Dry, Sensitive Skin? These Expert-Approved Moisturisers Will Leave You Hydrated and Glowing

Pros: Helps to heal damage skin

Cons: Expensive price point

"This new formulation is rich and contains lots of essential fatty acids, squalane, vitamin E and argan oil," Dr Sophie Shotter, skin and eesthetics Doctor explains. "This feels beautiful at night and helps to decrease transepidermal water loss."

Pros: Can be used on face and body

Cons: Not suitable for acne-prone skin

This hand and skin cream is a top recommendation from Annemarie Hughes, lead trainer for Million Dollar Facial. "This is great for all skin types as it features cupuacu butter, shea butter, cocoa butter, allantoin and almond oil to prevent skin dryness and add deep hydration to the skin," she explains.

Pros: Great for dehydrated skin

Cons: Expensive price point

"This is a perfectly balanced lipid-based moisturiser that contains ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids in the same ratio as in your skin. The result is a boost to your skin's barrier health and a decrease of transepidermal water loss, Shotter explains. Ophelia also notes this SkinCeuticals cream as one of her top choices. "This SkinCeuticals moisturiser is good for wintertime as it feels really good on the skin and has a luxurious feel to it," she says.

Pros: Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons: Expensive price point

"The DEJ face cream is suitable for even sensitive skin types. It's a multitasker with lots of botanical and hydrating ingredients, as well as squalene that helps to keep the skin hydrated and full of moisture," says Shotter.

Pros: Affordable price point

Cons: Leaves some residue on skin

I can never resist raving about this moisturising lotion as it's all I've used on my dry-to-normal skin type over the past two years. Developed with dermatologists it's clear to see why this lotion is so loved. It's formulated with three essential ceramides and MVE technology and provides long-lasting hydration to the skin. This is a great option for all skin types as it's so lightweight and smooth.

Pros: Calming fragrance

Cons: Not suitable for sensitive skin

This moisturising cream offers instant hydration to the skin with its blend of botanical extracts and 12 active ingredients. The skin will continue to feel rejuvenated and soft for hours.

Pros: Lightweight texture

Cons: May not be enough for very dry skin

This is a new addition to my skincare collection and I honestly can't imagine a time without it. The lightweight formula nourishes the skin in just a few quick pumps. Whether you choose to use it during your AM/PM skin routine or as a base under makeup, it'll leave your skin feeling smooth and full of hydration.

Pros: Plumps skin with moisture

Cons: Takes a while to sink in

REN always get it right when it comes to hydrating the skin and the Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream is no exception. This is the perfect contender for skin in need of a good replenish as it works to soothe and protect skin from the inside out.

Pros: Great for combination skin

Cons: May not be enough for very dry skin

This day cream offers the perfect matte finsh but doesn't skip out on hydration. Formulated with skin-loving ingredients from hyaluronic acid to help with water retention to a blend of oils that will seep seamlessly into the skin. 

Pros: Preps skin for makeup

Cons: Can take a while to absorb

If you're looking for a moisturiser that looks and feels super luxurious, look no further than Glossier's Priming Moisturiser Rich. It's formulated with the likes of shea and murumuru butters for an instant sumptuous feel and other key ingredients to help lock in moisture over time. 

Pros: Can be used on face and body

Cons: Not suitable for acne-prone skin

Another recommendation from Hughes is CeraVe's moisturising cream. "This hydrating moisturising cream is gentle, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. It’s also non-comedogenic and perfect for most sensitive dry skin," she explains.

Pros: Helps to heal damaged skin

Cons: Runs out quickly

There's been a lot of buzz online for this deep moisture cream thanks to its formulation of superior plant extracts and a pro-grade peptide complex. Your dry skin will thank you later! 

Pros: Great for eczema-prone skin

Cons: Can be hard to get hold of

"A lot of dermatologists use this lotion at home as it's so effective for dry skin and is a great in-between for the Cetraben ointment and creams without the hassle of oiliness," says Dr Ophelia. "I love to use it and my local pharmacist even told me that the Queen used it."

Pros: Great for severely dry skin

Cons: Not suitable for acne-prone skin

If your dry skin worsens during the colder months, then chances are this cult moisturiser is a staple in your skincare routine already. It's thick, nourishing, and rich.

Pros: Helps to reduce redness and sensitivity

Cons: Leaves residue on skin

Most people use this as a targeted treatment on areas of dry, sensitive skin, but if your skin is dry all over, it makes for a great overnight moisture mask.

Pros: Light formula absorbs quickly

Cons: May not be enough for very dry skin

Specially formulated to strenghten your skin barrier to keep moisturise locked in, this rich, balmy cream contains marshmallow root, oatmeal, arnica and milk thistle to soothe irritable skin, ease dry patches and help skin restore its hydration levels.

Pros: Suitable for acne-prone skin

Cons: Always sells out

Dry skin and acne is a tricky combo to deal with, but according to freelance beauty editor Grace Day, this moisturiser helps to deal with both in one go. "Most thick creams tend to trigger my breakout-prone skin, but this is one of the few that doesn't," she says. "It gives my dehydrated skin the deep hydration it needs without clogging my pores."