Dryness is one of the most common skin complaints, but it’s also an easy one to remedy.
Nailing down a decent skincare routine can take your skin from flaky and tight to comfortable and—dare we say—dewy!
Not sure where to start? Scroll down to find the products for dry skin that are made for you.
You can also watch the YouTube video below to find out what products our Beauty Editor uses in the morning to keep her dry skin looking fresh...
While some of us are born with dry skin, for many people, dryness is a condition that develops over time.
Pollution, seasonal changes, pets (yep, you can legit blame the dog), allergies, hot weather, AND cold weather can flip your skincare script and leave you with a touch of dry skin … or worse.
When you’re suddenly faced with itchy, red, flaky patches, picking up the right products is imperative. Working your way back to comfortable skin takes a little know-how and some special attention.
Curious about what products to use for dry skin? You’ve come to the right page. Keep scrolling to find some of the best sensitive and dry skin products on offer.
4.5 of 86 reviews
Whether you’ve always had dry skin or it’s simply a side effect of recent weather, exfoliating can help. Working to resurface skin that’s rough and tender, Dermalogica Age Smart Skin Resurfacing Cleanser cleanses and smooths the skin. Of course, you don’t want to overcleanse ANY skin type, especially dry. But clean skin is generally happy skin, as long as you do it the right way. Removing the debris from your day, this exfoliating cleanser helps you maintain an impressively soft and youthful complexion.
Great for building an anti-ageing regime, this nourishing formula hydrates the skin as it purifies. Plus, it tends to fine lines and wrinkles with a boost of softening, exfoliating Lactic Acid (an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid). Free from artificial dyes and fragrances, this rich and creamy cleanser won’t strip the skin of its natural goodness. Dermalogica Age Smart Skin Resurfacing Cleanser stimulates cell turnover to improve the look of dry skin. The gentle, cruelty-free, PETA-accredited blend effectively sweeps away pore-clogging dead skin cells. Rose Flower Oil soothes irritation, and Vitamin E provides protection from free radical damage. This is one of the best skin care products for men with dry skin, and a great choice for women too. Use morning and night for best results.
Vegan and cruelty-free The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil is always near the top of the most-wanted lists. Free from irritating sulphates, this certified organic facial oil consists of 100% Rosa Canina Seed Oil. Yep, only ONE ingredient! But that’s one goood ingredient. A natural saviour for the skin, this oil is rich in Omega Fatty Acids and Pro-Vitamin A to help regenerate skin cells and minimise dark spots and lines. Working to nourish dry and dehydrated skin, this oil is cold-pressed to maintain its potency.
A bestselling treatment the AB team can’t get enough of, The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil is great for addressing photo-ageing, or sun damage. It moisturises and hydrates skin that’s dry and unhappy, softening the skin and bringing it back into balance. Apply at night as part of your skincare routine to wake up with softer, smoother skin.
One of the best products for men’s dry skin, Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energising Moisture Treatment For Men helps revive skin that’s struggling. As you work through your busy day, you’ll probably encounter a number of pollutants that silently attack your skin. The Pure Vitamin C and Chestnut Extract in this moisturiser are packed with antioxidants to help neutralise the effects of those daily aggressors. Revitalising and re-energising skin of all types, this lightweight men’s moisturiser won’t clog your pores or leave your complexion looking congested.
With daily use, Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energising Moisture Treatment for Men 75ml soothes the discomfort of dehydrated skin and balances moisture levels. This is one of those reliable skincare products for dry acne prone skin that won’t break you out further. Get in the habit of applying this cream morning and night after cleansing and toning, and you’ll start to feel good about your skin again. It only takes an extra minute twice a day to improve the look and feel of your skin.
4.4 of 111 reviews
One of the best natural face products for dry sensitive skin, Hunter Lab Daily Face Fuel is cruelty-free and completely vegan. Nourishing and replenishing tired, irritated skin while also targeting signs of ageing and sun damage, this cream can be enjoyed by anyone. The formula reduces the look of lines and dullness by drenching the skin with vital nutrients. Your dull, dry complexion will brighten up fast when you include this hydrating face cream in your routine.
