MOISTURISER is the one skincare product I couldn’t ever be without, particularly during the winter.
The OG skin saviour is at the heart of any routine, so finding the best moisturiser for dry skin is the key to unlocking a flawless base – even in the depths of the cold weather.
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 colder months to draw moisture and prevent flakiness – which has led me to trying countless skincare products over the years.
As the temperatures are dropping, I’ve tested the best moisturisers for dry skin, including Korean beauty brands, options for broken skin barriers and options under £10.
Best moisturisers for dry skin at a glance
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 across days, months, and in some cases years, so I can give an accurate take on how well they hold up.
As Sun Shopping’s beauty expert, I’ve tried more than my fair share of beauty favourties, from LED masks to foundations for dry skin – and I only ever give my honest opinion.
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.
Best moisturisers for dry skin
Medicube Deep Vita C Capsule Cream, £26
Medicube Deep Vita C Capsule Cream, £26
Pros: Deeply hydrating, feels luxurious, unique texture, non-greasy, can customise richness, works with make-up, comes with an applicator
Cons: Some may not like the slightly sticky finish
Rating: 5/5
I’ve tried a lot of moisturisers over the years, so it’s rare to find one that blows me away.
Medicube’s Vita C Capsule Cream did just that, and I love everything from its unique texture to its luxurious consistency.
The consistency took me by surprise at first, as the gel is mixed with soft capsules (that kind of reminded me of tadpoles).
The moisturiser gives rich hydration that feels slightly sticky but not the slightest bit greasy, and for a lighter consistency, the capsules can be avoided to only use the gel.
I love that the mosituriser can be used in two ways, and while I thought it would be way too rich for daytime use, the slightly tacky texture actually makes me make-up sit really nicely (although I can see more people preferring it as a night cream only.
Of all the Korean skincare products I’ve tried, this one is my absolute favourite.
Size: 55ml, Key ingredients: Vitamin C, Vitamin Tree Water, Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes, Cruelty-free? Yes
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, £67
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, £67
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
Byoma Hydrating Milky Moisturiser, £15
Byoma Hydrating Milky Moisturiser, £15
Pros: Sits nicely under make-up, lightweight texture, protects the skin barrier, pretty packaging, affordable, non-greasy
Cons: Slightly fragranced
Rating: 5/5
I have several Byoma products in my routine, but the new Hydrating Milky Moisturiser is my new favourite.
It’s rare that I find a face cream that’s moisturising enough for my dry skin and sits well under make-up, but this £15 buy does just that.
The silky texture feels light on the skin, absorbing nicely without feeling sticky.
As always, I love Byoma’s packaging, and I’ve been using this after applying the brand’s Milky Toner.
I can see most skin types loving this moisturiser as it’s gentle, nourishing and lightweight – and it comes at an affordable price point.
Size: 50ml, Key ingredients: Glycerin, Panthenol, Adenosine, Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes, Cruelty-free? Yes
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, £32
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, £32
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, £10.12
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturiser at Boots, £10.12 (was £13.49)
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
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 Medik8’s Retinal which I also incorporated into my routine at the start of the year.
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
47 Skin Daily Moisturiser, £34
47 Skin Daily Moisturiser, £34
Pros: Soothing cooling feel, sinks in well, lightweight, has skin repairing properties
Cons: Slight clinical scent
Rating: 5/5
I’m very particular about what I put on my skin, so I wanted something gentle yet effective, and 47 Skin didn’t disappoint.
Even the slightest hint of stress triggers hormonal acne flare-ups and dry patches for me, and after using 47 Skin for a month, I’ve noticed reduced inflammation and redness, and the moisturiser now doubles as a dewy make-up base in my routine.
The moisturiser is extremely gentle with a key patented ingredient called Silver Chitoderm, which is a blend of silver and chitosan working to target bacteria while helping to renew the skin and reduce redness.
So if dryness and inflammation are key issues for you when approaching winter or just all year round, I would definitely recommend giving 47 Skin a try!
Size: 60ml, Key ingredients: Silver Chitoderm (consists of silver and Chitosan), Glycerin, Niacinamide, Shea Butter, Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes Cruelty-free? Yes
Weleda Skin Food Light, £9.96
Weleda Skin Food, £9.96
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 original Skin Food, 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.
Read Sun Shopping’s full Weleda Skin Food review.
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, £24
La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Riche, £24
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 Cicaplast Baume B5+ 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 Lotion, £10.20
CeraVe Moisturising Lotion, £10.20 (was £12)
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 Moisturising Soft Cream, £165
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 Soft 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
L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream, £82
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
Melora Manuka Moisturiser Cream, £18.99
Melora Manuka Moisturiser Cream, £18.99
Pros: Natural, lightweight, scentless, very hydrating
Cons: Slightly greasy residue
Rating: 4/5
The Mānuka honey moisturiser has a nourishing and natural formula you can feel from the first application, as well as being exceptionally gentle.
It’s extremely lightweight and virtually scent-free, with a subtle hint of natural honey, which is a great sign for a facial moisturiser.
Mānuka honey as an ingredient offers soothing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, and the formula feels intensely moisturising without the heaviness often found in products targeting dry skin, making it ideal for dry skin sufferers.
To take the hydration one step further, it’s also enriched with aloe and sweet almond oil, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin, while helping to strengthen the skin barrier.
Overall, it absorbs quickly, layers well as a base under make-up, and leaves a natural, dewy, healthy glow.
Size: 50ml, Key ingredients: Manuka Honey, Shea Butter, Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes Cruelty-free? Yes
The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors, £12.80
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
I spoke with Dr Shendy, lead skincare expert at Dermatica, who has given her specialist insight on the causes of dry skin, with advice on the most effective ways for keeping it at bay.
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.”
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.
Dermatica’s Nourishing Ceramide and Peptide Moisturiser 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
