We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
15 best moisturisers that instantly hydrate dry skin, tried and tested 2026
And, we quiz experts on EYNTK about treating dry skin
Finding the best moisturiser for dry skin is no easy feat. As a beauty writer – and someone who suffers from dry skin – it’s a category I have spent years testing in search of the very best formulas. Especially as the humble moisturiser is the bookend to your skincare routine, it’s important to find the right one.
Figuring out which is the best moisturiser for you can be a tricky task, considering the shelves are crowded with hundreds of different options – literally. When you have chronically thirsty skin, it’s important to find a formula that will work in the short-term but will work in the long term to prevent further dehydration.
Speaking of, let’s set the record straight between dry and dehydrated skin. While dry skin is a skin type, dehydrated skin is a temporary condition characterised by a loss of water. Either way, it’s important to find a moisturiser that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin with barrier-supporting ceramides – all of which you will find in this edit.
Best moisturisers for dry skin in 2026
Best moisturiser with ceramides
The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser
Read review
I have spent many hours testing the best moisturisers for dry skin and speaking to industry exerts. And turns out, there’s plenty to consider when shopping for the right formula. What texture is best? What are the good ingredients to look out for – and what are the bad ones too? Suddenly, the straightforward task of applying moisturiser just got a little more complicated.
So, where to start when finding the best face cream for your poor dry skin? Here, see the most effective formulas that have a place in my bathroom cupboard. You’ll find the best ones for dry skin, barrier repair and sensitive skin. Others are packed with ceramides and peptides, while others contain hyaluronic acid. I have tested luxury players, high-street heroes and viral buys. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a moisturiser suited to everyone.
Keep scrolling as I speak with dermatologist Dr Cristina Psomadakis (Soma), who answers the FAQs on moisturisers for dry skin
The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser
The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser
Pros
- Strengthens and supports the skin barrier
- It's fragrance free
- It's affordable
Cons
- It can pill if used with too many other skincare ingredients
I’ve gotten through more pots of this wonder moisturiser than I can count – and I know many fellow beauty editors who’d agree with me.
Not only does The Inkey Lists’ Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser tackle visible signs of skin ageing, but it offers a rich boost of hydration. And when I say rich, I mean rich. As you can gather from the picture, it’s has a super thick consistency making it a brilliant option if you have majorly dry, flaky skin.
Better still, if you love a product that offers a glow, you won't want to miss out on this one as it unveils a natural-looking radiance after every use.
Key Specifications:
| Texture: | Rich |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Ceramides |
Curèl Intensive Moisture Facial Cream
Curèl Intensive Moisture Facial Cream
Pros
- It contains brilliant ingredients for skin barrier support
- It's rich enough for dry and sensitive skin
Cons
- The tub is a little bulky for travel
If you have seriously dry skin – we’re talking dehydrated, flaking and sore – Curèl is the Japanese skincare brand that has your back. All the products in its Intensive Moisture Care range are saviours for sensitive skin, but this rich cream truly doubles down on hydration.
It’s packed with ceramides, the ideal ingredient to strengthen and lock moisture into your skin barrier, so even after one use you’ll notice how it quickly calms areas of sensitivity or soreness. And while the texture feels thick when you first scoop it out of the tub, it quickly sinks in leaving a radiant glow.
Key Specifications:
| Texture: | Rich |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Ceramides |
Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream
Pros
- It has a lightweight and soothing gel-like texture
- It strengthens the skin barrier
- A great choice for those with sensitive or dry acne-prone skin
Cons
- It may not be nourishing enough for those with very dry complexions
Relief by name, relief by nature, this cream from Dr Althea will be your new BFF as we head into dry-skin season. The lightweight cream contains niacinamide, panthenol (a skin softener) and opuntia ficus-indica stem extract (an antioxidant) to nourish and hydrate while also protecting your skin against free radicals – things like pollution.
I’m also obsessed with the gel-like texture which adds a layer of hydration without feeling too rich. It’s not as deeply nourishing as others in this edit, so one to lean on if you have dehydrated oily skin or combination skin.
Key Specifications:
| Texture: | Lightweight gel |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Niacinamide, panthenol and opuntia ficus-indica stem extract |
Weleda Skin Food
Pros
- It's an intensely rich formula that nourishes and hydrates
- It can be used under makeup
- The cream can be used on face, elbows, hands and feet
Cons
- It has a strong botanical-like scent that some may not like
Ah, the mighty Weleda Skin Food. This humble high-street player may cost £16 but it has remained a favourite amongst celebrities and makeup artists for years – not to mention the many awards it has won.
