Finding the right moisturizer for dry skin types can be pretty challenging, and it becomes even more difficult if your skin leans more on the sensitive side! However, the best moisturizers for dry sensitive skin are formulated in such a way that they bestow you with unwavering hydration without drying out or irritating the skin surface. The credit goes to their gentle formula and mindfully curated ingredients that deeply nourish the skin without exposing it to harsh chemicals. Ingredients like parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, synthetic oils, strong fragrances, etc. are big no-nos when you have sensitive skin as they can disrupt the moisture barrier and may cause severe skin problems in the long run!

Moisturizers that are specially formulated for dry and sensitive skin can be great for addressing advanced skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, redness, irritation, weak skin barrier, etc. To note more, such products are also vital to replenish the skin barrier, as a weakened barrier is the primary cause of skin sensitivity and dryness. Now, without further delay, let’s get into the product recommendations!

• 1
  Best Hypoallergenic Formula

  COSRX Snail Mucin Moisturizer

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Cosrx presents a potent moisturizer packed with snail secretion filtrate and hyaluronic acid to bestow you with an appealing glow while repairing the damaged skin at the same time. It is an excellent product for sensitive skin as it also deals with advanced issues like irritation and redness. Furthermore, it provides an ultimate long-lasting hydration that combats dryness and dullness for a healthier appearance. I would also like to mention that the moisturizer is formulated without sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and fragrances to work best on sensitive skin.

Active ingredients: Snail secretion filtrate and hyaluronic acid

2

Best to Repair Skin Barrier

Cetaphil Face Moisturizer

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Cetaphil’s moisturizer has been my one-stop solution for any skin concern! The lightweight formula of this moisturizer deeply hydrates the skin while protecting it at the same time from UVA and UVB rays, and the credit goes to the formula with SPF 35. Apart from dealing with irritation and dryness, the moisturizer also strengthens the skin barrier while fighting dryness, roughness, and tightness. Packed with edelweiss extract, and vitamins B3 and E, it nourishes the skin, which also delivers a soft glow!

Active ingredients: Snail secretion filtrate and hyaluronic acid

3

Best Non-comedogenic Formula

L’Oréal Paris Hydra-Renewal Face Moisturizer

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Trust me when I say that you'll thank me for introducing this hydra renewal face moisturizer from L’Oréal Paris! It contains pro-vitamin B5 that protects against moisture loss while providing unwavering hydration to your dry skin. Other than that, it also leaves skin softer, healthier, and more radiant for a youthful glow. The fast-absorbing formula of the rich moisturizer feels low-key on your face as it provides the ultimate nourishment that your skin deserves!

Active ingredients: Pro vitamin B5

4

Best for Mature Skin

Curel Japanese Skin Care Intensive Face Moisturizer

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Curel comes with this intensive face moisture that is specially formulated for very dry to dry sensitive skin! Other than deeply nourishing the skin, the formula balances the skin's pH while offering long-lasting hydration. The cream also works on fine lines and wrinkles and can be used by people with mature skin for a great result. Recommended by board-certified dermatologists, the ceramide-enriched moisturizer for dry sensitive skin strengthens the skin barrier that sensitive-skinned people need the most!

Active ingredients: Ceramide

5

Best Quicky-absorbed Formula

EltaMD Moisture Seal Intense Moisturizer

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EltaMD comes with this body and face moisturizer that takes the upper hand at soothing disturbed skin along with the redness which is a common problem in people with sensitive skin! It is packed with zinc and squalane that deeply soothes while reducing flakiness and redness. The dermatologically-tested formula is fragrance-free — an excellent option for sensitive-skinned people who deal with severe irritation after using a face product. Furthermore, the moisturizer melts like butter as soon as it comes in contact with your skin.

Active ingredients: Squalane and zinc

6

Best to Prevent Dehydration

ATOPALM Intensive Moisturizing Cream

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This effective moisturizer from Atopalm replenishes skin and thoroughly hydrates the surface at the same time. Packed with ceramides, this moisturizer boasts of strengthening the skin barrier and helps you to deal with dry skin, itchiness, irritated skin, and redness. It also consists of phytosterols and jojoba oil that generously nourishes the skin for long-run benefits. Furthermore, the MLE (Multi Lamellar Emulsion) Care system of this product helps improve the skin structure and function, thereby reducing sensitivity!

Active ingredients: Ceramides, jojoba oil, olive oil, and grapeseed oil

7

Best to Balance pH

Tree to Tub Retinol Anti-aging Face Moisturizer

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Tree to Tub’s anti-aging face moisturizer is packed with hyaluronic acid, ginseng, aloe, vitamin E and A that work like magic on dry sensitive skin also dealing with skin aging problems. Other than providing instant hydration, it visibly reduces wrinkles and fine lines to provide you with a youthful glow that you've always craved! Furthermore, the daily moisturizer bestows you with a brighter and glowing complexion while calming down the skin irritation for the ultimate nourishment.

Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ginseng, aloe, vitamin E and A

8

Best to Lock the Moisture

Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Facial Cream

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The hypoallergenic formula of this rich cream by Physiogel provides 72 hours of uninterrupted hydration while strengthening the protective barrier of the skin at the same time. It is a sublime moisturizer for dry sensitive skin as it soothes dry and flaky areas while locking the hydration in. Packed with ceramide NP, squalane, and lecithin, it also softens the skin and makes it less sensitive in the long run. The best thing is that the non-comedogenic formula is also dermatologically-tested which keeps you covered!

Active ingredients: Ceramide NP, squalane, and lecithin

9

Best to Brighten Complexion

Uriage Xemose Face Cream

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This facial moisturizer for dry sensitive skin from Uriage thoroughly nourishes the upper layer of your sensitive skin which is prone to atopy. It provides thorough hydration for 24 hours while soothing and protecting it at the same time. Enriched with shea butter, aloe vera, essential fatty acids, and vitamins, the product also protects from environmental aggressors (speculated in a study by the JEADV and a research published on NCBI). Furthermore, it smoothes any uneven texture of the skin to promote a youthful glow!

Active ingredients: Shea butter, aloe vera, essential fatty acids, and vitamins

10

Best to Soothe the Skin

Make P:rem Safe Me Relief Moisture Cream

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This rich moisturizing cream from Make P:rem thoroughly hydrates and nourishes dry and sensitive skin, while calming the redness and irritation of acne-prone skin at the same time. It also balances the natural pH of the skin while improving the overall condition. The product is formulated with potent and natural ingredients like bergamot oil, raspberry extracts, squalane, glycerin that contribute to overall skin nourishment. Furthermore, the product also prevents water loss without irritating the skin. Lastly, it also improves redness which is a common problem among sensitive-skinned people.

Active ingredients: Bergamot oil, raspberry extracts, squalane, glycerin, and sage oil 

11

Paula's Choice Calm Intensive Moisturizer

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Paula's Choice comes with an intensive moisturizer which is specially formulated for eczema and rosacea-prone skin. It calms the sensitivity and soothes the redness while protecting the moisture barrier at the same time. Packed with hexapeptide B, prebiotic sugar, allantoin, mushroom extract, and glycogen, the product provides intensive hydration as it fights the underlying causes of sensitivity. Furthermore, it smoothes wrinkles and uneven texture of your skin for a youthful glow!

Active ingredients: Hexapeptide B, prebiotic sugar, allanoin, mushroom extract, and glycogen

12

Topicals Like Butter Moisturizer

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It is one good moisturizer for dry sensitive skin type that provides instant hydration while soothing irritated skin for instant relief. It calms down the redness, sensitivity, itchiness, and symptoms of eczema-prone skin for an improved look. 

Also, it protects the skin by fighting free radicals — thanks to effective ingredients like green tea extracts, colloidal oatmeal, centella asiatica, rhubarb root, and turmeric (studies by the IUBMB Journals, the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, and as published on ResearchGate and NCBI). Plus, their anti-inflammatory properties are great healing components to alleviate skin problems and transform the skin surface.

Active ingredients: Green tea extracts, colloidal oatmeal, centella asiatica, rhubarb root, and turmeric

13

Caldera + Lab The Base Layer Moisturizer

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This organic cream from Caldera is a clinically-tested product that protects the skin against pollution and environmental aggressions which might irritate the skin even more! Crafted with advanced plant stem cell extracts and adaptogenic ingredients, the moisturizer thoroughly hydrates the skin without leaving a greasy residue. This lightweight cream feels great on the skin and doesn’t leave any shiny residue. Also, the vegan-friendly product is formulated without silicones, phthalates, parabens, etc. 

Active ingredients: Plant stem cell extracts and adaptogenic ingredients

Now that you have taken a look into the products, it's time to take a look how you should pick the one:

Before you invest in a moisturizer for your dry sensitive skin, below are the parameters to keep in mind:

1. Formula: The formula you should pick for your dry sensitive skin should always be hypoallergenic and clinically tested so that you are assured of what you're picking! A non-comedogenic formula will also help keep pesky problems like whiteheads and blackheads at bay!

2. Ingredients: Always go for natural hydrating ingredients like aloe, plant-based glycerin, centella asiatica, sweet almond oil, evening primrose oil, squalane, botanical lipids, vitamin B3, E, ceramides, etc. that provide moisturization as they soothe the skin and protect the moisture barrier at the same time. You should also steer clear of harmful ingredients like phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and formaldehyde so that the skin remains protected overall.

3. Consistency: The consistency of your moisturizer should always be lightweight and smooth so that it won't clog pores and won't aggravate the condition by causing acne and pimples.

4. Skin Condition: It depends upon the personal call! Take a good look at the ingredients and the effectiveness before investing in a product. Sensitive skin may include several problems like irritation, redness, eczema, psoriasis, etc. Check if the product you're choosing addresses the concern you have before selecting!