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

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

If you have dry skin as winter approaches, you might find that your moisturizer isn't working as well as it was in the spring and summer. It can seem like a struggle to find the perfect, hard-working face cream that will sooth your rough, tight, and possibly even flaking complexion. That's where we come in. In addition to having tried pretty much every cream on the market, we also got a little help from a few trusted dermatologists and clinical aestheticians who know a thing or two about treating dry, dehydrated skin.

Why, exactly, does skin get drier in the winter months? "Colder temperatures and wind make the skin more sensitized and cause capillaries to expand," said Pamela Marshall, clinical aesthetician at Mortar and Milk in London. "We are also using radiators and heaters more often, which dehydrate skin, leaving it more prone to spots, sensitivity, and a slower healing capacity."

Catherine Borysiewicz, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic in London, explains that the consistency of the product during the cooler months is key. "For very dry skin during winter, use a thicker cream or ointment. For normal skin types, a light cream, lotion, or gel is usually sufficient," she said. (A note: When using these products, always apply them in the direction of hair growth, as rubbing them the other way will plug hair follicles, and may lead to spots.)

In addition to switching up your moisturizer, we like to make sure we're also using a hyaluronic acid serum, which "draws moisture to the skin," says Borysiewicz, while Marshall likes to include l-ascorbic acid into her routine to reduce oxidative stress (the skin-ravaging combination of oxygen with free radicals). Oh, and she also stresses the importance of continuing to wear SPF come rain, shine, or snow.

If you want to invest in a richer moisturizer — even if you don't consider your skin to be that dry — consider one of these expert-recommended face creams. It might just do the trick.

Weleda Skin Food
lookfantastic.com

Weleda Skin Food

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
dermstore.com

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

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."

CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25
ulta.com

CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25

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."

Eucerin AtoControl Face Care Cream
us.feelunique.com

Eucerin AtoControl Face Care Cream

"Eucerin AtoControl Face Care Cream ($12) is a great calming product as it reduces redness and itching", said Ismat Nasiruddin, dermatologist at Pulse Light Clinic and an NHS doctor with 25 years specializing in dermatology. "It is specially formulated with licochalcone A and ceramides for skin with atopic dermatitis (really red, inflamed) or sensitive skin."

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Rich Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin
googleadservices.com

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Rich Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin

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
dermalogica.com

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream

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.

Eau Thermale Avène Skin Recovery Cream
aveneusa.com

Eau Thermale Avène Skin Recovery Cream

"One of my favorite moisturizers for dry, sensitive, or irritated skin is Eau Thermale Avène Skin Recovery Cream ($35)," said Dr. Justine Kluk, consultant dermatologist based in London. "It soothes and provides long-lasting hydration, yet is non-greasy, easily absorbed, and sits well under makeup."

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream Moisturizer
target.com

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream Moisturizer

"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."

Exuviance Ultra Restorative Creme
amazon.com

Exuviance Ultra Restorative Creme

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.

Bioderma Sensibio Rich Soothing Moisturizing Cream
dermstore.com

Bioderma Sensibio Rich Soothing Moisturizing Cream

If your skin is dry and hypersensitive, your struggle to find a good winter moisturizer is probably even more of a struggle. Bioderma Sensibio Rich Soothing Moisturizing Cream ($20) contains glycyrrhetinic acid, which is regarded as helping to minimize sensitivity by soothing the skin. So if you have blotchy, dry patches, this might be a winner for you.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+
laroche-posay.us

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+

"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."

Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream
sephora.com

Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream

"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."

Clinique Moisture Surge
sephora.com

Clinique Moisture Surge

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.

Trilogy Very Gentle Moisturising Cream
trilogyproducts.com

Trilogy Very Gentle Moisturising Cream

"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.

Intraceuticals Opulence Moisture Brightening Cream
intraceuticals.com

Intraceuticals Opulence Moisture Brightening Cream

"Not only does the Intraceuticals Opulence Moisture Brightening Cream ($75) lock in moisture, but it also helps to create an even skin tone and delivers essential antioxidants, which brightens the skin," said Dr. Nyla Raja, cosmetic dermatologist and founder of her own clinic Doctor Nyla based in Cheshire.

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
neimanmarcus.com

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

"After working as a beauty editor for over a decade, I became a bit of a skeptic about beauty products. So when everyone started raving about the Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream ($265) I didn't believe the hype," said Panych. "When I moved to London seven months ago, the hard water started to severely dry out my skin. None of my usual face creams were working, so I gave this a go. And guess what? It dramatically improved the texture and tone of my skin. The crinkling around my eyes softened and the flaking around my nose and chin disappeared. Obviously, the price tag is astronomically high, but if you're someone who's been intrigued about it and toying with the idea of investing in a bottle, I hate it say it but, yeah . . . it is that good."

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
googleadservices.com

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

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.

Shiseido Essential Energy Moisturising Gel Cream
googleadservices.com

Shiseido Essential Energy Moisturising Gel Cream

"I like Shiseido Essential Energy Moisturising Gel Cream ($48)," said Dr. Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic. "It's light enough that it doesn't cause me to break out, but still hydrating enough to use throughout the winter months."