Dry skin can be uncomfortable and itchy, but the right moisturizer can soothe and hydrate it. Here are some of the best dry skin moisturizers, along with their positive and negative aspects, and key ingredients:
- Ultra Facial Cream by Kiehls
- Positive: Lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly. Provides long-lasting hydration.
- Negative: May not be moisturizing enough for extremely dry skin.
- Key ingredients: Squalane, glycerin, and imperata cylindrica root extract.
- NIVEA Soft Moisturizing Creme
- Positive: Affordable, gentle, and absorbs quickly. Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Negative: May not be moisturizing enough for extremely dry skin.
- Key ingredients: Jojoba oil, vitamin E, and glycerin.
- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
- Positive: Provides intense hydration and soothes dry, itchy skin. Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Negative: May be too thick for some people.
- Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and allantoin.
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- Positive: Provides long-lasting hydration and helps restore the skins natural barrier. Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Negative: May not be moisturizing enough for extremely dry skin.
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin.
- Andalou Naturals Purple Carrot + C Luminous Night Cream
- Positive: Affordable, lightweight, and absorbs quickly. Provides hydration and brightens the skin.
- Negative: May not be moisturizing enough for extremely dry skin.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, sunflower oil, and aloe vera.
When looking for a moisturizer for dry skin, its important to look for ingredients that provide hydration and create a barrier to prevent moisture loss. Some key ingredients to look for include:
- Occlusives: These sit atop the skin and create a barrier to prevent further moisture loss. Examples include petroleum, beeswax, and cocoa butter.
- Emollients: These smooth and soften the skin. Examples include shea butter and squalane.
- Humectants: These hydrate the skin by drawing water from the atmosphere. Examples include glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
Its also important to avoid ingredients that can further dry out the skin, such as alcohol and fragrances.