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The 12 best moisturisers for seriously dry skin
From a hydrating jelly to a cosseting cream, see the top formulas for mega-thirsty complexions
If there’s one thing many of us can relate to, it’s the struggle to find a great moisturiser for dry skin. Not only does dehydration feel tight, itchy and uncomfortable, but it can also make applying foundation a real bugbear.
As someone who has mega-dry skin herself, I know my way around a good formula or two. But to really kick skin school into session, I’ve hit up the experts to share the only moisturising textbook you need.
The best moisturisers for dry skin at a glance
What should you look for in a hydrating moisturiser?
When scanning the shelves for a good moisturiser, it’s important to pay attention to what’s inside the formula. 'A good hydrating cream will contain a mixture of moisturising ingredients: humectants, emollients and occlusives,' says Dr Jason Thomson, Head of Medical at Skin + Me.
Let’s begin with humectants. These are ingredients that draw moisture from the environment directly to the upper layers of your skin. While many variations aid hydration, there’s one that rises above.
'Hyaluronic acid is the key humectant,' says Dr Ash Soni, Plastic Surgeon and Aesthetics Doctor at GetHarley. Hyaluronic acid molecules can draw up to 1,000 times their weight in water, which makes them very effective at plumping out fine lines and tackling dehydration.
Next, we have occlusives; see these as a waterproof jacket for your skin, helping to seal in hydration and protect your barrier. You’ll likely see the term ‘skin barrier’ pop up when doing your moisturiser-related research, so it’s important to understand exactly what this means.
Your barrier is the outermost layers of your skin. When these layers are healthy, your skin feels soft and hydrated, but when they’re broken, it can lead to moisture loss and open the door to sensitivity. Calling upon a hard-working occlusive will help keep moisture sealed in and will defend your skin from external irritants (think cold winds or pollen).
Finally, emollients are skin softeners. Shea butter, oat, ceramides and coconut oil are great options for dry skin, suggests Dr Thomson. Emollients can especially help with sensitivity as they provide immediate comfort while helping to strengthen a compromised skin barrier.
So now you know your humectants from your occlusives, see the most effective hydrating formulas that have a place in my bathroom cupboard – and shop for your lucky winner.
The best moisturisers for dry skin 2024
Clare Stephenson is a Beauty Ecommerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Red and Good Housekeeping, covering all things makeup, skincare and hair care, as well as deals events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Clare has been an ecommerce writer since 2022, writing matter-of-fact such as deep dives into and filled with her favourite products for every budget and need.
Before working at Hearst UK, she received a BA degree in Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on the world of magazines and editorial. From there, she worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events like Fashion Week and interviewing reputable brand founders, including Rea Ann Silva creator of Beautyblender.
When she’s not testing the latest and greatest products, you can find Clare sifting through vintage clothing stores in the city or horseback riding in the countryside.
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