Your dry skin doesn’t have to feel tight and uncomfortable. I know how frustrating it can be to find a moisturizer that actually works for you.
Store-bought creams are full of mystery ingredients and can get expensive. Making your own face cream lets you control exactly what goes on your skin.
We tested dozens of popular homemade recipes to find the best ones. Some were amazing, while others just didn’t deliver the moisture we needed.
This guide will walk you through our top seven picks. You’ll find simple, effective recipes that really soothe and hydrate your dry skin.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
No7 Pure Retinol Night Cream | Pure Retinol | PRICES |
 |
No7 Protect & Perfect Anti Aging Skincare Set | SPF 30 Protection | PRICES |
 |
Boots No7 Restore & Renew Day Cream (SPF 15) 1.6 oz | SPF 15 Protection | PRICES |
 |
No7 HydraLuminous+ Hydrating Whipped Day Cream | Intense Hydration | PRICES |
 |
No7 Derm Solutions Daily Face Moisturizer | Barrier-Repairing Ceramides | PRICES |
 |
No 7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Fragrance Free Face Cream | Fragrance-Free Formula | PRICES |
 |
No7 Derm Solutions 100hr Hydrating Face Moisturizer | Long-Lasting Hydration | PRICES |
No7 Pure Retinol Night Cream
This night cream is a powerhouse for dry skin, using pure retinol to boost your skin’s own collagen while you sleep.
It’s specifically designed to smooth fine lines and plump up your complexion. The formula is fragrance-free and approved by dermatologists, which is great for sensitive skin. You’ll wake up with skin that feels firmer and looks more refreshed.
The texture is rich and creamy, making it perfect for overnight hydration. It absorbs well without leaving a greasy film, so you won’t stain your pillowcase. I found it easy to apply and gentle enough for nightly use.
Pros:
👍 Boosts collagen with pure retinol
👍 Visibly smooths and plumps dry skin
👍 Dermatologist approved and fragrance-free
👍 Rich, non-greasy texture for night use
👍 Firms complexion with consistent use
Cons:
👎 Requires consistent nightly application
👎 Some may need to build up tolerance to retinol
👎 Pricier than some basic moisturizers
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic treatment cream if you want serious anti-aging benefits for dry skin. It feels luxurious and delivers real results, making it worth the investment for your nighttime routine.
No7 Protect & Perfect Anti Aging Skincare Set
This complete 3-piece kit tackles dry skin with targeted day and night formulas.
You get a daytime cream with SPF 30, a rich night cream with shea butter, and a hydrating hyaluronic acid serum. It’s a full routine designed to protect and nourish your skin around the clock.
The set is straightforward to use, and the creams absorb well without feeling overly greasy. It’s a convenient way to get a coordinated skincare system.
Pros:
👍 Complete day and night system
👍 Day cream includes essential SPF 30 protection
👍 Night cream is deeply hydrating with shea butter
👍 Includes a plumping hyaluronic acid serum
👍 Good value for a three-product kit
Cons:
👎 The scent might be strong for some users
👎 SPF is only 30, not higher
👎 Packaging could be more luxurious
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic starter kit if you want a simple, all-in-one solution for dry skin. I love that it takes the guesswork out of building a routine with matched products.
Boots No7 Restore & Renew Day Cream (SPF 15) 1.6 oz
This day cream is a fantastic two-in-one product that hydrates dry skin while providing essential sun protection.
It’s designed to restore your skin’s moisture barrier and reduce the look of fine lines. The formula includes nourishing ingredients that soak in quickly without feeling heavy or greasy on your face.
The texture is rich but spreads easily, and the SPF 15 is a great daily defense. I found the packaging sturdy and the cream had a pleasant, subtle scent that wasn’t overpowering.
Pros:
👍 Combines moisturizing with SPF protection
👍 Absorbs quickly without greasy residue
👍 Helps improve skin’s texture and firmness
👍 Fragrance is light and pleasant
👍 Packaging is travel-friendly and hygienic
Cons:
👎 SPF level is lower than some may prefer
👎 Can be a bit pricey for the size
👎 Might not be rich enough for extremely dry climates
My Honest Opinion:
This is a reliable, everyday cream that simplifies your routine. If you want solid hydration with built-in sun protection, it’s a great choice, though you might need a separate sunscreen for intense sun exposure.
No7 HydraLuminous+ Hydrating Whipped Day Cream
This whipped cream delivers a serious hydration boost that lasts all day without feeling heavy.
It’s packed with hyaluronic acid to pull moisture into your skin. The formula also contains 2% niacinamide to help repair your skin’s natural barrier. You’ll get plump, healthy-looking skin with regular use.
The texture is light and airy, absorbing quickly without any greasy residue. It layers beautifully under makeup or sunscreen. I found it didn’t pill or cause any irritation on my sensitive, dry skin.
Pros:
👍 Intense, long-lasting hydration
👍 Light, whipped texture absorbs fast
👍 Contains skin-barrier repairing niacinamide
👍 Works well under makeup
👍 Fragrance-free and gentle
Cons:
👎 Jar packaging isn’t the most hygienic
👎 Price point is higher than some drugstore options
👎 You might go through it quickly if you use it twice daily
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic pick if you want a high-performance moisturizer from the drugstore. The hydration is real, and my skin felt noticeably softer and more resilient after a week of use. It’s become a reliable staple in my dry skin routine.
