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Top 5 Best Face Moisturizers for Dry Sensitive Skin

Face Moisturizers for dry skin

It’s my absolute pleasure to be talking about the best face moisturizers for dry sensitive skin because that’s pretty much the type of skin I have.

I’m always on the lookout for the facial cream for dry skin.

Well,

I am also acne-prone. With that, the picture is complete.

I have dry sensitive skin when it comes to both my face and body.

I need to hydrate my whole body after each shower and hot water makes red patches appear on my body.

Which is why I totally avoid hot showers and I use a body lotion that’s designed for winter all year round.

Exfoliating my legs also helps with preventing them looking a bit like lizard skin. They feel glorious after each exfoliation.

Top 5 Best Face Moisturizers for Dry Sensitive Skin

When it comes to choosing and recommending the best face moisturizers for dry sensitive skin, I’m not going to go into the high end spectrum of  the best moisturizing creams for dry skin, meaning those really expensive.

I definitely can’t afford those so, I’m going to stick to the best facial creams for dry skin that make me comfortable when it comes to price tags.

There are plenty of options at affordable prices.

I’m sure you’re going to find your favorite among these 5 best face moisturizers for dry sensitive skin. Or, at least, they’re going to serve as good inspiration.

1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin, 19 oz

First thing first,

The container is huge.

For an incredibly affordable price, not exactly fit for my best beauty products under $10 article but not by much, you get 19 oz (539 g) of cream that can be used both on the face and body.

That’s a lot of moisturizer for dry sensitive skin. And it all qualifies as a best face moisturizer for very dry skin.

The fact that it protects the skin and delivers long lasting moisturization, makes it my top recommendation when it comes to the best face moisturizers for dry sensitive skin.

It has 3 essential ceramides, which is kind of like the signature for the CeraVe line of skin care products, whether we’re talking about facial cleansers or creams and lotions.

It’s also formulated with hyaluronic acid to help retain skin’s natural moisture.

There’s also a patented MVE controlled-release technology to help replenish ceramides in order to ensure that the skin is hydrated for long periods of time, hence the claim of 24-hour hydration.

I’m always skeptical of the mention of technologies when it comes to beauty products in general but the bottom line is that the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin is pretty much perfect and that’s all that matters.

The only thing missing is niacinamide, which is a fantastic ingredient for reducing inflammation and even pore reduction over time. Good anti-aging ingredient, too.

The CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM has all that and it’s a top recommendation from dermatologists. You should check out that one, too.

The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin is also non-comedogenic, which is always a thing to look for when it comes to facial lotions, fragrance-free, and paraben-free.

It even has the NEA (National Eczema Association) Seal of Acceptance.

Moreover,

It’s also perfect for those with acne-prone skin.

What are you waiting for? Get your glow on for an unbeatable price. This is a best facial cream for dry skin without any doubt.

You should definitely check out the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin before considering other options as the best face moisturizers for dry sensitive skin.

This is a drugstore moisturizer and it can be found anywhere. Check out the prices from multiple sources. If you find it on sale, get two.

2. CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, 3 oz

It’s pretty much as amazing as the above CerVe moisturizing cream but with the added benefit of protecting your skin from sun damage.

Wearing sunscreen daily throughout the entire year is vital and not only for preventing wrinkles and signs of aging. Although those are amazing incentives. Obviously, the important benefit is that it lowers skin cancer risk.

So,

Why not get a best face moisturizer for dry sensitive skin but one with SPF 30?

In combination with a vitamin C serum applied underneath, the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 can protect you against sun damage and pollution damage, while keeping your skin hydrated and looking fresh.

A vitamin C serum also protects against sun damage but it must always be combined with sunscreen SPF 30 or higher.

It’s a lot smaller than what we’re used to seeing from the CeraVe products, you only get 3 fl oz (89 ml) but that’s to be expected from facial sunscreen lotions.

Considering that, it’s not really cheap but not incredibly expensive, either.

Still, it’s an essential skin care product for a healthy daily routine.

You only have to apply it before going out during day time so, it will last a few good months.

It’s the same thing with any vitamin C serum, if you plan on buying one. It lasts more than a couple of months.

What makes the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 one of the best face moisturizers for dry sensitive skin?

It’s just as good at moisturizing as the above CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin, they pretty much have the same ingredients, but with the added SPF 30.

The active ingredients are:

  • homosalate 10%
  • meradimate 5%
  • octinoxate 5%
  • octocrylene 2%
  • zinc oxide 6.3%

It’s a combination of mineral and chemical-based sunscreen.

When it comes to sunscreens and moisturizers with SPF, some are chemical, some are completely mineral, and some are a combination of the two.

The CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 has the Skin Cancer Foundation’s ‘Daily Use’ Seal of Recommendation so, I would say that it’s quite a good choice.

A very good choice for the best face moisturizer for dry sensitive skin with the SPF 30 as added bonus.

It will spread easily and be completely absorbed by the skin. There won’t be any white film left on the skin thanks to its InVisibleZinc Technology.

3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel, 1.7 oz

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel has become one of those products that you end up seeing everywhere.

Or maybe that’s just me.

It’s a favorite for so many people and it’s a top recommendation as a best facial cream for dry skin pretty much everywhere.

Let’s see what it’s all about the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel as a best face moisturizer for dry sensitive skin.

Firstly,

It’s loaded with hyaluronic acid and that’s its major ingredient and selling point.

Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture and locks it in the skin, which ensures long-lasting hydration for a healthy skin.

Secondly,

It’s a gel-cream not a cream moisturizer, which all of us are used to.

But it still has the power of a cream moisturizer, while being absorbed very quickly. It’s a perfect combination.

