35 best face moisturizers for dry skin

You wouldn’t drive your car without getting an oil change or catch dinner with your friends without a refreshing beverage. So, why leave your dry skin parched when it can easily be soothed with the help of a quality face moisturizer?

So where should you start? Though the sheer volume of skincare products on today’s market may certainly overwhelm the inexperienced shopper, we believe that a good decision is an informed one. For this reason, we have compiled this list of the 35 best moisturizers for dry skin.

Take note that many of the products on our list are designed specifically for male skin, which tends to be oilier and about 20% thicker than female skin. The first 13 entries, however, are well-suited for dry skin sufferers of both sexes.

Read on to find the face moisturizer that works for you.

1. Blu Atlas | Face Moisturizer

Sometimes the best choices are the simplest ones to make; the natural ingredients, ultra-hydrating effects, and reasonable price point make Blu Atlas’ number one ranking a no-brainer in our book. Made with seaweed extract, vitamin C, and mango seed butter, this unisex formula is gentle enough for every skin type.

While protecting the skin from moisture-stripping environmental factors, our favorite face cream hydrates, exfoliates, and soothes the skin. With the help of laminaria algae, Blu Atlas’ moisturizer regulates the skin’s oil production for true long-lasting health benefits.

2. Lumin | Moisturizing Balm

For a face moisturizer with incredibly versatile effects, try Lumin’s Korean-made moisturizing balm. Aside from replenishing your skin’s much-needed hydration, this face balm can be used overnight to combat signs of aging and reverse solar damage.

The balm also doubles as a soothing, post-shave treatment that protects the skin from irritation. Frequently appearing in lists of the best face moisturizers for dry skin, this Lumin product is formulated with the highest quality ingredients, including meadowfoam seed oil, apple extract, and ginger.

3. Dermala | OAT So Sweet Daily Moisturizer

Don’t let Dermala’s pun-y titles and bright packaging distract you—here’s a dermatologist-tested moisturizer that delivers on its promises. Formulated with Dermala’s patented SE Microbiome and SE Sugar Complex, this daily moisturizer provides intense hydration while soothing acne-prone skin.

And, in case you haven’t guessed, the magical component behind this potent blend is simple breakfast oatmeal. To make your choice even clearer, Dermala’s all-natural ingredients are both hypoallergenic and sustainably sourced.

4. Perricone MD | Hypoallergenic Nourishing Moisturizer

For sensitive allergy-prone skin, finding a moisturizer that works may seem as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack. The right product does not only eliminate irritation but delivers visible improvements to the skin’s appearance. Luckily, Perricone MD’s formula has been doing all this and more for over two decades.

Their hypoallergenic moisturizer soothes dry skin with olive polyphenols, neuropeptides, and tocotrienols. Over daily use, the cream promises to restore hydration, smooth wrinkles, and nourish depleted skin.

5. L’Occitane | Ultra Rich Face Cream

A classic formula with the je-ne-sais-quoi of a French touch, L’Occitane’s ultra-rich face cream works exceptionally well on dry skin. Formulated with 25% shea butter, glycerin, and tapioca powder, the cream provides intensely soothing and long-lasting hydration.

Tested amidst the harsh conditions of a Canadian winter, L’Occitane’s face cream held its own for up to 48 hours of wear. To sweeten the deal, the shea butter used in this product is sustainably sourced and purchased directly from its producers.

6. Neutrogena | Hydro Boost Water Gel

For excellent skin care that is readily available at your local drugstore, look no further than Neutrogena’s award-winning gel-based moisturizer. Neutrogena’s everyday formula is rich in hyaluronic acid that not only delivers moisture but seals it in for a lasting effect.

This moisturizer’s light, oil-free texture makes it ideally suited for daily use— alone or in combination with your other products. Our list of the 35 best face moisturizers for dry skin would hardly be complete without this tried and tested classic.

7. Malin + Goetz | Vitamin E Face Moisturizer

Who says that your daily moisturizing ritual should be a complicated, multi-step procedure? With Malin + Goetz’s three-in-one formula you can save time during your morning routine, while also saving your skin. In fact, this unisex product works as a moisturizer, after-shave balm, and a make-up primer.

Its vitamin E-rich formula protects the skin against environmental factors, while its lightweight texture soothes sensitive areas. Even more importantly, all of Malin + Goetz’s products are made vegan and cruelty-free.

8. Embryolisse | Lait-Crème Concentré

Back in its day, Embryolisse took the world by storm with its all-encompassing daily face cream. And though we love an innovative product, we also believe in the value of a tried and tested classic like Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentré. Embryolisse’s French-made face cream works for all genders, skin types, and preferences. An amazingly versatile product, it also doubles as a body lotion, makeup primer, and face mask.