What makes it so special? It's a multi-functional, satisfyingly rich treatment that makes the perfect base for makeup, thanks to its glowy sheen, but it also deeply hydrates the skin, lips and cuticles. It'll be the hardest working product in your makeup bag.
Key Specifications:
| Texture: | Rich |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients: | Sweet almond oil and sunflower seed oil, lanolin and chamomile |
Aestura Atobarrier Cream
Aestura Atobarrier Cream
Pros
- It helps to repair barrier damage thanks to ceramides
- The formula is very gentle and fragrance free
- It offers long-lasting hydration
Cons
- Some may find the finish a little oily
If you’ve taken things too far with retinol and you’ve compromised your skin barrier because of it, pick up a tube of the Aestura Atobarrier Cream.
Packed with ceramides, this does a stellar job at restoring your skin back to a plump and hydrated state – and it doesn’t feel too rich making it a great day-time cream. Stay loyal to it and even after a few uses you will notice dry patches fade and a healthy glow will appear.
Key Specifications:
| Texture: | Rich yet lightweight |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Ceramides |
Medik8 Advanced Night Restore
Pros
- Supports the barrier function
- The hydrating cream instantly sinks into the skin
- It's fragrance free
Cons
- It's relatively expensive
Medik8's Advanced Night Restore cream is a tried-and-tested fave amongst the Cosmo gang.
It may tip towards the pricey side, but the results are worth every penny; the ceramide-packed formula helps to restore the skin's barrier while keeping it hydrated and radiant.
Plus, if you're a stan of the brand's cult Crystal Retinal, this makes the perfect counterpart, reducing any potential irritation from the vitamin A.
Key Specifications:
| Texture: | Rich yet lightweight |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Ceramides, peptides, saskatoon berry, dragon fruit extract |
Pros
- It offers great hydration without feeling greasy or too thick
- It can be worn under makeup
- It’s light and delicate on those with sensitive skin types
Cons
- We’d love a bigger tube!
Prequel is the latest US beauty brand to hit the UK – and already it has been SpaceNK’s biggest launch of 2026. Wowza. The brand is all about basic but brilliant skincare that genuinely gets the job done. Tbh, as a twenty-something year old who’s trying to repair her skin barrier, is far more sexy to me RN than a load of actives.
This was the first product from the brand I tried, and it’s what started my love affair. It’s creamy, blends like a dream, contains zero fragrances, is dermatologist–developed and is suitable for sensitive skin types (this includes eczema). Okay and *breathe*. What can this blue tube not to? It’s packed with a ferment-peptide complex, ceramides and glycerin (to name a few) to help repair your skin barrier, reduce water loss and contribute to a soothed, happy complexion.
For £20, there’s no going wrong here: it’s one moisturiser you can use day and night, taking all faff and fuss out of your skincare routine. It’s also a pleasure to use. It quickly melted into my skin without leaving any greasiness or tacky residue.
Key Ingredients:
| Texture: | Creamy without feeling too heavy |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | A ferment-peptide complex, ceramides and glycerin |
Pros
- It’s packed with a patented technology (TFC5) to hydrate, protect and support the skin barrier function
- It’s silky and lightweight
Cons
- It’s expensive
Before you completely rule this one out due to the £60 price tag, hear me out. If you’ve always wanted to try Augustinus Bader but can’t justify the price (same) this is a brilliant offer from Dua Lip’s collab with the brand. The Renewal Cream still contains a patented technology – TFC5 – designed to promote healthy skin and protect against environmental factors. This is in comparison to the brand’s Rich Cream (which contains TFC8) that’s aimed at repairing and renewing the skin.
So yes, £60 is expensive for a moisturiser, but I can testify that the results prove why. I removed all the actives and exfoliants from my skincare routine and just used a hydrating serum and this moisturiser for four weeks. Breakouts reduced, my complexion appeared clearer and more unified, and overall my skin felt far more hydrated and happy. I’m now onto my second bottle.
Key Specifications:
| Texture: | Silky cream |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | TFC5, Pre- and Post-biotic Blend, Hexapeptide-9 |
Pros
- Lends deep hydration without feeling rich or claggy
- Gives the complexion a healthy glow
- Sits well underneath makeup
Cons
- Those with very dry skin may require something richer
I’m not one to get persuaded by celebrity influence, though when it came to Rhode, all that went out the window. Whether I thought it would be good or not, I simply had to have Rhode in my beauty bag. So it goes, not only is it founded by Hailey Bieber, but the products are pretty darn good.
