Whether you deal with dry skin year-round or just seasonally (hello, flaky winter skin), sometimes you need your daily face moisturizer to put in a little extra work to give you a soft complexion.
The More You Know
Moisturizing ingredients tend to fall into one of three categories: humectants, which attract moisture and hold it in the skin; emollients, which soften and smooth the surface of the skin and help repair the skin barrier; and occlusives, which sit on top of the skin to prevent water from evaporating, explains Dr. Brian Hibler, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.
We started with 35 formulas and used moisture-measuring devices to quantify our testers’ moisture levels before and after each product’s use, evaluating each option for application, absorption, feel, hydration, appearance, and overall value. Across the board, our favorite moisturizers absorbed nicely into the skin, left our testers’ faces feeling hydrated, and didn’t require a ton of product to get the job done.
Keep reading to discover the best face moisturizers for dry skin that PEOPLE tested.
Star Qualities
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Lightweight, yet very hydrating
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Contains humectant, emollient, and occlusive ingredients
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No added fragrance; good for sensitive skin
If you have dry skin, you ideally want a moisturizer that contains at least two of the three categories of moisturizing ingredients. This formula easily checks that box, containing all three — hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and occlusive dimethicone — which trap water, strengthen the skin barrier, and seal everything in.
Given that formulation, it’s not surprising that this fragrance-free moisturizer nabbed the top spot on our list. Even though it was hard to pump the lotion out of the bottle at first, that wasn’t a dealbreaker. Testers gave it a perfect five out of five for how it made the skin look and feel, with one tester noting that her face felt hydrated and refreshed, and that the lightweight moisturizer blended easily into the skin, offered a nice cooling sensation, and absorbed within five minutes.
NEED TO KNOW
Our tester’s moisture readings jumped from 17.6 to 31.6 percent before using the product to 25.5 to 41.8 percent after using it.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, dimethicone, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Star Qualities
Dermatologists recommend this budget-friendly moisturizer because it’s effective, very gentle on the skin, and free of potential irritants, including dyes, fragrances, and parabens. What it does include are five different ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerine for deep hydration that stays put. And after our testers gave it a perfect score in every category, we’re strongly recommending this formula.
The lightweight, sheer nature of this moisturizer may require you to apply more at night if you like to be a bit more moisturized before you snooze, or if your skin requires more moisture in the colder months (if this is the case, you probably need an effective night cream instead).
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, squalane, hyaluronic acid | Size: 3 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: Yes
What’s the Difference Between a Lotion and a Cream?
Creams are thicker and richer; they tend to contain more oils and less water, as compared to lotions, which are water-based. For especially dry skin, creams are ideal, notes double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa. Due to their consistencies, creams are typically housed in jars, while lotions are normally packaged in bottles.
Star Qualities
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Lightweight formula was easy to apply
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Results were comparable to those of high-end moisturizers
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Formula caters to sensitive skin
You know Cetaphil for its gentle skin cleanser, but its under-$15 moisturizer is one of our favorite drugstore budget picks. With an almost perfect score across the board (4.6 out of 5), this moisturizer is lightweight and easy to apply. It’s extremely hydrating and left our tester’s skin moisturized and soft. Testers noticed an immediate change in skin hydration, with moisture levels jumping from 19 to 30 percent before use to 35 to 46 percent after use.
This sensitive-skin- friendly moisturizer works within minutes and doesn’t leave skin looking or feeling oily. While a bit watery compared to other options, this hydrating lotion compares to other high-end moisturizers we tried.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe vera | Size: 3 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Star Qualities
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Worked equally well on face and body
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Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
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Great value for the price
As the name suggests, the stars of the show in this cream are ceramides. These are essential components of the skin barrier that help to keep moisture in and irritants out. This is also a gentle formula; it’s fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and allergy-tested, so if you’re looking for a good eczema cream, this product even touts the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Approval.
Testers found it hydrates and softens the skin so much that one tester wanted to just slather it all over her body. Plus, it scored high marks across the board, particularly in value.
