It’s wintertime and the living is cozy. But the dry air and chilly temps tend to do a number on our skin, leaving our complexion looking dull and depleted and in desperate need of one thing: moisture. But which winter moisturizer should you turn to? And what do the dermatologists recommend using? We asked them (and a few of our editors) for their help in finding the 13 best winter moisturizers to help your skin survive the season.
The 13 Best Winter Moisturizers to Hydrate Thirsty Skin
Vetted by dermatologists
•
Published Jan 31, 2024
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
Dasha Burobina
The Best Winter Moisturizers At a Glance
1
Best for All Skin Types
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM
read more
2
Best Anti-Aging
Sarah Chapman Dynamic Defence
read more
3
Best for Very Dry Skin
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
read more
4
Best for Oily Skin
Neutrogena Hydra Boost Water Gel
read more
5
Best for Sensitive Skin
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion for Face
read more
Meet the Experts
• Dr. Doris Day is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York. Her specialties include laser, cosmetic, surgical and aesthetic dermatology. She’s also a clinical associate professor of dermatology at the New York University Langone Medical Center.
• Dr. Lauren Penzi is a board-certified dermatologist in New York. Her specialties include medical and cosmetic dermatology. She prioritizes a preventative approach to combat both skin cancer and aging and has a special interest in acne, rosacea, eczema and more.
• Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist with patients in both New York and New Jersey. Her specialties include eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, wrinkles and more. She’s also an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell-New York Presbyterian Medical Center.
How We Chose the Best Winter Moisturizers
To narrow our search, we reached out to Dr. Day, Dr. Penzi and Dr. Garshick to get their top product recommendations (as well as any application tips and ingredients to look out for when shopping). We also worked closely with our internal beauty team (including our beauty director Jenny Jin) to get their go-to picks for the best winter moisturizers and find out which ones really deliver on their promises.
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CeraVe
Best for All Skin Types
1. CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM
What We Like:
- Great for all skin types, but especially sensitive and irritated skin
- Absorbs quickly
- Includes SPF 30
What We Don’t Like:
- Can sometimes feel a bit tacky
CeraVe
Almost all of the derms we spoke with agreed that CeraVe is a bit of a winter skincare hero—not only for its versatility, but also for its affordability and ability to deliver maximum moisture to your skin. It’s true: CeraVe’s Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM is known for protecting your skin against the winter chill, but it’s also great for smoothing over any existing dry patches. “This moisturizer contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help support the skin barrier and draw moisture in,” Dr. Garshick says. “It’s also lightweight so it won’t leave the skin feeling greasy and, as a bonus, it contains SPF.” The best part? You can use this cream on your face, but also your hands, body and even your feet—really any place that needs a hit of moisture.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 3 fluid ounces
- Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free
- Allergy-tested
Sarah Chapman
Best Anti-Aging
2. Sarah Chapman Dynamic Defence
What We Like:
- Fast absorption
- Immediately glowy results
- Includes SPF 15
What We Don’t Like:
- Runs out quickly
Sarah Chapman
We were first introduced to Sarah Chapman’s line at her London-based clinic over a year ago and we haven’t turned back since. With many star products to choose from, Dynamic Defence is the one that’s in regular rotation year-round, but especially winter. Here’s why: Its combo of antioxidants, omega-rich oils, mango and shea butter boosts your skin’s natural defenses against environmental stressors. A few pumps and our dry winter skin feels instantly soothed—and looks rather glowy, too—thanks to the other hero ingredients that are included like vitamin A. One note: To get the most from this product (and to better combat redness brought on by freezing temps, harsh winds and indoor heating), layer it with a hydrating serum that has hyaluronic acid in it.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 40 mL
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, mango and shea butter, vitamin E, glycerin
- Delicately fragranced with hyacinth, rose and jasmine
Augustinus Bader
Best for Very Dry Skin
3. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
What We Like:
- Delivers deep hydration
- Grease-free and absorbs easily
- Geared toward more mature skin types
What We Don’t Like:
- The cost
Augustinus Bader
This deeply hydrating moisturizer has been a tried-and-true favorite amongst our editorial team for years. Upon application, our moisture-deprived skin instantly felt renewed. In fact, we were so blown away by the richness that we put it on our hands and a bit on our feet, too. (By morning, both areas felt much smoother.) The credit goes to the ingredients; you’ll find hyaluronic acid, avocado oil and vitamin E all in the mix. The Rich Cream also includes a proprietary blend of amino acids, vitamins and peptides.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 15 to 100 ml (prices vary)
- Key Ingredients: Evening primrose oil, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, argan oil, avocado oil
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
Neutrogena
Best for Oily Skin
4. Neutrogena Hydra Boost Water Gel
What We Like:
- Delivers long-lasting hydration
- Great for acne-prone skin
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like:
- Might not be moisturizing enough for more mature skin
Neutrogena
Dr. Penzi and Dr. Day both endorse this cream for its impressive hydration and ability to moisturize oily and acne-prone skin without causing breakouts. The formula is also quite gentle, which is why it works well on skin that is already a bit stressed by other factors. Per Dr. Penzi, “I am obsessed with this lightweight moisturizer that’s packed with hyaluronic acid, amino acids and essential lipids that help hydrate the skin for up to 72 hours without leaving it feeling sticky or greasy.” Dr. Day does note that a gel-based moisturizer is better for those prone to greasy skin. “If you are both dry and low-oil, you’ll want to choose a cream-based moisturizer instead,” she explains.
Fast Facts
- Size: 1.7 fluid ounces
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerin
- Fragrance-free
- Free of dyes, parabens, phthalates and non-comedogenic
Cetaphil
Best for Sensitive Skin
5. Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion for Face
What We Like:
- Absorbs quickly
- Affordable
- Calms redness
What We Don’t Like:
- Can feel a tad heavy
Cetaphil
This tried-and-true favorite is one we always keep in our medicine cabinet and carry with us on the go. Souped up with hyaluronic acid, Cetaphil’s Daily Hydrating Lotion provides instant and powerful hydration that absorbs quickly to hydrate and revive dull winter skin. Our testers raved at how light it goes on, but also the fact that it’s gentle enough for acne-prone skin. “It seemed to calm any redness, too,” one tester remarked.
Fast Facts
- Size: 3 fluid ounces
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
First Aid Beauty
Best for Stressed-Out Skin
6. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
What We Like:
- Whipped texture
- Provides immediate repair and moisture
- Extra soothing for cracked skin
What We Don’t Like:
- Can take a minute to absorb
First Aid Beauty
Our beauty editors and the dermatologists we interviewed swear by this product, especially for flaky skin that’s in desperate need of repair. Between the shea butter, colloidal oatmeal, meadowfoam seed oil and avocado oil, this beloved moisturizer is lightweight, but highly effective. Our testers also love that it doesn’t leave a greasy finish. “This moisturizer was originally recommended to me by my dermatologist, but has since become a staple in my routine, amongst other fancier counterparts,” one of our editors remarked. Another added: “If my skin is in dire straits, the is my go-to moisturizer to calm it TF down. I also have rosacea around my nose and cheeks, and it tends to flare up when it’s cold. This cream helps keep any redness at bay.”
Fast Facts
- Size: 6 fluid ounces
- Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, ceramides
- Shea butter scent
- Vegan
La Roche-Posay
The Derm Pick
7. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer
What We Like:
- Delivers intense hydration
- Fast absorbing
- Leaves skin looking radiant
What We Don’t Like:
- Goes on a bit thick
La Roche-Posay
Kudos to La Roche-Posay because, across the board, all three of our derms swear by this product for troubleshooting dull and depleted winter skin. “It absorbs quickly and contains prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, niacinamide and glycerin to help restore healthy-looking skin,” explains Dr. Penzi. “It’s a personal favorite of mine.” Other La Roche-Posay products that our derms adore? Dr. Garshick loves their Cicaplast balm. (“It’s great for spot treating dry patches,” she says.) Also best-in-class from Dr. Day: La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar AP+ Balm ($20).
