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BYE BYE DRY

Best moisturiser for dry skin 2025 – tried and tested

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Assortment of face creams.

MOISTURISER is an essential factor in any skincare routine, but those with dry skin will agree that it's the one product they can't be without.

A good moisturiser has the ability to completely transform a dull and lifeless complexion, and during the cold winter months, it's needed more than ever.

Dryness occurs when the skin is lacking the moisture it requires, which is why even those with an oily skin type can be left crying out for extra hydration when the temperatures drop.

I suffer with dry skin throughout the year, but I need to take extra measures during the winter to prevent dry patches and flakiness - which has led me to trying countless moisturisers over the years.

As the cold weather doesn't seem to be passing any time soon, I've tried and tested some of the best moisturisers for dry skin to share my verdict on if they're really worth it.

I also spoke with Dr Shendy, lead skincare expert at , who has given her specialist insight on the causes of dry skin, with advice on the most effective ways for keeping it at bay.

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Best moisturiser for dry skin at a glance

  • Best overall:
  • Best for sensitive skin:
  • Best budget-friendly:
  • Best luxury:
  • Best for skincare beginners:
  • Best for mature skin:

How I tested

I have dry skin throughout the year, but it flares up particularly in the cold winter weather.

I tried each of the moisturisers included for at least three consecutive days, to assess how they hold up against my skin during the winter months.

Some of the creams are intended for morning and evening use, so I applied them alongside make-up to test if they pilled or flaked when used alongside other products.

My ratings are based on how effective each moisturiser is for curing dry skin, how long my skin stayed moisturised for, how it holds up with make-up, and affordability.

What are the main causes of dry skin?

Skincare expert Dr Shendy said: "Dry skin is often caused by environmental factors such as cold weather, which weakens the skin barrier and reduces natural oil production."

“Indoor heating can also strip moisture from the skin, leaving it feeling tight and uncomfortable.

A compromised or damaged skin barrier also plays a significant role, as it makes it harder for the skin to retain moisture, leading to persistent dryness," she added.

What is the difference between dry and dehydrated skin? 

"While dry and dehydrated skin can appear similar, they are fundamentally different," says Dr. Shendy. 

"Dry skin is caused by a lack of natural oils, which is often linked to genetics, aging, or hormonal changes, while dehydrated skin results from a lack of water and can affect all skin types, including oily and combination skin.” 

She continues, "The signs also differ - persistent flakiness and a rough texture are hallmark signs of dryness, while tightness and dullness - sometimes combined with oiliness - often indicate dehydration. 

"For example, if your skin feels oily yet tight, it’s likely dehydrated, so recognising these differences is key to treating the underlying issue."

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, £67

The Tactcha moisturiser comes in three sizes

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, £67 at Space NK

Pros: Rich texture leaves skin feeling plump, feels luxurious, comes with applicator, stunning packaging

Cons: Expensive

Rating: 5/5

Tatcha has been all over my TikTok feed in recent years, and the Dewy Skin Cream is one of the brand's bestsellers.

Made with scientists to create a formula with Japanese botanicals and a mix of superfoods and amino acids (including purple rice), it's clear that the brand goes that extra mile to make skincare that actually works.

The Tatcha Dewy Cream has become a favourite of mine, and despite the hefty £67 price tag, I will be re-purchasing.

Firstly, the purple-tinted cream is rich without feeling heavy on the skin, gliding on nicely while giving a dewy finish.

The formula contains a combination of hyaluronic acid that hydrates, while the Squalane locks in the moisture - and my skin still feels soft the next day when I apply the cream before bed.

The fresh scent and pretty packaging feel just as luxurious as the cream's silky texture, and the gold applicator spoon that attaches to the tub is the icing on the cake.

I apply the cream every evening which leaves my dry skin feeling nourished - and my complexion feels plumped and brighter since using it daily.

