Suffering from dehydrated skin is something that can affect you regardless of your typical skin type, which is why it's imperative to choose from the best moisturisers for dehydrated skin - so you're never stuck in a beauty emergency. Dehydrated skin can depend on the change in weather, not drinking enough water or if you're feeling tired after a busy few weeks in the office. Some of the best moisturisers in the business are targeted towards water retention and nourishing the dried-out surface to revive your skin.
When the skin is feeling or looking dehydrated, there is often a reason behind it and can be easily solved with a bit of TLC. Using a moisturiser for dry skin or any other skin type, dedicated to solving dehydration, could be exactly what you need to give your skin some love. Finding a good, everyday moisturiser can make a positive change to your skin and keep it looking fresh under makeup.
According to skincare brand Bioderma: dehydrated skin can be seen as skin looking dull, having a lack of glow and often feeling tight - especially after cleansing. The skin is usually craving some moisture and hydration which is a 'temporary state' and can affect all skin types.
The best moisturisers for dehydrated skin, at a glance:
Best moisturiser for dehydrated skin (Editor's Choice): CeraVe Moisturising Cream for Dry to Very Dry Skin, £9.35 on Amazon
Best moisturiser for dehydrated, combination skin: Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Cream, £13.20 on Sephora
Best celeb brand moisturiser for dehydrated skin: Revolution Skincare X Sali Hughes Cream Drench Moisturiser, £14 on Boots
Even if your skin type is naturally oily or blemish-prone, your skin can become dehydrated due to other contributing factors. We've put together some of our fave face creams for a variety of skin types that will save your skin from feeling dehydrated.
SHOP: Our top moisturisers for dehydrated skin
Best moisturiser for dehydrated skin (Editor's Choice)
Like most of our products currently, we've taken inspiration from TikTok to find new products that might work for different skin conditions. We all have fallen in love with CeraVe as it appeals to everyone, especially those with more sensitive skin. This CeraVe Moisturising Cream has both ceramides and hyaluronic acid within its formula, making it ideal for those with a drier skin type or who might be finding their skin is dehydrated. Read our review of CeraVe's Moisturising Cream here.
Customer review: "I purchased this because my skin has gone from oily to very very dry (the menopause), and I couldn't get a grip on it. Someone recommended this, so I reluctantly gave it a go. It is absolutely amazing. It took a month of daily use to get my skin back to some semblance of what it was before, and now I just use it twice a week. It has also cleared up some eczema patches that I had on my ears, elbows, knees and ankles. I like that you can also use it on your face, that it's non-fragranced and non-greasy. I highly recommend this product."
Pros
- Developed with dermatologists - fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
- Contains 3 essential ceramides to help protect the skin's natural barrier
- Suitable for the face and as a body moisturiser
- Formulated with MVE Technology - 24-hour hydration
Cons
- Medical fragrance
Best moisturiser for dehydrated, combination skin
www.sephora.co.uk
A light-weight gel cream, to bring the moisture back to dehydrated skin. This Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Cream works well for those who have combination skin or find their skin changing between feeling dry or oily whilst having the occasional break-out. One of the main ingredients in this moisturiser is salicylic acid - ideal for lightly exfoliating dead skin cells and treating active blemishes. Shop the Moisturising Cream instead if you prefer a richer texture to your moisturiser.
Customer review: "This is the second time that I have purchased this product. Absolutely in love with it. I have spent so much money on moisturizing creams thinking they would be great for my skin. Name it: high brands, high street, natural brands; they just never worked well with my skin. They would lead me to break out often or it would irritate my skin in some way. This has a perfect consistency, it's not so overly rich in formula. Does not make me break out. My skin looks awake and well-conditioned. I also apply it on my lips it works BADASS!!! My skin is oily/ combination at the same time it's sensitive and very dull looking but this gel cream changed the game. My skin looks fresh, flawless and smooth. Cannot rave enough. Truly happy I discovered this cream."
