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Finding the best moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin is no easy task. While you might be tempted to slather on the richest formula you can find and call it a day, catering to sensitivity and the different causes of dryness or dehydration requires a little extra work.
What causes dry, sensitive skin? According to dermatologists, there’s no shortage of possibilities. “There’s a whole host of reasons this may occur,” says dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara. “You might not be moisturizing enough, using overly harsh products to cleanse, overusing retinoids, over-exfoliating, or using the wrong mix of products.” Beyond your routine, external factors such as changes in weather (hello, fall!) or sun exposure can also contribute to this skin type.
Whether your sensitivity shows up as an occasional reaction to products or a more frequent skin condition flare up (like eczema and rosacea), you need a moisturizer that reinforces your natural barrier function.
“Some people have a weaker skin barrier and are more prone to irritation,” says dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner. Once your barrier becomes compromised, you’ll experience symptoms like redness, burning, stinging and flaking. In order to treat this, both Dr. Gohara and Dr. Zeichner recommended looking for moisturizers that do two things: boost your skin’s protective layer to prevent further water loss, and calm inflammation. Approved ingredients include ceramides, glycerin, colloidal oatmeal, and niacinamide. Keep an eye out for these, while avoiding exfoliants and potential irritants like fragrance.
Not sure where to start? We’re making things easier for you with this list of dermatologist and editor-approved favorites. Below, the best moisturizers for keeping dry, sensitive skin hydrated and calm.
Top Moisturizers for Dry, Sensitive Skin of 2024
Editor’s Choice: Top 3 Dry Skin Moisturizers, Tested & Reviewed
Our experts say that the best moisturizers for dry, sensitive skin should be fragrance-free and full of barrier-supporting ingredients. While researching the topic, our editors discovered that many moisturizers fit the bill: You can splurge on a $400 face cream or go with a more palatable $12 option. Beyond price, certain factors like your individual skin sensitivities, where you live, and whether or not you regularly wear makeup are important to consider when you’re selecting the best dry skin face cream for your skin. So rather than selecting one best overall formula, we’re highlighting the three options that our editors with perpetually dry skin cannot live without.
- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Cream: When it comes to face creams for dry, sensitive skin, basic is best. First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Face Cream has a tight ingredient list that includes only the good stuff — like skin barrier-supporting ceramides and calming colloidal oatmeal — to fully rehab irritated, parched skin. During testing, our editors deemed this the best face cream for dry, sensitive skin who look for a rich texture and a formula that wears under makeup.
- Olay Complete Lotion Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin: We rate Olay’s moisturizer as the best SPF moisturizer for dry and sensitive skin. Some sunscreens can cause tingling on sensitive skin, but this one calms with aloe and green tea instead. One tester with rosacea swears by this for its soothing effect and because it melts into the skin.
- Clinique Moisture Surge 100 Hr Replenishing Hydrator: Seeking out a daytime moisturizer for dry skin that won’t feel greasy or heavy on your skin? Go with Clinique’s. This face cream for dry skin arrives in a gel texture — a stark difference from many of the rich creams on our list — making it a great choice for humid weather. Despite its lightweight texture, our testers found that it kept skin feeling supple for a full 12 hours.
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Editors choice
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Cream
Size: 1.7 oz
Key ingredients: Ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, avocado oil, shea butter
Special features: Free of fragrance, vegan, and dermatologist-tested
This fast-absorbing lotion comes recommended by Dr. Gohara. “It keeps water in and irritants out,” she says of the formula. Ceramides are part of how that magic happens; the fatty acids act as building blocks to a healthy skin barrier that prevent what’s called transepidermal water loss (TEWL), i.e., moisture evaporating from your skin and into the air. On top of ceramides, this dry skin moisturizer contains colloidal oatmeal to calm irritation, plus skin-softening ingredients like avocado oil and shea butter.
Editor testing and review notes: “This is one of my favorite moisturizers to apply when my skin is dry and irritated but I need to wear makeup for work or otherwise. Many of the moisturizers I tend to reach for to quench my dry skin have a thicker texture that causes foundations I apply on top to streak or slide around on my skin, but this one dries down to a velvety, weightless texture. I wouldn’t say that it acts as a makeup primer; it more so evens out my skin texture by saturating flaky, dry skin with moisture.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $28
Editors choice
Olay Complete Lotion Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
Size: 2.5 oz
Key ingredients: Vitamin E, green tea leaf extract, and aloe
Special features: Fragrance-free, oil-free, and non-comedogenic
One of the most affordable moisturizers for dry skin on our list comes courtesy of drugstore skin care powerhouse Olay. This drugstore gem is a do-it-all formula for sensitive skin types who want to streamline their routine — less is always more for sensitive skin. The moisturizer functions as a great face sunscreen with both chemical and mineral blockers, while the vitamin E-enriched formula softens rough patches without feeling overly greasy on the skin. This Olay moisturizer for dry skin also contains soothing aloe to help tame inflammation.