NEED TO KNOW
It’s important to note that the tub packaging means you need to dip your fingers into it, which can lead to bacterial growth. We suggest using a reusable beauty spatula to remove the product each time you use it.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Size: 12 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Star Qualities
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Won’t clog pores or cause breakouts
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Fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested, and allergy-tested
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Lightweight formula worked great as a foundation for makeup
Dry skin and sensitivity can go hand in hand; when your skin barrier is compromised, moisture can more easily escape, and irritants can more easily get in. Enter this winner, which is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and both dermatologist- and allergy-tested. It contains ceramides and niacinamide, two emollient ingredients that can help strengthen the skin barrier.
Our tester’s moisture readings on her cheeks jumped from 35.5 to 43.5 percent. It is lightweight yet effective, making it ideal for pre-makeup application. However, for nighttime application, our tester had to use more of this formula than with the others we tested to achieve the desired level of hydration.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin | Size: 3.3 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Star Qualities
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Helped calm redness from rosacea
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Absorbs quickly despite thick formula
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Left our skin feeling soft and plump
There are face creams, and then there are super face creams, like this ultra-luxe, popular French formula. This beeswax-based option initially goes on thick (so much that testers dinged it slightly in the consistency category). Still, it scored a perfect five out of five for absorbing quickly and leaving skin feeling soft and plump, thanks to hydrating aloe and nourishing shea butter.
While it excelled at moisturizing and absorbed quickly, it also improved the appearance of both skin tone and texture. It contains fragrance, which could exacerbate skin reactions in those with reactive skin, though our tester found the rose-like scent pleasant.
What Our Testers Thought
Our tester found that it calmed the redness from rosacea on the cheeks, and it appeared to smooth the uneven texture as well.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, aloe | Size: 2.54 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: No
Star Qualities
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Lightweight formula absorbs quickly
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Dry patches disappeared after routine use
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Offers blue light protection for screens
After testing top options, the best lightweight face moisturizer for dry skin is the Bubble Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer. This under-$20 formula is enhanced with a blend of nourishing and refreshing ingredients, including aloe vera juice, vitamin E, and avocado oil. Plus, it features the brand’s superfood protein compound, designed to protect against blue light damage, and Hoya Lucunosa Flower Extract for a major glow-up.
Our tester loved how quickly it absorbs into the complexion and how light it feels — even in humid weather. Plus, it layers well with other products, including SPF and liquid foundations. With regular use, our tester noticed a significant difference in the skin’s overall hydration.
NEED TO KNOW
Despite its lightweight feel, we only recommend this for those with super-dry skin, as the formula’s oils aren’t suited to oily or combination skin. If that’s you, we recommend these best moisturizers for oily skin, instead.
Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, vitamin E, avocado oil, hoya lucunosa flower extract, blue light protection | Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Star Qualities
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Felt lightweight and comfortable on our skin
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Didn’t take long to absorb into the skin
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Provided a smooth, even look with minimized pores
Those looking to minimize their pores and achieve a more even tone and smoother complexion will appreciate this skin-soak cream from Versed. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, squalane, algae extract, and vitamin E, which lock in moisture.
Our tester noticed that this moisturizer was lightweight and comfortable, and felt very creamy and soothing on the skin. The product absorbed well, leaving no sticky residue, and it didn’t take long to soak into the skin.
What Our Testers Thought
It hydrated our tester’s skin and left it feeling “softer and plumper” and “refreshed and revived.” She even noticed that her skin looked smoother, pores appeared smaller, and skin tone was more even.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, algae extract, vitamin E | Size: 1.5 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Star Qualities
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Powerful ingredient list supports cellular turnover and skin firmness
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Thicker formula gave us dewy complexions
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Major difference in hydration levels with regular use
Sometimes, a skincare formula is worth the investment — and the Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich is exactly that. This face moisturizer is enhanced with antioxidant-rich vitamin E and avocadin to hydrate and nourish the complexion. Additionally, it features skullcap, which is a potent botanical known for supporting cellular turnover.
