Come summer, our skin gets up to all sorts of mischief; while some grapple with excess sebum, others wrestle cracks and flaking. I struggle with the former, but if you, my fellow dry-skin girlie, are plagued with rough, irritated skin, you’ve come to the right place. After thorough site-sifting, I’ve discovered the perfect solution to relieve your plight: moisture-laden face creams that replenish epidermal hydration and lend a healthy glow. But before we delve into our recs, here’s the know-how on picking a formula best suited to your skin.
Ingredients To Look For In A Moisturiser For Dry Skin
It goes without saying that dehydrated skin craves ultra-lubricating agents to top up skin hydration. Oils and butters, including shea butter, jojoba oil, and lanolin, and humectants including hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and aloe vera help soothe the skin and relieve signs of dryness. Itchy, irritated skin resulting from dehydration should also steer clear of fragrances and chemical additives.
8 Editor-Approved Moisturisers For Dry Skin
Cult Favourite
A dermatologically-tested, influencer- and celebrity-loved formula, Moisture Surge by Clinique promises a 100% hydration and glow boost. Suitable for all skin types – including sensitive skin – the weightless moisturiser glides onto the skin, doubling down on hydration all while protecting against pollutants and blue light.
Celebrity Seal Of Approval
Ideal for normal to dry skin, Hyphen – actor Kriti Sanon’s brainchild – presents a Barrier Care Cream to lock in moisture and strengthen your epidermal barrier. After just two weeks of recommended use, consumers reported a 96% reduction in dryness and a 90% improvement in hydration. It’s received the celebrity stamp of approval, and will soon receive yours, too!
24Hr Hydration
2.3x hydration and double-barrier strength, need we say more? Kiehl’s Facial Cream boasts glacial glycoprotein and squalene to retain moisture and replenish lipids. As per clinical testing, 92% agree that the skin feels softer, 91% state it feels healthier, and 88% report it feels bouncier – the proof is in the pudding.
Worth The Splurge
Intensify hydration with COSRX’s hyaluronic acid-infused offering, using 3000ppm of sodium hyaluronate for plump, taut skin. Sea buckthorn water and hyaluronic acid work in tandem to minimise the appearance of fine lines and amplify moisturisation without your skin feeling greasy or weighed down.
Anti-Itching
Meet this ultra-soothing balm for very dry, sensitive skin; Bioderma’s Atoderm Intensive Cream relies on Lipigenium Technology to restore moisture in your epidermal barrier and limit the adhesion of certain bacteria. Do you know that itch to scratch when your skin is severely parched? It alleviates the urge!
Best Budget Buy
Formulated for dry skin types, The Derma Co’s ceramide plus hyaluronic acid concoction caters to your dehydrated skin, delivering up to 72 hours of deep moisturisation. Sealing moisture and calming an irritated epidermis, the formulation has the go-ahead from dermatologists and is fragrance-free – so it won’t further irritate your skin.
Non-Comedogenic
Gentle and fragrance-free, this non-sticky cream is best suited for dry to extremely parched skin. Restoring your epidermal barrier, owing to the powerful trinity of ceramides, this hard-working formula can be safely used on babies as well. Besides, it can be applied to your face, hands, and other parts of the body.
Editor’s Choice
You can’t go wrong with Cetaphil, can you? For those who possess continuously dry, sensitive skin, look no further. This dermatologist-recommended lotion features shea butter, glycerine, niacinamide, vitamin B3, and pro-vitamin B5, intensely replenishing and nourishing your skin for optimal health and hydration.
Ramp up hydration with our edit of the best moisturisers for dry skin – these will be your go-to for summer and beyond. After cleansing with a suitable face wash, layer your products in order of lightest to heaviest in terms of texture, locking in all formulations with a heavy-duty moisturiser, followed by sunscreen.