Editor testing and review notes: “I have mild rosacea that tends to flare up when the weather changes or if I’m low on sleep or stressed out. That, combined with persistent dryness, makes my skin tricky to treat. This moisturizing sunscreen is the one I go back to when my skin is on the fritz — it’s an incredibly simple formula that’s entirely free of fragrance. I also love that it has a satiny-smooth finish that mimics the look of naturally healthy skin, versus skewing overly matte or too dewy. During winter, I find that I need a layer of a hydrating serum underneath it, but on humid days, two pumps has me covered.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $18.99
Editor’s choice
Clinique Moisture Surge 100 Hr Replenishing Hydrator
Size: 1.7 oz
Key ingredients: Aloe bioferment, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C and E
Special features: Oil-free, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and free of synthetic fragrance
There are very few face creams that work well as well on oily, acne-prone skin as they do on the driest skin types. Clinique’s Moisture Surge 100 Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is one of them. The gel moisturizer is souped up with hyaluronic acid plus an aloe bio-ferment; together, these ingredients live up to the product’s name for long-lasting moisture. This top Clinique beauty product is proof that the best moisturizers for dry, sensitive skin don’t have to feel heavy on your skin. Its gel texture makes the formula seemingly disappear on your skin — it’s the most lightweight moisturizer for dry skin on our list.
Editor testing and review notes: “As someone with dry skin, moisturizers with a gel texture usually don’t cut it. However Clinique’s Moisture Surge Hydrator quickly became my go-to face cream this summer because its lightweight and intensely hydrating — it’s like an I.V. drip for your skin that doesn’t leave you with a greasy texture or a slimy feeling. It feels cooling on contact, too.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $30
Naturium Marshmallow Root Barrier Balm
Size: 1.7 oz
Key ingredients: Marshmallow root, centella asiatica, colloidal oatmeal, and milk thistle
Special features: Fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free
Naturium’s line of skin care products are primarily backed by plant-based ingredients, however the brand’s Marshmallow Root Barrier Balm is loaded with them. The salve’s namesake ingredient shows promise for reducing inflammation and increasing skin moisture when you apply it topically (although centuries ago, it was commonly used to soothe sore throats and coughs). Additional inflammation-reducing ingredients include centella asiatica and milk thistle, while colloidal oatmeal softens and helps rehydrate dry skin.
Editor testing and review notes: “This little blue jar is a pot of gold. The cream has as rich of a consistency as you’d expect with the product’s name, however it feels cooling and pillowy on contact rather than greasy. I used it recently when my complexion was acting up after a week on vacation in arid weather and my skin drank it up, feeling softer, calmer, and more smooth to the touch after a few days. I prefer it as a final step in my nighttime skin care routine, though those with ultra-dry skin could use it under face sunscreen during the day.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $25.49
Avène Tolerance Control Skin Recovery Balm
Size: 1.3 oz
Key ingredients: Thermal spring water, shea butter, squalane, beeswax, and postbiotics
Special features: Accepted by the National Eczema Association, free of preservatives, fragrance, parabens, and mineral oil
French pharmacy brand Avène bases its products around thermal spring water, which is not gentle enough to use on compromised skin, but also provides additional benefits for the skin’s microbiome with its postbiotics. This thick balm is specifically designed for very sensitive skin types, or those with skin conditions. “There are no preservatives in this product at all due to air-sealed packaging,” says Dr. Gohara. “It soothes inflamed skin in 30 seconds, and the thermal water calms irritation.”
