The Best Moisturizers for Very Dry Skin

There’s nothing worse than applying a rich layer of moisturizer, only to end up with the same level of dryness. Some formulas are great for “normal skin,” but can’t quite cut it when it comes to skin that’s super parched. You know the dry skin I’m talking about: dull, slightly rough, flaky and really uncomfy. I’ve tried enough moisturizers to know which ones are the true heavy-hitters for those extra-dry days. And depending on where you live, it might be a problem all winter long. Scroll through to see our top picks for the best moisturizers for very dry skin, so yours can stay hydrated, moisturized and glowy this season. Did you know there’s a difference between hydrating and moisturizing, too?

1 / 8

Olay Regenerist Ultra Rich Hydrating Moisturizer ($30)

I remember trying this niacinamide– and peptide-infused moisturizer for the first time and falling in love with the super-rich, butter-like texture. It’s fragrance-free, didn’t make me break out and kept my dry skin quenched, even during a windy day of skiing. In clinical testing, it was proven to deliver 24 hours of hydration.

• BUY ON OLAY – $30
• BUY ON TARGET – $30

2 / 8

Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer ($48)

Another butter-like option that melts into skin without a greasy finish, this moisturizer is loaded with ceramides, a hydrating royal honey and jelly blend, and fig fruit extract for extra skin smoothing. In instrumental clinical testing after one day, skin was eight times more moisturized.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $48
• BUY ON SEPHORA – $48

3 / 8

Melumé SkinScience Hydrating Cream 8HA ($79)

I like to think of this moisturizer like a deep-conditioning hair mask, but for your skin. Chock-full of eight different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid (HA), biomimetic polysaccharides, squalane and more, it not only restores plumpness to the skin, but also improves fine lines, elasticity and firmness over time.

• BUY NOW – $79

4 / 8

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($18)

A dermatologist favorite for years and years, this is the little black dress of moisturizers. It’s a reliable option that always works when you need it to. The formula utilizes three essential ceramides that restore a weakened skin barrier and lock in vital moisture. You can also use it anywhere on your body that you’re experiencing dry skin. It’s fragrance free, too, and accepted by the National Eczema Association.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $18
• BUY ON TARGET – $15.50

5 / 8

Eighth Day The Intensive Moisturizer ($290)

Developed by a dermatologist, this luxurious, refillable moisturizer contains the brand’s proprietary and patent-pending Peptide-rich Plasma. Comprising 24 bioidentical peptides, amino acids and growth factors, it helps repair and renew dry, aging skin. It also hydrates skin at the cellular level. In clinical testing after four weeks of use, 100 percent of participants agreed their dry skin felt hydrated all day and their skin looked plump.

• BUY ON EIGHTH DAY – $290

6 / 8

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream ($38)

This cult-classic cream is infused with soothing colloidal oatmeal and moisturizing shea butter to quench dryness while also soothing irritation. We love the quick-absorbing texture and its clinically proven ability to strengthen the skin barrier in seven days. Testing also showed that it more than doubles skin’s hydration levels immediately after use.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $38
• BUY ON SEPHORA – $38

7 / 8

Avène RICH Revitalizing Nourishing Cream ($42)

From the French skin-care brand known for its healing thermal spring water comes this ultra-rich cream that gives extra TLC to dry, sensitive skin. The mix of shea butter, antioxidant-rich red fruit extract (raspberries, blueberries and red currants) and a vitamin E precursor helps replenish lost lipids in the skin and prevents moisture from escaping.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $42
• BUY ON DERMSTORE – $42

8 / 8

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Ectoin-Infused Cream ($69)

Super rich and velvety, this moisturizer is like a big hug for very dry skin. Powered by five barrier-boosting ceramides plus ectoin, it floods the skin with serious moisture, and you can feel the difference in your skin after using it just once. In fact, in clinical testing after one use, it boosts the skin’s moisture levels by 139 percent and provides 150 hours of nonstop moisture.

• BUY ON DR. JART+ – $65
• BUY ON AMAZON – $69