9. Q + A | Ginger Root Daily Moisturizer

True to its name, Q + A’s daily moisturizer provides all of the A’s to your skincare Q’s. Q+ A’s 98.7% natural formula nourishes your skin without harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances. Instead, this daily moisturizer relies on ginger root extract to improve your complexion and leave your skin smelling amazing.

The moisturizer also contains tocopherol and aloe vera for natural hydration designed to last all day long. Finally, Q+A’s affordable price point makes this product an easy family favorite.

10. Dr. Jart+ | Ceramidin Moisturizing Cream

The real secret to an effective moisturizer is the skin’s ability to lock in hydration over extended periods of time. Dr. Jart+’s unique 5-ceramide formula was designed to help your skin achieve just that. Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that form the skin’s external barrier, keeping the good stuff within while guarding the skin from external irritants.

Thus, Dr. Jart+’s daily moisturizer enhances your skin’s natural defenses against aging and environmental factors. The result is healthier, smoother, and younger-looking skin.

11. Aesop | Avail Facial Lotion with Sunscreen

With its exclusive line, Aesop is well-known for top-quality ingredients and artisanal fragrances—and this daily face lotion is no exception. The Avail lotion is scented with delicate, herbal notes that will leave you looking forward to every single use.

With its cruelty-free fabrication, luxury design, and elite reputation, the Aesop brand remains a fixture on any product list in the beauty industry. Our own compilation of the 35 best face moisturizers for dry skin would hardly be complete without this exquisite find.

12. Dr. Tusk | Facial Moisturizer

Sometimes a single product happens to check all the right boxes—natural ingredients, accessible pricing, and a sustainable mission. That is also the reason why we love Dr. Tusk’s facial moisturizer. The brand’s 99% natural, plant-based formula contains invigorating caffeine and nourishing hemp seed oil.

The moisturizer hydrates, smooths, and tightens your skin, without polluting your body or the environment. A portion of the company’s profits are also donated to support rescued elephants.

13. Ursa Major | Golden Hour Recovery Cream

If you admit to having been lax on your skincare routine, Ursa Major has just the product to get you up to speed. For skin that needs an extra boost, this Golden Hour Recovery Cream offers a more intense treatment than you may expect from your average moisturizer. This cream’s ingredients are rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin C for a truly restorative effect. Gently soothing sandalwood and rose extracts work to reduce visible redness and blemishes.

14. Heath | Oil Control Moisturizer

Shiny skin is so last century; or at least, no self-respecting member of the selfie generation wants to be caught on camera with oily skin. Heath’s moisturizer mattifies the skin on a daily basis by balancing sebum production and minimizing breakouts. Its vegan, cruelty-free formula contains 95% natural ingredients free of parabens, sulphates, and artificial colorants. A combination of lemon myrtle, salicylic acid, and tapioca starch gently hydrates and protects all skin types.

15. Jack Black | Double-Duty Face Moisturizer

We’ve long been aware of the harmful effects the sun’s rays have on our unprotected faces. Visible damage, pre-mature aging, and skin cancer are all proven consequences of UV ray exposure. But if we’re honest, few of us bother to wear sunscreen on a daily basis—our mornings are hectic enough without a multi-step skincare routine.

With premium ingredients like blue algae extract and sea parsley, Jack Black’s double-duty moisturizer has got you covered! Offering soothing hydration and generous SPF 20 protection, Jack Black’s formula brings you the best of both worlds in a single product.

16. Nivea Men | Sensitive Moisturizer

If you feel like your daily shave is taking a toll on your sensitive skin, Nivea’s sensitive moisturizer may offer you much-needed relief. In a single go, Nivea’s gentle, alcohol-free formula targets the five signs of irritation—burning, redness, dryness, tightness, and itchiness. Soothing chamomile and vitamin E repair existing damage, while witch hazel provides long-lasting hydration. This moderately priced moisturizer pairs well with the brand’s sensitive face wash.

17. Gillette Labs | Fast Absorbing Moisturizer

A hidden gem among your usual drugstore finds, Gillette’s fast-absorbing moisturizer gives those other, more expensive products a run for their money. For one, its alcohol, paraben, and dye-free formula makes this men’s moisturizer gentle enough for all skin types.

It pairs well with other products in Gillette’s line, helping restore the skin’s natural moisture barriers after a shave. The quick-to-absorb formula makes this moisturizer easy to apply when in a crunch. The recyclable, metal tin is as convenient as it is ecologically friendly.

18. Biotherm Homme | Aquapower Gel Moisturizer

If you’re a guy who likes the texture of a gel but wish for the more traditional smoothness of a cream-based product, this cream gel moisturizer brings you the best of both worlds. Infused with Biotherm’s proprietary Life Plankton, this moisturizer hydrates, fortifies, tones, and nourishes the skin.