Fast Facts
- Size: 30 to 75 mL (prices vary)
- Key Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin
- Fragrance-free
- Clean and non-comedogenic
Tower28
Best Eczema Relief
8. Tower28 Barrier Redness Recovery Moisturizer
What We Like:
- Ideal for sensitive skin that’s prone to redness
- Great for spot treating areas that are lacking moisture
- Has National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
What We Don’t Like:
- Smaller sized tube
Tower28
Our beauty director raves about the healing powers of this moisturizer. “This has four types of hyaluronic acid and ceramides in it to replenish your skin's natural fats, which keep your skin barrier strong. After washing my face, I massage a blueberry-sized amount of this cream onto my skin every night and I wake up less dry,” she says. Despite being rich in moisture, it’s not tacky at all and is great for sensitive skin. For those who are prone to breakouts or irritation, rest assured, this product is designed to soothe—no stinging whatsoever.
Fast Facts:
- Size: 1.86 fluid ounces
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, allantoin
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
Aestura
Best Nighttime Moisturizer
What We Like:
- Great for overnight, but also daytime
- Doesn't feel heavy
- Ideal for ultra-dry skin
What We Don’t Like:
- Can feel a tiny bit greasy as it absorbs
Aestura
“I first got wind of this cream through a friend in Korea, who said it's one of the most popular moisturizers for dry, sensitive skin. After a few months of using it, I'm happy to report that it lives up to the hype,” shares Jin. The cream features encapsulated beads that combine ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids to enhance the absorption of said ceramides, thereby boosting hydration in your skin. “It's usually one of my go-to nighttime moisturizers, but lately I'm also using it in the mornings, as my skin tends to be drier this time of year,” she adds.
Fast Facts:
- Size: 2.7 fluid ounces
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, squalane, ceramides
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
TRNR
Best for Combination Skin
10. TRNR Skin Prebiotic Lipid Nourishing Moisturizer
What We Like:
- Great for acne-prone skin
- Combats flakiness
- Thick, but fast absorbing
What We Don’t Like:
- Runs out fast
TRNR
A dark horse in our winter moisturizer testing, this product turned out to be a star. It’s chock-full of the best moisture-boosting ingredients (squalane, ceramides, to name a few) but is also safe for acne-prone skin. One of our testers remarked, “My skin is unpredictable and, at first, I was nervous because it’s heavier than other moisturizers I typically use,” she said. “But after trying it, I actually think this was exactly what my skin needed. It was so hydrating and left my face and hands supple without feeling greasy. During the two weeks I used the product, I had the best skin of my life—no breakouts and my skin was totally calm and less inflamed.”
Fast Facts
- Size: 1.7 fluid ounces
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, ceramides, yacon root, inulin
- Fragrance-free
- Phthalate-, talc-, paraben- and gluten-free
Charlotte Tilbury
Best Body Moisturizer
11. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream
What We Like:
- A little goes a long way
- Our skin looks more radiant after using
- Easy absorption on patchy troublespots like elbows and feet
What We Don’t Like:
- A bit of a splurge
Charlotte Tilbury
Much like facial moisturizer, you want to search for similarly hydrating ingredients in a body moisturizer, too. Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Body Cream—an offshoot of their popular Magic Cream ($100)—is packed with hyaluronic acid, rose-hip oil, vitamin E and peptides, which all support your body’s natural collagen production, while keeping your skin dewy and moisturized. Our derms and editors also stand behind the brand: “This moisturizer really lives up to the hype. It’s lightweight, but deeply hydrating and doesn’t leave any sticky residue on my skin,” one editor reports. “Even after a weekend of skiing through gnarly, icy winds, this moisturizer keeps my skin feel fresh and revived.”
