The 10 Best Face Moisturizers for Dry, Sensitive Skin, According to Dermatologists

Dry skin and sensitive skin aren't the same thing, but they often occur together.

"Dry, sensitive skin is a skin type that lacks moisture and is easily irritated by external factors such as environmental irritants, harsh skin-care products and changes in temperature," Anthony Nikko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Houston, Texas, tells LIVESTRONG.com. "This type of skin can feel tight and rough and may show signs of flakiness, redness and itching."

Dealing with dryness and sensitivity at the same time can also make it more difficult to find the right skin-care products. On one hand, you should look for hydrating ingredients and emollients that lock them in to soften dryness. On the other hand, your skin might be sensitive to certain ingredients, which can narrow down your options.

With that in mind, here are the best moisturizers for dry, sensitive skin, as recommended by dermatologists.

We interviewed board-certified dermatologists, who broke down the most important criteria for choosing face moisturizers for dry, sensitive skin. Our picks are based on their recommendations as well as the following criteria:

• Contain beneficial humectants (which draw in moisture), occlusives (that trap moisture) and skin-strengthening ingredients
• Do not contain irritants such as alcohol or fragrance
• Availability
• Positive reviews
• Cost

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Because it came recommended by nearly every dermatologist we spoke to, our top choice was easy.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream checks a lot of boxes for both dryness and sensitivity. It has a simple, gentle ingredient list safe for even the most sensitive skin, and it's powered by active ingredients that effectively trap moisture and support skin health.

"This moisturizer contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which work together to deeply hydrate and restore the skin's natural barrier," Dr. Nikko says. "It's non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types, making it a great choice for those with dry, sensitive skin."

One of the best moisturizers for dry, sensitive skin is actually an ointment, Asmi Sanghvi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, tells us.

Because an ointment is much thicker, it's better at reducing moisture loss, which contributes to dryness and weakened skin barrier function.

"Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a breathable occlusive ointment," says Beth Goldstein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in North Carolina. "While it's not so elegant to use, it can help trap moisture in dry skin and heal inflamed, cracked skin."

It's super thick, which contributes to its effectiveness, but can feel heavy on the skin. This makes it a better nighttime moisturizer than a daytime one for that reason.

When asked for the best moisturizer for skin barrier function, Dr. Goldstein recommends this one. It's best for an inflamed skin barrier, she says, which can be a symptom of a skin condition such as eczema or rosacea.

This cream contains glycerin to hydrate, beneficial bacteria to reduce inflammation and mineral oil to prevent moisture loss.

Aside from CeraVe, Vanicream was the second most popular moisturizer among the dermatologists we interviewed.

If you have very sensitive skin, this is the one for you, as it's specifically designed for those with severe allergies and sensitivities, Dr. Goldstein says.

Jill Salyards, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Knoxville, Tennessee, likes that it's free of dyes, fragrances, parabens and formaldehyde releasers yet contains occlusive ingredients like petrolatum and dimethicone to intensely moisturize dry skin.

There's a reason dermatologists love CeraVe skin-care products, and Dr. Goldstein says it all comes down to ceramides. "Ceramides are the key ingredient," she explains. "CeraVe is the leader in ceramides, and their products are the first I often recommend because they repair and replenish the skin."

This daytime moisturizer not only packs a hydrating punch, it also protects against UV damage with SPF 30, which is the level of sun protection recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Some people with dry skin feel that using sunscreen products exacerbates their dryness, but the opposite is true. Sunburns can weaken the skin barrier and increase water loss, so using sunscreen ‌prevents‌ dryness, per the Mayo Clinic.

(Psst: Check out our complete list of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin.)

Dr. Sanghvi recommends looking for a moisturizer that's labeled as a cream and contains glycerin to boost hydration levels. She recommends this pricey but effective facial cream from SkinCeuticals because it checks both boxes and then some.

"The SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore replenishes the lost protective oils on the skin and is great for mature skin," she says.

It contains essential lipids like cholesterol, which are often overlooked in skin-care products. The skin naturally contains lipids, a type of fat, which fill the spaces in-between skin cells and support the skin barrier. Applying them topically has an anti-aging effect and also helps soften dry skin.

