If you have dry skin, you know the daily struggle. Your face can feel tight, flaky, and just plain uncomfortable without the right care.
Choosing a good moisturizer shouldn’t be a guessing game. You need something that actually hydrates your skin all day without feeling greasy or heavy.
We tested dozens of popular moisturizers to find the best ones. We looked at ingredients, texture, and how our skin felt hours after applying them.
This review is based on our real experience. We’ll help you find a moisturizer that works, so you can finally get the relief your skin deserves.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Minimalist Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin | Marula Oil Hydration | PRICES |
 |
Amazon Basics Oil-free Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin | Fragrance-Free Formula | PRICES |
 |
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Night Cream | Collagen Peptides Firming | PRICES |
 |
NIVEA Nourishing Hydration Skin Firming Body Lotion | Q10 Skin Firming | PRICES |
 |
Evereden Kids Face Cream: Cool Peach, 1.7 oz. | Clean Non-Toxic Formula | PRICES |
 |
No 7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Fragrance Free Face Cream – Day and Night Bundle | SPF 30 Protection | PRICES |
 |
No. 7 Restore and Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Cream | Face & Neck Target | PRICES |
Minimalist Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin
This moisturizer delivers serious hydration without a heavy, greasy feel.
It combines 5% Marula oil with hyaluronic acid for a powerful one-two punch. The formula is designed to deeply nourish and lock in moisture all day. It’s a simple, effective solution for dry skin.
The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly into your skin. I found it works well under makeup and doesn’t leave a sticky residue. It’s suitable for both men and women with dry skin types.
Pros:
👍 Deeply hydrating with 5% Marula oil
👍 Contains hyaluronic acid to attract moisture
👍 Lightweight, non-greasy formula
👍 Absorbs quickly into the skin
👍 Works well under makeup
Cons:
👎 The 1.7 oz size runs out fairly quickly
👎 May not be rich enough for extremely dry climates
👎 Simple packaging
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic daily moisturizer if you want effective hydration without the heaviness. It’s a no-fuss product that does its job well. I’d recommend it for anyone with normal to dry skin looking for a reliable staple.
Amazon Basics Oil-free Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
This budget-friendly moisturizer delivers serious hydration without any fuss or fragrance.
It’s a simple, oil-free formula designed specifically for sensitive skin. You get a full 4 ounces, which is a great value for the price.
The lotion absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy film behind. I found it easy to apply both in the morning and at night.
Pros:
👍 Excellent value for money
👍 Fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive skin
👍 Oil-free, non-greasy formula
👍 Large 4-ounce bottle lasts a long time
👍 Absorbs quickly into the skin
Cons:
👎 Very basic formula without fancy ingredients
👎 Packaging is simple and utilitarian
👎 May not be rich enough for extremely dry skin
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic no-frills option if you want reliable hydration without breaking the bank. It won’t wow you with luxury, but it gets the job done effectively for everyday use.
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Night Cream
This night cream is a powerhouse for dry skin, working overnight to hydrate and improve your skin’s texture.
It combines collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid to plump and firm your skin. The hibiscus extract helps even out your skin tone for a more radiant look. You’ll wake up with skin that feels deeply nourished.
The cream has a rich, luxurious texture that absorbs well without feeling greasy. I found it very comfortable to wear overnight, and it didn’t irritate my sensitive, dry skin.
Pros:
👍 Deeply hydrates dry skin overnight
👍 Contains firming collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid
👍 Helps even skin tone with hibiscus extract
👍 Rich texture absorbs well, not greasy
👍 Great value for a high-performance night cream
Cons:
👎 The scent might be strong for some users
👎 The jar packaging isn’t as hygienic as a pump
👎 Can be too rich for very oily skin types
My Honest Opinion:
This is one of my favorite drugstore night creams for dry skin. It delivers serious hydration and anti-aging benefits without the luxury price tag. If you want to wake up with softer, plumper skin, it’s definitely worth trying.
NIVEA Nourishing Hydration Skin Firming Body Lotion
This lotion promises to firm your skin while delivering 72 hours of deep hydration, which is a dream for very dry skin.
It’s packed with Q10 and Vitamin C, ingredients known to support skin’s elasticity. The formula is designed to absorb quickly without that heavy, greasy feeling. You get a large 16.9-ounce pump bottle, making it great for daily full-body use.
The pump bottle is super convenient and hygienic for everyday use. I found the lotion spreads easily and soaks in fast, so you can get dressed quickly. It has a pleasant, clean scent that isn’t overpowering.
Pros:
👍 Provides long-lasting 72-hour moisture
👍 Contains skin-firming Q10 and Vitamin C
👍 Absorbs quickly without greasy residue
👍 Convenient pump bottle design
👍 Great value in a large size
Cons:
👎 The scent might be too strong for some
👎 Firming effects take consistent use
👎 Pump can get clogged if not cleaned
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic, reliable moisturizer for anyone with dry skin who wants a little extra firming action. It truly lasts all day and leaves your skin feeling soft and supple. For the price and performance, it’s hard to beat.