Thanks to its paraben-free formula, the moisturizer is safe enough to use on sensitive skin. Its gel-like consistency prevents the oiliness or buildup commonly associated with old-fashioned creams. For an even more complete experience, pair this moisturizer with Biotherm’s facial cleanser and lotion.

19. Rugged & Dapper | Age Defense Face Cream

The folks behind Rugged & Dapper’s skincare brand for men are definitely on to something: a good facial moisturizer is the first step against the signs of aging every man among us dreads. For this reason, Rugged & Dapper offers a facial moisturizer that is packed to the brim with powerful ingredients, including peptides, elastin, glycerin, and over half a dozen plant-derived nutrients.

The cream’s hydrating and anti-aging properties simultaneously refresh and rejuvenate distressed skin, while its fragrance-free formula makes it an ideal choice for sensitive skin types.

20. Brickell Men’s Products | Daily Essential Face Moisturizer

With Brickell’s extra-light daily moisturizer, you can finally achieve the baby face you’ve always dreamt of, while also doing away with clogged pores and oily buildup. Brickell uses an oil-free formula that simultaneously provides lightweight hydration and a refreshing natural fragrance. Brickell’s moisturizer also boasts simple, clean ingredients—aloe vera, jojoba, hyaluronic acid, and green tea—and a 60-day money-back guarantee.

21. Lather & Wood | Face Moisturizer

Lather & Wood’s facial moisturizer may initially have you hooked on its playful mustache logo and minimalistic design. But we are happy to report that, in this case, the contents of the package are just as promising as its exterior. Lather & Wood’s classic moisturizer is a non-greasy, unscented, and oil-free formula made will all natural ingredients. After only several uses, your skin will look and feel smoother, younger, and more radiant.

22. Geologie | Vital Morning Face Cream

Geologie’s well-rated face cream lets you start every day the right way—with an energizing lift to your skincare routine. Rather than dousing your skin with oily build-up, Geologie’s formula relies on sodium hyaluronate to support the skin’s own natural hydration.

Over long-term use, this face cream prevents the skin from visible damage, such as cracking and fine lines. An additional boost of SPF 10 makes this Geologie product an obvious everyday choice.

23. Particle | Face Cream

We’ve all heard of a 2-in-1 or a 3-in-1 formula, but few of us have encountered a 6-in-1 face cream. This is where Particle’s amazingly powerful product differs from the rest. While not necessarily embodying six product types, this “6-in-1″ face cream for men does play six roles: it hydrates skin, reduces lines, banishes dark spots, combats under-eye bags, replenishes the skin’s nutrients, and doubles as an after-shave.

There is literally nothing else you can ask for from a single product. And, in addition to its restorative properties, Particle’s face cream is suitable for all skin types and ages.

24. Lubriderm | Men’s 3-in-1 Lotion

For great skincare on a shoe-string budget, look no further than Lubriderm’s trusted family-friendly brand. Lubriderm offers a convenient 3-in-1 body, face, and post-shave moisturizer that is sure to become a household staple.

Available in lightly fragranced or fragrance-free versions, Lubriderm’s moisturizer works well for any skin type. Its airy texture, quick absorption, and long-lasting effects will leave both your skin and wallet satisfied.

25. Tiége Hanley | PM Bedtime Facial Moisturizer

There are certain, incontrovertible benefits to a night cream that we simply could not pass up. We sleep for an average of eight hours every night (hopefully), so why not make best use of that time? While you rest, Tiége Hanley’s PM cream does just that. It repairs existing damage, hydrates the skin, and boosts collagen production. Now, you too can wake up with smoother, younger, and stronger skin.

26. Marlowe | Men’s Face Moisturizer

If you are new to the skincare scene, or simply looking for a gentler cream, Marlowe’s daily moisturizer makes for a great product to start with. Formulated with all-natural ingredients, this moisturizer is so light that you may even forget you’re wearing it.

Green tea extract repairs damaged skin cells, willow bark reduces irritation, and deep-sea algae soothes inflammation. A refreshing aloe-citrus fragrance leaves you feeling ready for the day ahead.

27. Horace | Rich Face Moisturizer

A moisturizer proudly labeled as a “big glass of water for your skin,” Horace’s rich face cream balances and restores dehydrated skin. With clean, pronounceable ingredients such as shea butter, papaya, and plum oil, Horace’s moisturizer nourishes the skin on a daily basis.

Its unscented, vegan, silicone-, paraben-, and mineral oil- free formula is perfectly suited to all skin types. A 95% success rate on clinical trials makes Horace’s rich face moisturizer a risk-free choice.

28. Art of Sport | Daily Face Lotion

Designed for the professional athletes we all admire, Art of Sport’s moisturizer is a face lotion for the daily warrior. Whether you play sports, work outdoors, or simply enjoy an active lifestyle, Art of Sport’s daily face lotion gives your skin the support it needs to thrive in spite of challenges.