Editor testing and review notes: “Although this moisturizer for sensitive skin has a thicker texture than some traditional face creams, I was impressed by how quickly it melted into my complexion. It does an incredible job of calming my skin on contact — I recently experienced a windburn that left my face feeling raw and tingly, and two pumps of the Avène Tolerance Control Skin Recovery Balm made quick work of soothing the feel and look of the irritation. This is a foolproof option for those who usually triple check a label for irritants before applying it on their skin.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $28.99
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Size: 3.4 oz
Key ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, probiotic thermal water
Special features: Dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic, and free of fragrance, alcohol, parabens, and oil
While our editors swear by La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, you don’t have to rely on our word: This is Amazon’s top-selling face moisturizer with well over 40,000 five-star reviews. What’s to love? The formula feels like a basic hydrating face cream when you apply it — no fragrance and a plain white color — but it’s actually souped up with ingredients that both treat and prevent dryness and sensitivity. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, while postbiotics in the moisturizer deliver skin-balancing postbiotics.
Editor testing and review notes: “This La Roche-Posay moisturizer is always on standby in my medicine cabinet. I love it when my skin is reacting poorly to the weather or products I’m testing, as well as when my dry skin gets breakouts. On top of quenching parched skin, it also makes my skin better tolerate more intense actives (like retinol products or chemical face exfoliants). Another reason I love it is the value; even when my skin’s behaving, it’s a great budget-friendly option given the price point and hefty 3.4 ounces of product.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $26.99
Tower 28 SOS Recovery Cream
Size: 1.86 oz
Key ingredients: Ceramides, allantoin, and hyaluronic acid
Special features: Accepted by the National Eczema Association, fragrance-free
Tower 28 founder Amy Liu created her skin care line following her struggles with sensitive skin — in her case, eczema — so each of the brand’s products are carefully created to soothe and nourish your complexion, not irritate it. This dry skin moisturizer is part of Tower 28’s cult-favorite SOS line, which recently expanded to include a cleanser on top of the TikTok-famous SOS Rescue Spray face mist.
The SOS Recovery Cream is created with skin barrier-strengthening ceramides, as well as four types of hydrating hyaluronic acid. It also includes allantoin, an ingredient that promotes wound healing (great for compromised skin) and decreases skin inflammation.
Editor testing and review notes: “Tower 28’s SOS Spray is a staple in my skin care routine; although we’re on the topic of face creams, it’s a great facial mist to incorporate in your sensitive skin toolkit. I’m newer to the SOS Recovery Cream, but after using it twice a day for a few days, I noticed an improvement in my overall skin redness. When I apply a generous coat at night, I also experience way less tightness in my skin in the morning, proof that it’s doing its moisturizing work as promised.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $24
Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Size: 3 fl oz.
Key ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid
Special features: Oil-free, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free
Cerave’s no-frills moisturizers are immensely popular with dermatologists and TikTok creators alike. Dr. Zeichner recommends the PM formula in particular, which he says “delivers ceramides to the skin to help fill in cracks between cells in the outer layer,” reinforcing your barrier. It also contains soothing, brightening niacinamide — giving you everything you need to treat dry skin symptoms in a bargain formula.
Editor testing and review notes: “On dry winter days and nights, Cerave’s face creams are my North Star. I love that the container is airtight rather than in a tub, and that I can rely on the moisturizers to put my skin back in a happy, healthy, soft-to-the-touch state after just one or two nights of use.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $15.29
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream
Size: 1.7 oz
Key ingredients: Ceramides, jojoba oil esters, squalene, aloe
Special features: Cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic
On TikTok, beauty creators — including board-certified derms like Dr. Muneeb Shah, aka DermDoc — sing the praises of this barrier-boosting face cream. Ideal for dry and very dry skin types, the Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream packs a potent dose of ceramides that work as building blocks to a healthy skin barrier. This results in more resilient skin that won’t crack or wither when faced with cold, arid conditions. And according to our testers, with consistent use you can also expect a subtle plumping effect that makes fine lines less noticeable.
Editor testing and review notes: “I simply can’t live without this product. Since the day I tried the Skinfix face cream, it has helped keep my dry, sensitive skin hydrated without any ounce of heaviness, create an all-over even complexion, and it made my skin look visibly healthier with more bounce to it. One dispenser goes a long way, and the push down pump makes it easy to avoid using excessive amounts of the product at once (as well as mask the formula’s less-than-pleasing scent).” — Mansuroglu
Price upon publish date of this article: $54
Summer Fridays Rich Cushion Cream Ultra Plumping Moisturizer
Size: 1.69 fl oz
Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil, chamomile extract, allantoin, bisabolol, and resveratrol
Special features: Accepted by the National Eczema Association
You may know Summer Fridays for its TikTok-famous beauty products like the Lip Butter Balm or Jet Lag Face Mask. But the Cushion Cream Ultra Plumping Moisturizer deserves a spot in the limelight, too. This plant-powered face cream for dry skin contains a slew of botanical-based ingredients like chamomile, watermelon rind, seed oils, and much more. All together, these ingredients do three things for the skin: Moisturize, plump, and bolster the skin barrier.
