The 7 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin to Keep Your Complexion Hydrated

Moisturizers are recommended for everyone's routine, but for those with dry skin, it's non-negotiable. "Moisturizing every day, twice a day is how I tell my patients to keep their skin's barrier function healthy," explains Rita Linkner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "It's of importance across the board, no matter your age or your tendency for dry skin. A moisturized skin barrier is a must, 365 days a year." If you've been diligent about moisturizing but you're not satisfied with the results, it could be because your product is missing a key ingredient. "Ceramides are the glue that keeps our skin cells together," Linkner explains. "Ideally, your moisturizer should have a concoction of ceramides in it to maintain your skin's capacity to fight everyday stressors, like extremes of weather, pollution, temperature, and humidity." To save you from browsing through countless products, here are seven excellent moisturizers for dry skin that also address other complexion concerns.

Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin from the Drugstore

You don't have to spend a lot to get an effective face lotion. This option is packed with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to lock in moisture. It's non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free, so it's excellent for sensitive skin. Plus, it doubles as a body lotion.

Buy It: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($13, Walmart)

Best Anti-Aging Moisturizer for Dry Skin

Since its launch in 2012, Drunk Elephant's products have been popular with skincare lovers because of the high-quality ingredients and fun packaging—and this moisturizer is no exception. It's filled with an African oil blend, ceramides, and phytosphingosine that soothes and restores skin. The cream also helps with fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness.

Buy It: Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Moisturizer with Ceramides ($60, Sephora)

Best Dry-Skin Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Complexions

Yes, it is possible to have dry yet acne-prone skin. If you fall into this category, try this lightweight moisturizer by Murad. It has a matte finish and reduces pores' visibility by 54%. The top-rated lotion also has an SPF 45 to protect your skin from the sun.

Buy It: Oil and Pore Control Mattifier ($42, Murad)

Best Moisturizer for Extra Dry Skin

There's dry skin, and then there's dry, flaky, begging-for-moisture skin. This leave-on mask is for that kind of complexion. The formula is filled with oils to give your skin the surge of moisture it needs. You only have to use it two to three times per week, on top of your daily moisturizer.

Buy It: First Aid Beauty Pharma Arnica Relief & Rescue Mask ($32, Dermstore)

Best Tinted Moisturizer for Dry Skin

This SPF 30 cream does more than moisturize—it color corrects, too. (It's so good, you could even skip your foundation when you use this cream.) It's made with panthenol, a provitamin of B5, which moisturizes, and herbs to brighten the complexion. Don't be concerned with the green tint; once you rub it in, the lotion changes to match your skin tone.

Buy It: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment ($52, Sephora)

Best Natural Moisturizer for Dry Skin

If you want the cleanest formula, this face cream is your best option. The organic formula features Morrocan Argan oil to hydrate and acai to improve complexion. It's free of phthalates, parabens, and sulfates. It's also vegan.

Buy It: Nourish Organic Ultra Hydrating Face Cream ($20, Walmart)

Best Moisturizer for Dry, Sensitive Skin

This option deeply moisturizes for a full 48 hours, thanks to d-panthenol. It's hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free, which are key for those with sensitive skin. The cream has received rave reviews, including one five-star rater who writes, "This purchase changed my life."

Buy It: Centella Sensitive Cica-Cream ($33, Kiehl's)