Size: 50ml, Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Japanese Purple Rice, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Betaphycus Gelatinum Extract, Glycerin, Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes Cruelty-free? Yes

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, £26

The First Aid Beauty Cream can be used on the face and body

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, £26 (was £32) at Sephora

Pros: Non-greasy, soothing, repairs the skin's barrier, can be used on face and body, suitable for children and babies

Cons: Pills slightly under make-up

Rating: 5/5

I started using Ultra Repair Cream a couple of years ago after I damaged my skin barrier, and it's been a go-to of mine since.

The whipped texture is hydrating without feeling greasy, and unlike most rich moisturisers, it gives the skin a matte finish.

Gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin, the Repair Cream can be used all over the face and body - and it's a great choice if you're suffering with irritation in the cold weather.

Anyone with sensitive skin should have this cream on their radar, as it holds up against its luxury competitors but for a far more affordable price.

The large 170ml tub lasts forever, and while the simple packaging and fragrance-free formula may not be the most eye-catching - I can't fault how effective it is on my dry skin.

The only thing I don't love about the moisturiser is that it does pill slightly under make-up, so I tend to limit use to evenings and make-up-free days.

Size: 170ml, Key ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal, Water/Aqua/Eau, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes Cruelty-free? Yes

Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturiser, £8.69

Aveeno's moisturiser has a refreshing gel consistency

Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturiser at Boots, £8.69 (was £11.59)

Pros: Refreshing gel texture, lightweight feel, soothing on sensitive skin, doesn't pill beneath make-up, affordable

Cons: Oat scent, not cruelty-free

Rating: 5/5

I've always loved Aveeno's hand creams and body lotions, so I don't know why I left it so long before trying out a face moisturiser.

Firstly, this is by far the most refreshing moisturiser I've tested.

The gel texture feels instantly cooling on the skin, and I was surprised at how quickly it absorbed - it felt like I had nothing on my skin after around 30 seconds of application.

There's really not much I can say in fault of this moisturiser, but if I had to single out one thing (along with the fact it's not cruelty-free) it would be that the oat scent does slightly resemble porridge.

This is probably a moisturiser that I'll be reaching for during the summer as it's so refreshing, and the soothing formula will come in handy whenever my skin feels irritated.

Retailing at just £8 for a 50ml size, I'm seriously impressed with the quality of this budget moisturiser.

Size: 50ml, Key ingredients: Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/​Leaf/​Stem Juice, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes Cruelty-free? No

Medik8 Advanced Night Restore, £59

Shoppers can buy a travel size version of the Medik8 cream to try before they commit

Medik8 Advanced Night Restore, £59

Pros: Sinks straight into the skin, silky texture, travel option to try before splashing out

Cons: Expensive

Rating: 5/5

Medik8's skincare products have never failed me, and Advanced Night Repair lived up to my high expectations.

The cream is recommended for evening use only, so I was expecting a weighty texture that you wouldn't dare wear beneath make-up.

Instead, the silky consistency is lightweight and refreshing, sinking straight into the skin.

It's formulated with a mix of ceramides which mimic the skin's natural lipid barrier, working to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.

While I haven't used the cream for long enough to determine its long-term results, my skin has been feeling soft and nourished after every use - and it seems to complement which I also incorporated into my routine recently.

A little goes along way with this moisturiser, so while £59 for a 50ml tub is expensive, it seems that the pot will last a lot longer than other moisturisers of the same size.

Size: 50ml, Key ingredients: Multi-Ceramide Complex, Midnight Antioxidant Complex, Saskatoon Berry, Dragon Fruit Extract, N-Acetyl Glucosamine, Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes Cruelty-free? Yes

Weleda Skin Food Light, £7.99

Victoria Beckham is known to be a fan of Weleda's Skin Food

Weleda Skin Food, £7.99 at Amazon

Pros: Fast-absorbing, affordable, suitable for face and body

Cons: Strong citrus scent

Rating: 4.5/5

Weleda's Skin Food is up there with the best known moisturisers in the market, with a list of celebrity fans that includes Victoria Beckham and Hailey Bieber.

The cream is a lighter version of the brand's , although I personally find it to be more effective on my dry skin.

