10 of the Best Face Creams for Extremely Dry Skin That Deeply Nourish Your Skin, Plus Tips on Picking the Right Moisturizer (2020)

Dry skin is a skin condition that causes cracking, scaling and sometimes leads to itching, which can be quite uncomfortable. Dry skin is very common and easily treatable.

There are various causes of dry skin. Some people naturally have dry skin while some may develop from an underlying disease. Common causes are dry environment, hard water, frequently washing hands, chlorinated water, dehydration, hard water, soap, and genetics and so on.

Choose a moisturizer that works best for your skin type. Moisturizers vary in content (ingredients) based on skin type and work differently for each skin type. The basic rule is to choose the one that gives soothing experience, hydrates your skin and does not cause any irritation.

The texture of the moisturizer should also be chosen based on skin type. For dry skin, the moisturizer should be heavier and creamier so that it can lock in the moisture and keep the skin hydrated. Check how it feels when applied on the face, do not buy based on how the product looks in the container.

It is very important to protect skin against the sun and sunscreen should be part of your skincare routine. So pick a moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher to combat skin damage and apply it to it every day.

The odour might seem slightly out of the box in the category but it is quite important. Moisturizer will literally be near your nose the whole time so make sure that it has a pleasant smell. Take a whiff of the moisturizer before purchasing to be sure.

It might seem like a boring task, but the label on skin product gives you some vital information. Especially look for labels ‘allergy tested’ and ‘non-comedogenic’ (meaning it doesn’t clog the pores). You may not be able to make sense of the chemical names listed but there are several websites available today that help you decode these terms. In some of these websites, you can look for the product name and see the analysis of the ingredient listing to get a sense of whether the product is suitable for your skin.

Weleda Skin Food is an all-natural, skin-quenching moisturizer that has achieved cult status. Many celebs like Victoria Beckham, Rihanna, Julia Roberts, Models and makeup artists have lauded this product and it is one of the trending beauty formulas in the celeb sphere. The ingredients in the formula are sustainably sourced. Rosemary leaf and Pansy flower leaf extract not only soothe skin, but its antiseptic qualities help treat various skin conditions such as eczema and acne too.

Chamomile and calendula calm skin irritation while sunflower seeds rich in vitamin E and fatty acids will leave your skin supple and smooth in a flash. The thick formula leaves a dewy sheen behind keeping the skin protected from harmful elements. The deep-penetrating moisturizer can also be used on hair, hands and anyplace on the body that needs extra attention. The extra-nourishing Weleda Skin Food improves the appearance of rough and dry skin. The moisturizer is available in India on lookfantastic.co.in for Rs. 1,205.

The calming moisturizing cream is perfect for anyone with chronic dry skin. Developed & Tested by Dermatologists, this moisturizing cream is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. The advanced ultra-hydrating moisturizer is the best for dry skin, especially during the harsh climate. It spreads easily and blends well into the skin. The formula is perfect for dry and acne-prone skin. It also maintains the pH levels.

It provides long-lasting and intense hydration that replenishes dry skin immediately. The unique formula prevents moisture loss with its superior humectants and extra-strength emollients. The non-greasy product is perfect for severely dry skin and can be used on face, knees, elbows, hands, feet or any other part that needs intensive moisturization. The Cetaphil cream is available on purplle.com and 80-gram pack will cost Rs. 389.

Olay is one of the reputed and oldest brands that is known for its quality skincare products. They have partnered with renowned dermatologists to develop new products to treat the root cause of various skin concerns. Olay moisturizing cream is one of their popular products that provide long-lasting hydration and improve the smoothness and softness of your skin. The moisturizing formula is enriched with a unique binding system that helps retain moisture where it is needed the most. This is one of the best moisturizing creams in the market for dry skin. The pleasantly fragrant cream is ideal for daily use. It is non-comedogenic, non-greasy, lightweight and is packed in travel-friendly packaging. The cream is available on cilory.com for Rs. 499.

Lotus Herbals is a reputed brand founded in 1993. Their philosophy is to incorporate Science and Nature in a balanced form to craft their products. They have over 250 hair care, make-up and skincare products. Lotus Herbal’s Sheamoist Shea Butter Strawberry Moisturizer is a complete solution to moisturize your dehydrated skin. The light and creamy base make it easy to absorb by the skin. The product is enriched with ingredients like strawberry extracts and shea butter. Shea Butter is an excellent skin emollient and has skin softening properties. It restores suppleness and moisture. Strawberry Extract is rich in polyphenols, which is a natural antioxidant. It helps soothe the skin. The moisturizer is available on lotusherbals.com for Rs. 156.

