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TOP 10 BEST MOISTURISERS FOR DRY SKIN

A medium shot of Drunk Elephant’s Lala Retro Whipped Cream in the palm of a model’s hand. In a studio setting, in front of a purple background.

We’ve all been guilty of the more is more approach when applying moisturiser to dry, dull or dehydrated skin. But like a lot of things in life (read: skin care), it’s not about the quantity of the formula, it’s about the quality. With that in mind, here at Cult Beauty we’ve rounded up the top ten best moisturisers for dry skin primed to revive parched complexions – with just a pea-sized amount.  

Trust us, when it comes the best moisturisers for dry skin a little goes a *long* way… 

OUR TOP 10 MOISTURISERS FOR DRY SKIN 

  1. Avène Hydrance Aqua Gel Moisturiser 
  2. Thank You Farmer Rice Pure Gel and Cream 
  3. Weleda Skin Food 
  4. ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Ultra Rich 
  5. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA  
  6. BYOMA Moisturising Gel Cream  
  7. Paula’s Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer 
  8. KraveBeauty Oat So Simple Water Cream 
  9. Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream 
  10. Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturizer  

BEST MOISTURISERS FOR DRY SKIN 

Take a dip and drench your skin with Avène’s Hydrance Aqua Gel Moisturiser. Melding provitamin E and myrtle extract, this gel-cream formula protects, brightens and quenches your complexion’s thirst. Plus, with the addition of the brand signature Thermal Spring Water, your skin is primed to look softer, smoother and more supple for longer.  

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Giving you the best of both worlds, Thank You Farmer’s Rice Pure Gel and Cream features two textures: a lightweight hydrating gel and a thicker moisturising cream in the same pot. Designed to be mixed and matched according to your complexion’s needs, this innovative creation works hard to clear your skin while serving up some serious hydration. All that’s left to do is cater the ratio of individual formula depending on the time of day, season or your desired results.  

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Making its debut in 1926, Weleda’s Skin Food had evolved from a cult secret to being dubbed the best moisturiser for dry skin. A beauty bestseller for good reason, this signature solution blends beeswax, sunflower and sweet almond oil to lock in some much-needed moisture and offer long-lasting hydration.  Oh, and did we mention it can be used from top-to-toe too? We’re talking everywhere from your complexion and neck to your elbows, knees and everywhere in between. 

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Dreamt up with mature skin types in mind, ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Ultra Rich diminishes the look of fine lines while delivering your daily dose of dew. Supercharged with padina pavonica. chlorella, cacao bean *and* cocoa butter, the famed formula nourishes, firms and protects your skin for radiant results everyone will be envy off. 

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Supporting your natural moisture barrier, The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA features a cocktail of ingredients that appear naturally in your skin (think everything from amino and fatty acid to ceramides glycerine and hyaluronic acid) to keep the outer layer of your complexion hydrated, plump and bouncy.  

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Enriched with the brand’s barrier-boosting tri-ceramide complexes, BYOMA’s Moisturising Gel Cream is just as refreshing as it is replenishing. Designed to draw in and retain moisture, this must-have works to restore and reduce the look of redness, dryness and uneven skin tone. What’s more, offering an instant cooling sensation when applies, it’s ideal for giving your complexion the wake up call it needs. 

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Like a big glass of water for your skin, Paula’s Choice’s Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer recharges dull and lacklustre complexions for a results that are refreshed, revived and oh so radiant. Infused with antioxidants and olive-derived fatty acids, this mineral-rich blend softens, soothes and never leaves you feeling (or looking) greasy. We’ll cheers to that! 

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We can’t talk about the best moisturisers for dry skin without spotlighting KraveBeauty’s Oat So Simple Water Cream. Aptly named, this famed favourite utilises oatmeal extract to soothe any sensitivity, redness or stressed-looking skin. But that’s not all, fortified with derived squalane and trehalose, it traps water, locking moisture in and shielding your protective barrier against external aggressors too. In short, there’s not much this everyday essential can’t do… 

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Produced at an ideal pH level of 5.5, Drunk Elephant’s Lala Retro Whipped Cream prevents complexions from looking dull or dry while providing moisturising benefits throughout the day and night. Powered by six African oils, this luxurious lotion ensures brighter, better days ahead.  

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The secret to cushioned, comforted complexions? Summer Fridays’ Cloud Dew Gel Cream Moisturiser. Calling on a medley of hydrating heroes, this featherweight formula harnesses not one, but three, weights of hyaluronic acid to deliver up to 72 hours of skin-smoothing moisture. And if that wasn’t enough, it’s infused with a complex of ceramides, minerals and amino acids to provide antioxidant protection against free radicals. Now that’s why we consider this one of the best moisturisers for dry skin…  

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BEST MOISTURISERS FOR DRY SKIN FAQS 

Which type of moisture is best for dry skin? 

When looking for the best moisturisers for dry skin, it’s important to look at the ingredients list. Any formula that contains humectants such as hyaluronic acid, squalane and glycerine effectively diminish dryness and prevents against water loss.   

How to tell if skin is dry or dehydrated? 

While dry skin is a skin type that refers to the lack of sebum production, dehydrated skin is a state caused by a lack of water in the skin. But how do you tell the difference between the two? Simple. The tale-tell signs off dry skin is when your complexion appears dull, feels dry and is prone to cracking. Whereas dehydrated skin tends to have more of a tired appearance – AKA dark shadows, under-eye circles and fine lines.  

Is hyaluronic acid good for dry skin? 

In short yes hyaluronic acid is good for dry skin. As a humectant, it can hold up to 1000x its weight in water and draws in and holds onto moisture for ultimate hydration.  

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Trifonia Asmar
Trifonia Asmar Writer and expert

Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.

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