Our tester found that the anti-aging skin cream works best at night, as it provides a heavy-duty layer of moisture that can improve skin hydration with regular use. While not ideal for daytime (its formula is a little too thick for our skin), it would work well for those with ultra-parched complexions and anyone going for a makeup-less, dewy glow.
Key Ingredients: Skullcap, vitamin E, avocadin | Size: 1.69 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: No
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Credit: People
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Credit: People
Star Qualities
The Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream is formulated with a high-quality blend of peptides for elasticity and collagen support, hydrosella for long-lasting hydration, and squalane for skin barrier protection.
Our tester was taken aback by its lightweight texture and thought for sure it wouldn’t help their dry, sometimes flaky skin; however, with regular use, this face moisturizer completely changed their hydration levels and left the skin feeling soft, supple, and well-nourished (though something a little heavier in the cold fall and winter months would be nice). Plus, it layers really well beneath makeup.
NEED TO KNOW
This skin cream is designed to help support loss of firmness and keep skin free of congestion, making it great for mature and acne-prone skin types that also need a dose of hydration.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, hydrosella, squalane | Size: 2.5 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: No
Star Qualities
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Hydrates deeply without feeling heavy
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Packaging is aesthetically pleasing and refillable
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Left our skin feeling moist and glossy
Even though lightweight gel moisturizers are often thought of as better choices for those with oily or combination skin, this one proved to be very effective at combating dryness — it earned perfect scores in nearly every category.
The brand describes it as a whipped gel cream, which our tester found absorbed quickly, leaving the skin feeling moist and a bit glossy (in a non-sticky way). Even after washing, our tester’s skin continued to feel moist and looked brighter and more glowy. Credit polyglutamic acid (a deeply hydrating peptide), hyaluronic acid, and plum, which hydrates the skin as well as brightens. It does contain a fragrance, which some people may not prefer.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: No
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Credit: People
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Credit: People
Star Qualities
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Improved hydration levels over time
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Creamy, whipped consistency made it easy to rub in
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Effective hydration in dry or highly air-conditioned environments
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Rich consistency makes for a great night cream
When you have dry skin, your complexion can experience a lot of discomfort in desert-like environments, including in an office when the air conditioning is consistently on blast.
One of our testers put this rich formula to the test during long hospital shifts and found that it helped combat the effects of air conditioning on the complexion while also improving the skin’s suppleness and glow. While the whipped face cream is a tad too thick for humid climates, it worked well to improve hydration in dry climates and had a long-lasting moisturizing effect.
NEED TO KNOW
Since it is on the heavier side, it’s best to wait around 20 or 30 minutes before applying makeup, or else the formula may not fully absorb. However, it’s easy to apply and layers well once absorbed, and it also helps promote a dewy effect.
Key Ingredients: African oil blend, ceramides, Phytosphingosine | Size: 1.69 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: No
Star Qualities
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Felt ultra-refreshing and soothing on our skin
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Super hydrating, with five types of hyaluronic acid
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Gave us a natural-looking glow
Dry skin needs a lot of hydration — so hyaluronic acid should be a non-negotiable. While many of the formulas tested include this important ingredient, the Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Moisturizer is the best option if you’re looking for the benefits of a hyaluronic acid serum in a moisturizer.
Enhanced with five different types of hyaluronic acid for a major boost of hydration, this face cream felt refreshing and soothing on the complexion after just one application. It’s also lightweight enough to layer well with other skincare formulas without feeling too light for dry skin needs. Testers were blown away by how glowy it made their complexion, while also preventing breakouts.
NEED TO KNOW
Keep in mind that it’s not fragrance-free, so it may not work well for some.
Key Ingredients: Five types of hyaluronic acid, squalane, ceramides, Green Tea Tri-biotics | Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: No
Star Qualities
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Absorbed quickly without leaving a residue
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Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids offered smoother skin for longer
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Works best for dry, chapped, or irritable skin
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Increased moisture levels significantly
There’s no shortage of emollient natural oils in this formula from Paula’s Choice. More specifically, oils such as olive, borage seed, and chia offer a hefty dose of omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids to help soften and smooth the skin, making them ideal for those who want serious, long-lasting moisture.