The Barrier Butter melts in like a dream: it’s not too rich nor too lightweight, just that silky sweet spot that sinks in instantly. Not to mention the healthy and hydrated glow it leaves. As you’d expect from Rhode, it sits well under makeup and, when paired with a skin tint, gives that glossy look that’s sooo Rhode. I also appreciate the blend of niacinamide, shea butter, squalane and peptides so it keeps my skin feeling as healthy as it looks.
Key Specifications:
| Texture: | Silky cream |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Niacinamide, shea butter, squalane and peptides |
Tirtir Matcha Calming Cream
Tirtir Matcha Calming Cream
Pros
- It has a unique, bouncy texture
- Skin feels soft and hydrated after use
- Packed with nourishing, skin-calming ingredients
Cons
- It’s best used as an evening moisturiser, as some may find it too thick to use before makeup
I want everyone to experience this moisturiser; not just for the satisfying pudding-like texture, but for the nourishing, hydrating and skin-calming properties. Loaded with Matcha PDRN (concentration: 10,000 ppm), heartleaf and 13 peptide complexes, it does a stellar job at soothing irritation while keeping your complexion feeling plump, juicy and moisturised.
The bouncy texture (it kind of reminds me of a crème brûlée – in a good way) may be thick to begin with, but it easily melts into my skin without any stickiness. By far, this is my favourite step in my routine RN.
Features at a Glance
| Texture: | Bouncy pudding |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | 10,000 ppm Matcha-PDRN, vegan collagen, 13 peptides |
haruharu wonder Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturising Cream
Pros
- It's instantly nourishing and provides a hydrating, glossy layer on the skin
- It has a rich texture but is quickly absorbed, leaving behind no residue
- It strengthens the skin barrier
Cons
- Just can we get a bigger jar please?
Haruharu Wonder is one of our favourite K-Beauty skincare brands right now, and it’s especially brilliant for those with dry, sensitive skin. Like many of its products, this moisturiser is formulated with fermented black rice extract which deeply nourishes the skin, while ceramides keep the all-important skin barrier hydrated and strong.
As we all know, a strong barrier equates to reduced sensitivity, increased hydration and fewer breakouts. The texture is dreamy too; creamy, cushiony and absorbs quickly.
Key Specifications:
| Texture: | Rich cream |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients: | Black rice extract and ceramides |
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
Pros
- It's formulated with ceramides to support the skin barrier
- It's fragrance free
- It quickly absorbs and can be layered on top of other skincare products
Cons
- The packaging has zero shelf appeal
For less than the price of your Friday night takeaway, this high-street moisturiser will deliver enough hydration to soothe even the driest complexions.
It’s packed with barrier-supporting ceramides and moisture-binding hyaluronic acid, and is totally fragrance free. It might not be sexy, but it sure delivers results.
Key Specifications:
| Texture: | Rich |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Ceramides and hyaluronic acid |
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturiser
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturiser
Pros
- It can be used as a multi-purpose cream
- It layers well under makeup
- It's affordable
- It keeps the skin plump and hydrated
Cons
- Some may not like the subtle scent
Approved by celebs (like Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande), this cream is an industry secret used by MUAs for decades.
Seriously, this multitasker can be used as a primer, face cream and makeup remover. The super creamy formula nourishes dry skin and gives a healthy radiant glow. So, makes sense it has over 12,000 5* reviews on Amazon.
Key Specifications:
| Texture: | Rich but creamy |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Fatty acids and vitamins |
Pros
- Formulated to strengthen the skin barrier
- It offers effective and long-lasting hydration
- It sits nicely under makeup
Cons
- Difficult to tell how much product is left
Barrier isn't just a buzzword, especially to Byoma. The Barrier+ Repair Treatment was created to counteract damage (read: dryness and sensitivity) caused by potent actives or retinoid use.
The skin barrier (have I said that enough?) is the outermost layer of the skin, designed to protect the deeper layers from pollution or environmental damage. When this layer becomes compromised – be it through exfoliation, climate or stress – it can open the door to sensitivity.
This rich ointment is loaded with superior restorative ingredients to bring harmony back to a compromised complexion. There's avocado oil to deeply nourish on the surface, while ectoin and squalane provide hydration that lasts the day.
