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The 10 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin 2021

These are the absolute best moisturizers for dry skin, including a few affordable options you can get delivered to you in 30 minutes with Gopuff

April 28, 2021

If you have dry skin, you can’t use just any moisturizer. You need one that is specifically formulated with your skin’s needs in mind—one that can calm, soothe and restore hydration levels while banishing flakes. Finding the best moisturizers for dry skin can be a challenge, however, especially when you realize that every skin care brand and their mother has a moisturizer. 

So we pored over the beauty blogs and researched dermatologists’ recommendations to curate a list of the best face moisturizers for dry skin, the best body moisturizers for dry skin and the best face and body combo moisturizers for dry skin. Some of these products you can get delivered to your door in just 30 minutes with Gopuff; all of these products should help give you a healthy glow.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Sensitive Skin Moisturizer

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer

What it is: A classic moisturizer full of humectants, emollients and occlusives—which, as our dry skin guide points out, are three key components in a well-rounded moisturizer 

Where to use it: Face 

Why we like it: This drugstore staple has been soothing parched facial skin for years with its combination of humectants (which pull water into your skin and hold it there), emollients (which soften and smooth your skin) and occlusives (which physically trap moisture in your skin by forming a barrier). 

Interestingly, it’s marketed as “oil-free,” which makes it seem like it’s better for oily skin than dry skin. However, the term “oil-free” simply means it contains neither mineral oil nor vegetable oil. It’s actually great for dry skin—and especially acne-prone skin—as it contains dimethicone. Dimethicone reduces transepidermal water loss, so it prevents water from leaving the skin.  Because it’s non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, it is suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin

Shop: Order Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer here and get it delivered in 30 minutes. 

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion 

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

What it is: A moisturizing lotion that relieves dry, itchy skin with emollients and soothing colloidal oatmeal

Where to use it: Face and body 

Why we like it: If you’re of a certain generation, you probably remember taking oatmeal baths to relieve itchy chickenpox symptoms. Well, this Aveeno moisturizer is basically the elevated version of an oatmeal bath. It relies on a special form of oatmeal called colloidal oatmeal, which can help soothe red, irritated skin and increase moisture. It’s also chock-full of skin-softening emollients—and it’s non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. 

And if there was ever a moisturizer for dry skin for men, this is it. The oatmeal can help cool razor burn, plus, it easily doubles as a body moisturizer, making it similar to a lot of 2-in-1 products. (And don’t forget to check out our other skin care for men tips.)

Shop: Order Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion here and get it delivered in 30 minutes. 

Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturizer

Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturizer

What it is: A vitamin-rich lotion great for sensitive and dry, ageing skin 

Where to use it: Face 

Why we like it: This Simple moisturizer features two standout ingredients: bisabolol and allantoin. Bisabolol is a lovely anti-inflammatory ingredient that can reduce flaking. Allantoin is actually a common Korean beauty ingredient that Allure says “may just be the secret to your skin care success.” Like bisabolol, it’s anti-inflammatory, and it can protect skin and prevent transepidermal water loss. But allantoin really sets itself apart with its ability to soften fine lines and wrinkles, making this Simple moisturizer one of the best moisturizers for dry, aging skin.

What’s more, the moisturizer is free from artificial fragrances and dyes, alcohol, parabens and added phthalates. And it comes in a 100% recyclable plastic bottle. What’s not to love?

Shop: Order Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturizer here and get it delivered in 30 minutes. 

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for Very Dry, Sensitive Skin 

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

What it is: A rich cream full of humectants and emollients ideal for skin-barrier restoration 

Where to use it: Face and body 

Why we like it: This dermatologist-favorite product is one of the best face moisturizers for dry sensitive skin. Yup, it’s technically a body moisturizer, but the non-greasy cream is fragrance-free, paraben-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it shouldn’t cause irritation or clog pores. It’s even clinically proven to help dry skin in one day, making this a great option if you’re in need of quick relief. Because it’s a thicker dry skin cream, many people prefer to use this in the winter months and switch to the lightweight Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion in warmer weather—but it can be used year-round. 

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

What it is: A rich, fast-absorbing cream enriched with skin-essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid

Where to use it: Face and body

Why we like it: Dermatologists frequently recommend CeraVe moisturizing cream for dry skin, and it’s not surprising. After all, it was developed in partnership with American dermatologists, who helped the brand create a cream designed to heal a compromised skin barrier. CeraVe’s non-greasy cream does this with hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Hyaluronic acid may be trendier, but the ceramides are the true stars here. 