Thirdly,

It’s also non-comedogenic, oil-free, dye-free, and fragrance-free.

It’s recommended for people with sensitive dry skin for restoring moisture but it also works for mature skin, Accutane-users (Accutane can be extremely drying), and acne-prone people.

It’s designed for all skin types.

It doesn’t act as a sunscreen, you still need one of those.

Neutrogena has definitely hit the jackpot with its Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel and I’m so happy to include it among the best face moisturizers for dry sensitive skin.

If I were to complain about something is that you only get 1.7 oz (48 g), which makes it pretty expensive. That’s a really small quantity for the price.

4. PURA D’OR Organic Moroccan Argan Oil, 4 oz

There’s only one ingredient: 100% argan oil.

This product is totally worth it and you get an adequate quantity for the money: 4 fl oz (118 ml).

Argan oil is the sort of miraculous ingredient that has so many benefits that you lose track of them:

  • great for repairing and hydrating dry sensitive skin, otherwise it wouldn’t feature as one of the best face moisturizers for dry sensitive skin – I’ve invested in argan oil a lot of money throughout the years, since I first discovered that it’s a non-comedogenic oil

  • unrefined raw organic shea butter is another non-comedogenic product that those with really dry skin should consider, it’s even more intensely hydrating than argan oil

  • protects against sun damage and pollution

  • it’s rich in vitamin E, which makes it an ally in the fight against wrinkles

  • repairs damaged skin although scars won’t fade away by simply using argan oil, at least mine didn’t

  • fantastic hair treatment for frizzy, brittle hair

The PURA D’OR Organic Moroccan Argan Oil will be easily absorbed by the skin, just massage it into the skin with the delicate movements until you are satisfied with how it looks. It won’t feel oily at all, it will feel smooth and it should give you a glowing look.

It’s not a best facial cream for dry skin simply because it’s an oil. But it is a fantastic moisturizer. Shea butter is another one that shouldn’t be forgotten.

5. Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid, 3 oz

This is another best face moisturizer for dry sensitive skin.

It works well for acne-prone people.

Hyaluronic acid is again the star of the show. As always, it’s a winner.

The Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid is also non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.

The price is very good, too, for its quantity: 3 fl oz (88 ml).

There’s really nothing to complain about when it comes to the Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid.

It hydrates the skin for long periods of time and it’s such a perfect choice that I couldn’t leave it out from my picks for the best face moisturizers for dry sensitive skin.

How to Take Care of Dry Sensitive Skin

We’ve already talked about the best face moisturizers for dry sensitive skin, at least those that I’m aware of. And have reasonable prices.

I’m sure that there are more to be discovered.

Even so,

I just want to remind you that there are a few things that you can do besides applying some of the best face moisturizers for dry sensitive skin.

There are a few things that you should do, besides getting the best facial cream for dry skin.

I’m going to be talking a bit about my routines and habits that have helped me prevent my skin from turning flaky.

Drink water

It’s actually not believed that staying hydrated influences the appearance of dry skin but dehydration is never good for our body.

Dry skin is more wrinkle-prone and staying hydrated definitely helps with our fight against wrinkles so, there are plenty of benefits, which is why I never fail to mention proper hydration as being an absolute must.

If you have dehydrated skin, the skin will over-produce oil to compensate for the lack of moisture, which might make you believe that you have oily skin.

Dehydrated skin feels tight and it’s a condition not a skin type, it’s not the same as dry sensitive skin.

Don’t wash your face in the shower

The majority tends to take hot showers, prolonged contact with hot water can definitely spike up the irritation level.

It’s recommended to wash your face with lukewarm water, not hot not cold, since both can dehydrate the skin.

After washing, immediately apply your toner/serum/moisturizer, don’t let your skin bare for more than a minute.

Choose the right cleanser

If you get a cleanser for dry sensitive skin there’s no way that it will dry out your skin.

I always massage the cleanser for a minute before rinsing.

I’ve been using the cleansers from CeraVe for many years now and I’ve never been happier, they don’t dry out the skin at all.

Besides cleansing my skin in the morning and before bedtime, I also cleanse it before and after exercising, which in my case just means doing yoga.

However,

Since I also have acne, I’m overly conscious about keeping my face clean.

It’s a nightmare when I have to travel, my acne always gets worse and it takes at least a couple of months before things are back to normal again.

But that’s a discussion for another time.

Serums

Besides looking for the best face moisturizers for dry sensitive skin, you should also consider adding a serum to your routine.

I know it’s an additional expense and no one is happy when it comes to that but, if you can afford it, I think you should seriously consider getting a serum, too.

I apply a vitamin C serum before applying my facial cream.

My routine is simple but I’m satisfied with the overall cost and the results, this is the order in which I apply the products:

  • cleanse twice daily

  • salicylic acid treatment just in the evenings

  • vitamin C serum just in the mornings

  • moisturizer twice daily

  • sunscreen every day of the year before leaving the house or a moisturizer with SPF, I sometimes go for the tinted ones when I feel like my skin is not glowing enough or is not looking as healthy as it should – those tinted moisturizers with SPF are fantastic

I’ve also written a post on the best moisturizers with SPF for dry skin, oily skin, anti-aging, and tinted. You can check it out if you want to find out more.

I also use an eye cream in the evenings to prevent fine wrinkles but that’s besides the point of this article.

If you’re interested in finding out more about wrinkles prevention, there’s my post on the best facial cream for wrinkles.

Plus,

I exfoliate my face twice a week.

Some masks from time to time are also nice but only when I’m not lazy. I postpone them way too often.

Additionally, you can also use a humidifier.

That pretty much sums it all, there are a lot more best face moisturizers for dry sensitive skin to be discovered, I hope you find the best for you and maintain having a healthy glowing look.