The moisture readings on our testers’ cheeks nearly doubled after using this, jumping from 28.7 to 52.8 percent. It earned a perfect score for combating dryness: Our tester noticed a significant change in the skin’s texture after the product sat for 15 minutes — leaving it feeling soft and healthy. Our tester also found that it absorbed quickly and left no greasy residue.
NEED TO KNOW
While this moisturizer is ideal for those with dry, chapped, redness-prone skin, you may find it’s a bit too heavy if your skin tends to break out easily, as the blend’s oils are nourishing but can also be comedogenic.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, ceramides, chia seed oil, olive oil | Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Star Qualities
Red Flags
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A little too heavy for combination skin types, especially in humid weather
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One of the more expensive options we tested
With the Eadem Cloud Cushion Plush Moisturizer with Ceramides + Peptides, you can achieve hydrated skin while also targeting hyperpigmentation. This formula features three plant ceramides to help restore the skin’s moisture barrier, along with niacinamide for its brightening effects. It is also enhanced with Tetrapeptide-30, known for its ability to lighten dark spots and even out the skin tone.
Our tester first noticed how instantly it absorbs, despite its thicker consistency. Plus, it helps improve the absorption of follow-up products such as skincare oils and SPF makeup. Our tester noted that it effectively brightened their complexion, evened out the skin tone, and left the skin with a satin finish (not oily or greasy).
NEED TO KNOW
It is important to note that this product, one of the more expensive options tested, may be too heavy for combination skin.
Key Ingredients: Tetrapeptide-30, three plant ceramides, niacinamide | Size: 1.69 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Star Qualities
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Texture is the perfect mix between a gel and a cream
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Offers a cooling sensation on dry, irritated skin
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Formulated without artificial fragrances, colors, parabens, and alcohol
If you’re looking for a natural, gentle moisturizer, look no further than Then I Met You Renewing Rich Beauty Cream. It’s perfect for all skin types, providing deep hydration for a radiant glow. The formula comes without parabens, artificial fragrances and colors, and alcohol. Our tester loved the formula and said her skin “drank this right up” — it absorbed beautifully and had a refreshing sensation, leaving the skin healthy and hydrated.
It’s in the mid-high price range, but the product wasn’t completely full upon inspection, so it was docked a point for value. Otherwise, our tester had nothing but high praise for it, saying: “The silkiness feels incredible, the packaging is adorable, and my skin feels so refreshed.”
NEED TO KNOW
This luxurious cream boasts a quad ginseng complex, a potent blend of age-defying antioxidants that leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, bouncy, and plump. It’s also enriched with baobab, squalene, and hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, baobab, quad ginseng complex | Size: 1.69 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Star Qualities
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Lightweight absorbed into the skin quickly
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Skin felt dewy and supple
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Includes SPF that doesn’t leave a white cast
Rihanna’s Fenty Skin offers a two-in-one product that doubles as both a moisturizer and a sunscreen. This lightweight, quick-absorbing cream features hydrating and age-defying ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, Kalahari melon, and aloe vera. Our tester loved the instant cooling and hydration effects of this moisturizer, saying her skin felt “dewy and supple” with even her driest spots appearing “moist and hydrated.”
This product gives the skin a vibrant, glowy look with no white cast. The invisible, non-pilling SPF 30 sunscreen applies smoothly and is perfect to wear underneath makeup. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, you can purchase this moisturizer with or without its signature desert melon scent.
NEED TO KNOW
The bottle advises users to reapply every two hours, which may seem like a lot, but that’s a standard recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation for sunscreen.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, niacinamide, Kalahari melon, sunscreen | Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: Yes (can purchase with or without fragrance)
Star Qualities
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Skin felt super moisturized and hydrated after application
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We feel like this moisturizer would last all day without reapplication
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Amino peptide complex aids in surface cell turnover
Looking to reap the benefits of retinol while still getting a quality, budget-friendly moisturizer? Try Olay Regenerist Deep Hydration Regenerating Cream Moisturizer. It’s formulated with an amino peptide complex that helps regenerate surface skin cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You’ll also find vitamin E and niacinamide to help lock in moisture.
