· LUCY LOVES ME · Beauty
Quench Thirsty Skin: A Quest for the 20 Best Moisturisers for Dry Skin
As the leaves turn crisp and the air grows cooler, our skin starts crying out for some extra hydration.
The shift from summer to autumn isn’t just about cinnamon buns and warm, fuzzy sweaters, it’s a call to arms for your skincare routine.
Those lightweight lotions that kept you glowing in July are about as useful now as a sundress in a hailstorm.
It’s time to dive into the world of rich, nourishing creams that will keep your skin looking plump and juicy, even when the weather turns frightful.
But let’s face it – finding the best moisturisers for dry skin in such a crowded market can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack made of empty promises and fancy packaging.
So we are here to help uncover the holy grails of hydration.
The Dehydration Dilemma
First things first, why does your skin suddenly feel tighter than your jeans after a large pizza and tiramisu?
As temperatures drop and indoor heating cranks up, the air becomes drier, literally sucking the moisture from your skin.
This is where your typical moisturiser might start ghosting you faster than a bad date.
This is where you look for ingredients that not only add moisture but lock it in. We’re talking hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin – the holy trinity of hydration.
The Top 20 Best Moisturisers for Dry Skin
The Overnight Sensation: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask £28
Why it rocks: This Korean beauty staple works while you snooze, delivering intense hydration without the greasy feel. Imagine it’s like sending your skin to a spa retreat every night.
The Green Goddess: Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream £54
Why it’s a game-changer: Packed with adaptogens and pentapeptides, this cream doesn’t just moisturise – it helps your skin adapt to stress. It’s basically yoga but for your face.
The Texture Transformer: Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream £56
Why it’s addictive: This whipped wonder feels like applying a cloud to your face. It’s rich but absorbs quickly, making it perfect for layering.
The Fragrance-Free Phenomenon: Vanicream Moisturising Cream £22.99
Why dermatologists love it: Free from common irritants, this no-nonsense cream is a godsend for sensitive skin types. It’s the skincare equivalent of a comforting hug.
The Budget-Friendly Blockbuster: CeraVe Moisturising Cream £6
Why it’s a cult favourite: Ceramides and hyaluronic acid at a drugstore price point? Yes, please. It’s proof that effective skincare doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
The Luxury Lover: La Mer Crème de la Mer £305 for 60ml
Why it’s splurge-worthy: Yes, it’s expensive. However, its famous secret “Miracle Broth” ingredient has legions of devoted fans swearing by its skin-transforming powers.
The Barrier Booster: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream £32
Why it’s a skin saviour: Packed with ceramides, this cream doesn’t just moisturise – it helps repair your skin’s natural barrier.
The Multitasker: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream £32
Why it’s versatile: Face, body, hands – this cream does it all. It’s the Swiss Army knife of moisturisers, perfect for those who prefer a more minimalist skincare routine.
The Natural Nurturer: Weleda Skin Food £8.25
Why it’s a green beauty icon: With a formula virtually unchanged since 1926, this rich cream proves that sometimes, classic is best.
The Probiotic Pioneer: Tula 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream £47
Why it’s innovative: Probiotics in your moisturiser? It’s true. This cream helps balance your skin’s microbiome, promoting overall skin health.
The Night Owl’s Delight: Medik8 Advanced Night Restore £59
Why it’s a game-changer: This ceramide cocktail works the graveyard shift, repairing your skin barrier while you’re lost in dreamland.
The Microbiome Maestro: Cultured Biome One Mask £48
Why it’s revolutionary: Postbiotics are the new probiotics, didn’t you know? This leave-on mask doesn’t just moisturise – it conducts a full orchestra of good bacteria on your face.
The Far East Fusion: Beauty Pie Japanfusion Power Elixir Moisturiser £18 for Beauty Pie members
Why it’s a must-have: It’s lighter than a geisha’s fan but packs the hydrating punch of a sumo wrestler.
The Barrier’s Bodyguard: Byoma Moisturising Gel-Cream £12
Why it’s a rising star: With its Tri-Ceramide Complex, this gel cream is like hiring a bouncer for your skin barrier. No dehydration is getting past this velvet rope.
The Sensitive Soul Soother: Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream £69
Why it’s comforting: For skin that’s more temperamental than a diva before showtime, this cream is the equivalent of a backstage pep talk.
The Day-Off Champion: Oskia Rest Day Comfort Cream £58
Why it’s restorative: Packed with probiotics and ceramides, it’s like sending your face to a spa retreat, even if the rest of you is at home watching Netflix.
The Oil-Free Oasis: Facetheory Supergel Oil-Free Moisturiser £16
Why it’s unique: A gel that hydrates dry skin without clogging pores? It’s the skincare equivalent of having your cake and eating it too – minus the cake, of course.
