We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty Skincare The 16 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin of 2024 One of the most important steps of any skincare routine. By Nina Bahadur Nina Bahadur Nina Bahadur is a writer and editor based in NYC who specializes in beauty, kitchen, and organizing content. Highlights: * Writing has appeared in SELF, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, The New York Times, Health, SHAPE, Food52, and more * Former Deputy Editor for HuffPost Women * Former Deputy Culture Editor for SELF.com Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 21, 2024 Fact checked by Emily Estep Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she’s an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Brian Kopinski If you're prone to dry skin, a nourishing moisturizer is an essential addition to your daily skincare rotation. The right product will lock in moisture, preventing ashiness and hydrating the skin. To find the best moisturizers for dry skin, we spent hours researching top-rated products and evaluating their formulation, finish, ingredients, and size. For expert insight on what ingredients to look for in a moisturizer, we consulted Thomas Griffin Jr., MD, board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology, and Vanessa Thomas, cosmetic chemist and founder of Freelance Formulations. Our Top Picks Best Overall: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream at Amazon $36 Jump to Review Best Drugstore: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best With SPF: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV at Amazon $25 Jump to Review Best Multitasking: SALE CeraVe Moisturizing Cream at Amazon $20 $17 Jump to Review Best for Acne: Cetaphil Gentle Clear Moisturizer at Amazon $11 Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Weleda Sensitive Care Facial Cream at Amazon $25 Jump to Review Best for Mature Skin: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream at Sephora $22 Jump to Review Best for Night: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Cloud Cream at Amazon $62 Jump to Review Best Brightening: SALE Bliss Bright Idea Moisturizer at Amazon $26 $20 Jump to Review Best for Redness: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Cream at Amazon $52 Jump to Review Best Overall First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream PHOTO: Sephora $36 at Amazon $18 at Nordstrom $18 at Target What Stands Out Anti-inflammatory ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and allantoin help soothe skin and reduce dryness, roughness, and redness. What Could Be Improved It's a thicker cream, so it's not a good option for people looking for something more lightweight. This daily moisturizer has soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients that can help tackle skin redness and irritation. The star ingredient is colloidal oatmeal, which reduces dryness, roughness, scaling, and itchiness. This moisturizer also contains shea butter and allantoin, another soothing chemical compound. These ingredients, while highly nourishing, do create a slightly thicker consistency, so this isn't a great option for people looking for a very lightweight formula. It’s fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and allergy-tested, so it’s a good pick for people with sensitive skin and redness, including eczema. It's accepted by the National Eczema Association, so you can rest assured that it's safe to use on even the most sensitive skin types. You can even use it on the rest of your body, making it one of the most versatile options out there. Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, colloidal oatmeal, allantoin | Size: 2, 6, 8, and 14 ounces Best Drugstore Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer PHOTO: Amazon $13 at Amazon $16 at Target $13 at Walmart What Stands Out Ingredients include five ceramides, helping to boost your skin’s barrier and lock in hydration. What Could Be Improved It absorbs very quickly, which may not be great for people who prefer a dewy feel. This unscented, mild moisturizer contains squalane and glycerin as well as five “key ceramides” (Ceramide AP, Ceramide AS, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NG, and Ceramide NP). Ceramides are super hydrating fatty molecules that trap moisture and help support your skin’s natural barrier, so this cream is highly nourishing. The non-comedogenic formula is dermatologist tested and can be used during the day or night, making this a versatile pick. Plus, it’s free from dye, fragrance, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde, botanical extracts, and gluten, so it's safe for sensitive skin as well. Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane | Size: 3 ounces Best With SPF La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV PHOTO: Walgreens $25 at Amazon $24 at Target $20 at Walgreens What Stands Out It's lightweight enough to wear all day and offers ample sun protection. What Could Be Improved Since this is a daytime-only option, you'll need to buy a different moisturizer to use overnight. It’s commonly said but worth repeating: The best thing you can do for your skin is protect it from the sun every day. Using a moisturizer that contains SPF makes that super easy. La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is an SPF 30 cream with humectant ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide along with a host of emollients like dimethicone, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. Shopping editor Lily Gray raves about the product, praising its hydration without clogging her pores. The lightweight face sunscreen is fragrance free, paraben free, oil free, and non-comedogenic, so it’s good for all skin types (including sensitive!). Since it contains SPF, it's worth noting that this is a daytime-only moisturizer. Users should look for another night cream to provide hydration while sleeping, like La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Ultra Night Cream. Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, silica, dimethicone | Size: 2.5 ounces Best Multitasking CeraVe Moisturizing Cream PHOTO: Amazon $17 at Amazon $6 at Target $20 at Ulta What Stands Out This versatile moisturizer contains essential ceramides for excellent hydration. What Could Be Improved It’s may be a bit thick option for those with combination or oily skin. Sometimes you need a product that can multitask. Enter CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream, which contains three essential ceramides (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP) to restore your skin’s hydration, as well as hyaluronic acid. You can use it on your face, body, and hands—anywhere that needs a strong dose of hydration. It’s hypoallergenic and allergy tested, so people with sensitive skin can use it, too. With rosacea and dry, sensitive skin, shopping writer Lauren Taylor is used to the irritation that comes with many skincare products. She's since incorporated the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream into her daily routine, noting that the formula is thick enough to hydrate her skin without causing any greasiness (or burning) whatsoever. It is also non-comedogenic, making it ideal for people with acne-prone skin, and has a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association. Overall, it’s one of the most effective, budget-friendly moisturizers out there, although people with combination or oily skin will likely find it to be too heavy. Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerin, ceramides | Size: 1.89, 12, 16, and 19 ounces Best for Acne Cetaphil Gentle Clear Moisturizer PHOTO: Amazon $11 at Amazon $11 at Walmart $15 at CVS What Stands Out It contains acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, as well as prebiotic ingredients to support your skin’s barrier. What Could Be Improved The lightweight consistency may not offer as nourishing as thicker options on our list. Battling acne and dry skin is tough since moisturizing ingredients can clog pores and contribute to breakouts. The Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer is a lightweight cream that contains 0.5% salicylic acid to fight blackheads and whiteheads, making it ideal for people with acne-prone skin. The cream also contains prebiotic ingredients to protect your skin’s barrier, along with kojic acid and licorice root extract (which can potentially help reduce acne-related marks and scarring). This hypoallergenic moisturizer is fragrance free, paraben free, and non-comedogenic. It has a matte finish though, which could be a con for people looking for dewy skin. Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Size: 3 ounces Best for Sensitive Skin Weleda Sensitive Care Facial Cream PHOTO: Amazon $22 at Amazon $35 at Walmart $23 at Thrive Market What Stands Out This is a soothing, nourishing moisturizer for people with sensitive skin. What Could Be Improved It's only available in a 1-ounce size, so it's not very cost-effective. If you have sensitive skin, steer away from products that contain fragrances, chemical exfoliants, and common allergens. A soothing moisturizing cream with a short ingredient list, like the Weleda Sensitive Care Facial Cream, is the way to go. Sweet almond oil is the star ingredient in this moisturizer, which also contains lactic acid to provide gentle exfoliation and promote skin cell turnover. Glycerin and hydrolyzed beeswax help moisturize and protect sensitive skin. Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, glycerin, lactic acid, hydrolyzed beeswax | Size: 1 ounce Best for Mature Skin Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream PHOTO: Drunk Elephant $22 at Sephora $69 at Ulta View on Spacenk.com What Stands Out The formula is designed to promote elasticity and reduce signs of sun damage. What Could Be Improved It’s an expensive option. This protein-packed moisturizer hydrates skin while reducing the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, and fine lines. Drunk Elephant’s Signal Peptide Complex contains nine growth factors (made from amino acids) that help “bind moisture to the skin,” per the brand. Another key ingredient is soybean folic acid ferment extract, which may contribute to skin elasticity. The formulation is fragrance free and doesn’t contain essential oils or silicones. While a quality formula, this moisturizer does come out on the pricier side, so people who are not worried about skin elasticity or the effects of sun damage might prefer a different product. Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Signal peptide complex, pygmy waterlily stem cell extract, soybean folic acid ferment extract, glycerin | Size: 0.5 and 1.69 ounces Best for Night Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Cloud Cream PHOTO: Bloomingdale $62 at Amazon $62 at Nordstrom $62 at Sephora What Stands Out This deeply nourishing night cream contains shea butter, botanical oils, and skincare acids to target fine lines and dullness. What Could Be Improved The rich formula may be too thick for daytime wear. Night creams are usually heavier than moisturizers designed for daytime use, containing rich ingredients to hydrate your skin while you sleep. This popular option from Kiehl’s contains shea butter and a blend of botanical oils for serious moisturizing power. Also present—omega 3 oil, omega 6 oil, and fatty acids. Skincare acids can get confusing, but in layman's terms, fatty acids play an important role in keeping your skin barrier healthy and locking in moisture. This cream not only targets dryness but also fine lines and general skin dullness, resulting in younger-looking skin. Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Omega fatty acids, squalane, shea butter, botanical oils | Size: 1.7 ounces Best Brightening Bliss Bright Idea Moisturizer PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon $24 at Walmart $26 at Ulta What Stands Out It contains vitamin C to brighten dull skin and reduce dark spots. What Could Be Improved The strong citrus scent may not appeal to everyone. This reasonably priced citrus-scented moisturizer is packed with humectants and emollients, from jojoba oil and argan oil to aloe vera extract and shea butter. The star ingredient is vitamin C, which is a powerhouse ingredient for brightening the skin and diminishing the look of dark spots. This lightweight cream also contains green tea extract, an anti-inflammatory ingredient that can also help protect against free radicals. Plus, the formula is non-comedogenic, vegan, and cruelty free. Just remember to keep it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight—not doing so will diminish the efficacy of vitamin C. Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, tri-peptide, green tea extract | Size: 1.7 ounces Best for Redness Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Cream PHOTO: Sephora $52 at Amazon $52 at Sephora View on Drjart.com What Stands Out It has a slight green tint to minimize redness. What Could Be Improved Because of that green tint, it needs to be thoroughly blended in. This rich moisturizing cream contains Centella Asiatica (tiger grass), a medicinal plant that can help heal wounds, burns, and redness. Other ingredients include niacinamide and glycerin, humectants that lock in moisture and keep your skin barrier healthy and nourished. The slight green tint of this product is very effective at canceling red hues, making it ideal for days when you want to cover your irritated skin without wearing makeup. Just note that, like makeup, this product needs to be blended in well. Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, tiger grass | Size: 1.69 ounces Best Gel Clinique Moisture Surge 100-Hour Hydrator PHOTO: Sephora $86 at Amazon $17 at Nordstrom $17 at Target What Stands Out It's lightweight yet still very hydrating. What Could Be Improved The price point is high compared to other humectant-rich gel moisturizers. If thick white creams aren't your thing, we recommend this gel option from Clinique, which is lightweight and oil free to prevent clogged pores. The formula features humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, hydroxyethyl urea, trehalose, sucrose, and saccharide isomerate, which work to add much-needed hydration to extra dry skin. Clinique’s Aloe Bioferment + HA Complex harnesses the power of aloe vera to keep your skin moisturized. In addition to including various hydrating ingredients, it's also worth noting what this moisturizer doesn’t contain. It’s free of fragrance and alcohol, both of which commonly dry your skin and cause irritation. This moisturizer is available in multiple sizes, although it is pricier than some other options. Still, it’s a powerhouse product with impressive hydration benefits for those who love the feel of a gel moisturizer. Type: Gel cream | Key Ingredients: Aloe bio-ferment, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, hydroxyethyl urea | Size: 0.5, 1, 1.7, 2.5, and 4.2 ounces Best Lightweight Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Moisturizer PHOTO: Amazon $44 at Amazon $23 at Nordstrom $23 at Target What Stands Out A hyaluronic acid complex helps moisturize, while anti-aging ingredients reduce the signs of wrinkles. What Could Be Improved It's expensive. This cream contains a 30% hyaluronic acid complex, with three different molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid for maximum hydration. It also contains ProHyal+, an active ingredient derived from yeast extract, that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, according to the brand. The formula also contains hydrolyzed silk, which leaves your skin feeling smooth to the touch. This product is designed for use twice daily on your face and neck, but the high price point means it won’t be a great pick for shoppers on a budget. Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed silk, ProHyal+ | Size: 0.67, 1.7 and 5.1 ounces Best Natural SeSpring So Rich Moisturizing Cream PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon $25 at Sespringskin.com What Stands Out This EWG-verified moisturizer is made with natural ingredients including macadamia oil and shea butter. What Could Be Improved It contains plenty of plant extracts, which some people prefer to avoid. SeSpring’s So Rich Moisturizing Cream contains moisturizing shea butter, cocoa butter, macadamia oil, and hyaluronic acid, all of which are ultra nourishing. Niacinamide helps keep your skin’s barrier healthy, and extracts of lavender and tea tree oil are natural remedies for soothing acne or irritation. This moisturizer is EWG-verified, vegan, and free from fragrance, dye, and over 1,300 ingredients the brand has identified as “potentially harsh or harmful,” making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin. Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, macadamia oil, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, spring camellia, lotus | Size: 2 ounces Best Primer Mario Badescu The Moisture Magnet PHOTO: Mario Badescu $24 at Amazon View on Mariobadescu.com What Stands Out The nourishing cream provides a clean yet lightweight base for makeup. What Could Be Improved The product has a fairly low SPF, which may not provide ample sun protection. Pre-makeup hydration is key to achieving a flawless look, but layering foundation over a thick moisturizer often feels heavy and dense. Luckily, the Mario Badescu Moisture Magnet is a triple threat, moisturizing, priming, and protecting your skin from the sun. Whether you choose to use the product as a primer, mix it with your go-to skin tint, or blend it with your favorite full-coverage foundation, the creamy moisturizer ensures a silky smooth base. The moisturizer is made with sesame oil to nourish, glycerin to reduce wrinkles, and gardenia extract—rich with Ferulic acid— to promote elasticity. With its creamy consistency, this product is designed for those with dry or sensitive skin. After incorporating The Moisture Magnet into her skincare routine, Real Simple managing editor Tara Cox highly recommends this versatile product. "It keeps my skin hydrated when it's dry, but also doesn't feel heavy or clog my pores on a less-dry-skin day," she says. "It's a solid-for-everyday, comfortable moisturizer with the ever-important SPF already in it, so I never forget that important step summer or winter." Just keep in mind that this product only has an SPF of 15, so it may not provide enough protection for sun-intensive activities. Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, sesame seed oil, gardenia extract | Size: 2 ounces Naturium Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer PHOTO: Amazon $22 at Amazon $22 at Target View on Naturium.com What Stands Out The glowy formula ensures a radiant complexion, and the high SPF makes it suitable for summer use. What Could Be Improved Since it has a dewy appearance, it may be less suitable for those seeking a matte look. While many moisturizers on our list offer a matte finish, sometimes you crave a little glow. Naturium's products prioritize radiance, with an impressive line of skincare products focused on hydration and shine. If you're seeking adequate moisture and a dewy finish, the brand's Dew-Glow Moisturizer is a must-have in your skincare lineup. This moisturizer is infused with niacinamide and ethyl absorbic acid, both of which work together to reduce signs of aging and brighten the skin. It functions as a standalone product or as a makeup primer, and the inclusion of SPF 50 makes it especially suitable for summertime use. Editorial apprentice Megan Lenzi praises the sun protection, noting that the two-in-one product has become an integral part of her morning skincare routine. Additionally, the convenient dip cap helps prevent over-pouring, enabling users to measure out the recommended amount. Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, ethyl absorbic acid, homosalate, octisalate, avobenzone, glycerin, squalene, sodium hyaluronate | Size: 1.7 ounces Best With Glycolic Acid Dermatologist's Choice Facial Enhancement Cream PHOTO: Live Love Spa $85 at Amazon View on Livelovespa.com View on Dermatologistschoice.com What Stands Out Glycolic acid tightens, brightens, and hydrates the skin. What Could Be Improved It may sting a bit. Glycolic acid is a chemical ingredient beloved for its ability brighten, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin. Made with non-neutralized glycolic acid, this facial enhancement cream from Dermatologist's Choice reduces hyperpigmentation while enhancing radiance and promoting the production of collagen for elasticity. It also includes dimethicone to target dryness and vitamin C palmitate for an extra youthful glow. It's worth noting that glycolic acid does increase the risk of sunburn, so we recommend using this cream before bed rather than during the day. The formula may also sting a bit at first, though the manufacturer warns that this is normal—if you experience any discomfort, the brand advises taking a few days off until your skin gets used it. Type: Cream | Key Ingredients: Active non-neutralized glycolic acid, dimethicone, glycerine, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbyl palmitate | Size: 1.7 ounces Final Verdict For those with extra dry skin, we recommend the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, a nourishing moisturizer that can be used anywhere on the body, not just the face. The formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and contains powerhouse ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and shea butter. If you struggle with acne-prone dry skin, you can't go wrong with the lightweight Cetaphil Gentle Clear Moisturizer, which has salicylic acid to battle blackheads, along with kojic acid and licorice root extract to reduce scarring. How to Shop for Moisturizers Like a Pro Type According to Dr. Griffin, a moisturizer’s formula is directly correlated to how well it works. He says that lotions, while thin and easy to spread, “are really not helpful for moisturizing dry skin.” Petroleum jelly ointments like Vaseline and Aquaphor provide excellent moisture and protection—however, he notes that their “greasy and goopy,” so they may be difficult to spread over large areas of your body. “I most commonly recommend cream-based moisturizers for patients with dry skin,” Dr. Griffin says. “Creams have a thicker consistency and are generally the most well-tolerated and effective at moisturizing.” Ingredients For those seeking extra moisture, Dr. Griffin advises looking for products with humectants, which “work to pull water into the skin and hold it in these skin.” Some of the most common humectants include hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, and urea. In addition to humectants, he says that moisturizers also contain emollients— like lipids, oils, colloidal oatmeal, and shea butter—which “repair the skin barrier