As winter rolls in and temperatures drop, your skin craves something more nourishing than your lightweight summer products. If you suffer from dry skin, you know this struggle all too well. As a Canadian girl with dehydrated skin, I reach for rich formulas when temperatures drop to single digits! Here are some of the tried and true face moisturizers for dry skin.
Forget those gels and light creams you relied on during the warmer months—what your skin needs now is a powerful, deeply hydrating face moisturizer that can stand up to the cold, dry air. Whether you’re struggling with dehydration, flaky patches or a dull complexion, incorporating a good face moisturizer into your routine is key to keeping your skin supple and happy all season long.
Why Your Skin Needs Extra Care During the Winter Months
Winter brings more than just cozy sweaters and festive drinks; it also means dealing with dry, cold air that strips moisture from your skin. Indoor heating and hot showers only add to the problem, leaving your skin feeling tight, irritated, and flaky. This is why your skincare routine needs to shift with the seasons, focusing on replenishing lost moisture and protecting the skin’s barrier.
Related: Transitioning Your Skincare from Summer to Winter
When choosing a face moisturizer, look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and fatty acids. These key players help lock in hydration and prevent water loss, ensuring your skin stays soft and plump, no matter how cold it gets outside.
From rich creams to lightweight formulas with a serious hydration punch, here’s a list of the best face moisturizers for dry skin that will have you ready to face the winter elements. If you’re looking for winter skincare products specific to dry skin, these cult favourites will not disappoint.
1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Let’s start with a classic. The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is a tried-and-true staple in many skincare routines, especially when the winter months leave your skin feeling parched.
Infused with prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, and niacinamide, this moisturizer delivers intense hydration and restores the skin’s barrier—exactly what your skin needs to fight harsh winter conditions. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it works perfectly for sensitive skin types.
2. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
When it comes to affordability without sacrificing effectiveness, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream continues to be a go-to for dry skin. Formulated with essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this cream locks in moisture and reinforces the skin’s natural barrier, making it an ideal pick for cold-weather months.
It’s thick without being greasy, and it’s great for both day and night use. Consider this one of the best face moisturizers for those with severely dry skin during the winter.
It is also great for the entire body and perfect for skin of all ages. It is a household staple for my family, including my toddler who suffers from eczema.
3. Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream
If you’re looking to splurge a little on a high-end face moisturizer, Drunk Elephant’s Lala Retro Whipped Cream is worth the investment. The rich, whipped formula provides a boost of long-lasting hydration, thanks to its blend of six rare African oils and ceramides.
It’s lightweight, despite its heavy feel, and absorbs perfectly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. With its powerhouse of hydrating ingredients, this is a product that you’ll want to reach for again and again.
4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
If you prefer a lighter texture but still need intense hydration, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel is a great option. This moisturizer uses hyaluronic acid to attract moisture to the skin, giving it a plump, hydrated feel that lasts all day. The gel consistency is perfect for layering under makeup without any pilling or oiliness.
This gel is an excellent choice for combating winter dryness without reaching for a heavy cream. Despite its lightweight feel, this gel still deserves its place as one of the best and most versatile moisturizers for dry skin.
5. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Winter skin troubles call for the big guns, and First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream doesn’t disappoint. Rich in colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and allantoin, this cream provides immediate relief to dry skin and helps soothe irritation.
It’s safe for even the most sensitive skin types, making it a fantastic addition to your winter skincare arsenal. Whether you’re dealing with eczema or just want an extra boost of moisture, this cream delivers.
6. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
If you’re looking to combine intense hydration with additional skin benefits, Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is a great choice. Packed with hyaluronic acid, amino peptides, and niacinamide, this moisturizer plumps the skin, smooths fine lines, and boosts moisture retention.
Its rich formula melts into the skin without leaving a greasy finish, making it perfect for winter use when your skin needs extra nourishment.
7. Avène Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream
Avène is known for its soothing formulas, and the Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream is no exception. Infused with thermal spring water, this cream provides long-lasting hydration while calming sensitive or irritated skin.
The creamy texture makes it an excellent option for those battling flaky, rough patches caused by winter’s harsh conditions. This cream is ideal for anyone looking for a product that targets dry skin while reducing redness and discomfort.
8. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
A cult favourite for a reason, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream delivers lasting hydration even in extreme weather conditions. It’s lightweight yet deeply moisturizing, with ingredients like squalane and glacial glycoprotein to strengthen the skin’s barrier and retain moisture.
This moisturizer works wonders on all skin types, but it’s especially effective on dry, dehydrated skin during the colder months.
9. Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
For an indulgent experience, Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream is a luxurious option that delivers a beautiful, dewy glow. Crafted with Japanese purple rice, algae, and hyaluronic acid, this cream nourishes and locks in moisture, leaving your skin soft, plump, and luminous.
Its velvety texture makes it ideal for nighttime use or as a base under makeup for a winter glow. It’s a standout among those who want to spend a few extra dollars to elevate their skincare routine.
10. Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
For serious hydration, Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream is a heavy-duty option that rescues even the driest skin. Its thick, rich formula is packed with natural ingredients like calendula, chamomile, and pansy extract, which help soothe and protect dry, cracked skin.
While it’s on the heavier side, it’s perfect for those struggling with extreme dryness and flakiness in the winter months. A favourite among beauty lovers, this cream is a lifesaver and works well to revive dry elbows, hands and feet, too! You have to love a versatile product.
This winter, don’t let the dry air dull your glow. With moisturizers specially formulated for stubborn, dry skin in your skincare arsenal, you’ll be smooth, hydrated, and radiant throughout the season. From lightweight gels to rich creams, these are by far some of the best face moisturizers in the game. They aim to ensure that your skin stays nourished, even when the temperatures are less than ideal.
Whether you’re dealing with a bit of dryness or more severe winter-induced irritation, investing in a high-quality face moisturizer is the secret to maintaining a healthy glow.
This post was all about the best face moisturizers for dry skin in winter.
Shop This Post
Leave a Reply