It can be used on the face and body, giving a dewy glow that doesn't feel sticky.

While the original version of the cream needs to be warmed in the hands before it glides across the skin, the Light version uses less product in one use as it applies straight to the face.

It has quite a strong citrus scent that may not be to everyone's taste, but with a £7.99 price tag - it's a classic for a reason.

Size: 75ml, Key ingredients: Water (Aqua), Helianthus Annuus, (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Beeswax (Cera Alba) Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes Cruelty-free? Yes

La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Riche, £22.50

La Roche-Posay's cream is great for dry and sensitive skin

La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Riche, £22.50 at Look Fantastic

Pros: Intensely hydrating, lightweight, great for sensitive skin

Cons: Not cruelty-free, not a fan of the scent

Rating: 4.5/5

La Roche-Posay has been on my radar since its saved my skin after I damaged my barrier from over-exfoliating.

The French skincare brand focuses its products around dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin types, which is why its a top contender.

While the Cicaplast Baume and Nutritic Intense Riche are both moisturisers, they both work well together in the same routine.

The Nutritic Intense Riche cream has a unqiue consistency which feels heavy at first but instantly sinks into the skin.

Despite being just as rich as other creams, it has a weightless texture once applied that is great for wearing beneath make-up.

I use the Intense Riche for day and evening use, while the Cicaplast Baume comes in handy for days where my skin needs some extra TLC, as the intense formula is powerful to for soothing and repairing.

While the Intense Riche cream is fragrance-free, it does have an almost floral scent that smells slightly like an old woman's perfume, but I can let that slide for how effective it is on my dry skin.

Size: 50ml, Key ingredients: Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Aqua/​Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes Cruelty-free? No

CeraVe Moisturising Cream, £12

CeraVe's affordable moisturiser is great for teens and skincare beginners

CeraVe Moisturising Cream, £12 at Boots

Pros: Gentle on the skin, doesn't feel greasy, fragrance-free, large bottle

Cons: Larger size isn't travel friendly, not cruelty-free

Rating: 4.5/5

For a no-frills moisturiser that does exactly what it promises, CeraVe is a front-runner.

The cream's fragrance-free formula is made with a blend of ceramides and hyaluronic acid specifically to treat dry and very dry skin.

It has a lightweight texture that doesn't interfere with my make-up and skincare, and I found it to be soothing when my skin has become irritated from the weather.

While it doesn't have any fancy packaging or ingredients, the moisturiser does exactly what it says on the tin, and with a £12 price tag for a large 177ml bottle - it's one of the more affordable options.

It may not be the top choice for skincare junkies, it's great for those who want a gentle cream that won't break the bank.

Size: 177ml, Key ingredients: Aqua/ water, Glycerin, Cetearyl, Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes Cruelty-free? No

La Mer Moisturising Cream, £165

La Mer's skincare is popular among celebrities

La Mer Moisturising Soft Cream, £165 at Sephora

Pros: Works to renew the skin's cells, nourishing without being heavy, sits nicely under make-up, comes with an applicator

Cons: Very expensive, floral scent

Rating: 4/5

When it comes to luxury skincare, La Mer is one of the first brands that springs to mind.

The brand's rich moisturising cream has earned a celebrity following including Nicole Kidman and Demi Moore - and it's known for it's unique formula.

The rich cream is formulated with a patented ‘Miracle Broth’ that contains sea kelp, working to deliver healing properties directly to the skin cells to naturally renew them.

Innovative skincare comes at a price, and a mini 15ml bottle will set you back £165, while the 60ml version costs £305.

I really didn't want to like this as the price is outrageous (which is why I've marked it down slightly), but the rich texture feels heavenly on the skin and it sits nicely beneath my make-up.

I'm not a big fan of the floral scent, but it does smell like old money (which makes sense).

Shoppers have criticised the original cream for it's hard texture, but the Soft Cream has a lovely rich feel that doesn't need to be warmed in the hands.