Lipid-based cosmetics are also helpful for soothing irritated and inflamed skin, including skin affected by psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (eczema), according to a May 2020 review in ‌Biomedical Dermatology‌.

If you have eczema, you're no stranger to dry and sensitive skin. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, irritated skin, per the National Library of Medicine. It's often accompanied by swelling.

Because certain cosmetic ingredients can trigger symptoms, it can be difficult to find the right products to get eczema relief. But the best eczema creams have gentle ingredients that moisturize, soothe and protect the skin.

Dr. Salyards recommends this Aveeno moisturizer for those struggling with dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Its hero ingredient is colloidal oatmeal, which acts as a skin protectant and relieves irritation, she says.

She also approves of its use of glycerin, petrolatum, dimethicone and ceramides, which all work together to moisturize skin and support skin barrier function.

This moisturizer comes in a beautiful jar, but the real magic is in the ingredients.

"This moisturizer is specially formulated for dry, intolerant skin as it contains a soothing blend of ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides and vitamins, which together will moisturize, plump and tighten the skin," explains Jeannette Graf, MD, board-certified dermatologist and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

While it's suitable for dry skin, this moisturizer may be best for those looking for anti-aging active ingredients. It's an anti-aging formula, but it also supports the skin's natural barrier, Dr. Graf says.

This La Roche-Posay moisturizer was another popular pick among the dermatologists we spoke to. Many praised the formula for its special blend of active ingredients that benefit both dry and sensitive skin.

Dr. Nikko calls out ceramides, niacinamide and glycerin for their soothing and hydrating properties but also appreciates that this moisturizer is free of irritants like fragrance and harsh preservatives.

Ultimately, he says it's a gentle choice for sensitive skin but is still thick enough to banish dryness.

Water is usually the first ingredient in any moisturizer, but Avène doesn't use any old water. The brand is known for using thermal spring water, which is believed to soothe sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

There's actual research to back up these claims. Thermal spring water in skin-care products can alleviate redness and sensitivity, according to August 2020 research in the ‌Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology‌.

Dr. Goldstein gives her approval of Avène's line of thermal spring water products, particularly for eczema and other inflammatory skin disorders. This cream in particular is suitable for those prone to allergic reactions and redness.

We spoke with several dermatologists who advised us on how to choose the best face moisturizers for dry and sensitive skin types. Here's the criteria they provided so you can conduct similar research.

There are three main types of ingredients used in moisturizers — humectants, occlusives and emollients. All are beneficial, but for dry, sensitive skin, our dermatologists recommended focusing on humectants and occlusives.

"Key occlusive ingredients that prevent transepidermal water loss include petrolatum, squalane, dimethicone, lanolin, cholesterol and ceramides," explains Dr. Salyards. "Ingredients that work as humectants to rehydrate the skin include glycerin, urea, hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol, sorbitol and sodium lactate."

Occlusives that trap moisture include petrolatum and dimethicone.

The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends the following ingredients for relieving dry skin: shea butter, jojoba oil, lactic acid and mineral oil.

Ceramides and lipids can also help strengthen skin.

Those with dry skin may want to avoid ingredients that can make their skin feel tight, such as salicylic acid, but it's the sensitive side that has more restrictions. Generally, people with sensitive skin should pay close attention to their personal triggers, which can include harsh chemicals and even natural ingredients like essential oils.

Dr. Nikko recommends avoiding moisturizers that contain alcohol, fragrance, parabens and sulfates if you have sensitive skin. While others may tolerate these ingredients just fine, they may be too harsh for those with sensitive skin.

Those with eczema may also consider avoiding urea, retinoids and lanolin, per the National Eczema Association.

Terms like cream, moisturizer and lotion are often used interchangeably, but these describe different types of products with varying consistencies. For dry skin, a thicker cream is better than a lightweight moisturizer.

"The best type of moisturizer for this skin type will be a heavier consistency that will be formulated to provide intense hydration and have gentle ingredients," says Dr. Graf, adding that emollient and occlusive ingredients will do the trick.

Lotions may not be moisturizing enough, so Dr. Sanghvi says to look for creams and ointments to get maximum lubrication. Oils are also suitable options for dry skin, she adds.