19 Expert-Approved Moisturizers to Save Your Dry Skin This Winter

There's a reason Weleda Skin Food ($19) always comes out on top when debating about the best moisturizers for dry skin. It's incredibly thick in consistency, but when worked with warm fingertips and pressed onto the face before bed, it leaves the skin feeling hydrated and even dewy in the morning. It's a firm favorite among editors and makeup artists, the latter of whom often use it backstage at Fashion Week when models' skin starts to show signs of wear and tear after weeks of taking makeup on and off multiple times a day.

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 ($128) is a great all-rounder according to Susan Mayou, consultant dermatologist at Cadogan Clinic. "It's great in winter with its ceramide, cholesterol, and fatty acid ingredients. It's suitable for all skin types, as well as for mature skin, at any time of year."

Dr Ife J Rodney, MD, FAAD, founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics recommends the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 25 ($19) because "it uses ceramides to repair the skin barrier, whilst also protecting against the sun's harmful rays," she says. "An added plus is that it applies with an elegant matte finish."

Another favorite of Dr. Nasiruddin's is the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Rich Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin ($29). "It is effective, well made, and very well priced — I always recommend it [to my patients]," she said.

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream ($43) is the moisturizer I always go back to when I feel like my skin is "having a moment" — in other words, red, blotchy, spot-prone, and dry, all in one go. It contains soothing ingredients (as the name suggests) such as, aloe, cucumber, and arnica, and feels lightweight and non-greasy, but rich enough for the colder weather.

"Neutrogena is very big in the USA, but for some reason seems to be slightly overlooked in other countries," said Dr. Nasiruddin. For dry skin, she recommends the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream Moisturizer ($17). She also notes that "the brand also has a fantastic range of high-powered sunscreens that don't clog the skin." Dr. Rodney can vouch for its popularity in the US, "this facial moisturiser quickly quenches dry skin like a gel, but provides the long-lasting hydration of a cream. Rich in hyaluronic acid, it attracts and traps moisture in your skin." She adds: "The best part is that it smoothly disappears into the skin, so can be worn alone or under makeup."

For an extra boost of protection, Pam Marshall, a clinical aesthetician based in London, layers Exuviance Ultra Restorative Creme ($63) on top of her regular moisturizer for an extra boost of hydration at night. "It's high in lactobionic acid, so over regular moisturizer, it heals and protects the skin," she said.

"La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ ($20) is the top moisturizer for dry skin as it hydrates with a non-greasy feel," says Dr. Rodney. "Be sure to apply as soon as you finish showering, when your skin is still moist, so that it can better penetrate the skin and seal in hydration. In addition to glycerin and niacinamide, it contains shea butter (rich in stearic acid), which reinforces the protective skin barrier."

"Here's another moisturizer that lives up to all of the hype," said POPSUGAR content director Sophia Panych. "I was initially attracted to the Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream ($60) because it was clean formula that's free of fragrance, dyes, and parabens. I became hooked after I saw and felt how hydrating it was. Oh, and it works really well as a base for makeup."

Although the Clinique Moisture Surge ($40) is more expensive than your average drugstore purchase, the reviews alone speak for themselves. The lightweight gel-cream texture makes it a great option for those worried about clogging the pores, and it can even be used as a mask for an intense surge of hydration.

"Using natural skincare products when you have dry, sensitive skin can be tricky. Many of the botanicals and essential oils found in natural creams and lotions can be quite aggravating to those with temperamental complexions," said Panych. "Trilogy Very Gentle Moisturizing Cream ($50) is one of the only all-natural face creams I've tried that is actually soothing and calming to the skin. And it's so rich and hydrating, that it got me and my skin through last year's bitter cold winter in New York City unscathed.

Even those with sensitive skin have sung the praises of Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream ($128). It's on the pricier side, but is a good option if you're looking for something rich but not thick, that sits well under makeup, and that dries to a semi-matte appearance.