If you’d have told me a couple of years ago that I’d be writing a guide to the best products for dry skin, I would have laughed. I’ve always thought of myself as someone with combination skin, and have focused on products that help balance, rather than hydrate. However, thanks to my job, I’ve been lucky enough to consult with some incredible dermatologists over the past few years, and they’ve all said the same thing: that my complexion is inherently dry. So, I’ve made some big changes to my skincare routine and have been busy testing the very best products for dry skin, including cleansers, serums, moisturisers and more.
It might have taken months (and months), but I’ve finally found a routine that works for me. Not only that, I’ve now got a handful of holy-grail products that provide a hit of hydration whenever I need it. Therefore, I thought it was about time to share these recommendations with you. Below, I’ve created the ultimate tried-and-tested edit of the best products for dry skin, and I also reached out to top dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite to find out more about dry skin and how to recognise if you might have it. Keep scrolling for everything I want you to know.
The Best Products for Dry Skin, Tried and Tested
Best Cleansers for Dry Skin
1. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
CeraVe
Hydrating Cleanser
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides
Not only is this one of my favourite cleansers of all time, but it’s one of Dr Granite’s top recommendations. “I always recommend starting with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser, as harsh cleansing can worsen dryness,” she says. “CeraVe‘s Hydrating Cleanser is a great option because it cleanses without disrupting the skin barrier and contains ceramides to support the skin from the first step.”
Pros
- Affordable
- Doesn’t strip the skin
2. Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cleanser
Kate Somerville
Goat Milk Moisturising Cleanser
Key ingredients: Goat milk, manuka honey, avocado and jojoba oils
For a luxury option, I always reach for the Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cleanser. Not only does this have the creamiest, most hydrating texture, but it removes any traces of makeup without leaving my skin dry or tight. It’s also a great option for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Creamy texture
- Good for sensitive skin types
Best Toners for Dry Skin
3. Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner
Byoma
Hydrating Milky Toner
Key ingredients: Barrier lipid complex, polyglutamic acid and cica
Byoma is one of my go-to brands when my skin is feeling dry, as all its products work to boost the skin barrier. This milky toner is particularly nice to use before moisturiser as the milky texture feels both hydrating and calming on the skin. If you want to look extra glowy, I recommend adding this to your routine asap.
Pros
- Great price point
- Adds a subtle glow to the skin
- Good to apply before moisturiser for extra hydration
Cons
- Can sometimes be a little messy to apply
4. Rhode Glazing Milk
Key ingredients: Ceramide trio, mineral complex, vitamin E and glycerin
Speaking of glowy, I don’t know what I did before Rhode’s Glazing Milk came into my life. Whilst it isn’t something you necessarily need in your routine, it’s great for adding extra moisture and creating that glass-skin effect. Packed with ceramides and glycerin, it leaves your complexion feeling silky-soft and also helps reinforce the skin barrier.
Pros
- Adds a super glowy finish to the skin
Cons
- Can sometimes be a little messy to apply
Best Serums for Dry Skin
5. Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide Serum
Beauty Pie
Triple Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide Serum
Price shown is members’ price.
Key ingredients: Triple-weight hyaluronic acid elixir, peptides and ceramides
A serum is a key step in any skincare routine, especially for dry skin. Whilst you might want to use different serums every week, such as retinol serums or vitamin C serums, when my skin is parched, I always reach for a hyaluronic acid serum. Most notably, the Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide Serum. This floods your skin with moisture the second you apply it, whilst also adding a dewy finish. How? It’s all down to a formula packed with ceramides, peptides and a triple-weight hyaluronic acid elixir.
Pros
- Lightweight texture
- Adds a dewy finish
- Cute packaging
Cons
- Need to be a member to shop the discounted price
- Can be a little sticky at first, but sinks in quickly
6. Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum
Vichy
Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and “volcanic mineralising water”
A serum that has been in my skincare collection for years is Vichy’s Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum. As the name suggests, this is another gem packed with hyaluronic acid, alongside the brand’s volcanic mineralising water, and I like to think of it as a big glass of water for my skin. It’s incredibly lightweight, so perfect for layering with your go-to moisturiser.
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Nourishing formula
Best Moisturiser for Dry Skin
7. Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Moisturiser
Cetaphil
Daily Hydrating Moisturiser
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Whilst lots of moisturisers for dry skin can be very rich, what I like about this offering from Cetaphil is that it’s lightweight on the skin, so although it’s super moisturising, it works well as an everyday option. It features hyaluronic acid for that much-needed hit of hydration, and it’s another product that’s also ideal for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good for everyday
Cons
- Some may prefer a richer option
8. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm
La Roche-Posay
Cicaplast Balm
Key ingredients: The brand’s exclusive thermal spring water and panthenol
That being said, if you do want something rich, you cannot go wrong with La Roche-Posay‘s Cicaplast Balm. At just £11, this is like a miracle in a tube (and I don’t say that lightly). It has a thicker consistency, and I like to apply it at night and let it work its magic. The balm texture immediately hydrates the skin, and whenever I use it, I wake up with a noticeable glow. I’ll never be without a tube of this stuff.