Powerful botanicals such as aloe vera, shea butter, and green tea extract blend together to counteract damage and provide intense nourishment. Finally, the product’s affordable price makes it an excellent choice for every athlete among us.

29. Lab Series | Daily Rescue Hydration Emulsion

With a name that includes the words “water emulsion,” we know that Lab Series’ men’s moisturizer takes hydration very seriously. Indeed, Lab Series’ formula boasts a unique Hydra2G technology, designed to bind moisture to the skin’s surface. As a result, the product delivers up to 72 hours of hydration along with smoother, brighter, and younger skin.

The fact that the moisturizer withstands washes make it an ideal choice for the low-maintenance male wearer. According to the brand, just four weeks of daily use improves the skin’s hydration levels by as much as 32%.

30. Shiseido Men | Energizing Moisturizer

Shiseido’s Japanese-inspired beauty brand is known for offering its customers unparalleled elegance and the company’s face moisturizer for men is no exception. This moisturizer’s unbelievably lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it a pleasure to wear and apply. Gentle enough to be used as an eye cream, yet powerful enough to reverse damage, Shiseido’s moisturizer is sure to be a winning choice for yourself or the man in your life.

31. Baxter of California | Oil Free Moisturizer

If you suffer from oily skin, chances are that you’ve shied away from using a moisturizing product. But the truth is that oily skin is as much in need of hydration as any other skin type; you must simply find the formula that’s best for you. Baxter of California’s oil-free moisturizer delivers the hydration your skin yearns for without the greasy finish that you dread. Its aloe vera and chamomile ingredients soothe the skin, while green tea extract reduces signs of environmental damage.

32. Bulldog | Energizing Moisturizer

Bulldog’s UK-based brand for men is best known for its unique blend of quality and affordability and their energizing moisturizer is no exception to the rule. Inspired by Korean skincare, Bulldog’s moisturizer transforms tired-looking skin at a price that won’t give you sticker shock for days to come.

Formulated with rice, maize, and algae, Bulldog’s moisturizer hydrates and revitalizes dry skin. The cream’s gel-like texture dries quickly, leaving your face cool and comfortable after application.

33. Jaxon Lane | Relax and Repair Ultimate Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer

Discovering new frown lines is an experience that we all wish to avoid, though sadly, it is also one that we know to expect. Thanks to Jaxon Lane’s innovative skincare line for men, however, wrinkles no longer seem like an immutable fact of life.

Jaxon Lane’s Relax and Repair face moisturizer provides deep hydration and powerful anti-aging effects for a newer, younger you. Its antioxidant-rich formula contains hyaluronic acid to restore moisture and niacinamide to reduce fine lines. The moisturizer is made fragrance-free for sensitive skin types.

34. Clinique for Men | Maximum Hydrator

We get it: sometimes you’re so busy that you just can’t be bothered with applying moisturizing cream. Fortunately, Clinique’s Maximum Hydrator now offers an astounding 72 hours of protection after a single application. This way, you can save time during your busy mornings, while still keeping your skin healthy and hydrated.

If you’re wondering how this works, Clinique’s hyaluronic acid-, aloe-, and caffeine-enriched formula triggers the skin to recharge its own internal water production. Clinique’s gel-cream hydrator is made paraben-, phthalate-, and fragrance-free.

35. Disco | Hydrating Face Moisturizer

Rounding out our list of 35 best moisturizers for dry skin is Disco’s soothing daily lotion with anti-aging properties. Disco’s vegan formula draws on the natural healing properties of its plant-based ingredients. Vitamin E hydrates the skin, macadamia oil reduces inflammation, and vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen. A light eucalyptus scent adds a calming finishing touch. For even more dramatic results, pair this face moisturizer with Disco’s charcoal face cleanser stick.

Looking for some additional tips on face moisturizers for dry skin? Here are the two most commonly asked questions.

What are some of the leading causes of dry skin?

Believe it or not, dry skin is a common condition that affects individuals of all ages. Some of its most frequent causes include environmental factors, such as wind and sun, harsh soaps or shower gels, and underlying skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis.

While a good moisturizer may help alleviate some of the symptoms, it is always important to consider the root causes of your dry skin. If you are suffering from a health issue, it is best to consult with your physician before attempting your own remedies. Otherwise, a good daily grooming ritual may become the best cure for your dry skin.

Are there any benefits to using a moisturizer with all-natural ingredients?

Absolutely! If you can make it work for your skin, we definitely recommend going with an all-natural product such as our number one moisturizer by Blu Atlas. Because all of the product’s ingredients are absorbed through the pores of your skin, an all-natural moisturizer is safer and healthier to use. Its plant-based formula also makes its production safer for the environment.

That being said, if you’re used to mostly chemical skincare products, lighter and gentler all-natural alternatives do take some time to adjust to. We recommend learning about the various ingredients in each of the products that you use to make the most of your decisions.