Editor testing and review notes: “Similar to some other top moisturizers for dry skin on our favorites list, this Summer Fridays cream is lightweight and revitalizes dry skin without any worry of irritation or acne break outs. The product itself has a nice bounce to it and effortlessly glides on the skin, which makes the ‘Rich Cushion’ name so fitting.” — Mansuroglu
Price upon publish date of this article: $52
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Size: 3 fl oz
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and ceramides
Special features: Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, paraben-free, and dermatologist-tested
Vanicream creates some of the best skin care products for sensitive skin with highly gentle formulas that avoid common (and not-so-common) irritants ranging from essential oils to artificial fragrance to lanolin. Those with sensitive or reactive skin will bode well with this affordable moisturizer for dry skin. It has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into skin. Reviewers rave about its ability to not only calm rosacea flare-ups but also to counteract the negative side effects of ingredients that commonly cause irritation like retinol.
Editor testing and review notes: “My dermatologist recommended Vanicream to me when I was dealing with a terrible reaction to a face serum that left my skin dry and peeling. After one use, I noticed an amazing improvement in the tenderness and splotchy red patches on my skin. It only took my skin a few days for my skin to fully recover after that. I’ve since tested the version of this moisturizer with SPF, but I find that the plain face moisturizer is best (and layers well under other face sunscreens).” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $12.79
Augustinus Bader The Ultimate Soothing Cream
Size: 1.69 oz
Key ingredients: Evening primrose oil, black cumin oil, patented TFC8 complex
Special features: Refillable packaging, less than 1% synthetic fragrance
Augustinus Bader is best known for its Rich Cream, a celebrity-loved moisturizer that promises bouncier, firmer, and smoother skin. Consider the Smoothing Cream an even richer version of the skin-regenerating formula. If your skin can never get enough moisture, this is a splurge you’ll love to smooth on for TLC: Black cumin oil tamps down redness and calms inflamed skin, while evening primrose oil helps to prevent transepidermal water loss.
Editor testing and review notes: “I like The Rich Cream, but I absolutely love the Ultimate Soothing Cream. While the brand does describe it as “ultra-rich”, yet the potent formula feels so light and silky as your skin soaks in all that goodness. It’s a perfect addition to your skin care routine (along with the Augustinus Bader Foaming Cleanser) when drastic temperature dips trigger temperamental skin. I just wish this beautiful glass jar held a tad more of this luxurious miracle cream.” — Mansuroglu
Price upon publish date of this article: $300
Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream
Size: 1.69 fl oz
Key ingredients: Ceramides, panthenol, glycerin, and shea butter
Special features: Dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, mineral oil-free
Some face creams are best for preventing dry, sensitive skin, while others simply treat it. Dr. Jart’s Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream does both. Similar to drugstore moisturizers on this list, ceramides are the key ingredient — by supporting a healthy skin barrier, the ingredient helps your skin keep moisture in and irritants out. The $49 price point is justified by its sensorial feel and near-immediate results. It provides a gorgeous dewy finish while rehabbing dry, flaky skin.
Editor testing and review notes: “This face cream is one of those skin care products you always want to have in your makeup bag — particularly your travel one. I won’t step on an airplane without a thick coat of the moisturizer (and sunscreen!) on my complexion. It keeps my skin supple and soft to the touch, and once I’ve arrived at my destination, I can use the cream during day and night. A little goes a long way, so it’s great value, too.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $49
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Size: 2.5 oz
Key ingredients: Shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera, and soy proteins
Special features: Non-comedogenic, recyclable aluminum tube
This famed French cream bathes your face in light — yet deeply hydrating — moisture that dries down to a weightless finish. It’s packed with barrier-strengthening fatty acids and firming soy proteins that leave skin smooth and soft. Shea butter provides another layer of emollient hydration. Wear it day or night; the finish layers well under makeup, making it a backstage favorite.