I love a rich moisturiser so here are 3 of my personal favourites:
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream £67: This rich, velvety cream is packed with Japanese botanicals to hydrate and plump the skin.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream £52: A cult favourite known for its ability to leave skin looking radiant and youthful.
Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich Face Cream £35: A thicker version of Glossier’s popular priming moisturiser, perfect for dry skin.
Breaking the Mould: Unconventional Application Techniques
And now for technique. Do you slap on moisturiser like you’re icing a cake? No good. Try this: apply your moisturiser as soon as you can after washing your face or stepping out of the shower (post serum, of course). This helps trap existing moisture, giving you an extra hydration boost.
And don’t be afraid to cocktail your products. Try mixing a drop of facial oil into your moisturiser for an extra dose of nourishment. It’s like creating a custom blend tailored to your skin’s ever-changing needs.
Anti-ageing tip: Don’t forget to moisturise your neck and décolletage, and always apply in upward motions to lift the skin and combat gravity, rather than pulling it downward.
Surprising Lifestyle Factors Affecting Skin Hydration
Your shower might be secretly sabotaging your skin. Hot water feels great, but it strips away natural oils faster than a chameleon changing colours. Opt for lukewarm water and keep showers short.
And here’s a plot twist – your gut health affects your skin. Probiotic-rich foods and supplements can help balance your microbiome, potentially improving skin hydration from the inside out. Who knew your yoghurt habit could be a beauty booster?
And it’s a no brainer but more sleep and less stress definitely helps your skin.
The Future of Moisture: What’s Next?
There are some exciting skincare innovations on the horizon.
Smart skincare devices that analyse your skin’s hydration levels and dispense the perfect amount of product? They’re coming.
Personalised moisturisers based on your DNA? Already here.
But even as technology advances, the basics remain the same. The best moisturisers for dry skin are those that work for you, fitting seamlessly into your lifestyle and leaving your skin feeling nourished, protected, and ready to face whatever the changing seasons throw your way.
So as you swap your sundresses for sweaters, give your skincare the autumn upgrade it deserves.
Your skin will thank you – and who knows? You might just find yourself looking forward to those chilly autumn mornings, knowing you’ve got the perfect moisturiser waiting to wrap your dry skin in a comforting embrace.
What’s Your Skin’s Soulmate? Find Your Perfect Moisturiser Match with our Quiz
Choose the answer that best describes your skin for each question. At the end, we’ll reveal your skin type and recommend the ideal moisturiser for you!
- How does your skin feel after cleansing?
a) Tight and uncomfortable
b) Mostly normal, maybe slightly tight
c) Still a bit oily, especially in the T-zone
d) Irritated or red - By midday, your skin typically looks:
a) Dull and flaky
b) Pretty much the same as in the morning
c) Shiny, especially on your forehead and nose
d) Patchy, with some areas dry and others oily - When you apply moisturiser:
a) Your skin drinks it up and you often need to reapply
b) It feels nice but not absolutely necessary
c) It sometimes feels too heavy or greasy
d) Some areas feel soothed, others might feel irritated - Which skin concern bothers you the most?
a) Lack of hydration and glow
b) Maintaining balanced, healthy-looking skin
c) Controlling excess oil and shine
d) Redness, irritation, or sensitivity - When choosing skincare products, you prioritise:
a) Rich, nourishing formulas
b) Lightweight, hydrating products
c) Oil-free or mattifying options
d) Gentle, fragrance-free formulas
Results:
Mostly A’s: Dry Skin
Your skin is crying out for hydration! Your ideal moisturiser is:
The Luxury Lover: La Mer Crème de la Mer
Or for a budget-friendly option:
The Budget-Friendly Blockbuster: CeraVe Moisturising Cream
Mostly B’s: Normal/Combination Skin
You’ve hit the skincare jackpot with balanced skin! Your perfect match is:
The Texture Transformer: Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream
Or try:
The Far East Fusion: Beauty Pie Japanfusion Power Elixir Moisturiser
Mostly C’s: Oily Skin
You need hydration without the heaviness. Your skin will love:
The Oil-Free Oasis: Facetheory Supergel Oil-free Moisturiser M3
Or for nighttime:
The Overnight Sensation: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
Mostly D’s: Sensitive Skin
Your skin needs some extra TLC. Treat it gently with:
The Fragrance-Free Phenomenon: Vanicream Moisturising Cream
Or for intense soothing:
The Sensitive Soul Soother: Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream
Bonus Recommendation:
If you scored evenly across multiple categories, your skin might benefit from:
The Multitasker: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Remember, everyone’s skin is unique, and these recommendations are just starting points. Feel free to experiment and find what works best for you.
