Check Your Labels: Dermatologists Say These 6 Ingredients Are Crucial for Beating Dry Skin

Hyaluronic acid

“Hyaluronic acid molecules can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water, so it’s beneficial for immediate hydration,” says New York dermatologist Patricia Wexler, MD, explaining that some of the newer forms of the acid can even encourage your body to make more of its own natural hyaluronic acid, which is an added bonus. “Overall, it’s a great ingredient for dry skin.”

Find it in: GLAMGLOW Waterburst Hydrated Glow Moisturizer ($49), featuring a triple hyaluronic acid complex for up to 72 hours of dewy-skinned moisture. 

Ceramides

According to Greenwich, CT, dermatologist Lynne Haven, MD, dry skin types benefit from ceramides, which are the naturally occurring lipids found in the skin (they lock in water so the moisture doesn’t escape). In fact, the cause for seriously dehydrated skin can often be boiled down to a ceramide deficiency. 

Find it in: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 ($127), a fresh-scented cream that works to plump fine lines while restoring healthy lipid levels back into the skin. 

Occlusive agents

In addition to hyaluronic acid or glycerin to grab and hold moisture, New York dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, MD, says those with dry skin types should also look for an occlusive ingredient, “like petrolatum, shea butter or dimethicone to seal the hydration in.”

Find it in: PCA Skin Collagen Hydrator ($42), which counts shea butter and dimethicone as some of its main ingredients.

Glycolic acid

While you might shy away from exfoliating acids when your main goal is to boost hydration, Dr. Wexler says glycolic acids actually dissolve the dry skin cells on the surface of your skin to encourage a brighter, smoother, more even-toned complexion. “Plus, it encourages better penetration of other therapeutic products your dry skin may call for.”

Find it in: Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator ($39), a revised version of the cult-classic original, now formulated to deliver almost twice as much hydration. 

Marula oil

McLean, VA, dermatologist Lily Talakoub, MD, says to look for marula oil on the back of your skin care products. “It’s anti-inflammatory yet deeply nourishing.” Made from the fruit of the marula tree, this oil is rich in essential fatty acids that mimic those that naturally exist in the outer layer of the skin. Even better, it won’t clog your pores.

Find it in: Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil ($72), a silky formula packed with skin-loving antioxidants to nourish parched skin and impart a healthy, all-natural glow. 

Urea

While there’s still some hesitation around using this ingredient for your face, Dr. Wexler says urea works by separating loose dry skin on the surface. “It softens the horny layer of the skin so it can easily be released from the surface of the skin,” she explains, adding that the ingredient is extremely hydrating because of its water-loving properties and its ability to draw water from the air and surface of the skin and infuse it into the skin’s cells. It’s also a main ingredient in many keratosis pilaris treatments. 

Find it in: Peter Thomas Roth Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizer ($42), perfect for treating both temporary and long-term dryness.