Made with Passionfruit Seed, Macadamia Seed, and Avocado oils, this face cream simply feels good on your skin! Hunter Lab Daily Face Fuel 100ml is made in Australia and was originally intended for men. But that doesn't mean women can’t enjoy it too! Designed to complement an active lifestyle, the gorgeous texture suits anyone of any age. Use in the a.m. and p.m.—after cleansing, exfoliating, and toning—to enjoy softer, smoother skin.
Designed to help your skin hold on to a high level of moisture, Ultra Violette Supreme SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen protects skin from the drying sun. Cruelty-free and made in Australia, this 3-in-1 formula combines the protection of a sunscreen with the nourishment of a moisturiser. It can also act as an effective makeup primer! So, this cream will save you time in the morning. The broad-spectrum SPF 50+ helps keep your delicate, dry skin safe from harsh UVA and UVB rays. A lightweight blend that won’t clog your pores, this hydrating cream sinks into your skin easily.
You know that chalky white cast that many sunscreens leave? Yeah, well, you won’t experience that with this nifty little formula. Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen features Pentavitin, a deeply hydrating plant extract that reduces skin sensitivity. Australian Kakadu Plum offers Vitamin C protection. And Dragosine Plus shields your skin from UVA rays, UVB rays, and even the blue light from screens. Layering seamlessly under makeup, this is basically sun care that acts like skincare. Free from reef-killing oxybenzone, this hydrating sun cream works for anyone of any age.
4.6 of 721 reviews
A cult classic that’s been tending to skin for years, Weleda Skin Food is one of the best natural products for dry skin. A cruelty-free formula that’s made without sulphates, this blend is perfect for skin that’s feeling a little rough. Wind, rain, and even very warm weather can wreak havoc on your skin. Help resolve any issues with this soothing and healing formula. Great for anyone of any age to use, the deeply moisturising cream contains 100% natural ingredients. The award-winning formula has remained unchanged since 1926, and it’s one of the most applauded moisturisers available.
Weleda Skin Food is a multitasking hero that can be applied to dry patches anywhere on the body. Helping hydrate even very dry skin, this whole-body cream includes Chamomile, Sweet Almond Oil, Lanolin, and Rosemary. The intoxicating scent will always make you feel good, and the nourishing formula keeps your skin as soft as can be. Also great for skin that's starting to show the signs of ageing, the hydrating blend addresses those pesky lines and wrinkles. A tube of this formula is a great investment because you don’t need to use a lot to see a big difference. Apply a small amount to skin that’s dry and rough, and let it absorb.
Of course, a good moisturiser will nourish rough, flaky skin. But a complete dry skin care regime is a game changer. Whether you're a fan of the double cleanse or a minimal-fuss, quick-cleanse kinda soul, innisfree Green Tea Cleansing Water is a great option. One of the best products from innisfree for dry skin, this cleansing water utilises Jeju Green Tea Extract to leave skin soft, supple, and seriously hydrated. The Green Tea Extract also helps clarify the skin and lift debris from your pores without stripping away natural oils. The formula effortlessly sweeps away impurities and any leftover makeup from your day without harsh scrubbing.
Whether you use innisfree Green Tea Cleansing Water as part of a double-cleanse routine (before a softening foaming cleanser would be great) or on its own, you’ll love how clean and fresh your skin looks and feels. A gentle formula that won’t irritate dry patches, this hydrating blend also helps your makeup go on smoother. To use, simply soak a cotton pad with product and sweep over your face. Follow with your usual dry skin serums, moisturiser, and sunscreen.
To prevent your dry skin becoming sensitive or irritated, enlist the help of asap moisturising daily defence spf 50+. This vegan moisturiser is sulphate-free, artificial fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and made in Australia. The nourishing formula keeps you protected from damaging UVA/UVB rays and rogue free radicals. Offering dry skin instant comfort and long-lasting hydration, this cream will save you time (gotta love the 2-in-1 vibe) and soften your skin. Enriched with potent antioxidants, this formula helps reinforce your delicate skin barrier and locks in moisture for longer.
asap moisturising daily defence spf 50+ 100ml is a non-greasy, no-fuss product that tends to dry skin struggling with wrinkles and pigmentation. Working to protect your natural collagen reserves, this formula can help you fight the first signs of ageing. Zinc Oxide soothes the skin and creates a protective barrier against sun exposure and irritants. Niacinamide is a potent antioxidant that fortifies the skin’s protection against environmental aggressors, inflammation, breakouts, and redness. And Hyaluronic Acid locks in moisture all day. Apply this cream every morning for best results.
