If you’ve been using the same industrial-sized jar of moisturiser on dry skin and you’ve not seen any results, it might be time to rethink your regimen.

We often get caught up in a ‘more is more’ approach when applying moisturiser, but while this may feel great on thirsty skin, it’s all about the type of cream you use, rather than the amount you apply.

There’s plenty to consider when shopping for the right formula. What texture is best? What are the good ingredients to look out for – and what are the bad ones too? Suddenly, the straightforward task of applying moisturiser just got a little more complicated.

Eager to discover the answers? We tapped up Dr Cristina Psomadakis (Dr. Soma) to pinpoint exactly what formula to look out for and the best way to apply it.

The best moisturisers for dry skin

What should you look for in a moisturiser for dry skin?

“A hydrating moisturiser should have a combination of ingredients that hydrate, draw in moisture and help to smooth the skin,” says Dr Soma.

Hyaluronic acid is, of course, here to aid hydration on every layer of the skin – rather than simply the surface – while ceramides reign above for their ability to boost your barrier. Dr Soma also says ingredients like glycerin and urea are beneficial for dry skin types as they attract and retain moisture.

“The consistency is a personal preference,” says Dr Soma. If thick formulas don’t appeal, you can still find all the nourishing ingredients you need inside a lighter lotion; however, try a rich cream if flakiness and sensitivity are real bugbears.

“I’d also recommend a fragrance-free formula so you reduce the risk of irritation or allergy that can come from added scents,” advises Dr Soma.

So, where to start when finding the best face cream for your poor dry skin? Here, see the most effective hydrating formulas that have a place in our bathroom cupboard, and shop for your winner.

BTW, our Special Beauty Bible dedicated to all things skincare is on newsstands on the 27th of August. Don’t miss your chance to grab our beauty bible full of helpful tips and product recs for now to keep forever.

How do we test moisturisers?

When it comes to our carefully curated moisturiser recommendations, we considered a lot of factors from ingredients, product specs and most importantly, our own experience with each and every one. Some of our product suggestions have been favourites of ours for well over a year, whilst others made their way into our hearts in more recent months.

With so many moisturiser recommendations on the market, our list solely focuses on moisturisers that have helped to soothe and keep our dry skin at bay. The price point varies between each product but whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly suggestion or fancy a bit of a splurge, we’ve included moisturisers for all price points.

If you’re currently on the hunt for a new moisturiser to help tackle dry skin or keen to update your current rotation, we’ve got some great suggestions below that you won’t want to miss.

The best moisturisers for dry skin…