and soften the skin.” While emollients are beneficial for most skin types, Dr. Griffin notes that they may lead to clogged pores in individuals with particularly oily or acne-prone skin. Despite more general advice, what to look for (and what to avoid) often depends on your unique skin type and the specific concerns you have. Thomas recommends moisturizers that contain one or more of the following: Glycerin, a humectant that “works to attract moisture from the air into your skin.” She notes that glycerin has a small molecular weight, allowing it to penetrate the skin to hydrate the outermost layer, speed up wound healing, and seal in moisture. Hyaluronic acid, which Thomas describes as “an extremely adept moisturizer because it attracts and binds to water molecules.” Generally speaking, hyaluronic acid doesn’t cause skin irritation, so it’s suitable for all skin types. Ceramides, which “help create a barrier to prevent permeability.” According to Thomas, “this locks moisture into your skin, which helps prevent dryness and irritation.” There are also some skincare ingredients that people with very dry skin will typically want to avoid. These include: Alcohols. Thomas explains that high amounts of alcohol in a skincare product “can strip your skin of moisture, which causes dry skin.” Most products don’t list how much alcohol is in their formula, but Thomas has a tip: Take a look at the order of ingredients on the label. “The higher up on the ingredients list an ingredient is, the higher the concentration,” she says. It’s also important to note that not all alcohols are drying—fatty alcohols like cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl, and propylene glycol have emollient and occlusive properties that make them suitable for moisturizing the skin. Fragrance. “Moisturizers that are fragranced should be generally avoided, especially for those with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Griffin. That’s because synthetic fragrances can cause irritation or contact dermatitis. Certain acids. According to Dr. Griffin, other ingredients that can irritate the skin include AHA, BHA, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid. Some moisturizers contain these ingredients to help address certain issues, like acne, but they can cause dryness or irritation on dry and sensitive skin. Skincare Concerns When shopping for a moisturizer, look for a product designed for your skin type or skin issues. People with acne-prone dry skin will want a non-comedogenic formula to avoid clogging their pores. They may also want a moisturizer with salicylic acid, which treats acne. If you have dark spots or hyperpigmentation, you might want a moisturizer that contains brightening ingredients like vitamin C. People with redness or eczema should use a moisturizer with anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide, tea tree extract, green tea extract, or aloe vera. Questions You Might Ask Is moisturizer necessary for people with dry skin? “Pretty much everyone needs or can benefit from moisturizers,” says Dr. Griffin—particularly those with dry skin. Lifestyle changes can help prevent some skin dryness (more on that in a moment) but using moisturizer is a simple, effective way to add skin moisture. How often should people with dry skin apply moisturizer? If you have dry skin, Dr. Griffin says you should moisturize “at least once a day.” You might consider using one moisturizer for the daytime and a richer formula at night. A body cream can help address dry skin on your limbs and torso—and don’t forget about hand cream, especially in the winter. What are some other ways to combat dry skin in addition to using moisturizer? “If your skin is dry, it's important to focus on what you do in and immediately after your shower,” Dr. Griffin says. “Moisturization is best done after a bath or a shower when the skin is hydrated, as it will help lock in the moisture.” Some tips he recommends: Avoid super hot showers or baths that can dry out your skin, use a soft washcloth or your hands to apply soap or body wash, and try not to use soap on your body more than once a day. “If that's not enough, home water softeners can help in areas with very hard water,” he says. “So can using a humidifier in the winter season.” Is it possible to use too much moisturizer? Yes! You only need a small amount of product to moisturize your entire face. Every product will have different instructions, but most brands recommend using a dollop the size of a pea, dime, nickel, or quarter. Using too much moisturizer might lead to congestion or other skin issues down the line. Be sure to follow the instructions that come with each product to avoid overuse. The best way to apply moisturizer: Gently pat the product onto slightly damp skin. If your face feels oily after applying, you can remove excess product by wiping it with a clean, damp washcloth. What brands do dermatologists recommend the most for moisturizer? Depending on the dermatologist, they often recommend different brands and products based on a person’s unique skin concerns, budget, and preferences (for example, preferring unscented vs. scented products). Many brands work with dermatologists, creating dermatologist-tested moisturizers. Brands with dermatologist-approved products include Vanicream, CeraVe, Cetaphil, and LaRoche-Posay. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Nina Bahadur, a writer with over a decade of beauty, health, and lifestyle experience, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. We researched dozens of moisturizers, evaluating them on formulation, ingredients, and intended usage, and consulted board-certified dermatologist Thomas Griffin Jr., MD, and cosmetic chemist Vanessa Thomas for expert input.