4.5 of 17 reviews
Dry skin doesn’t mean no blemishes. Annoying imperfections can pop up on any skin type! Gentle, cruelty-free Dr. Hauschka Melissa Day Cream works to refine the skin and leave the complexion softer and more even. One of the best pore minimising products for dry skin, this revitalising cream refreshes the look of tired, drained skin. A great option for combination skin, this moisturiser tends to dry patches and helps regulate any oily, blackhead-filled areas. This kind, fast-acting formula is also great on sensitive skin that’s prone to redness and inflammation.
Working to restore a healthy balance to your complexion, Dr Hauschka Melissa Day Cream includes a fortifying blend of Witch Hazel and English Daisy, and (of course) Melissa Extract. Dry complexions of all ages will feel supple and comfortable after every application. Bring your complexion back to health with this gorgeous formula.
Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Nourishing Cream is an artificial fragrance-free formula that’s full of goodness. A skin-loving moisturiser that takes a gentle approach, this rich blend soothes tender skin and helps rebalance dry skin. Perfect for daily use, this creamy, nourishing formula delivers long-lasting hydration. The luxurious blend of moisturising agents can make your skin feel softer and more supple after just one week.
Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Nourishing Cream is a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic formula that’s suitable for ultra-sensitive, irritated skin. Bursting with moisturising and hydrating agents, this product helps bind water to the top layers of your skin so you experience touchably soft skin for longer. Not just for your face, this cream works all over your body to alleviate dry, rough patches. A calming formula that’s perfect for both Mum and baby to use (yep, it’s that gentle), this cream is also safe for pregnant women to use. And despite its emollient texture, this moisturiser won’t block or pores or cause congestion. Apply once or twice a day to clean, dry skin.
Put simply, dry skin occurs when your skin doesn’t have all the moisture it needs to function optimally. This lack of moisture causes it to dry out and become irritating (in more ways than one). Though it’s annoying, frustrating, and a real pain in the backside, dry skin isn’t usually cause for medical concern.
As dryness worsens, you might notice teeny-tiny cracks in your skin, which can interfere with the skin’s ability to stay hydrated and healthy. At this point, to bring your complexion back to softness, you’ll probably need more than an extra layer of moisturiser. From the best skin products for dry sensitive skin to acne products for dry skin, a well-thought out routine tends to ALL your skincare needs.
If your dry skin starts to get out of hand (i.e., it feels sore and looks inflamed), you could be suffering from eczema, psoriasis, or another skin condition. Simply get in touch with a reputable derm to ease your woes.
Luckily, to take away dry skin, you just need to find the best skin products for dry combination skin or dry skin.
The best dry skin care products include nourishing creams, comforting cleansers, gentle exfoliators, serums, and oils.
Of course, a dose of everyone's favourites—Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol—will further help you maintain your skin’s hydration. Scroll down to find some soothing skin care products for dry flaky skin.
With their constant shaving and tugging, men are often front and centre when it comes to having dry skin. What makes up a good skincare routine for men? A gentle cleanser and a nourishing and hydrating moisturiser for men will help combat any tight-skin issues and problems with dry skin under the beard.
We’ve already mentioned Hyaluronic Acid, but it's so helpful that it’s worth mentioning again in detail. An (almost) magical ingredient, Hyaluronic Acid can help you prevent dry winter skin and more.
A naturally occurring substance that holds up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, this humectant helps all skin types retain moisture.
To seal in moisture, pair your Hyaluronic Acid with a gentle Aloe or Green Tea cleanser; a softening Marshmallow toner; and a Shea Butter, Vitamin E, or Almond Oil moisturiser. It’s tempting to go in hard on flaky skin with a physical exfoliator. But a Glycolic Acid blend, a bit of Lactic Acid, or a little Retinol helps smooth out your dry skin with a much softer approach.
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