Editor testing and review notes: “If you haven’t tried this face cream yet, you simply must. I picked it up in Paris a year ago before realizing I could order it stateside, and I haven’t been without it since. It works as a makeup primer, day cream, and night cream — and not in a jack of all trades, master of none kind of way. This face cream provides intense hydration and always leaves my skin soft to the touch.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $17
Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream
Size: 2 oz
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, provitamin B5, vitamin C, and green tea
Special features: Non-comedogenic, non-greasy, allergy-tested, dermatologist-tested
If you’re dealing with dry, sensitive skin but you hate the feeling of a thick cream on your complexion, start here. This featherweight practically disappears onto the skin when you apply it, but trust that it’s doing its work: Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, vitamin C protects against environmental aggressors, and nutrient-rich, plant-derived ingredients drench your skin in essential vitamins and minerals.
Editor testing and review notes: “The name ‘Air-Whip’ could not be more appropriate for this incredibly lightweight moisturizer. It glides so effortlessly onto the skin and delivers all-day hydration without creating an oily shine on the T-zone. If someone I know is unsure of their skin type or certain skin sensitivities, I always recommend starting with this option as a safe bet.” — Mansuroglu
Price upon publish date of this article: $48
What Makes a Good Moisturizer for Dry, Sensitive Skin?
- Fragrance-free formulation: “As much as we like the sensorial experience of a fragrance, it commonly leads to skin reactions,” says Dr. Zeichner. Seek out formulas that are labeled fragrance-free, and if you can’t find that on the packaging, look to the product’s ingredient list to ensure “fragrance” or “parfum” are not included on the list.
- Skin barrier-strengthening ingredients: As we mentioned earlier, ceramides, glycerin, colloidal oatmeal, and niacinamide are some of the best ingredients to look for in moisturizers for dry, sensitive skin. The one thing these ingredients have in common is their ability to support a healthy skin barrier, which is essential for retaining moisture and also helps to tamp down inflammation that’s associated with sensitivity.
- Humectants and occlusives: Ingredients like hyaluronic acid work as humectants, drawing moisture into the skin. However the best moisturizers for dry skin will include occlusives like plant-based oils and butters, too, as these ingredients work in lockstep with humectants to seal in moisture for quenched skin in the long term.
How We Tested the Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
To create this list of the best moisturizers for dry, sensitive skin, two WWD Shop testers with inherently dry skin tested over 41 face creams. We tested these moisturizers throughout the course of one full year, assessing formulas in all seasons to ensure our list provides options for dry skin types to wear 365 days a year. We tested these face creams when our skin was breaking out, irritated from harsh face serums, and ultra-parched from long flights and vacations in arid locations. During testing, we evaluated the moisturizers for dry, sensitive skin against a list of criteria that included formula texture, product absorption, efficacy in reducing irritation and redness, packaging, and more. Dermatologists also weighed in on key ingredients to look for in a great moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin, as well as their product recommendations. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Courtesy
Dr. Joshua Zeichner is an Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He is one of the country’s key opinion leaders in treating acne and rosacea, and is an expert in cosmeceuticals, skin care, and cosmetic Dermatology.
Courtesy
Dr. Mona Gohara is a dermatologist in Hamden, CT specializing in Skin of Color, Medical & Surgical Dermatology. After graduating from medical school with AOA honors, Dr. Mona Gohara did her dermatology training at Yale New Haven Hospital, where she served as chief resident. Dr. Gohara continues to teach at Yale where she holds a faculty appointment as an associate clinical professor.
Meet the Author and Testers
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. Sullivan wrote this article on the best moisturizers for dry, sensitive skin, and contributed to product testing. She has dry, sensitive skin and mild rosacea, and also experiences breakouts on a monthly basis. Sullivan relied on Cerave’s face cream for many years before she began testing a slew of hydrating moisturizers in her role as a beauty editor.
Adam Mansuroglu is the Director of Commerce for Footwear News and WWD, overseeing strategy for shopping content on both brands, along with writing and editing shopping guides, product reviews, and shopping trend stories across fashion, beauty, home and lifestyle product categories for men and women. Mansuroglu has naturally dry skin with a bit of an oily T-Zone area, and is prone to acne breakouts from stress, illness, some fragrance oils, and environmental pollutants. Mansuroglu has used a moisturizer every day of his life since he was 11 years old, starting with Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Moisturize before indulging in dozens of luxury moisturizers for dry skin from top skin care brands since his early twenties. Mansuroglu contributed to product testing for this article on the best moisturizers for dry, sensitive skin.
Source: Shop – wwd.com