Pros
- Great price point
- Super hydrating
- Adds a glowy finish
Cons
- Could be too rich for everyday wear
9. Skin Genius Cream Come True Speedy Absorbing Cream
Skin Genius
Cream Come True Speedy Absorbing Cream
Key ingredients: Shea butter, starflower, chickweed
I couldn’t do this roundup without including one of our beauty director, Shannon Lawlor‘s, favourite products for dry skin. “This moisturiser is something I recommend everyone keep on the shelf for when you have dry skin flare-ups. The rich cream can be applied to body or face and contains heaps of essential fatty acids to soothe and nourish irritated skin, and it does all of that whilst remaining beautifully lightweight. It’s one of those hero products that I always want to have on hand in the worst dry-skin situations.”
Pros
- Super nourishing
- Lightweight on the skin
Cons
- Might not be the best option for everyday use
Best Face Mists for Dry Skin
10. Curél Deep Moisture Spray
Curél
Deep Moisture Spray
Key ingredients: Ceramides and eucalyptus extract
I never used to use a face mist, but I’ve come to learn that they are the ultimate pick-me-up for my dry skin, whether I’m using it as part of my skincare routine or simply need a boost when at my desk. This one from Curél is particularly good as the lightweight mist is packed with ceramides to hydrate the skin. Because it’s so lightweight, I can even apply it over my makeup.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Can be used over makeup
11. Dermalogica Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist
Dermalogica
Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and ceramides
I’m yet to find a facial mist as hydrating as this one from Dermalogica. Yes, it’s expensive, but in my opinion, it’s totally worth it. It’s definitely not as lightweight as the option above, so it’s not something I use over makeup, but it’s great on bare skin for an instant hydration boost. Seriously, I’d bathe in this stuff if I could.
Cons
- Can leave a little bit of residue on the skin
Best Products for Dry Lips
12. Vaseline Gluta-Hya Lip Serum Gloss
Vaseline
Gluta-Hya Lip Serum Gloss
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and tripeptide
When we think of dry skin, we often only talk about the skin on our face, but I also suffer from incredibly dry lips, so I thought I’d share my top lip balm recommendations, too. New from Vaseline, this serum gloss has quickly become a favourite of mine. It has such a creamy, hydrating texture, creates a subtle plumping effect and adds a wash of colour to the lips, all in one swipe. And don’t worry, there isn’t a hint of stickiness in sight.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Adds a plumping effect and a wash of colour
13. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Laneige
Lip Sleeping Mask
Key ingredients: Shea butter
Anyone who knows me will know I’m always within close distance to a pot of this stuff. I have one in every handbag, as well as my bathroom cupboard and bedside table. Whilst it’s designed to be an overnight lip mask, I use it in place of regular lip balm as the thicker consistency is so hydrating.
Pros
- Very hydrating
- Comes in lots of different flavours
Cons
- Texture might be too thick for some
- Not everyone will love the pot format
What Causes Dry Skin?
Ever wondered why we get dry skin in the first place? “Dry skin occurs when the skin barrier isn’t able to retain enough moisture,” explains Dr Granite. “This can be due to genetics, colder weather, low humidity, hot showers, harsh cleansers or over-exfoliation. Hormonal changes, stress, ageing and certain skin conditions such as eczema can also reduce the skin’s natural oils and ceramides, leading to increased water loss and dryness.”
How to Tell If You Have Dry Skin
If you’re not sure what skin type you have, here are a few things to look out for that might indicate you have dry skin. “Dry skin often feels tight or uncomfortable, especially after cleansing or showering,” Dr Granite tells me. “You may notice flaking, rough texture, dullness or increased sensitivity, and in more severe cases, itching or cracking.”
What Skincare Ingredients to Look For
If you’re shopping for the best products for dry skin, it can be handy to know exactly what ingredients to look out for. “The focus should be on repairing the barrier and locking in moisture,” says Dr Granite. “Ceramides are a key ingredient to look for, as they replace the lipids that naturally hold skin cells together. Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid draw water into the skin, whilst emollients and occlusives help soften and seal. Ingredients such as urea, cholesterol, panthenol and petrolatum can also be very effective for improving comfort in dry skin.”
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