Key Specifications:
| Texture: | Lightweight cream |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Avocado oil, shea butter, ectoin and squalane |
The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + PhytoCeramides
The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + PhytoCeramides
Pros
- It's packed with ingredients to support and strengthen the skin barrier
- It hydrates at the surface and the deeper layers of the skin
- It's a budget option
Cons
- It's a very functional product. Those after a sensorial experience may want something different
Make ceramides your BFF if you’re dealing with chronic dryness. They’re a form of fatty acid, which can naturally be found in the skin, to keep your skin barrier strong and moisture levels in check.
The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturising Factors and PhytoCeramides is packed full with ceramides to instantly soothe dry, rough spots while hyaluronic acid delivers deep hydration to the lower layers of the skin to ensure all-day moisture.
Key Specifications:
| Texture: | Rich cream |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients: | Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycosphingolipids, fatty acids. |
How we tested the best moisturisers for dry skin
When it comes to Cosmo’s thoughtfully curated moisturiser recommendations, we considered ingredients, product specs and, most importantly, our own experience with each and every one.
Some of these product suggestions have been favourites of mine for years, others have earned my seal of approval in recent months and some are long-loved heroes that the rest of the Cosmo clan can’t get enough of.
With so many moisturisers on the market, this list focuses on moisturisers that have helped to soothe and keep dry skin at bay. The price point varies between each product but whether you're looking for a budget-friendly suggestion or fancy a bit of a splurge, we've included moisturisers for all price points.
What causes dry skin?
This isn’t a simple question to answer as there are many reasons why someone may struggle with dry skin. Of course, there are skin conditions which may cause someone to have seriously dry skin, such as eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis – and, if you have any of these conditions, it’s important to seek medical advice before lathering on any creams.
Otherwise, dry skin can be caused by a multitude of factors including environment (such as hot and cold temperatures) aging, medical treatments (such as retinoids) and the products you use to wash and treat your skin.
More so, washing in hot showers or baths can cause your skin to become dry, sore and temperamental. So, if you’re struggling with dry or dehydrated skin, it’s important to analyse your lifestyle first to see if any factors could be acting as triggers.
What are the best ingredients for dry skin?
“A hydrating moisturiser should have a combination of ingredients that hydrate, draw in moisture and help to smooth the skin,” says Dr Soma.
Hyaluronic acid is, of course, here to aid hydration on every layer of the skin – rather than simply the surface – while ceramides reign above for their ability to boost your barrier. Dr Soma also says ingredients like glycerin and urea are beneficial for dry skin types as they attract and retain moisture.“
The consistency is a personal preference,” says Dr Soma. If thick formulas don’t appeal, you can still find all the nourishing ingredients you need inside a lighter lotion; however, try a rich cream if flakiness and sensitivity are real bugbears.
“I'd also recommend a fragrance-free formula so you reduce the risk of irritation or allergy that can come from added scents,” advises Dr Soma.
Should you apply moisturiser on damp skin?
Sounds obvious, right? But for those of us with chronically dry skin, there’s more to moisturising than slapping on a cream and hoping for the best.
“You should use a moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp,” says Dr Soma. Applying a hydrating facial mist or serum before your cream will ensure sustained moisture throughout the day and will prevent dehydration lines from appearing by noon.
“If you have particularly dry and cracked areas you can use the occlusion technique,” says Dr Soma. “This involves putting a thick ointment [she recommends the Eucerin body lotion] onto the areas that are particularly sore, covering with a glove or sock and allowing it to sit for 30 minutes to an hour,” she adds.
Should you use moisturiser morning and night?
Again, it seems like an obvious question, but we’re often asked: “How many times should you apply moisturiser?” Well, the answer depends on your skin type.
“As standard, once a day is key and particularly after showering,” says Dr Soma. “However, for people with dry skin or a damaged barrier – and especially those with dry skin conditions such as eczema – they often need to moisturise 3+ times per day,” she adds.
Can moisturiser repair the skin barrier?
The right moisturiser can work exceptionally hard, but it’s by no means a miracle worker. Rather than completely repairing your skin barrier, a moisturiser can support and accelerate you skin’s natural repair process – as what your skin can do itself does most of the heavy lifting.
When your skin barrier is damaged, it looses more water than usual and this can cause noticeable dryness. A quality moisturiser will help increase hydration, reduce water loss and restore essential lipids (like ceramides) that are naturally found within the skin barrier.
So it’s not a ‘fix’ nor is it a quick one either (the skin barrier can take a few days to a few weeks to heal) but a moisturiser can certainly help you along the way.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
Here's why your skin needs a niacinamide serum
We tested the internet's most-hyped concealers
11 best kiss-proof lip stains – tried and tested
These are our fave foundations *of all time*
