Dry skin occurs when your skin loses moisture faster than it can replenish it, often leading to tightness, flakiness, itching, or a compromised barrier. The best moisturizers for dry skin typically include humectants (like hyaluronic acid to draw in water), emollients (like shea butter to soften), and occlusives (like petrolatum to seal it in). Opt for fragrance-free formulas if you have sensitivity, and apply to damp skin post-cleansing for better absorption. Based on expert reviews, dermatologist recommendations, and user feedback from 2025, here are top picks across budgets.

Moisturizer hydrates and nourishes skin, strenghtens the skin barrier, prevents dryness and flaking, balances oil production, improves skin texture and soothes sensitive skin.

1. Cetaphil Face & Body Moisturizer

4.8 out of 5 Ratings

CETAPHIL FACE & BODY MOISTURIZING CREAM FOR DRY TO VERY DRY SKIN: Instantly replenishes, intensely nourishes and soothes skin dryness for 48 hours.

CLINICALLY PROVEN TO RESTORE SKIN’S MOISTURE BARRIER: Binds water to the skin, preventing moisture loss to hydrate and protect skin from dryness.

• DERMATOLOGIST BACKED INGREDIENT BLEND: With hydrating glycerin and skin essential vitamins B5 (panthenol) and B3 (niacinamide)
• DEVELOPED FOR EVEN THE MOST SENSITIVE SKIN: The hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic formula is free of parabens and fragrance.

2. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

4.7 out of 5 Ratings

MOISTURIZER FOR DRY SKIN: A deficiency of ceramides in skin can often be associated with dry skin, which can feel itchy and look flaky. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is formulated with three essential ceramides & hyaluronic acid. HYALURONIC ACID MOISTURIZER: With hyaluronic acid, ceramides and MVE technology for 24 hour hydration. Rich, velvety texture that leaves skin feeling smooth, it is absorbed quickly for softened skin without greasy, sticky, feel.

3. e.l.f. Face Cream Moisturizer

4.7 out of 5 Ratings

• POWERFUL HYDRATION BOOST: For a powerful boost of hydration to the face and luminous skin, this award-winning facial moisturizer does it all. It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients that even out skin tone and replenish lost moisture for a firmed up, bouncy complexion.
• NOURISHES & PLUMPS SKIN: Key ingredients include Hyaluronic Acid to help moisturize for a plump complexion, Niacinamide to minimize pores & even out skin tone, Squalane to improve balance & elasticity, and Vitamin B5 to soothe & hydrate skin.
• USE DAY & NIGHT: Great for daytime and nighttime use, the non-greasy face cream quickly sinks into the skin for a smooth, super-soft feel.
• SKIN-LOVING INGREDIENTS: All e.l.f. products are made from skin-loving ingredients you want, minus the toxins you don’t—all at good-for-you prices. All e.l.f. products are 100% cruelty-free and Vegan.

4. Neutrogena Face Moisturizer

4.7 out of 5 Ratings

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer with signature fragrance instantly delivers weightless hydration that goes deep (within skin’s surface) for juicy, deeply hydrated skin
• Ideal for normal to oily skin types and gently formulated for everyday use. This daily face moisturizer is clinically-proven to lock in hydration for 24 hours and keeps skin looking smooth, supple and hydrated day after day.
• This non-greasy daily face moisturizer is oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores and is suitable for acne prone skin. This lightweight gel is also dermatologist and allergy tested
• Use the water gel face moisturizer as part of your at-home skincare hydration regimen. Apply evenly to face and neck daily after cleansing for deep, long-lasting hydration.

5. Olay Active Hydrating Cream Face Moisturizer

4.7 out of 5 Ratings

• Actively hydrates to help smooth skin & fight the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles
• Rich, cream formula won’t clog pores
• Helps to restore skin back to natural beauty .

6. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Face Moisturizer

4.6 out of 5 Ratings

• Face Moisturizer: One 4 fl oz bottle of Aveeno Positively Radiant Face Moisturizer with SPF 15 Sunscreen with clinically proven tone-correcting soy visibly evens skin tone and texture.
• Broad Spectrum SPF 15 and Tone-Correcting Soy: With a lightweight, nourishing formula, this face moisturizer features SPF 15 sunscreen and soy to leave skin feeling moisturized while helping to protect from sun damage.
• Protects and Nourishes: Apply this daily lotion SPF 15 generously and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure; reapply at least every two hours
• Dermatologist-Recommended Brand for Over 70 Years: Fast absorbing and lightweight moisturizer is gentle enough for everyday use and leaves skin feeling moisturized, nourished and hydrated, making it a great addition to your skincare routine.

7. La Roche-Posay Moisturizer for Face

4.7 out of 5 Ratings

Oil-free face moisturizer with SPF protection to help protect & restore healthy looking skin. Formulated with Prebiotic Thermal Water, Ceramide-3, Niacinamide & Glycerin. Suitable for face & hands. Tested on sensitive skin .Dye free. Apply moisturizer to the face and neck in the morning. Its soft, oil-free texture is easily absorbed.

8. medicube Triple Collagen Cream

4.7 out of 5 Ratings

• Safe for Sensitive Skin – Certified free from 15 harmful ingredients and dermatologically tested, this cream is gentle enough for sensitive skin while effectively combating signs of aging.
• Suitable for All Skin Types – Ideal for mature skin and anyone looking to slow down aging. Perfect for daily use to maintain a youthful and radiant complexion.
• Ultimate Hydration & Barrier Support – Enriched with collagen, niacinamide, and nourishing oils, this cream delivers deep hydration while reinforcing your skin’s barrier for enhanced resilience and firmness.
• Fast-Acting Anti-Aging – See visible improvements in as little as 2 weeks. Our formula addresses three major skin concerns: pore care, elasticity, and dark spots, with up to 16 patented ingredients.

9. ETUDE SoonJung Face Moisturizer

4.7 out of 5 Ratings

• PROVEN TEST RESULTS! HYPOALLERGENICITY TEST, DERMATOLOGICAL TEST, SENSITIVE SKIN IRRITATION TEST COMPLETED: This product did not cause hypersensitivity, tested as suitable for acne-prone skin, tested to have 0.00 skin irritation score
• NON-IRRITATING, LOW pH FORMULA(WEAKLY ACIDIC): SoonJung’s formula helps women and men’s skin to maintain the correct, low pH level. Low pH products calm down and take care of your sensitive skin.
• 10 INGREDIENT CALLOUTS(FRAGRANCE-FREE): Clean ingredients free of 10 additives(Free of animal-derived ingredients, mineral oil, silicone oil, polyacrylamide, imidazolidinyl urea, triethanolamine, fragrance, PEG, synthetic pigment, paraben)
• CREAMY FORMULA WITH MOISTURE: Creamy moisturizing cream that rolls on smoothly and absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated.

10. L’Oreal Paris Face and Neck Moisturizer

4.7 out of 5 Ratings

• With Revitalift Skin Care you can add an anti-aging benefit to any step of your skin care; exfoliate with Revitalift facial cleanser, treat with Revitalift Eye Cream and moisturize with Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Face and Neck Day Cream
• Replenish Skin With Facial Moisturizer: gift your skin a daily dose of hydration from Revitalift anti-wrinkle skin care to provide your skin essential moisture to keep skin healthy.
• Anti-Aging Day Cream: face and neck moisturizer to fight wrinkles and firm skin – strengthens and repairs skin barrier to help resist visible lines, loss of firmness, and other aging signs a weakened skin barrier can accentuate
• Formulated with Pro-Retinol and Centella Asiatica, this day cream was Dermatologist tested, is suitable for sensitive skin, paraben free, colorant and dye free, non-comedogenic, allergy tested.

Quick Tips

• Layer for max hydration: Apply a hyaluronic acid serum first, then moisturizer, and seal with a drop of squalane oil if needed.
• Test patch: Start small to avoid reactions.
• When to see a derm: If dryness persists with cracking or bleeding, it could signal eczema or allergies.

These stand out for consistent 2025 praise—start with CeraVe if you’re new to it!