The Best Hydrating Moisturisers To Save Your Dry, Winter Skin

The frosty chill of winter tends to bring some skincare woes with it, with our skin often feeling tight and uncomfortable. Blaring the heater at full blast in pretty much every enclosed indoor space possible also works to deplete the moisture from our skin. Coupled with the low humidity, it’s a surefire formula for dry skin. In an effort to elude the inevitable, we’re showing our skin some more love this winter by swapping out our moisturisers for richer, more hydrating, nourishing, soothing formulas.

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Why does our skin get drier during winter?

Dry skin during the cooler months can be attributed to transepidermal water loss; the loss of moisture from the outermost layers of the skin (i.e. the epidermis). While transepidermal water loss occurs year-round regardless of the season, it increases during the cooler months. When the air is drier and less humid, water tends to evaporate into the surrounding atmosphere at a faster rate than our bodies can replenish it, resulting in dry skin.

The best moisturisers for winter

These are our 12 favourite moisturisers to protect against water loss, lock in moisture, and preserve your skin barrier during the winter months.

1. Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-replenishing Hydrator

winter moisturiser clinique

The latest iteration of Clinique’s much lauded Moisture Surge, the Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-replenishing Hydrator is a lightweight gel-cream that penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin and deliver lasting hydration and moisture; even after being washed off. Featuring hydrating hyaluronic acid and a probiotic-rich aloe vera bio ferment, it works to lock in moisture and curb dry, winter skin.

2. La Mer The Moisturising Soft Cream

winter moisturisers la mer

A lighter take on the signature Crème De La Mer, the La Mer The Moisturising Soft Cream contains the same skin-soothing miracle broth, albeit in a softer formula. Simultaneously rich and weightless, this formula is easy to apply, absorbs quickly, and works to strengthen your skin barrier while providing lasting moisture throughout the day.

3. La Roche-Posay Lipkar Baume AP+M

winter moisturiser la roche posay lipkar

Though technically a body cream, don’t let that put you off; it simply means you get more for your money. The ideal winter moisturiser for very dry, itchy skin, this super nourishing formula utilises shea butter and niacinamide to restore the skin barrier as well as prebiotics which work to support the skin’s microbiome.

4. Emma Lewisham Illuminating Brighten Your Day Crème

For those who need a little extra help regaining that glow during the winter months, the Emma Lewisham Illuminating Brighten Your Day Crème utilises a combination of vitamin C laden kakadu plum and acreola cherry to brighten skin, while a natural blend of AHAs works to exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal a radiant complexion. Plus, it’s enriched with natural hydrator pentavitin to support the skin’s moisture barrier.

5. CeraVe Moisturising Cream

Utilitarian appearance with a luxurious feel. The dermatologically-approved, ceramide and hyaluronic acid-enriched CeraVe Moisturising Cream supports the skin barrier while locking in moisture. A fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic formula, the CeraVe Moisturising Cream is suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin types.

6. Clarins Extra-Firming Energy Day Cream

Combining an array of antioxidant-rich fruit extracts like goji berry, acerola seed, apricot oil, and paprika, the Clarins Extra-Firming Energy Day Cream works to energise and firm the skin.

7. Go-To Very Useful Face Cream

winter moisturisers go-to

Lightweight yet nourishing, the Go-To Very Useful Face Cream utilises antioxidants CoQ10 and amla berry to protect against environmental damage and free radicals. Meanwhile, shea butter and plant oils keep skin supple and soft.

8. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-cream

winter moisturisers neutrogena

Ideal for those averse to rich, thick formulas, the hyaluronic acid-infused Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-cream sinks into skin quickly, delivering hydration without heaviness.

9. Paula’s Choice Replenishing Moisturiser

Perfect for dry winter skin, the Paula’s Choice Replenishing Moisturiser contains a blend of moisturising emollient ingredients which work in conjunction with an plant and vitamin-derived antioxidants to protect against free radical damage and defend against harsh weather (think biting winds and cool climates).

10. Grown Alchemist Hydra-repair Intensive Day Cream

winter moisturisers natural

One of our favourite botanical-based winter moisturisers, the Grown Alchemist Hydra-repair Intensive Day Cream utilises a soothing blend of plant oils and extracts to revitalise and replenish the skin. Rich and creamy without feeling greasy, it provides the ideal fortification against winter weather.

11. Weleda Skin Food

This cult-favourite product has amassed a loyal following for a reason; it’s effective, affordable, and works to stave off dry skin for good. With a blend of nourishing plant oils, lanolin, and beeswax, Weleda Skin Food is ideal for dry to very dry, non-acneic skin types.

12. Aesthetics Rx H20 Hydrating Balm

winter moisturisers

The ultimate saviour for skin ravaged by harsh weather, the Aesthetics Rx H20 Hydrating Balm is a fragrance-free, soft balm-like formula that combines moisturising ingredients like panthenol, aloe vera, squalane, and rice bran oil with skin-soothing vitamin E, arnica, and rosehip oil. Ultra-hydrating and nourishing, it leaves skin feeling comforted and hydrated.


Words by T. Angel