Skincare and make-up for dry skin.

Every product here is listed because its own brand says it suits dry skin — each claim is quoted and linked to where we read it. Advice on what to look for and avoid comes from dermatology bodies.

Edited by Kaiser Khan · Brand claims checked 1 October 2026 · Editorial policy

What to look for ↓16 products ↓Where each claim comes from ↓

Editorial scene · AI-generated illustration

Quick answer · Skin type

What suits dry skin?

Dry skin produces less sebum and can feel tight or flaky, the British Skin Foundation explains. Dermatologists suggest short, warm showers, a gentle fragrance-free cleanser and creams or ointments with ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin or petrolatum. Below are products whose brands say they suit dry skin.

General information, not medical advice. Suitability is each brand’s own claim, not a guarantee for your skin — patch test anything new. Sources.

Dermatologist-sourced

What to look for.

Skincare routine order ↗

01 / Look for

Ceramides

The British Skin Foundation lists ceramides and emollients among the ingredients to seek out for dry skin.

Ceramides, explained ↗

02 / Look for

Humectants such as hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid, urea and glycerine appear on the British Skin Foundation’s list for dry skin; the American Academy of Dermatology adds glycerin, lactic acid and dimethicone.

Hyaluronic acid, explained ↗

03 / Look for

Creams and ointments over lotions

Creams add more moisture and preserve more water than lotions, and ointments more still, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It also names petrolatum, shea butter, lanolin and mineral oil.

04 / Look for

Moisturise often, on damp skin

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests applying moisturiser frequently, especially while skin is still damp.

Take care

What to avoid, and when to patch test.

01 / Avoid

Fragrance and alcohol

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests stopping products that contain alcohol or fragrance, and choosing fragrance-free rather than “unscented”, which can still contain masking chemicals.

02 / Avoid

Drying actives, all at once

Retinoids are on the American Academy of Dermatology’s list of products that can worsen dry skin, and the British Skin Foundation suggests introducing potentially drying ingredients slowly.

Retinol and retinal, explained ↗

03 / Avoid

Long, hot showers

Limit baths and showers to five to ten minutes in warm water, then pat skin dry, as the American Academy of Dermatology advises.

04 / Avoid

Patch test first

Try a new product on a small area such as the forearm for a few days before using it on the face, as the British Skin Foundation suggests.

Dry skin · brand-stated

Products for dry skin.

10 skincare · 6 make-up

Listed only where the brand says the product suits dry skin; “all skin types” on its own does not qualify. Selection is editorial and desk-researched from published brand information. Product images are brand or retailer packshots, credited on each guide.