Dry skin is a barrier issue first. When the outer layer cannot hold water, you get tightness, flaking, and makeup that will not sit right. The right moisturizer should deliver occlusives to seal, humectants to pull in water, and barrier helpers like ceramides and niacinamide. Below are three owner-loved options that cover rich tub cream, intensive balm for very dry or sensitive skin, and a gel-cream that feels light but hydrates deeply.
Disclosure: This guide may contain affiliate links. If you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Quick picks
- Best overall daily rich cream: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – ceramides plus hyaluronic acid in a non-greasy tub. Rating: 4.8/5
- Best for very dry or sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ – shea butter, niacinamide, prebiotic thermal water for long-lasting comfort. Rating: 4.7/5
- Best light-feel but deep hydration: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for Extra-Dry Skin – Fragrance Free – bouncy gel-cream that drinks in fast and layers well under makeup. Rating: 4.6/5
Deep dives
1) CeraVe Moisturizing Cream — Best overall daily rich cream
What it is: A classic tub cream with ceramides, cholesterol, and hyaluronic acid that mimics skin’s natural lipids.
Performance and feel: Cushy cream that absorbs without a greasy film. Helps reduce flaking and tightness within days and supports a calmer, more resilient barrier over time.
How to use: Apply to slightly damp skin morning and night. Use a nickel-sized amount for face and more for neck and chest.
Who it is for: Normal to very dry skin that wants reliable, fragrance-free moisture.
Who should skip: If you prefer a weightless feel only, you may like a gel-cream better.
Pros
- Ceramide-rich barrier support
- Non-greasy finish for a rich cream
- Family friendly and good value sizes
Cons
- Tub format needs clean hands or a spatula
- Can feel heavy in hot, humid weather for some
Rating: 4.8/5
2) La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ — Best for very dry or sensitive skin
What it is: An intensive balm with shea butter, niacinamide, and the brand’s prebiotic thermal water to comfort very dry or easily irritated skin.
Performance and feel: Rich but elegant texture that softens rough patches and helps reduce the look of redness from dryness. Long wear time on the skin for fewer reapplications.
How to use: Apply one to two pumps after cleansing. At night, layer an occlusive on the driest spots if needed.
Who it is for: Very dry, sensitive, or winter-stressed skin that needs lasting comfort.
Who should skip: If you dislike a balm texture or want a barely-there finish.
Pros
- Long-lasting comfort and softness
- Niacinamide helps support a calm, even look
- Fragrance free and suitable for face and body
Cons
- Rich texture may feel heavy under some makeups
- Pump bottle is smaller than tub creams for the price
Rating: 4.7/5
3) Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for Extra-Dry Skin – Fragrance Free — Best light-feel but deep hydration
What it is: A fragrance-free gel-cream with hyaluronic acid that soaks in fast and wears beautifully under SPF and makeup.
Performance and feel: Cooling, weightless slip on application that sets to a comfortable, non-sticky finish. Great daytime option if rich creams feel too heavy.
How to use: Smooth a nickel-sized amount on damp skin. For nighttime, you can seal with a thin layer of a richer cream on top if needed.
Who it is for: Dry and combination-dry skin that wants deep hydration with a lighter texture.
Who should skip: Extremely dry or peeling phases may need a heavier occlusive at night.
Pros
- Fast-absorbing, makeup-friendly finish
- Fragrance-free version suits sensitive routines
- Easy to layer under SPF without pilling
Cons
- Jar format needs clean hands or spatula
- On very dry skin, may need a richer seal at night
Rating: 4.6/5
How to choose and layer without pilling
Pick by texture and season
- Need all-day comfort with a classic cream feel: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
- Very dry or sensitive skin that needs lasting softness: Lipikar Balm AP+.
- Daytime hydration that vanishes under makeup: Hydro Boost Gel-Cream – Fragrance Free.
Layering tips
- Cleanse gently, then apply hydrating serum if you use one, then moisturizer, then SPF 30+ in the morning.
- Apply moisturizers to slightly damp skin to boost water content.
- If using retinoids at night, moisturize after to buffer. If sensitive, try the sandwich method: moisturize, retinoid, moisturize.
- Seal extra-dry spots with a thin occlusive at bedtime on top of your cream.
FAQs
Cream, lotion, or gel-cream – which is best for dry skin
Creams and balms give the most cushion. Gel-creams feel lighter but still hydrate well. Pick the richest texture you will actually use day to day.
How fast should I see results
Comfort can be immediate. Flaking and rough texture often improve within 3 to 7 days with consistent use.
Can I be dry and still break out
Yes. Choose fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formulas and patch test. Layer thinly and avoid heavy perfume.
Why does my moisturizer pill under makeup
Usually too much product or layers that have not set. Use thin layers, allow 60 to 90 seconds between steps, and finish with a light hand.
Do I need an occlusive on top
If you still feel tight at bedtime, tap a thin layer of petrolatum or a balm only on the driest areas to lock in moisture.
See also
If dryness is your main issue, match your moisturizer with a routine that protects your barrier and keeps makeup smooth. Start with Skin Routine for Dry Skin for step-by-step care and use a forgiving base from Best Foundation for Mature Skin Over 60 that will not cling to flakes. For a smoother canvas, compare options in Best Primer for Mature Skin.
Round things out with targeted care where dryness shows most. If fine lines look deeper when skin is parched, see Best Collagen Face Creams, and if under-eyes look crepey, try options in Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles. These five pieces interlink neatly with this page so readers can build a full dry-skin plan that feels good and wears well under makeup.