No7 Derm Solutions Daily Face Moisturizer
This daily moisturizer is a smart pick if you have dry skin that’s also prone to oiliness or breakouts.
It’s specially formulated with ceramides and niacinamide. These ingredients work together to help repair your skin’s natural moisture barrier. This keeps hydration locked in without feeling heavy.
The lotion texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly. I found it didn’t leave a greasy residue, which is perfect for wearing under makeup or sunscreen during the day.
Pros:
👍 Contains barrier-repairing ceramides
👍 Includes calming niacinamide
👍 Lightweight, non-greasy feel
👍 Absorbs quickly into skin
👍 Good for combination skin types
Cons:
👎 Specifically for oily/blemish-prone skin
👎 May not be rich enough for very dry skin
👎 Only 3 oz per bottle
My Honest Opinion:
This is a great daily hydrator for someone with dry patches but an oily T-zone. It moisturizes effectively without clogging pores, which is a tricky balance to find.
No 7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Fragrance Free Face Cream
This day and night bundle is a powerhouse for protecting and repairing dry, sensitive skin.
It gives you a complete routine in one package. The day cream has SPF 30 to shield your skin, while the night cream works on repair while you sleep. Both are fragrance-free, which is perfect for sensitive skin.
The texture is rich and hydrating without feeling too heavy. I found it absorbed well and left my skin feeling soft and comfortable all day. The packaging is simple and makes it easy to use the right amount.
Pros:
👍 Complete day and night routine in one bundle
👍 Day cream includes SPF 30 protection
👍 Fragrance-free formula is gentle on sensitive skin
👍 Rich, hydrating texture for dry skin
👍 Helps protect and repair skin simultaneously
Cons:
👎 The SPF can leave a slight white cast on some skin tones
👎 The night cream jar isn’t as hygienic as a pump
👎 Bundle might be more than you need if you already have an SPF
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic set-it-and-forget-it skincare bundle. If you want simple, effective protection and moisture without fragrance, it’s a great choice. I really appreciate having the SPF built right into my daily moisturizer.
No7 Derm Solutions 100hr Hydrating Face Moisturizer
This cream promises a whopping 100 hours of hydration, which is a game-changer for severely dry skin.
It’s packed with ceramides and niacinamide to repair your skin’s natural moisture barrier. The formula also includes adaptogens to help your skin better handle daily stressors. It’s specifically designed for sensitive, dry skin types.
The texture is rich but absorbs well without leaving a greasy film. I found it works best when applied to damp skin to really lock in that moisture. A little goes a long way with this concentrated cream.
Pros:
👍 Delivers intense, long-lasting hydration
👍 Strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier
👍 Great for sensitive skin
👍 Non-greasy, comfortable finish
👍 Contains skin-soothing adaptogens
Cons:
👎 Premium price point
👎 The rich texture might be too heavy for oily skin
👎 Jar packaging isn’t as hygienic as a pump
My Honest Opinion:
If your skin feels tight and parched, this moisturizer is a serious contender. The 100-hour claim isn’t just marketing—it genuinely keeps dryness at bay for days. It’s become my go-to for winter or whenever my skin needs a major moisture reset.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Skin Type & Primary Concern
Identify your main goal: deep hydration, anti-aging, or barrier repair. Dry, sensitive skin needs ceramides and gentle formulas, while mature skin benefits from retinol and peptides.
Key Active Ingredients
Look for proven hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. For aging concerns, retinol and Vitamin C are gold standards. Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that helps with both hydration and texture.
Formula & Daily Routine
Consider if you need a dedicated day cream with SPF, a richer night cream, or a simple all-day moisturizer. Your routine should be easy to stick with for consistent results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these creams if I have sensitive skin?
Yes, but look for fragrance-free options specifically formulated for sensitivity, like the No7 Derm Solutions 100hr Hydrating Face Moisturizer, which contains calming adaptogens.
Do I need a separate night cream?
It’s recommended. Night creams are often richer and contain active ingredients like retinol that work best without sun exposure, allowing for deeper repair while you sleep.
What’s the most important ingredient for dry skin?
Ceramides are crucial as they help repair the skin’s natural moisture barrier, preventing water loss. Hyaluronic acid is also excellent for drawing hydration into the skin.
Is SPF necessary in a daytime face cream?
Absolutely. Daily sun protection with at least SPF 30 is the single most effective anti-aging step you can take. It prevents further damage and protects your skin’s health.
How long does it take to see results?
For hydration, you may see a difference in a few days. For anti-aging benefits like smoothing fine lines with retinol, allow for 4-8 weeks of consistent use to see visible improvements.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For a comprehensive solution that tackles dryness and aging, the No7 Protect & Perfect Anti Aging Skincare Set is our top pick. It provides a complete routine with SPF protection, intense night hydration, and a potent serum. If your primary concern is severe dryness and barrier repair, the No7 Derm Solutions 100hr Hydrating Face Moisturizer is a targeted powerhouse. For introducing retinol effectively, the fragrance-free No7 Pure Retinol Night Cream is a dermatologist-approved standout.
Your best choice depends on your specific skin goals, but each of these No7 creams offers professional-grade results at an accessible price.