Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin™ Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream
One of the richest, most nourishing moisturizers around, Dr. Jart + is a Korean beauty staple and for great reason. It is rich in five hydrating ceramides that lock moisture into your skin and pantheon to help strengthen your skin barrier. Its manufacturer claims it provides 100 hours of moisture after just one use and can improve your skin’s elasticity, as well.
One reviewer calls it a “hardworking moisturizer” and has this to say about it: “I feel like moisturizers fall into two camps: light creams that absorb quickly but aren’t effective, or thick ones that combat dryness better but sit on the skin and don’t absorb. This stuff is the best of both worlds. It’s thick, but it absorbs easily and leaves no greasy residue. The moisture lasts all day/night. And it smells nice!”
Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
At $150, this Skinceuticals moisturizer is the priciest one on our list, but it’s also a best-seller that’s brought to you by a trusted name in skincare. This pick contains a patented lipid ratio of 2% pure ceramides 1 and 3, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids, all of which help to restore moisture to dry, sensitive skin (though it’s ideal for all skin types), while strengthening your skin barrier. It’s free of parabens and dyes and is recommended for use after retinol, a gold-standard anti-aging ingredient that can also be extremely drying.
According to one reviewer: “From the moment I apply, it makes my skin feel soft and supple. Its rich texture absorbs quickly, and lasts until I wake up in the morning. Love this stuff.”
Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré - Daily Face and Body Cream
Cult skincare products have a way of coming and going, but this French standard has stood the test of time and is a favorite. The 6-in-1 multitasking moisturizing serves as a moisturizing cream, make-up base, cleansing milk, mask, after-shave, and after sun-care. It’s safe on all skin types and counts ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera, and soy proteins for adding much-needed moisture to skin while protecting it from future irritation.
One review raves: “This has been my go-to moisturizer for the last 4 years. I worked at Sephora for 3 years and not even the most expensive $100 creams keep me as hydrated as this does. My skin is super dry, sensitive, and reactive. Lait-creme concentre keeps my skin hydrated all day and doesn't irritate my skin. It's amazing.”
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Anyone who has their dermatologist on speed dial (or, at the very least, visits them every year) has likely heard the brand Vanicream mentioned. Vanicream is an expert favorite because it lacks sensitizing ingredients and does what it promises (including moisturizing your skin better than most products), while being safe for all skin types, including dry and sensitive. It’s formulated with five ceramides plus hyaluronic acid and is free of fragrances and dyes.
And, of course, its relatively affordable price needs a mention, too. This pick will set you back just $13.
One reviewer has this to say: “I really like this lotion for my face. My skin gets really dry in the winter and this lotion has remedied that. The only other moisturizer that worked similarly well was argan oil and I could not use that as a day cream (too shiny). This cream absorbs pretty well and does not leave a sheen. It has good ingredients, no unnecessary and harmful chemicals from what I could tell (like artificial colors, or preservatives that are carcinogens). The price was reasonable. It's unscented, which works well for me (one less chemical).”
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
Fans of this Kiehl's cream absolutely LOVE it, and you have ingredients like 4.5% Squalane, Glacial Glycoprotein, and Pro-Ceramides to thank for moisturizing dry skin for up to 72 hours and strengthening the skin barrier. The Kiehl’s cream is also lightweight and absorbs easily and has received the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance. It’s free of fragrances and paragons, and at $67 is a bit pricey, but will last a long time (a little goes a long way with this one).
Here’s what one review has to say: “This was a very good facial moisturizer that moisturized well without being overly greasy. Good consistency and easy to apply.”