Plum is a cruelty-free and vegan brand that is made using more natural ingredients. The E-Luminance moisturizing formula from this brand is perfect for normal to very dry skin. The long-lasting hydration cream makes it best for both days as well as night usage. The product contains exotic ingredients like jojoba oil, kokum, vitamin E and antioxidants that all work towards getting back the glow and bounce of your skin. The product claims to use very few chemicals and hence perfect for those who want to stay away from chemical formulas. The unrivalled properties of the cream make it the best product in India available at affordable prices. The cream is free from Propylene Glycol, SLS, PABA and DEA, which makes it absolutely safe for your skin. The moisturizing cream is available on Flipkart for Rs. 520.

VLCC is known for its beauty treatments and products. The Honey Moisturizer is enriched with key ingredients including Olive, Almond and Jojoba Oils, Vitamin E and Honey. This budget-friendly moisturizer is the best for dry skin. The natural ingredients in the product nourish and moisturizes the skin and make it smooth and supple. The light formula is packed in a travel-friendly packaging and is value for your money. After cleansing your face apply the moisturizer evenly on neck and face with upward strokes. The product can be used under makeup or alone. Recommended by dermatologists, this formula is non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. The product is available on netmeds.com. The cost of 100-gm pack is Rs. 205.

The refreshing Neutrogena Gel won the 2018 Beauty Awards. The oil-free formula quenches dry skin and immediately moisturizes the skin. The hyaluronic acid and glycerol make the flaky and dry skin soft and supple in a short period. Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture and locks it. This daily face moisturizing formula is non-comedogenic, dry-free, oil-free and fragrance-free. The unique face boost formula is absorbed quickly into the skin and is perfect to be used under the makeup to provide intense moisturizing for skin. It is recommended by dermatologists for at-home skin hydrating routine. The product is available on Amazon and a 50-gram pack costs Rs. 855.

Olay is a beauty brand, which is known to develop products that work. Using superior ingredients, formulations and proven performance testing make Olay products the most sought-after worldwide. The Olay face moisturizer is proven to hydrate the skin. It keeps the skin quenched for almost 24 hours and boosts hydration with its powerhouse hydrators like the wrinkle-reducing niacinamide (a type of Vitamin B3, which even minimizes redness) and skin-plumping hyaluronic acid. The rich, non-greasy and non-heavy formula helps soothe dry skin and protects it from flaking and cracking. Pave way for a soft, non-flaky and smooth skin with Olay Regenerist. The fragrance-free formula is available on Flipkart for Rs. 1,457.

A compromised skin barrier leads to itching and skin dryness. A moisturizing cream with hydrating ingredients like ceramide and hyaluronic acid strengthens and replenishes the essential components required for the skin barrier. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is an effective hydrating formula that helps restore the protective barrier of the skin. The product developed by dermatologists is perfect for severely dry skin on the body and face. The fast-absorbing and non-greasy formula are also suitable for sensitive skin. The cream helps retain moisture and improves the feel and look of the skin. The moisturizing cream is available on kiwla.com for Rs. 1,431.

Biotique is a new age potent organic brand. They promise to provide naturally-derived Ayurvedic formulas that meets the diverse beauty needs of people. The products use 100% natural botanicals with no preservatives and chemicals. They employ a cold extraction process, which ensures that the active components of the plants are well-preserved in its beauty products.

The nourishing Biotique Morning Nectar Lotion is an ultra-soothing moisturizer. It is a blend of wheat germ, seaweed and pure honey. It hydrates the skin and keeps it blemish-free and visibly flawless with regular use. It deeply penetrates the skin to replenish natural oils and moisture. It also has SPF 30+, which keeps the skin protected from the sun. The product is available on nykaa.com. The cost of 120 ml lotion is Rs. 149.

There is a long list of culprits including hot showers, winter weather, lack of natural oils etc. that can cause dry skin. Fortunately, there are products available to heal this skin condition. Although it may seem easier to use commercially available products, natural remedies are pure and there are very less chances of having allergic reaction. In fact, these ingredients might be readily available in your kitchen.