Fast Facts:
- Size: 200 mL
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, rose-hip oil, vitamin E
- Light, fresh scent
- Vegan
Sisley Paris
Best Moisturizing Mask
12. Sisley-Paris Black Rose Cream Mask
What We Like:
- Great for mature skin
- Works overnight
- Can help banish flakiness
What We Don’t Like:
- The cost
Sisley Paris
This ultra-moisturizing product is technically a mask, but it’s one you can leave on overnight so your skin is ready to take on the colder temps when you wake up. One of our editor testers shared that her skin tends to get very dry and flaky in the winter months, so she uses this mask as a preventative step multiple nights a week. “The formula is on the thicker side, but I find that to be super helpful when I’m trying to lock in moisture and protect my skin from the elements,” she shares. “It’s rich for sure, but it absorbs well. Also, a little goes a long way, which helps with the cost.”
Fast Facts:
- Size: 2 fluid ounces
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, vitamin E, shea butter, glycerin
- Light scent
Fresh
Best Hand Cream
13. Fresh Milk Hydrating Hand Cream
What We Like:
- The milky texture
- The hydration boost without feeling tacky
- Provides moisture that lasts
What We Don’t Like:
- Can take a minute to fully absorb
Fresh
Our editors remarked that this particular hand cream delivered a noticeable difference in combating the rough texture of their moisture-deprived hands. The formula features plant milks like rice and linseed, and it also contains a few dermatologist-approved ingredients (i.e., squalane, hyaluronic acid) that are known for upping hydration, which is crucial during the winter months.
Fast Facts:
- Size: 1.6 ounces
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and plant oils
- Light fragrance
What Should I Look for In a Winter Moisturizer?
Ideally, you should choose a moisturizer that has a thicker consistency to it, as these tend to lock in moisture better than their lightweight counterparts, explains Dr. Garshick. Given that both the temperature and humidity levels in the air drop in the winter, your skin will feel noticeably drier and more parched, so you’ll want to swap in a richer facial moisturizer that will reinforce the skin barrier and keep the moisture locked in.
What Should I Consider When Shopping for Winter Moisturizers?
When shopping for winter moisturizers, it’s all about the ingredients, Dr. Penzi explains. Things like hyaluronic acid (a humectant that can help absorb and maintain moisture in the skin) and glycerin (this helps draw water in, while reinforcing the skin barrier) are key. Additionally, you want to seek out products with ceramides (naturally occurring lipids found in the skin that help retain moisture), squalane (another natural compound that’s found in the skin’s sebum that helps with moisturization) and niacinamide (aka vitamin B3, a jack of all trades ingredient that helps reduce inflammation, hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier).
There are also a few ingredients you absolutely want to avoid during the winter like alcohol, harsh chemicals like sulfates and fragrance if you can. Dr. Day adds that any overly abrasive exfoliants included within the product can also do a number on your skin during this time. “For example, [skip using] high concentrations of glycolic acid or any scrubs that feel particularly rough on the skin,” she explains.
Is a Gel or Cream-Based Moisturizer Better for Winter?
Gel creams have a lightweight consistency and are water-based, which makes the product apply transparently and feel cool upon application, whereas creams tend to have a thicker, more emollient consistency to them. As Dr. Day explains, “The difference between a gel- and cream-based moisturizer comes down to the way they combine oils and the water. If you tend towards greasy skin that’s also missing water, a gel moisturizer may be better for you. But if you are both dry and low-oil—which is generally the case for anyone with more mature skin or those using a prescription retinoid—a cream may be better for you.”
What Else Can I Do to Combat Dry Skin During the Winter?
Yes, adjusting your moisturizer is a must when it comes to protecting your skin during the winter months, but there are additional steps you can take to boost moisture. For starters, try layering a hyaluronic acid serum underneath your moisturizer, which can hold up to 1000x its weight in water and [draws more] moisture into the skin. “It essentially helps your moisturizer do a better, more effective job,” Dr. Penzi explains.
Dr. Day also recommends gently exfoliating a couple times a week to support the skin’s cell turnover and prevent flakiness—a common side effect this time of year. There’s one more step: “Add a humidifier to your bedroom and consider double-layering your night cream for an added boost,” she says. “This means you would apply one layer to your face and neck, let it settle for a few minutes, then re-apply. It makes a difference!”
