How to Choose the Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin

We’ve all dealt with dry skin before when winter rolls around, but some of us have to fight it year-round. What’s worse is that dry skin not only feels uncomfortable but also makes our complexions look duller! And the loss of moisture from dry skin can also contribute to faster signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Not to worry, once you find the best moisturizer for dry skin, you’ll be able to tame that dry flaky mess for the long run. Here’s why moisturizer is an absolute essential for dry skin, and how to choose the best one for a baby’s soft, glowing skin.

Why Do I Need a Moisturizer?

Dry skin can be pretty easy to detect. It can come with itching, irritated skin, or dry flaky patches. Your makeup might flake off, no matter how hard you try. This will all have you wanting the perfect remedy for dry skin ASAP. But treating dry skin isn’t just about pumping it with H2O. The key to our dry skin treatment technique relies on a one-two punch: hydration and moisturization.

Hydration involves feeding your skin H2O, which usually comes in the form of a toner or serum. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and floral hydrosols. On the other hand, moisturization is an important step of using oil to lock the water in and prevent it from evaporating. Think avocado butter or organic argan oil. You need a moisturizer because water needs a humectant to reinforce your skin’s natural lipid barrier and keep water and nutrients in. Dry skin needs both hydration and moisturization, and you should use a moisturizer regularly to keep water locked into your skin. Got it? Let’s dive into choosing the best moisturizer for dry skin.

The Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin for Daytime

Restorative Sea Culture Extra Riche Créme

We’re constantly on the go during the daytime, which can lead to water rapidly evaporating from our parched skin cells. Make sure to finish off your AM skincare routine with a luxe face cream. We’ve formulated Restorative Sea Culture Extra Riche Créme as an especially great moisturizer for dry skin types. We’ve enlisted seaweed to help keep your skin pampered and moisturized. Yes, seaweed polysaccharides and red algae are excellent at locking in hydration for supple skin! Add to that the rich sea minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins to nourish your skin ointhe long run for a healthier, plumper complexion. We recommend pairing this moisturizer with our Fermented Rice Water Serum to help fight the dullness that usually comes with dry skin.

Green Tea EGCG Concentrate Cream

Dry skin can result from environmental damage (like UV rays from the sun) too. Free radical damage from the sun, pollution, and toxins can damage skin cell DNA. It can also destroy collagen and elastin, as well as damage skin cell membranes that work to lock in precious moisture. After losing a close friend to skin cancer, our founder Susie Wang created a skincare duo with the best protective antioxidant for the skin – EGCG from green tea. EGCG enhances DNA repair and soothes for healthier skin cell function, thus ensuring that beneficial, moisturizing ingredients are kept in, while harmful toxins are kept out. If you’re concerned about free radical damage, Green Tea EGCG Protective Cream is the best moisturizer for dry skin. But if you’re looking to reap the benefits of natural skin care, switching between these two moisturizers in your skincare routine doesn’t hurt either! Pair Green Tea EGCG Protective Cream with our Restorative Sea Hydrate Serum to drench parched skin cells with hydration.

Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Ultra Riché PM Treatment

We discussed why moisturizing dry skin is so important when you’re out and about during the daytime, but we can say the same about the PM! Skin recovery occurs during the night while you sleep, but you can’t constantly get up every hour during the night for a glass of water. That’s why you’ll need an especially rich moisturizer for your evening skincare routine. Pack on our luscious evening treatment cream for a good dose of Vitamin E to keep your dermis moisturized and protected during the PM. We’ve included a whole list of skin care goodies too, like Vitamin B3 and B5 to enhance your skin’s lipid barrier, and Vitamin C to boost collagen production (read up on which vitamins are the best for your skin!). This creamy balm also contains Vitamin A from carrot seeds, so make sure to stick to nighttime use, and follow up with a natural SPF the next day!

Retinol Restorative Overnight Balm

Speaking of skin repair during the night, a rich moisturizer with potent anti-aging ingredients can lend you a helping hand. Retinol derived from carrot seeds neutralizes free radicals within our skin to defend against wrinkles and dry skin, while stimulating collagen production for that plump glowing complexion. This nighttime superstar also includes non-comedogenic avocado butter to keep dry skin moisturized without feeling greasy. Vitamin E moisturizes flakes and cracks. Sunflower seed oil and olive oil enhance skin repair so you can wake up to baby-soft skin. Again, follow up with a natural SPF the next day, and you’ll be ready to greet the new day with a moisturized glow!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right moisturizer for daytime use?

When selecting a daytime moisturizer, opt for a lightweight formula with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from UV damage. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration and antioxidants, such as vitamin C, to shield your skin from environmental stressors. A non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly is ideal for layering under makeup.

Why is it important to moisturize dry skin at night?

Moisturizing at night supports your skin’s natural repair process, which is most active while you sleep. A rich, nourishing moisturizer replenishes hydration levels lost during the day and helps repair the skin barrier. This nighttime care prevents dryness and flakiness, leaving your skin softer and healthier by morning.

What ingredients should I look for in a moisturizer for dry skin?

For dry skin, prioritize ingredients like:

Hyaluronic acid: Attracts and retains moisture.
Ceramides: Restore the skin barrier.
Glycerin: Draws water into the skin.
Shea butter or oils (like jojoba or argan): Provide deep hydration.
Niacinamide: Soothes and strengthens the skin.

Avoid alcohol-based ingredients or fragrances, which can exacerbate dryness.

How does green tea EGCG protect dry skin from environmental damage?

EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), a potent antioxidant in green tea, combats free radical damage caused by UV rays and pollution. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and irritation in dry, sensitive skin. Additionally, EGCG promotes hydration by supporting the skin’s barrier function.

How does retinol help moisturize and repair dry, flaky skin?

Retinol stimulates cell turnover, helping shed dead, flaky skin while promoting the growth of new, healthy cells. It also boosts collagen production, improving skin texture and elasticity. When combined with a hydrating base, retinol can improve overall moisture levels. To prevent irritation, pair retinol with a gentle, nourishing moisturizer and use it at night.