effective barrier cream. It comes in a generous size and awesome push dispenser that keeps the product fresh and germ-free. One push is the perfect amount to cover my entire face with some left for the neck. The texture is very thick, so it makes a perfect night cream or day cream when my skin feels extra dry. It hydrates and soothes my often dry and irritated skin.”
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Runs out quickly
Dr. Vasile calls the Senté Dermal Repair Cream one of her go-tos. “Although it does come with a higher price tag, the formula is deeply hydrating,” she says. ”It’s also approved by the National Rosacea Foundation and proven to visibly reduce redness.” As she explains, heparin sulfate analogs boost the skin’s immune response to inflammation
Key ingredients: Heparan sulfate analog, green tea extract, sodium hyaluronate
Dermstore rating: 4.7/5
A Dermstore reviewer says: “As I have aged, my skin has become very sensitive. Senté’s Dermal Repair Cream is amazing. It’s lightweight yet very moisturizing. I have never noticed a smell nor is it sticky like some moisturizers.”
Pros
- Gel-cream formula
Cons
- Too light for some
If you have dry skin but dislike the feeling of a heavy moisturizer, try the Neutrogena Hydro Boost. “It’s a great lightweight option that even works for oily skin,” says Dr. Vasile.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve repurchased this Hydro Boost Gel Cream several times—it’s that good! It gives my skin deep hydration without feeling heavy or greasy, and I love that it’s fragrance-free and gentle. My face feels soft, smooth, and fresh every time I use it. Definitely a staple in my AM and PM routine!”
Pros
- Great for body lotion
Cons
- Strong scent
When it comes to extremely chapped skin, Dr. Velez suggests the AmLactin Intensive Healing lotion. “It’s exactly that,” she says. “It’s so healing for dry, chapped skin.”
Key ingredients: Lactic acid, ceramides
Amazon rating: 4.4/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “I do not know what I did before discovering this moisturizer. I have dry, sensitive skin and my legs used to be super dry and scaly. I’ve been using it for several years now and will never stop. It has saved my dry legs and it is all I need, including during cold, dry NYC winters. It is the only body moisturizer that has worked for me.”
Pros
- Sanitary pump container
Cons
- May pill under makeup
Dr. Velez calls this moisturizer a “hydrated hug in a jar.” The Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream uses key ingredients to instantaneously provide moisture and promote a protected barrier over time.
Key ingredients: Peptides, ceramides
Amazon rating: 4.4/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is SO good. It helps with redness, texture, and hydration. I wear it after applying my tretinoin at night, and I wake up to smooth, glowy, and even skin. It also helps with the crepey skin I recently developed on my neck.
Pros
- No irritants
Cons
- May need to re-apply
“I love Vanicream because it’s a simple formula that is soothing and deeply hydrating,” says Dr. Velez. Free of dyes, fragrance, parabens, and lanolins, this basic formula is life-changing for those with ultra-sensitive skin.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalene, glycerin
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “Vanicream nailed it with this one. This facial moisturizer is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and gives long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy. The ceramides and hyaluronic acid make a noticeable difference in skin softness and barrier support. Most importantly, it truly is irritation-free. No fragrance, no dyes, no burning or redness—just a clean, simple formula that works. ”
Pros
- Long-lasting hydration
Cons
- A few reviewers experienced breakouts
Koreans are known for their glass skin, and no product delivers like the Aestura ATOBARRIER365 Cream—even on the driest skin. High-density ceramides are delivered to skin through unique capsule technology that help replenish the moisture barrier moe long-lasting hydration.
Key ingredients: Ceramides, vitamin E, squalene
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
An Amazon Reviewer says: “The Aestura Cream is heavenly! The cream is soft, non-greasy, nourishing and it’s completely unscented, which is a huge plus for my sensitive, eczema-prone skin—no irritation at all. I had some stubborn dry patches along my forehead, and within just a few days of applying this cream, the difference was incredible. My skin felt calm, hydrated, and so much smoother. It’s the perfect moisturizer for the winter months when my skin needs extra nourishment. It may feel a bit heavy for summer, but for colder weather, it’s absolutely perfect. ”
How often should you apply moisturizer if you have dry skin?
Both Dr. Velez and Dr. Vasil agree that applying moisturizer once in the morning and once at night should work perfectly for dry skin. “If you feel like your skin is getting dry mid-day or you’re waking up parched, it might be time to switch your moisturizer,” says Dr. Velez. Meanwhile, Dr. Vasil adds, “You can also keep a hydrating mist on hand for easy re-application and hydration throughout the day.”
What are other ways to keep dry skin moisturized?
While a good moisturizer is essential, there are a variety of additional ways you can maintain moisturized skin. “My number one tip for increasing hydration in the skin is to apply your moisturizer on damp skin,” says Dr. Vasile. “This helps to lock in moisture for an extra hydration boost.” Plus, of course, drinking water to stay hydrated from the inside out.
Dr. Velez adds that including a hydrating serum before moisturizer in your routine can make all the difference. She also suggests adding humidifiers into your bedroom and light exfoliation. “I suggest using glycolic or lactic acid a few times a week to help the accumulation of dead skin,” she says. “If you have an overabundance of dead skin, your moisturizers just sit on the surface, they don’t penetrate!”
Meet the Experts
Dr. Gabriella Vasile is a double board-certified dermatologist and mohs surgeon based in Charleston.
Dr. Mara Weinstein Velez is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items.
How We Test
For this piece, ELLE.com beauty writer Emma Aerin Becker consulted board-certified dermatologists to learn all about the best moisturizers for dry skin on the market. She also tested them out and combed through reviews for top-rated products, assessing each one based on its features and customer evaluations.
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