Ceramides—which The Cut once called the “secret fountain of youth”—are lipids that naturally occur in skin. They moisturize and help prevent dehydration. As we age, however, we start to lose them and our skin can become dry and look more wrinkled as a result. The good news? We can apply ceramides to our skin and help replenish our ceramide levels. This particular CeraVe cream contains three types of ceramides. 

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream 

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

What it is: A thick body and face cream for dry skin that is best for medical conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis, but great for other dry skin types as well

Where to use it: Face and body 

Why we like it: While dermatologists often recommend this nourishing moisturizer for extreme dry skin caused by medical conditions, it’s really great for a variety of skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Notably, it’s free of common irritants, including lanolin, botanical extracts and essential oils, and it’s non-comedogenic. The cream, which was awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, can be used on even the most delicate baby skin.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ 

La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Moisturizer for Dry Skin

What it is: An intense repairing cream with prebiotics from a beloved French drugstore brand 

Where to use it: Face and body 

Why we like it: Prebiotic thermal water? Niacinamide? La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar Balm contains some of the trendiest skin care ingredients, but they’re not all hype. The prebiotic thermal water is designed to support your skin’s microbiome by providing nutrients for beneficial skin bacteria. And the niacinamide helps hydrate, brighten and repair moisture barriers. Translation? This is one of the best moisturizers for dry skin. 

In fact, it’s clinically shown to reduce dry, rough skin, and it’s also accepted by the National Eczema Association. And moms looking for dry skin relief for their infants can use this on babies as young as two weeks. 

Olay Active Hydrating Moisturizing Lotion Original

Olay Active Hydrating Beauty Fluid Lotion

What it is: The original Olay moisturizing lotion with a pretty pink tint sure to appeal to all age groups

Where to use it: Face 

Why we like it: For more than 60 years, this daily moisturizer has battled dry, flaky skin and won. The hydrating, yet non-greasy formula relies on glycerin, mineral oil and petrolatum to fix dry skin. 

But wait, isn’t mineral oil bad? Mineral oil has a bad reputation, but it’s mostly unfounded. Basically, people are afraid that mineral oil clogs pores, but studies have shown that it’s non-comedogenic, though it can feel heavy. And actually, mineral oil can be amazing for dry skin, as it sits on top of the epidermis and prevents water from evaporating out. Plus, it’s non-irritating, which is why you’ll find it in a lot of products designed for sensitive, allergy-prone skin. Bottom line: There’s a reason women and men have been using this Olay hydrator for decades. 

Shop: Order Olay Active Hydrating Moisturizing Lotion Original here and get it delivered in 30 minutes. 

Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion

Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion

What it is: A hydrating daily body lotion with a mix of cocoa and shea butter 

Where to use it: Body

Why we like it: Vaseline’s Cocoa Radiant lotion deftly mixes humectants, emollients and three all-star occlusives: 100% cocoa butter, 100% shea butter and tiny microdroplets of Vaseline jelly. The combination smooths rough, dry patches and leaves a subtle, healthy-looking glow on arms and legs. For best results, apply it right after showering, while your skin is still damp, so the lotion’s occlusives can trap that moisture into your skin. 

Shop: Order Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion here and get it delivered in 30 minutes. 

AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion 

AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion

What it is: A moisturizing lotion with 12% lactic acid to gently exfoliate bodies while adding a dose of hydration  

Where to use it: Body 

Why we like it: Ask anyone with keratosis pilaris how they feel about this lotion, and they will tell you that it’s a game-changer when it comes to softening rough, bumpy arms, legs and elbows. It contains 12% lactic acid, which exfoliates away dead skin cells to reveal smoother, fresher skin cells underneath. As one of the skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMFs)—substances that naturally occur in the skin to keep it hydrated—lactic acid also moisturizes your skin to keep it soft and supple.  

Vaseline: the Ultimate Dry Skin Booster 

Whenever your dry skin feels extra parched, add a layer of Vaseline on top of your moisturizer. It will help seal your moisturizer into your skin, preventing it from evaporating away. A great time to do this is bedtime, as your face will look extra glossy—but trust us when we say you’ll wake up with dewy skin the next day.

Want more tips on how to treat dry skin? Read 29 Beauty Tips That Will Change Your Life next. 


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  • 2021
  • best moisturizers
  • dry skin
  • guide
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