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Is your skin feeling tight, flaky or just plain thirsty? You're not alone! Dry skin can happen to anyone, whether it's from winter weather, indoor heating, genetics or just the natural aging process. But don't worry, the right moisturizer can transform your skin from desert-dry to dewy-fresh. It’s true!
To identify the absolute best moisturizers for parched skin, we consulted with top celebrity estheticians who work with A-list clients like Madonna, Kelly Ripa and Kesha. These skin experts know exactly which formulas deliver serious moisture without causing irritation or breakouts.
Whether you're looking for an affordable drugstore gem or ready to splurge on a spendier luxury formula, we've got expert-approved recommendations that will quench even the thirstiest skin.
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2Best Advanced Formula: SkinBetter Trio Rebalancing Moisture TreatmentBest Splurge: MDNA SKIN The Finishing CreamBest Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face MoisturizerBest Multitasker: Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial CreamBest for Barrier Repair: EltaMD Barrier Renewal ComplexBest for Mature Skin: Nakery Beauty Lift-Tox Night Lift Repair CreamBest for Elasticity: Revision Skincare DEJ Face CreamBest Overnight Treatment: SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight CreamHow to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Finding your perfect moisture match takes some know-how, and our experts have broken it down into simple terms. "When selecting a moisturizer for dry skin, look for ingredients that nourish, repair and lock in hydration without causing irritation," explains Edyta Jarosz, a celebrity esthetician who works with Madonna and Kelly Ripa. She recommends focusing on three types of ingredients.
"First, look for humectants, which are ingredients that draw moisture into the skin," she says. "Hyaluronic acid, glycerin and urea are powerful humectants that help increase skin's water content, giving it a plumper, more youthful appearance."
Next, she suggests looking for emollients like squalane, shea butter and plant oils (such as jojoba or olive oil) to help soften the skin and smooth over rough, flaky patches. Finally, don't forget about occlusives, which form a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to prevent water loss. “Ceramides, fatty acids, and certain waxes and butters help trap moisture and support the skin's natural barrier function," she adds.
Nancy Reagan of Bella Reina Spa recommends taking a holistic approach. "Choosing the best moisturizer for dry skin starts with choosing the right cleanser," she says. "You want to make sure that the cleanser hasn't stripped the skin barrier and irritated the microbiome of the skin. If that happens, the moisturizer will never be able to keep up with the demands of skin that has barrier and microbiome issues."
Liz Folce, founder of Nakery Beauty, offers some more practical advice. "Look for moisturizers that are clinically proven to optimally hydrate the skin for an extended period of time," she says.
Timing is everything when it comes to getting the most from your hydrator. "Moisturizer is used as one of the final steps in both your morning and evening skincare routine," explains Jarosz. "After cleansing, toning and applying any serums or treatments, moisturizer helps to lock in hydration and seal all the active ingredients into the skin. In the morning, it's followed by sunscreen as the very last step."
For nighttime routines, Reagan says, "moisturizers should be applied after a treatment serum at night. This will lock in moisture. Additionally, a night mask can be mixed with a moisturizer to provide 'skin flooding' hydration overnight."
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10 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin, According to Celebrity Estheticians
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, $155
Jarosz gives this luxurious cream her top recommendation, describing it as "a rich, velvety cream that restores essential lipids—ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids—to deeply nourish dry skin while visibly improving firmness, texture and radiance." This cream doesn't just hydrate; it helps rebuild your skin's natural moisture barrier.
Best Advanced Formula: SkinBetter Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment, $160
"This is my absolute favorite moisturizer for dry, aging skin," raves Kristin Gunn, celebrity esthetician and owner of Halcyon Skincare and Beaux Medspa. "It deeply hydrates and supports the skin barrier without feeling heavy or greasy. It also helps improve the appearance of fine lines by plumping dehydrated skin." This sophisticated formula combines multiple technologies to address several dry skin concerns at once.
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Best Splurge: MDNA Skin The Finishing Cream, $250
If you're ready to indulge in a truly luxe experience, Jarosz recommends this cream from Madonna's skincare line: "This exquisite cream is infused with rare Montecatini thermal water, precursor ceramides, and crushed pearls to deeply hydrate, illuminate and visibly smooth the skin.” She adds that it blurs imperfections while restoring radiance, perfect if you want both performance and indulgence in your skincare routine.
Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, $23.99
Great skincare doesn't have to break the bank. Jarosz loves this less expensive option, saying it's "affordable yet effective, this lightweight cream restores the skin barrier with ceramides and prebiotic thermal water—gentle enough for sensitive, dry skin types."
Best Multitasker: Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream, $49
When you want one product that does it all, Jarosz recommends this powerhouse: "This versatile moisturizer delivers deep hydration with multi-weight hyaluronic acid and supports the skin barrier with prebiotic peptides.” She adds that it’s clinically proven to boost skin moisture by 55 percent and enhance barrier function by 30 percent within an hour. Plus, it's suitable for both day and night use, layering beautifully under makeup and SPF.
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Best for Barrier Repair: EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex, $58.90
When your skin barrier is compromised, Gunn has the perfect solution: "This one is specifically designed to repair and strengthen a compromised skin barrier, which is critical for dry, flaky, or sensitized skin. It uses ceramides, enzymes, and lipids to soothe while rebuilding hydration from the inside out." This specialized formula is ideal for anyone whose skin feels irritated, red, or extra sensitive due to barrier damage.
Best for Mature Skin: Nakery BeautyLift-Tox Night Lift Repair Cream, $34.95
As we age, our skin has different needs, and Folce has just the solution: "Cutting edge technology particularly for mature skin. Plant estrogens, neuro-peptides, and collagen to specifically address the major skin changes that happen in menopause." This specialized formula addresses both dryness and age-related concerns in one luxurious cream.
Best for Elasticity: Revision Skincare DEJ Face Cream, $156.75
"DEJ Face Cream is an amazing moisturizer, but the cool thing is that Revision figured out how to improve loss of elasticity too!" says Gunn. "By strengthening the dermal-epidermal junction, where skin starts to thin as we age, it delivers intense hydration while also helping the skin function younger. This one is a great multitasker for dry, mature skin." This innovative approach makes it perfect for those concerned with both dryness and sagging.
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Best Overnight Treatment: SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream, $145
Reagan includes this powerful cream among her top recommendations for overnight hydration and repair. This formula combines a retinoid with an alpha hydroxy acid for transformative results without the irritation typically associated with retinol. The innovative formula works while you sleep to hydrate, smooth texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Sources:
Edyta Jarosz, celebrity esthetician who works with Madonna, Kelly Ripa, and KeshaNancy Reagan of Bella Reina SpaLiz Folce, founder of Nakery Beauty and licensed estheticianKristin Gunn, celebrity esthetician and owner of Halcyon Skincare and Beaux MedspaRelated: The Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine for Women Over 50, According to Celebrity Estheticians
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