Size: 30ml, Key ingredients: Algae Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Petrolatum, Glyceryl Distearate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Cholesterol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Steareth-10., Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes Cruelty-free? Yes

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream, £82

The Immortelle Divine Cream contains anti-ageing properties

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream, £82 at Sephora

Pros: Silky texture, contains a natural retinol alternative, long-lasting moisture

Cons: Expensive, strong scent, not cruelty-free

Rating: 4/5

Everything about L'Occitane's Immortelle Divine Cream screams luxury.

Released in 2004, the rich moisturiser has gained a strong following that spans across two decades, and it's a popular choice for mature skin.

It contains a natural alternative to synthetic retinol which works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while nourishing the skin.

The first thing I noticed about the cream is its silky texture that glides onto the skin perfectly.

While it does have a lovely scent - like most L'Occitane products, it is strong, so it's probably not the right choice for those that prefer fragrance-free skincare.

It can be used in the morning and the evening, but I prefer to use it as a night cream as the thick texture is too intense for me to wear under make-up.

Even the packaging feels luxurious with its gold lid.

A 50ml tub will set you back an eye-watering £82, and while it's a lovely cream - there are cheaper alternatives in this feature that work just as well.

However, if your focus is on finding a luxury moisturiser designed to help signs of ageing, then it may be worth the investment.

Size: 50ml, Key ingredients: Zinc Gluconate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, AdenosineAscorbyl Glucoside Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes, Cruelty-free? No

The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors, £12.80

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA tube.
1
The Ordinary's moisturiser is free from silicones and alcohol

The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors, £12.80

Pros: Gives a dewy finish under make-up, affordable, free from silicones, alcohol and and oil

Cons: Feels greasy immediately after application, not as moisturising as alternatives

Rating: 3.5/5

The Ordinary is known for its affordable skincare that's free from unwanted ingredients, which is why I always recommend the brand to anyone that's just starting out with a skincare.

I love that the Natural Moisturising Factors cream is free from oils and silicones and that it gives immediate hydration, but the website describes the formula as 'lightweight and non-greasy' - which I would have to disagree with.

While the cream does sink into the skin relatively quickly, it did leave my face and hands feeling greasy.

I had to leave some time for it to settle, but once I did, my make-up went on nicely without pilling, giving a nice glow to the skin.

As far as moisturisers for dry skin go I probably wouldn't recommend this (particularly for overnight, however I think it's a nice option for using as a day cream during the warmer months when my skin isn't crying out for rich hydration.

Size: 50ml, Key ingredients: Tocopherol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes Cruelty-free? Yes

Why does the cold weather cause dry skin? 

"Cold weather can be harsh on the skin, and the combination of dry outdoor air and indoor heating creates an environment that strips the skin of its natural oils and compromises its barrier," says Dr. Shendy.

"This leads to increased dryness, sensitivity, and even dullness. 

Cold weather slows down cell turnover, which can make the skin’s texture appear uneven and rough," she added.

What are the best ingredients to look for in a moisturiser for dry skin? 

"When choosing a moisturiser for dry skin, look for ingredients that replenish and protect the skin barrier," advises Dr. Shendy. 

"Hyaluronic acid is an excellent choice because it helps the skin retain moisture and reduces transepidermal water loss. 

Niacinamide is another great ingredient—it hydrates while strengthening the skin barrier, offering long-term benefits for both sensitive and damaged skin - while ceramides are essential for repairing the skin barrier and locking in moisture."

Dr. Shendy adds, "For optimal results, I recommend using products specifically designed to address dryness.

is fantastic for repairing the skin barrier and preventing water loss."

Where to buy moisturisers in the UK

Depending on which moisturiser you're looking for, you can either shop directly from the brand or from an online retailer.

Boots and Amazon are popular spots for picking up beauty products online, and some of the more affordable face creams will be available in supermarkets.

For high-end brands such as Medik8 and Tatcha, you'll want to head over to luxury retailers such as Harrods or Selfridges

Sephora, Space NK and Look Fantastic all stock a mix of high-end and budget brands, so they're the place to go for varying price points.

A full list of the best places to shop moisturisers in the UK

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