- Cold weather calls for more hydrating skincare with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides.
- Swap lightweight lotions for thicker, winter-ready creams that prevent tightness, flaking, and irritation.
- Boost hydration even further with extras like face mists, sheet masks, oils, and a buttery lip balm.
Even though winter technically hasn't started yet, the weather has already turned and temps have dropped, which means it’s officially time to switch over to your cold-weather
skincare routine. As a longtime beauty editor, I’m a firm believer in tweaking your products with the seasons, especially in winter when cold air, wind, and indoor heating can leave skin drier, tighter, and more easily irritated. This time of year, you want more hydrating ingredients, richer textures, and gentle actives that help strengthen your moisture barrier and protect your skin from the elements.
To make the winter skincare transition nice and easy, I pulled together my favorite winter-approved face washes, serums, and moisturizers. These formulas truly deliver when your skin needs extra nourishment the most.
The best face washes for winter:
Now is not the time to be using stripping cleansers. In the winter, I always recommend looking for a face wash with the words "creamy" or "milky" on the label—it's a clear sign the formula will be hydrating and gentle. If you prefer a foaming wash, that's fine too—just make sure it's made with gentle surfactants (no sulfates) and ideally contains some hydrating ingredients. I swear by these picks below for leaving skin clean and refreshed post-rinse without feeling tight or dry.
SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Hydrating Foaming Cleanser
Avène Tolerance Daily Foaming Facial Cleanser
Yon-Ka Paris Lait Nettoyant Facial Cleanse
Ursa Major Making Moves Milky Cleanse
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cream to Foam Cleanser
The best face serums for winter:
When it comes to winter face serums, the best formulas either include hyaluronic acid and/or ceramides. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws moisture from the air to your skin for a plump and dewy effect, while ceramides help lock in that moisture for a long-lasting hydrating effect.
Glow Recipe Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin
Jordan Samuel Skin Hydrate Facial Serum
Paula's Choice 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum
AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Hydro CERA-HA Face Serum
Prequel Multi-Quench Plumping Hydration Serum
The best face moisturizers for winter:
Replace that gel-cream or lightweight lotion you used all summer and fall with one of these rich creams. They'll keep your skin soft, smooth, and flake-free all day, but won't feel heavy or suffocating in the process. Also great? They're fantastic for layering under makeup.
Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer
Dr. Diamond Metacine HYDR/O Bioactive Hydrolipid Barrier Repair Moisturizer
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Versed Daily Recovery Rich Barrier Cream
More winter skincare to try:
In the mood for a little more hydration? You can't go wrong with adding a juicy face mist, watery sheet mask, or moisture-locking face oil to your routine. And of course, a buttery lip balm and hydrating SPF (yes, you still need sunscreen when it's cold out) are winter skincare non-negotiables too.
Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Mist
MARA Pearl Peptide Glaze Hydrating & Brightening Facial Essence
Neurae Harmonie The Oil
Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan with more than 12 years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories that range from the best skincare routine for your 30s to a comprehensive roundup of the best drugstore skincare brands. She regularly tests and analyzes new skincare products while working with the industry’s top experts to assess new brands, trends, and technologies.
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