Pros
- Perfect for combination skin
- Salicylic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells
- Tackles dark spots and blemishes
Cons
- Oily-skinned people may develop whiteheads from using
Best celeb brand moisturiser for dehydrated skin
www.boots.com
Made by Sali Hughes, a Beauty Journalist and author who created her very own range with Revolution Skincare. She designed her skincare products with the 'jeans and a white t-shirt' idea in mind, creating staple products to suit everyone without any added complications to their usual routine. The Revolution Skincare X Sali Hughes Cream Drench Moisturiser is designed to be used as a daily moisturiser for those with dry and dehydrated skin. This product is full of ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to treat and improve skin that's looking for the ultimate hydrating and nourishing effect
Customer review: "Packed full of skin-friendly moisturising agents makes this the perfect bedtime moisturiser for my dry skin. A little product goes far and does not cause any sensitivity or leave a greasy residue behind. The face feels less dry and feels more hydrated in the morning."
Pros
- Lightweight, non-irritating squalane moisturiser, derived from olives
- Ceramide ingredients that replenish and protect the skin's barrier
- Niacinamide minimise the appearance of pores, strengthens and soothes
- Non-clogging Glycerine moisture with barrier protection
Cons
- Works better as a night cream due to heavy formula
Best intense moisturiser for dehydrated skin
www.boots.com
The La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Moisturiser Riche is a rich moisturiser with a thicker texture, ideal for those with a drier skin type - or who are in need of some intense hydration. This product also works wonders as a night cream. Load the skin full of moisture before going to bed and wake up to supple, bouncy skin.
Customer review: "Unbelievable. The best moisturiser I have ever used. I’ve struggled with dry skin for a while now and this has been unreal - I can wear it before bed and wake up with skin that is still nice and moisturised. Easily one of my favourite skincare products ever."
Pros
- Relaunches lipid synthesis to replenish dry skin
- Reduces itching, irritation, tightness and stiffness
- Reinforces the skin's natural barrier function
- Dermatologically tested - suitable for use on sensitive skin
Cons
- Formula too rich for oily skin
Best budget moisturiser for dehydrated skin
www.lookfantastic.com
Ceramides in barrier creams are a saviour for dehydrated skin and are an instant turnaround ingredient which floods the skin full of moisture. The affordable Revolution Skincare Ceramides Moisture Cream is great to use after exfoliating or using AHAs as ceramides protect the natural barrier to the skin and improve any visible texture. With an overall rating of 4.9 on LookFantastic, this stuff is gold dust.
Customer review: "I love this cream. It’s cheap and affordable but it is one of the best fave creams I’ve used. It has many Ingredients in one leaving your face feeling silky and glowing. I love how it contains Ceramides that lock in moisture as well as Hyaluronic Acid that retains moisture to hydrate the skin. Skin feels very hydrated after using one of my favourite products and brands."
Pros
- Powered by five ceramides
- Hydrates for 24 hours
- Suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive
- No greasy residue
Cons
- Bottle means it's hard to get all the product out
Best refillable moisturiser for dehydrated skin
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
A ceramide-rich cream to target dry and dehydrated skin at its core. This Byoma Moisturising Rich Cream treats thirsty skin that's craving hydration by providing instant nourishment directly to the skin's barrier. This cream also works wonders as a nightly treatment. Once you run out, replenish your stock with a refill pod - because plastic waste is sooo last year.
Customer review: "This product is a lovely rich moisturiser and is great value for money. I bought it to rival a more expensive thick moisturiser I use in my nighttime routine and I'd say it's a pretty close call considering the price of this cream. The ingredients are fantastic and I can feel it nourishing my skin when I apply it. I really enjoy using this product and would definitely recommend it for people with dry skin."
Pros
- Barrier-boosting tri-ceramide complexes
- Restorative ingredients like bakuchiol and shea extract
- Melts into fine lines and creases for plumping results
- Ideal for sensitive skin - no perfume or alcohol
Cons
- Some pump heads can malfunction
Best Korean moisturiser for dehydrated skin
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
This Dr Jart Vital Hydra Solution Biome Water Gel Cream will solve all your dehydrated skin dramas. A water-based cream that feels lightweight on the skin, solving any signs of dehydration without feeling too heavy. If you prefer a lightweight moisturiser that won't disturb your usual routine, you should give this one a try.