Evereden Kids Face Cream: Cool Peach, 1.7 oz.
This gentle, peach-scented cream is a fantastic, worry-free moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin.
It’s made with a clean, non-toxic formula that’s perfect for kids but works wonderfully for adults too. The ingredients are simple and safe, focusing on hydration without any harsh chemicals. You get a 1.7-ounce tube that’s easy to handle and store.
The texture is light and absorbs quickly, so it won’t leave a greasy feeling. I found the cool peach scent to be very subtle and pleasant, not overpowering at all. It’s a straightforward, effective product for daily use.
Pros:
👍 Clean, non-toxic formula
👍 Gentle for sensitive and dry skin
👍 Pleasant, light peach scent
👍 Absorbs quickly without greasiness
👍 Great for both kids and adults
Cons:
👎 Higher price point than some basic lotions
👎 Scent may not be for everyone
👎 Tube size is smaller than some body moisturizers
My Honest Opinion:
This is a top-tier pick if you prioritize clean ingredients and a gentle formula. It’s incredibly effective for dry skin without any fuss or irritation, making it a reliable everyday choice.
No 7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Fragrance Free Face Cream – Day and Night Bundle
This two-step bundle tackles dryness and sun protection in one simple routine.
You get a dedicated day cream with SPF 30 and a richer night cream. Both are fragrance-free, which is great for sensitive skin. They work together to hydrate and protect your skin around the clock.
The formulas are rich but absorb well without feeling greasy. I found the packaging convenient and the pump bottles help keep the product clean.
Pros:
👍 Includes SPF 30 in the day cream
👍 Fragrance-free formula
👍 Convenient day and night bundle
👍 Rich hydration for dry skin
👍 Hygienic pump dispensers
Cons:
👎 Two-step routine requires two products
👎 Night cream may feel heavy for some
👎 Bundle is more expensive than a single moisturizer
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic set if you want serious hydration and built-in sun protection. It simplifies your routine by giving you exactly what you need for morning and evening.
No. 7 Restore and Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Cream
This two-pack bundle tackles daytime protection and nighttime repair for your dry skin in one convenient purchase.
You get a day cream with SPF 30 and a separate night cream. Both are fragrance-free, which is great for sensitive skin. The formula is designed to work on both your face and neck.
The creams have a rich texture that feels deeply hydrating. I found they absorb well without leaving a heavy, greasy film behind. The packaging is straightforward and hygienic.
Pros:
👍 Includes both day (SPF 30) and night creams
👍 Fragrance-free and gentle formula
👍 Targets both face and neck area
👍 Rich, nourishing texture for dry skin
👍 Convenient two-pack bundle
Cons:
👎 The jars are on the smaller side (1.69 oz each)
👎 Premium price point for the bundle
👎 Night cream lacks SPF (as expected, but worth noting)
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic set if you want a complete AM and PM routine. Having the SPF built into the day cream is a huge win. It simplifies your skincare steps while delivering serious moisture.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Skin Type & Ingredient Focus
For dry skin, look for ingredients that lock in moisture. Hyaluronic acid hydrates, while oils like marula or shea butter nourish. Sensitive skin needs fragrance-free formulas to avoid irritation.
Time of Day & Formula Weight
Day creams should be lighter and often include SPF. Night creams are richer and packed with reparative ingredients like peptides. Choose based on when you’ll use it most.
Value & Usage Area
Consider how much product you need. A small jar is fine for just your face, but for body application on dry skin, a large pump bottle like Nivea’s offers much better value per ounce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most important ingredient for dry skin?
Hyaluronic acid is a superstar for hydration, but you also need occlusives like oils or shea butter to seal that moisture in and prevent water loss from the skin.
Can I use a night cream during the day?
You can, but rich night creams might feel too heavy under makeup. More importantly, they lack SPF, which is crucial for daytime protection against further skin damage.
Is fragrance-free better for dry skin?
Often, yes. Fragrances are a common irritant, and dry skin is frequently more sensitive. Opting for fragrance-free, like the Amazon Basics moisturizer, minimizes the risk of reactions.
How much moisturizer should I use?
For your face and neck, a dime-sized amount is usually sufficient. For body lotion, use enough to cover the area with a thin, even layer that absorbs fully.
What’s the difference between face and body moisturizer?
Face moisturizers are formulated for more delicate facial skin and often target specific concerns like wrinkles. Body lotions are thicker, cover larger areas, and are less likely to clog facial pores.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For most people with dry skin, the Minimalist Face Moisturizer with 5% Marula Oil is our top pick. It combines deep hydration with nourishing oils in a non-greasy formula suitable for daily use. For a superb drugstore day/night bundle, the No 7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Fragrance Free set delivers SPF protection and repair. If you need to moisturize your body, the NIVEA Nourishing Hydration Skin Firming Body Lotion provides exceptional value and 72-hour relief.
Your best choice depends on your budget and target area, but focusing on hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients is key for dry skin.