Chiu recommended Neutrogena Hydro Boost for people with dry skin, as did dermatologist Dr. Barry Goldman and licensed aesthetician Jean Dachnowicz, both of New York City's Goldman Dermatology. “[It] addresses the dryness and [helps] the face feel hydrated,” Goldman and Dachnowicz said. Notable ingredients include hyaluronic acid, dimethicone (a silicone-based ingredient that forms a barrier) and glycerin, a frequently-used ingredient in the cosmetic world that attracts moisture to the skin.
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
According to Chiu, Tatcha’s The Dewy Skin Cream “couples antioxidant ingredients with deep moisture in an elegant, non-greasy formula.” According to the brand, the cream is formulated with a blend of Okinawa algae and hyaluronic acid, which work together to restore water levels to the skin and replenish ceramides. Other nourishing ingredients in the moisturizer include glycerin and dimethicone.
Vanicream Facial Moisturizer
Goldman recommended Vanicream for dry skin. The brand’s facial moisturizer is made with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin and squalane, a popular emollient.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Goldman and Dachnowicz called Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream the “best overall moisturizer for dry skin.” The brand recommends using the cream at night on one’s face, but it can be used on your whole body. It’s formulated with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and petroleum jelly.
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is the occlusive moisturizer behind the popular skin care trend “slugging” — people put the product on their face after their skin care routine to lock in moisture. The American Academy of Dermatology says that petroleum jelly products have several skin care benefits, including helping dry skin, but Goldman and Dachnowicz warn it may clog pores on some skin types.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Aquaphor is an occlusive moisturizer that can be helpful for “skin that tends to be flaky, cracked or scaly,” according to Goldman and Dachnowicz. The fragrance-free ointment, which can be used as a lip moisturizer, hand cream and more in addition to a face moisturizer, is fragrance-free and includes several occlusive ingredients, like mineral oil and glycerin. Compared to lotions or creams, Aquaphor may work best to create a barrier that keeps moisture in, however, Goldman and Dachnowicz warn that Aquaphor may be too heavy for some skin types and clog pores.
