Top Moisturisers for Dry Skin: Rich, Hydrating & Glow-Boosting Picks
Last Updated on April 14, 2025 by Amy
Is your skin feeling tight, flaky, or dull by mid-morning — no matter how much moisturiser you apply? You’re not alone. Dry skin needs more than just a quick hit of hydration — it needs products that help lock in moisture and support your skin’s barrier long-term.
From cold weather to overusing active ingredients like retinol, there are lots of reasons your skin might be thirsty right now. The good news? The right moisturiser can make all the difference.
Whether you’re looking for a glow-boosting splurge or a budget-friendly essential, these moisturisers are hydrating, barrier-supporting, and seriously effective — without feeling like a greasy mask.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
The Best Moisturisers for Dry Skin in 2025
Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer
💰 £45/$48 | 50ml or £23/$25 | 25ml
Best for: Rebuilding the skin barrier
If your skin is seriously dry or tight, Honey Halo feels like wrapping your face in a soft, comforting blanket.
- Texture: Rich, buttery, non-greasy
- Key Ingredients: Buckwheat honey, ceramides, royal jelly
- Why it works: Buckwheat honey draws in moisture, while ceramides help repair the skin’s natural barrier. The texture melts in beautifully and leaves skin calm, plump, and protected all day.
It’s especially good as a night cream or under makeup during colder months. If you want something nourishing, gentle, and skin-loving – this is a fantastic option.
Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Deep Moisture Miracle Cream
💰 £22 | 50ml (Beauty Pie Members)
Best for: Lightweight daily hydration
Hate thick, sticky moisturisers but still need serious hydration? This one’s for you.
- Texture: Light cream, sinks in quickly
- Key Ingredients: Triple hyaluronic acid, phospholipids
- Why it works: Three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid hydrate at different levels, while phospholipids help that hydration go deeper.
It doubles brilliantly as a makeup base and suits both morning and evening routines. Even with my combination skin, I reach for this when I need a moisture boost — it’s nourishing but never heavy.
👉 Available exclusively at Beauty Pie.
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream
💰 £58/$64 | 50ml £19/$21 | 15ml
Best for: Comforting rich texture without irritation
This luxurious cream has a soft, whipped texture that feels instantly soothing on dry skin.
- Texture: Whipped, airy, rich
- Key Ingredients: Six African oils, ceramides, phytosphingosine, fermented green tea
- Why it works: It hydrates, calms, and restores the skin without causing irritation. Fragrance- and silicone-free, it’s a great option if your skin is reactive or your barrier is compromised.
Perfect for night-time or as a recovery cream when your regular moisturiser just isn’t cutting it.
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
💰 £150/$190 | 30ml
Best for: Skin renewal and deep hydration
Yes, it’s eye-wateringly expensive — but The Rich Cream has earned cult status for a reason.
- Texture: Silky, nourishing, absorbs beautifully
- Key Ingredients: TFC8® (Trigger Factor Complex), rich plant oils
- Why it works: TFC8® is a patented blend that supports skin renewal and barrier repair. It helps give dull, tired skin a plump, radiant look — and it works wonders if you’ve overdone it with actives.
Whenever I go a bit heavy with retinol, this cream helps my skin bounce back fast. It’s absolutely a splurge, but if you’re in treat-yourself mode, it’s one to try.
Byoma Barrier+ Repair Treatment
💰 £16.99/$22 | 50ml
Best for: Budget-friendly barrier repair
Looking for something gentle, effective, and affordable? This is a high street gem.
- Texture: Thick but easy to spread
- Key Ingredients: Ceramides, squalane, shea butter, glycerin, ectoin
- Why it works: This cream is designed to rebuild the skin barrier and deliver lasting moisture. It’s fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and vegan — a great pick for sensitive skin.
I love this one as a winter moisturiser or as an overnight treatment when my skin needs extra love. It punches well above its price tag.
👉 Read my full review of Byoma Barrier+ here.
Quick Picks (At-a-Glance)
- Best for barrier repair: Farmacy Honey Halo
- Best lightweight option: Beauty Pie Miracle Cream
- Best for sensitive skin: Drunk Elephant Lala Retro
- Best luxury splurge: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
- Best budget moisturiser: Byoma Barrier+ Repair
Dry skin needs more than just moisture — it needs ingredients that help seal hydration in and keep your skin barrier functioning at its best.
Whether you’re after a luxurious splurge or an affordable essential, these moisturisers deliver deep hydration and barrier support without clogging pores or feeling heavy. Pick the one that fits your skin (and budget), and get ready for plumper, glowier, healthier skin.
Looking for more moisturiser recommendations? Check out my top picks for combination skin!