Customer review: "I love this cream from Dr.Jart (there’s not much I don’t love from Dr.Jart). Applies like a dream, quenches my dehydrated skin, is not sticky, wears well under make-up, and leaves my skin glowing. Works even better when used after the vital hydra solution biome essence. I like to try new moisturisers every now and then but I always end up going back to this one. A favourite for sure."
Pros
- Korean skincare technology
- Ultra-lightweight, fluid texture
- 30 hours of continued hydration
- Jartbiome tech has fermented prebiotics supporting the skin’s moisture barrier
Cons
- Medical fragrance
Best moisturiser for dehydrated, oily skin
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
The Inkey List Omega Water Cream Moisturiser is a lightweight water-based moisturiser for oily skin that provides serious hydration. The gel texture promises to help even oily skin types without leaving the skin feeling greasy, making it the perfect moisturiser for acne-prone skin. Ingredients such as omegas, ceramides and glycerin work together to instantly plump and soothe the skin without clogging any pores.
Customer review: "Brought this after buying Dr. Barbara Sturm's clarifying face cream twice, which broke me out and didn’t get any better even after almost 6 months of use. This after about 2 weeks has already improved the feel of my skin. I have quite bad cystic acne and scarring and I had no purge with this and even with oily skin, it gives me the right balance. This is far superior to the more expensive creams and is great for layering with other active acids."
Pros
- Omega Ceramide Complex prevents water loss and improvces elasicity
- 5% glycerin - a humectant that hydrates without clogging pores
- Niacinamide regulates oil production
Cons
- Not as nourishing as others on the list
How can I tell if my skin is dehydrated?
If you feel your skin is looking dull, feeling tight after cleansing or feeling drier than usual, your skin could be on the dehydrated side.
Another way of telling whether or not your skin is dehydrated is if your foundation is looking patchy at the end of the day. If you're left with patches of pigment on your face after a day of wearing make-up, this means your skin has absorbed any moisture from your make-up. If this is the case, you could definitely be in need of some added hydration to help make-up stay looking gorj all day long.
Key ingredients to include in your skincare routine if your skin is dehydrated
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Ceramides - look after the natural barrier of your skin, and instantly plump - works a treat if your skin is feeling irritated and dehydrated.
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Hyaluronic acid - This will be your best friend if your skin is dry or dehydrated. Hyaluronic acid is known as a humectant that promises to put the moisture back into the skin.
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Vitamin C - is the go-to ingredient if you find your skin is looking and feeling dull. Need an instant shot of brightness? Integrate some budget vitamin C moisturisers or serums in your skincare routine.
Other products that will improve your dehydrated skin
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Exfoliate the skin using glycolic or lactic acid. This will get rid of dead skin cells or oil build-up and keep the skin looking fresh.
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Use a moisturising mask regularly. For example, this one from Caudalie is phenomenal. Use a mask at least once or twice a week depending on your skin.
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Introduce a spritz toner into your daily routine to help lock in some moisture between products. We love this one from Pixi.
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Using a dedicated serum before moisturising will drastically improve the texture of the skin. If the skin is dull and dehydrated, opt for a vitamin C moisturiser or serum.
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Make sure to wear SPF (or alternatively, a moisturiser with SPF) so you don't get sun damage, which will suck the moisture out of that pretty face of yours. In the winter, make sure to still wear SPF, as well as a nourishing winter moisturiser.
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Using a tinted moisturiser will give you foundation coverage whilst providing that shot of hydration your skin is craving
Georgia Scott is a beauty and fashion product writer writing for heat specialising in all things lifestyle and trending. Before starting at Bauer, Georgia completed her degree in Journalism at University and worked as a retail beauty advisor and make-up artist.