The 15 Best Face Moisturizers for Dry Skin 2025

Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel is a lightweight, fast-absorbing gel that we found comfortable on oily skin and easy to layer, though it scored 6.5/10 for mixed long-term results. During our review the hyaluronic acid and glycerin delivered instant plumpness without greasiness, but the fragranced formula can irritate sensitive skin and there’s no SPF, so you’ll need sunscreen during the day. It’s a great pick if you want a cooling, non-heavy hydrator but not the richest option for dry climates.

Vanicream’s Daily Facial Moisturizer stands out as one of our top-rated, sensitive-skin staples with an 8.5/10 score thanks to a gentle, fragrance-free formula that absorbs without greasiness. During our review we found the ceramides and hyaluronic acid provide dependable hydration and nourishment, though in extremely harsh weather some people might need a heavier cream and the pump can make dispensing awkward. If you want a no-nonsense, irritation-free everyday moisturizer, this is a dependable pick.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Cream is a lightweight, fast-absorbing hydrator we found ideal for those who want plump, refreshed skin without greasiness—during our testing its hyaluronic acid and ceramides delivered strong immediate moisture (hydration level 9). Our experience shows it absorbs quickly and leaves a dewy finish, but some users reported irritation or allergic reactions and there's no SPF, so daytime wear requires sunscreen. It scored 6.5/10 overall — a great pick if you tolerate the formula and need a lightweight boost.

We found the PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion from up&up™ to be a solid, wallet-friendly pick that scored 7/10 thanks to useful actives like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and niacinamide. During our testing it felt nourishing and the unscented formula is kind to sensitive skin, but our experience shows it can feel greasy on some people and may not fully satisfy extremely dry skin; acne-prone users should watch for breakouts. It’s a reliable everyday option if you need good ingredients at a low price.

Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream performed well for deep hydration in our testing, earning a 7/10 and a hydration score of 9 that leaves skin feeling plump and resilient. That said, during our review we noticed the formula contains fragrance and alcohol, which increased the likelihood of irritation for sensitive or reactive skin, and its rich texture may be too heavy if you’re prone to oiliness. If you need serious moisture and don’t mind fragrance, it’s a luxurious hydrator to consider.

La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer scored 7.5/10 in our testing as a reliable, quick-absorbing daily hydrator that doesn’t leave a greasy film. We found its ceramides, niacinamide and glycerin help restore the skin barrier and improve texture, but our experience shows some users notice pilling under makeup and niacinamide can irritate very sensitive skin. Overall it’s a strong everyday choice if you want efficient hydration with minimal residue, just patch-test if you’re reactive.

First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream is a dependable heavy-hitter for dry, eczema-prone skin; in our testing it delivered intense hydration (hydration level 8) without feeling greasy and earned a solid 7/10. We found glycerin and vitamins soothe and absorb quickly, leaving skin soft and comfortable, but our experience shows the added eucalyptus oil can irritate very sensitive users. During our review some people still needed reapplication in extreme dryness, so it’s great for flare-ups but keep a gentler option nearby.

Drunk Elephant's Lala Retro Whipped Cream earned a 7.5/10 in our testing thanks to rich, skin-restoring ingredients—our experience shows its fatty acids, ceramides and plant oils deliver deep moisture (hydration level 9) that helps repair the barrier. We found it leaves skin feeling plush and resilient, but during our review people with oily skin often said it felt too heavy and the price is steeper than many alternatives. If you need substantial night-time nourishment and don't mind the splurge, it's a luxurious choice.

First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream Fresh Pear offers the same deep hydration profile as the classic Ultra Repair but with added scent—during our review it felt immediately soothing and non-greasy, delivering strong moisture (hydration level 8). We found it performs well on dry skin, yet our experience shows the eucalyptus and added fragrance can irritate sensitive or reactive skin, and mixed feedback on long-term effectiveness lowered its overall appeal to a 6/10. If you tolerate scents, it's pleasant; otherwise stick with the fragrance-free version.

If you like simplicity, this 9-Ingredient Face Moisturizer (scored 7.5/10) is a breath of fresh air — lightweight, non-greasy and fragrance-free, so it plays nicely with sensitive skin. In our testing we found its glycerin and sodium hyaluronate combo delivers solid hydration (hydration level 8) without a heavy feel, but our experience shows the inclusion of coconut oil can be comedogenic for some and it contains no SPF, so pair it with sunscreen for daytime use.

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Face Cream is an affordable option that delivers long-lasting moisture; in our testing its hyaluronic acid and glycerin combo left skin soft and radiant. We found it hydrates well for dry skin (hydration level 8) without feeling heavy, but our experience shows the fragranced formula caused irritation and redness for some users. During our review that sensitivity concern reduced its suitability for reactive skin, so patch-test before using on sensitive areas.

Kate Somerville’s HydraKate Recharging Duo aims for intense hydration and in our testing delivered plump, revitalized skin with a hydration level rated 9, but it scored only 6.5/10 overall. Our experience shows the serum’s texture can feel unexpectedly thin and watery and the moisturizer’s packaging is tricky and messy to dispense, which undermines the luxury price tag. If deep, lasting moisture is your priority and you don’t mind paying more — and tolerating awkward packaging — it can work well.

Kate Somerville's HydraKate Recharging Serum earned a high 9/10 in our testing for delivering immediate, long-lasting hydration without greasiness; we found the hyaluronic acid, glycerin and peptides leave skin plump and supple (hydration level 9). During our review it absorbed quickly and felt lightweight, though our experience shows some users describe the texture as thin or watery and the luxury price reduces value compared with other serums. If you want fast, noticeable hydration and don't mind paying more, it's a standout splurge.

For budget-conscious shoppers, e.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 earned a strong 8/10 for offering broad-spectrum sun protection plus hydration in one affordable package. During our review we found hyaluronic acid and peptides hydrate without a greasy finish, and the SPF 30 is a practical daily defense, though some sensitive users reported irritation and the fragranced formula may not be ideal for reactive skin. Keep in mind it might not be rich enough for very dry complexions.

Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30 is attractive for combining ceramides and niacinamide with daily sun protection, but it scored only 5.5/10 in our testing due to comfort issues for some users. We found it absorbs quickly and offers broad protection, yet during our review several people reported a sticky or greasy feel and potential eye irritation from avobenzone. If you need SPF built into your moisturizer and aren’t sensitive to chemical filters, it’s convenient — otherwise test it first.

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is a practical daytime hydrator that combines ceramides and hyaluronic acid with broad-spectrum SPF 30—during our review we appreciated that two-in-one convenience and its lightweight, non-greasy finish. We found it performs well on oily skin, but our experience shows the hydration level (6) may be too light for very dry complexions and some users reported a visible white cast or pilling when layered under makeup. Overall it scored 7.5/10 for daily sun-protecting hydration.

In our testing the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion earned a 7.5/10 for its lightweight, non-greasy formula packed with hyaluronic acid, ceramides and niacinamide to support overnight repair. Our experience shows the fragrance-free blend is great for combination skin and sensitive types, but some users reported a sticky residue and found it insufficient alone for very dry skin, meaning you may need a richer follow-up product. It’s an affordable staple for nightly barrier support.