Best skincare for dry skin

A pure hydrator that holds water in your skin. Makes skin look plumper and smoother almost immediately.

The gold-standard occlusive moisturiser. Locks water into damaged or compromised skin better than anything else, accelerates barrier repair, and (in newer research) actively boosts your skin's own antimicrobial defences. Cheap, non-allergenic, dermatologist-recommended for eczema, post-procedure care, and slugging.

A gentler exfoliator that also hydrates as it works. Good entry point if you have sensitive skin and want to try acids.

A pharmacy-grade skin protectant proven to calm itch, redness, and dryness in eczema and other irritated skin. FDA recognised it as a Category I skin protectant in 2003, and 1% creams beat vehicle in mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis trials.

A silicone that sits on your skin as an invisible, non-greasy shield. Reduces water loss, protects against irritants (think soap, friction, incontinence), and is FDA-recognised as a skin protectant from 1-30%. The reason your favourite primer feels silky and your barrier cream actually works under makeup.

A small molecule your skin already makes. Low concentrations deeply hydrate dry skin; higher concentrations soften thick, scaly patches. A workhorse for eczema and ichthyosis.

A lightweight oil that mimics what your skin already makes. Softens and seals in hydration without feeling greasy.

A lightweight Japanese plant oil that hydrates and seals in moisture without feeling heavy.

The mildest exfoliating acid. Refines texture and hydrates at the same time, and it's sensitive-skin friendly.

A gentle smoother and skin-soother. Reduces flakiness and helps the surface look more even.

A yeast-based ingredient that brightens skin tone and refines the look of pores. Made famous by SK-II essences.

Pro-vitamin B5. Deeply hydrates and helps repair the skin barrier, calming dry or compromised skin.