Finding a good moisturizer for dry skin can be tricky. Some feel too heavy, some don’t do enough, and others just sit on top of the skin without really sinking in. Over the past few months, I tested a bunch of highly recommended options to see what actually works. Here’s what I found.
My Personal Favorite: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
If I had to pick just one, this would be it. CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream is a staple for a reason—it’s simple, reliable, and just works. It’s thick but spreads easily, and after using it consistently, my skin felt less tight and more balanced. It has ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help repair the skin barrier, and there’s no fragrance, so it’s great for sensitive skin. Plus, it comes in a huge tub that lasts forever.
MDSolarSciences Advanced Hydration Crème
This one is lightweight but still very moisturizing. It soaks in quickly and doesn’t leave any greasy feeling, which I appreciate at night when I don’t want to feel like I have a layer of product on my face. It also has squalane and peptides, which supposedly help with anti-aging, but I mostly liked it because my skin felt soft and smooth the next morning.
Bubble Slam Dunk Hydrating Facial Moisturizer
This one surprised me. It’s more affordable than some of the others, and the pump packaging is super convenient. It has a creamy texture that feels nice going on, and it gives a dewy look without feeling sticky. The only downside is that I had to wait a few minutes before applying makeup, or else it would pill a little.
Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream
This is a good option if your skin is extra irritated. It’s thicker than a regular moisturizer, but not in a heavy way—it just feels soothing, like it’s calming things down instantly. It helped reduce some redness I had, especially around my nose and cheeks. It’s on the pricier side, so I’d probably save it for when my skin really needs extra help.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Barrier Balm
I tried this mainly because I liked the idea of a stick moisturizer. It’s super convenient to throw in a bag and apply whenever you need a little extra hydration. It glides on smoothly, but you do have to rub it in a bit so it fully absorbs. I think it’s great for travel or for spot-treating really dry areas, but I wouldn’t use it as my main moisturizer.
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream
This one is pretty rich, but it sinks in well. It’s one of those moisturizers that makes your skin feel soft right away, and after a couple of weeks, I noticed my skin looked healthier overall. If you have really dry skin, this is a solid choice, though it might be a bit much if you’re prone to breakouts.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
I had high expectations for this one since it’s so hyped up. It does feel really nice on the skin—hydrating and a little firming—but it’s definitely on the heavier side. I liked using it at night or under makeup when I wanted a glowy look. I don’t think it’s a must-have, but if you’re into luxury skincare, it’s worth trying.
Caudalie Premier Cru The Cream
This one is fancy and feels very smooth when you apply it. It’s moisturizing but not greasy, and it has a subtle scent that makes it feel spa-like. I can’t say I saw a dramatic difference in my skin, but it felt nice to use. If you’re willing to splurge, it’s a good option.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream
This one is all about repairing the skin barrier. It’s thick but spreads easily, and it’s great for really dry or sensitive skin. I found that it worked best when I used it consistently—it made my skin feel stronger and less prone to irritation. If you have issues with dryness or a compromised barrier, this is worth checking out.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
This is one of those “does-it-all” creams. It’s good for the face and body, and it’s especially great if you have eczema or super dry patches. It’s not super fancy, but it gets the job done. I kept this one on hand for when my skin needed extra TLC.
Rhode Barrier Restore Cream
I was curious about this one because of all the hype. It’s lightweight but still moisturizing, and it has a cooling effect when you apply it. My skin looked dewy after using it, but I wouldn’t say it’s the most hydrating option on this list. If you like a gel-cream texture, you’ll probably enjoy this one.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a solid everyday moisturizer, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is the best all-around pick. If you need something richer, Skinfix Barrier+ or Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream are great options. And if you want a lightweight, refreshing feel, Rhode Barrier Restore Cream or Bubble Slam Dunk are worth a shot. No matter what, finding a good moisturizer makes a huge difference in keeping dry skin comfortable and healthy.
