# Skincare and make-up for dry skin > Source: https://thecastindex.com/beauty/skin/dry-skin — brand claims checked 2026-10-01 ## 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. ## What to look for - **Ceramides.** The British Skin Foundation lists ceramides and emollients among the ingredients to seek out for dry skin. [Ceramides, explained](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ingredients/ceramides) - **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](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid) - **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. - **Moisturise often, on damp skin.** The American Academy of Dermatology suggests applying moisturiser frequently, especially while skin is still damp. ## What to avoid, and when to patch test - **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. - **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](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ingredients/retinoids) - **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. - **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. ## Products whose brands say they suit dry skin Listed only where the brand's own product page (or an authorised UK retailer listing carrying the brand's copy) names this skin type or concern. Suitability is the brand's claim, not a guarantee. - [CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/cerave-hydrating-facial-cleanser) — "Suitable for normal to dry skin" ([CeraVe UK](https://www.cerave.co.uk/skincare/cleansers/hydrating-cleanser)) - [CeraVe Moisturising Lotion](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/cerave-moisturising-lotion) — "Lightweight lotion for normal to dry skin" ([CeraVe UK](https://www.cerave.co.uk/skincare/moisturisers/moisturising-lotion)) - [The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/the-ordinary-hyaluronic-acid-2-b5-ceramides) — "How does Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum (with Ceramides) benefit dry skin? We formulated our Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum (with Ceramides) to deeply penetrate the skin’s surface layers, providing intense hydration." ([The Ordinary UK](https://theordinary.com/en-gb/hyaluronic-acid-2-b5-serum-with-ceramides-769915233506.html)) - [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/cosrx-advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence) — "Dry & dehydrated skin: For anyone struggling with dryness or tightness." ([COSRX](https://www.cosrx.com/products/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence)) - [Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/medicube-pdrn-pink-peptide-serum) — "Skin Type: Dry, Combination" ([Medicube (US)](https://medicube.us/products/rose-pdrn-pink-peptide-serum)) - [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/skinceuticals-c-e-ferulic) — "Designed for normal to dry skin" ([LOOKFANTASTIC UK (authorised retailer)](https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/skinceuticals-c-e-ferulic-antioxidant-vitamin-c-serum-for-normal-and-dry-skin-30ml/11705727/)) - [Aquaphor Healing Ointment](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/aquaphor-healing-ointment) — "this multi-purpose ointment protects and soothes extremely dry skin" ([Aquaphor](https://www.aquaphorus.com/products/aquaphor-repairing-ointment/aquaphor-healing-ointment-1,-d-,75oz)) - [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/skin1004-madagascar-centella-hyalu-cica-water-fit-sun-serum) — "Skin Type: Sensitive, Normal, Dry" ([SKIN1004](https://www.skin1004.com/products/hyalu-cica-water-fit-sun-serum-spf50-pa?country=GB)) - [Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Niacinamide SPF50+](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/beauty-of-joseon-relief-sun-rice-niacinamide) — "Perfect for skin types in need of a moisture boost" ([Beauty of Joseon UK](https://beautyofjoseon.com/products/relief-sun-rice-probiotics-spf50-pa-uk?country=GB¤cy=GBP)) - [Beauty of Joseon Daily Relief Sunscreen SPF 40](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/beauty-of-joseon-daily-relief-sunscreen) — "suitable for all skin types, including dry, oily, and combination" ([Beauty of Joseon (US product information page)](https://beautyofjoseon.com/pages/tab-1-daily-relief-sunscreen-us)) - [TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/tirtir-mask-fit-red-cushion) — "the hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid provides moisture balance, making it perfect for dry or combination skin types" ([TIRTIR](https://tirtir.global/products/mask-fit-red-cushion)) - [e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/elf-halo-glow-skin-tint-spf-50) — "designed for oily, normal/combination, dry skin" ([e.l.f. Cosmetics UK](https://www.elfcosmetics.co.uk/products/halo-glow-skin-tint-spf-50)) - [e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/elf-halo-glow-liquid-filter) — "Great for: dry, oily, and combination skin" ([e.l.f. Cosmetics UK](https://www.elfcosmetics.co.uk/products/halo-glow-liquid-filter)) - [e.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Camo Concealer](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/elf-hydrating-camo-concealer) — "Great for: Oily, Dry, and Combination Skin" ([e.l.f. Cosmetics UK](https://www.elfcosmetics.co.uk/products/hydrating-camo-concealer)) - [e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Liquid Blush](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/elf-camo-liquid-blush) — "Great for: Dry, oily and combination skin" ([e.l.f. Cosmetics UK](https://www.elfcosmetics.co.uk/products/camo-liquid-blush)) - [Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/laura-mercier-translucent-loose-setting-powder) — "Suitable for all skin types, including oily skin, dry skin, and combination skin" ([Laura Mercier UK](https://www.lauramercier.co.uk/products/translucent-loose-setting-powder)) ## Questions ### Is a cream or a lotion better for dry skin? A cream, or an ointment for very dry areas. The American Academy of Dermatology says creams add more moisture and preserve more water than lotions, and ointments even more so. ### Is hyaluronic acid good for dry skin? It is one of the ingredients the British Skin Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology list for dry skin. The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and CeraVe’s Moisturising Lotion, both on this page, contain it. ### Can I use retinol if my skin is dry? Go slowly. The American Academy of Dermatology lists retinoids among products that can worsen dry skin, and the British Skin Foundation suggests introducing potentially drying ingredients gradually. Follow the brand’s directions and moisturise. ### How do you decide which products suit dry skin? We list a product here only when its brand, on its own page or a UK retailer listing, says it suits dry skin. Each claim is quoted with a link to where we read it. Suitability is the brand’s own claim, not a verdict from hands-on use. ## Sources - [British Skin Foundation — Identifying your skin type (Dr Jonathan Kentley, 2026)](https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/resources/identifying-your-skin-type-a-guide-by-dr-jonathan-kentley) - [American Academy of Dermatology — Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin) - [American Academy of Dermatology — How to pick the right moisturizer for your skin](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/pick-moisturizer) - [American Academy of Dermatology — How to safely exfoliate at home](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home) General information, not medical advice.