If you had told me a few years ago that I would be creating a guide about the best products for dry skin, I probably would have laughed. For most of my life I believed I had combination skin, so my skincare routine focused more on balancing oil rather than boosting hydration. However, after speaking with several dermatologists through my work, I realised something surprising. They all agreed that my skin type is actually dry.
Because of this, I completely changed my skincare routine. Over the past several months I have tested a wide range of products designed specifically for dry skin, including cleansers, toners, serums, moisturisers and hydrating mists. Through a lot of trial and error, I finally found a routine that truly works.
Now I have a collection of favourite products that deliver deep hydration whenever my skin needs it. In this guide, I am sharing the best products for dry skin that I have personally tested. I also spoke with dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite to better understand what causes dry skin and how you can recognise it.
Top Products for Dry Skin
| Category | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best Cleanser | CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser | £13 |
| Best Toner | Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner | £12 |
| Best Serum | Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide Serum | £24 |
| Best Moisturiser | La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm | £11 |
| Best Face Mist | Dermalogica Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist | £49 |
Best Cleansers for Dry Skin
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides
This cleanser is one of my all-time favourites and it is also recommended by Dr Alexis Granite. According to her, the first step for dry skin should always be a gentle cleanser that does not strip the skin barrier.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser works beautifully because it cleans the skin without removing essential moisture. The formula contains ceramides that help support and strengthen the skin barrier.
Pros
– Affordable price
– Gentle and non-stripping formula
Cons
– Bulky packaging
Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cleanser
Price: £33 – £41
Key Ingredients: Goat milk, manuka honey, avocado oil and jojoba oil
If you prefer a more luxurious cleanser, this one from Kate Somerville is a fantastic option. The creamy texture feels extremely nourishing and effectively removes makeup without leaving the skin tight or dry.
It is also an excellent choice for sensitive skin types.
Pros
– Rich creamy texture
– Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
– Higher price point
Best Toners for Dry Skin
Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner
Price: £12
Key Ingredients: Barrier lipid complex, polyglutamic acid and cica
Byoma is one of my favourite brands when my skin feels dehydrated. Their formulas focus on strengthening the skin barrier, which is essential for dry skin.
This toner has a soft milky texture that feels calming and hydrating. It works especially well when applied before moisturiser to boost hydration and give the skin a natural glow.
Pros
– Affordable
– Leaves skin glowing
– Adds extra hydration before moisturiser
Cons
– Application can be slightly messy
Rhode Glazing Milk
Key Ingredients: Ceramide trio, mineral complex, vitamin E and glycerin
Rhode’s Glazing Milk is designed to deliver that glass-skin look. Although it is not an essential step in every routine, it provides an extra layer of moisture and helps reinforce the skin barrier.
Thanks to ingredients like ceramides and glycerin, the skin feels soft, smooth and hydrated after use.
Pros
– Creates a radiant glow
– Strengthens the skin barrier
Cons
– Can be slightly messy to apply
Best Serums for Dry Skin
Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide Serum
Key Ingredients: Triple-weight hyaluronic acid, peptides and ceramides
Serums are an essential step for dry skin. While different serums can be used depending on your goals, a hydrating serum is crucial when your skin feels dehydrated.
This serum contains three forms of hyaluronic acid along with peptides and ceramides, which help deeply hydrate the skin while creating a dewy finish.
Pros
– Lightweight formula
– Provides a radiant glow
– Attractive packaging
Cons
– Discounted price only available to members
– Slightly sticky at first but absorbs quickly
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and volcanic mineralising water
This serum has been part of my skincare routine for years. It delivers intense hydration thanks to its hyaluronic acid content and mineral-rich water.
The lightweight formula layers beautifully under moisturiser and feels like a refreshing drink of water for the skin.
Pros
– Extremely lightweight
– Nourishing formula
Cons
– Slightly more expensive
Best Moisturisers for Dry Skin
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Moisturiser
Key Ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
Many moisturisers designed for dry skin can feel heavy, but this one from Cetaphil offers hydration without feeling thick on the skin.
It provides a good balance between lightweight texture and long-lasting moisture, making it ideal for everyday use.
Pros
– Lightweight formula
– Suitable for daily use
Cons
– Some people may prefer a richer cream
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm
Key Ingredients: Thermal spring water and panthenol
For intense hydration, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm is one of the best options available. The thicker balm texture deeply nourishes the skin and works especially well as a nighttime treatment.
After using it overnight, the skin often appears softer, smoother and noticeably more radiant.
Pros
– Very affordable
– Deeply hydrating
– Leaves skin glowing
Cons
– May be too rich for daytime use
Best Face Mists for Dry Skin
Curél Deep Moisture Spray
Key Ingredients: Ceramides and eucalyptus extract
Face mists are perfect for refreshing dry skin throughout the day. This option from Curél delivers hydration in a lightweight spray that can even be used over makeup.
Pros
– Lightweight formula
– Makeup-friendly
Cons
– Large packaging
Dermalogica Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and ceramides
This is one of the most hydrating face mists I have ever used. It provides an instant boost of moisture and works best when applied directly to clean skin.
Pros
– Extremely hydrating
Cons
– Expensive
– Can leave slight residue
Best Products for Dry Lips
Vaseline Gluta-Hya Lip Serum Gloss
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and tripeptide
Dry lips are also common when you have dry skin. This lip serum gloss from Vaseline delivers hydration while adding a soft glossy tint and slight plumping effect.
Pros
– Hydrating formula
– Adds subtle colour
Cons
– Applicator can get messy
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Key Ingredient: Shea butter
This overnight lip mask is extremely popular for a reason. The rich texture deeply hydrates lips and works well both overnight and during the day as a lip balm.
Pros
– Highly nourishing
– Available in multiple flavours
Cons
– Thick texture
– Some people may not like the jar packaging
What Causes Dry Skin?
According to Dr Alexis Granite, dry skin happens when the skin barrier cannot retain enough moisture. Several factors can contribute to this, including genetics, cold weather, low humidity, hot showers and harsh cleansers.
Hormonal changes, ageing, stress and conditions like eczema can also reduce the skin’s natural oils and ceramides, leading to moisture loss.
How to Tell If You Have Dry Skin
If you are unsure about your skin type, there are several signs that may indicate dryness.
Dry skin often feels tight, especially after washing your face. You may also notice flaking, rough patches, dullness or increased sensitivity. In more severe cases, itching or cracking can occur.
Ingredients to Look for in Dry Skin Products
When choosing skincare products for dry skin, the goal should be to repair the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
Key ingredients include:
– Ceramides, which strengthen the skin barrier
– Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid that attract water to the skin
– Emollients and occlusives that seal moisture into the skin
Other helpful ingredients include urea, cholesterol, panthenol and petrolatum, all of which can improve hydration and comfort in dry skin.