This pleasant-smelling moisturizer is thick, so you’ll only need a few dots for your entire face. Our tester thought it might be too heavy, but it actually felt nice and lightweight once it absorbed into the skin. Because of its richness, it’s best to use it once per day or during the colder months when your skin gets really dry.
NEED TO KNOW
If you’re looking for a tinted moisturizer, add a few of your favorite bronzing drops to get a summertime glow year-round.
Key Ingredients: Amino peptide complex, vitamin E, niacinamide, glycerin, petrolatum | Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Add to Cart
Ready to put dry skin behind you with a new face moisturizer? Consider tackling other skincare woes with these PEOPLE-Tested creams and serums. Our team of experts puts each product we recommend through vigorous testing to make sure we’re only highlighting the true must-haves.
What to Know About Face Moisturizers for Dry Skin
Types of Moisturizing Ingredients
If you have dry skin, look for at least two of the following three types of ingredients when choosing a moisturizer:
- Humectants: These draw water to and hold it in the skin like a sponge, says Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, a board-certified dermatologist in Pittsburgh, PA. Common examples include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera.
- Emollients: These soften and smooth the skin and help to restore the skin barrier, says Dr. Zubritsky. Ceramides, oils, and squalane are good examples of emollients.
- Occlusives: These act as a barrier, preventing moisture loss, Dr. Zubritsky explains. Shea butter, dimethicone, and petrolatum are all good occlusives.
What It Doesn’t Contain
When you have dry skin, what’s not in your moisturizer can be just as important as what’s in it. “Avoid moisturizers with fragrance,” advises Dr. Hibler. “Although they smell nice, they serve no real purpose for protecting the skin and can lead to irritation or allergies.” Steering clear of formulas that contain alcohols and/or exfoliating ingredients is also a good idea. These can further dry out and irritate the skin, exacerbating the dryness you’re already dealing with, notes Dr. Zubritsky.
People
Behind the Scenes
We researched and tested 35 facial moisturizers to see which ones were the best fit for dry skin. We brought these products into the PEOPLE Tested lab before using them in our everyday routines to fully assess each product’s effects.
- Application: For the lab tests, testers cleansed their faces, removing all residue from the skin. Testers used each product by dispensing a quarter-sized amount of moisturizer (and used a cosmetic spatula to scoop out product for those that came in tubs).
- Absorption: Once the product was dispensed, testers gently massaged the moisturizer into the skin and assessed its consistency and absorption, adding more product if needed. After 15 minutes, testers reassessed, noting how well the moisturizer had absorbed into the skin.
- Appearance: After the product had completely absorbed into the complexion, testers evaluated how the skin looked and felt. (Does the skin appear more plump? Is the skin overall brighter? Does the skin feel smoother and softer? Is there any greasy residue, or is it free of unwanted residue?)
- Hydration: Testers used a moisture-reading device to measure the skin’s initial moisture level. After evaluating the appearance and efficacy, testers re-measured moisture levels, noting the difference in the two readings.
- Overall Value: Following completion, testers weighed in on the product’s overall value. The best products were then taken home for long-term testing, where testers incorporated them into their everyday routines.
After long-term testing concluded, testers rated each product against its testing attributes: feel/consistency, absorption, hydration, appearance, and overall value. The moisturizers for dry skin with the highest average ratings became our winners, thus earning a place on this PEOPLE Tested list. Our pick for Best Overall face moisturizer for dry skin is the EltaMD AM Therapy Face Moisturizer.
Why Trust PEOPLE
Melanie Rud is a beauty writer, editor, and expert living in Chicago. Prior to moving to Chicago, Melanie held beauty editorial positions at Shape, Good Housekeeping, and Health. For this article, she interviewed two board-certified dermatologists and one double board-certified facial plastic surgeon to inform her writing. Kayla Kitts, a shopping editor for PEOPLE, updated this article with fresh insights and added five new products to the list.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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