The 10 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin, Tested and Loved by Cosmo's Beauty Editors

Why we love it: This non-comedogenic moisturizer just won a Cosmo Acne Award, and it's beloved by editors and aestheticians alike. It's loaded with omega fatty acids to repair and balance the skin barrier, along with hydrators like squalane, jojoba oil, and argan oil to deliver moisture without clogging your precious pores.

One Cosmo editor says: "This moisturizer is everything my dry skin could possibly need. It only came out this year and I've already gone through three jars of it. It's thick without being greasy, and quenches dryness insantaneously. It's a great last-step to top off my acne-centric skincare routine."—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

Why we love it: The INKEY List's Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturizer strengthens the skin barrier while also improving firmness and elasticity. The formula uses ceramides that target multiple layers of the skin to boost hydration. The texture is rich but still absorbs nicely, leaving the skin feeling soft without excess oil or grease.

One Cosmo editor says: "I've gone through more pots of this wonder moisturizer than I can count. 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."—CLAIRE STEPHENSON, SENIOR BEAUTY COMMERCE WRITER

Why we love it: This luxe formula is a deeply replenishing cream designed to strengthen and restore the skin’s barrier. It combines biomimetic lipids (that mimic your skin's natural functions), ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to deliver long-lasting moisture while improving elasticity and overall radiance. The formula supports the skin’s natural repair process, making it ideal for dryness or sensitive skin, which we especially love for wintertime use.

One Cosmo editor says: "I normally skip barrier repair creams because they're so thick and occlusive feeling on my face, but I love this one from Dr. Diamond's line. It is rich and cushiony but soaks into skin quickly without any greasy residue."—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

Why we love it: This formula does a stellar job at restoring your skin back to a plump and hydrated state. It uses a blend of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids—the same lipids naturally found in the skin—to strengthen the moisture barrier and prevent water loss.

One Cosmo editor says: "My skin barrier cannot survive without the Aestura Atobarrier 365 Lotion. Unlike other barrier repair moisturizers on the market, this one is deeply hydrating yet practically weightless. It helps calm any and all irritation and has been a game changer in my retinoid journey."—ANVITA REDDY, COMMERCE EDITOR

Why we love it: This plant-powered moisturizer was specifically formulated for sensitive and reactive skin. It places organic aloe juice and vegetable-derived glycerin front and center for hydration, while oil-based emollients like apricot kernel and almond nourish without heaviness.

One Cosmo editor says: "I recommend this moisturizer to all my friends with dry, sensitive skin. It soothes and hydrates and leave skin with the most delightful silky finish."—LB

Why we love it: The Jordan Samuel Skin Performance Cream delivers hydration while promoting overall skin health with a blend of peptides and botanicals. It has a light, fast-absorbing texture that layers easily under other products and makeup, and works especially well alongside thirsty skin due to actives.

One Cosmo editor says: "My dry(ish), acne-prone skin loves this moisturizer. I've recently added a prescription retinoid to my routine so my skin has been drier and flakier than normal, but this lightweight cream helps minimize flaking and rough patches and keeps my skin smooth and supple all day without breaking me out or feeling thick and heavy."—LB

Why we love it: CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream is a skincare classic. Loved by dermatologists and Cosmo editors alike, it delivers rich, long-lasting hydration while reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier with its signature ceramide combo. It's simply a desert island beauty product, and it's great for year-round use.

One Cosmo editor says: "When I had an allergic reaction that left my face red, peeling, and so dry, I needed a heavy-duty moisturizer that wouldn’t further irritate my face. I ran to CVS and got a giant tub of this to nurse my skin back to health. In just two days, my skin was free of any flaking, hives, or redness." —JH

Why we love it: Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gel is a drugstore favorite for good reason. Its ultra-lightweight texture feels refreshing on irritated or red skin, while still delivering serious hydration, plumping, and nourishment. It has a luxe, gel‑cream feel without the high‑end price tag, making it a go-to for everyday wear.

One Cosmo editor says: "When I was in the depths of tretinoin and my skin was actually dry for once, this gel-cream saved me. It's extremely lightweight and sinks into my skin immediately (leaving behind no greasy residue when my head hits the pillow), but it's shockingly hydrating. I've now gone through probably five tubs of it (peep my used-up jar below, lol). I go back to it every single winter when I experience a lil dryness."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

Why we love it: This moisturizer is a soothing cream designed to calm and repair the skin. Packed with 10% panthenol and bamboo extract, it strengthens the skin barrier while reducing redness and irritation. Plus, squalane and niacinamide provide hydration and improve texture without feeling heavy, and it works well under makeup without pilling or interfering with your foundation.

One Cosmo editor says: "As someone with dry yet acne-prone skin, I often have trouble with finding the balance between moisturizers that hydrate deeply without clogging my pores. I've been using this Purito moisturizer for a couple of months now and it hasn't made me break out at all. A miracle! I slather on a bunch before bed, and wake up with plump, glowing skin. Will definitely be rebuying."—HANNAH OH, SHOPPING EDITOR