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Best face creams for dry skin from Face the Future

Selection of H&B products for dry skin on yellow background
These skin-loving heroes drench dryness in lasting hydration and bring back your natural glow – handpicked by the experts who know skin best 

Our top picks

Cooling sensation

Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Probiotic Gel-Cream 40ml

Korres

Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Probiotic Gel-Cream 40ml

£29.00

Non-greasy

[coat]s Triple Moisture Water Cream 75ml

Coats

[coat]s Triple Moisture Water Cream 75ml

£20.00

Exfoliates

NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream 100g

NeoStrata

NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream 100g

£40.80

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Dull, thirsty skin? You’re not alone. When your complexion feels tight, dehydrated or rough to the touch, it’s a clear sign your skin barrier, sometimes called the ‘moisture barrier’ needs a little expert help. That’s why we spoke to beauty therapist Kimberley Medd at Face The Future to give us the low down. She’s chosen the best face creams for dry skin, each one powered by clinically proven ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils. These formulas don’t just hydrate – they help give your skin the kick-start it needs by bringing back that healthy looking, luminous glow.

What causes dry skin?

Dryness often shows up thanks to everyday culprits: cold weather, hot showers and sometimes cleansers. The result? Skin that feels tight, rough and in need of rescue. The solution? Rich creams designed to replenish moisture.

The best face creams for dry skin

Eminence Organic Skin Care Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturiser 60ml

Soothes skin

Eminence Organic Skin Care

£61.00

£101.67/100 ml

Perfect for getting that glow

Bring instant comfort to dry, delicate skin with this cult-favourite moisturiser. Infused with chamomile and calendula, it gently soothes discomfort while delivering hydration. This lightweight yet nourishing texture makes it’s perfect for everyday use, leaving skin soft, balanced and radiant. Kimberley says, “I recommend this for a dry, delicate skin because of its soothing and calming ingredients as it leaves the skin soft, comfortable and balanced.” Apply a thin layer to cleansed skin, massage into face, neck and décolleté – can be used both morning and night.
 
NeoStrata Ultra Moisturising Face Cream 40g

Added vitamin E

NeoStrata

£57.00

£142.50/100 g

Hydration made simple

This hydrating face cream is formulated with PHA to support delicate skin while emollients help lock in moisture and smooth texture. It helps your skin to feel nourished and supple thanks to it being gentle yet effective. It’s the perfect multitasker that’s light enough for day under makeup and rich enough to be your go-to night cream. “This cream provides great hydration and supports the skin barrier, making it perfect for tackling persistent dryness and restoring comfort,” says Kimberley. Just apply to the face and neck twice daily, followed by cleansing. Gently smooth in the cream until it disappears. Daily use of sunscreen with this product is a must.
 
Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Probiotic Gel-Cream 40ml

Cooling sensation

Korres

£29.00

£72.50/100 ml

A yoghurt pot for your face

Cool, refreshing and effortlessly hydrating, this probiotic-powered gel-cream feels like a soothing treat for thirsty skin that helps relieve tightness. “Infused with Greek yoghurt and probiotics, this gel-cream helps nourish dry skin while supporting its natural microbiome for healthier looking, more resilient skin,” says Kimberley. The featherlight texture melts in quickly, perfect for those who crave hydration without the heaviness. Apply to your face and neck morning and or evening, avoiding your eye area.
 
[coat]s Triple Moisture Water Cream 75ml

Non-greasy

Coats

£20.00

£26.67/100 ml

Quench your skin’s thirst

Think of this as a tall drink of water for your skin. “Powered by a triple moisture complex of squalane, polyglutamic acid and ceramides, this lightweight yet deeply hydrating cream delivers a triple layer of moisture, keeping skin plump, smooth and comfortable all day long,” says Kimberley.

Its fast-absorbing texture makes it the perfect no-fuss morning essential – glowy skin and zero stickiness. After cleansing, gently massage a pea-sized amount onto your face and neck using upward motions. Finish with SPF as the last step in your morning routine for all-day protection and radiance.
 
NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream 100g

Exfoliates

NeoStrata

£40.80

£40.80/100 g

Heavy-duty hydration

Rich, replenishing and oh-so-smoothing, this formula gives your skin the TLC it deserves. “Designed specifically for very dry skin, this cream intensely reduces skin roughness reducing flakiness and restoring softness,” says Kimberley. “Plus, this formula contains AHAs, so remember to use sunscreen daily (or avoid too much sun).”

It also blends urea – a natural moisture magnet that helps your skin barrier – with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), gentle exfoliants often found in fruit or milk. Together, they sweep away dry skin cells so fresh, soft skin can shine through. Perfect for times when you need a little extra moisturise, it helps brings relief and long-term softness. Apply twice daily to your skin (as long as your skin is happy with it). If you’re treating more delicate spots like your face, underarms, the backs of knees, inner elbows or groin, start with once a day or every other day. Before going all in, patch test on a small, hidden area to make sure your skin tolerates it.
 
Korres Apothecary Wild Rose Night-Brightening Sleeping Facial 40ml

Added vitamin C

Korres

£33.00

£82.50/100 ml

Overnight radiance booster

This indulgent night cream combines wild rose oil with vitamin C to hydrate while you sleep. Wake up to skin that feels nourished, refreshed and visibly brighter – your night-time shortcut to radiance. After cleansing, apply to your face and neck, avoiding your eye area. “I love this night cream for dry skin,” says Kimberley. “It nourishes overnight while brightening and revitalising tired, dull skin, so you wake up with a healthy glow.”
 

What’s the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin?

It’s easy to mix up the two, so here’s the difference:
  • dry skin is a skin type that naturally produces less oil (sebum), meaning it lacks the lipids that help lock in moisture. It can often feel rough, tight or flaky all year round
  • dehydrated skin is temporary and usually means your skin lacks water, not oil, and can affect any skin type, even oily skin. It usually feels tight, looks dull and fine lines may appear more visible
The good news is both can be supported with the right skincare. Face creams rich in nourishing oils help replenish skin, while humectants like hyaluronic acid boost skin hydration for dehydrated complexions.

What are the best ingredients for dry skin?

When shopping for a moisturiser, look out for these hydration heroes:
  • hyaluronic acid – draws in water for plumping hydration
  • ceramides – supports your skin barrier to stop moisture escaping
  • oils (rosehip, jojoba, almond) – for softness and nourishment
  • probiotics – support the skin’s natural balance for a healthier look
  • chamomile and aloe vera – helps calm skin and reduce dryness
  • vitamin C

Don’t forget SPF: sunscreen for dry skin

Even if it’s cloudy, UV rays can damage and dehydrate your skin year-round. For dry skin, it’s important to choose sunscreens that hydrate as well as protect.
Heliocare 360 Water Gel Spf 50+ 50ml

SPF50 & PA++++

Heliocare

£31.00

£62.00/100 ml

Your all-year-round BFF

Lightweight, refreshing and hydrating, this gel-based sunscreen absorbs fast to give you high-level protection without any greasy feel. Your skin stays comfy, cool and ready for anything. “Sun protection is essential for skin,” says Kimberley. “This water gel hydrates while offering high SPF, protecting dry skin from daily sun damage without feeling heavy.” Give it a good shake before use, then apply around two full finger lengths to clean, dry skin, making sure to cover everywhere. Re-apply every two hours when you’re out in the sun and after sweating, swimming or towelling the skin.
 

The final say

Dry skin doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable or dull. With the right face cream and a hydrating SPF (check out some more of our favourite moisturisers with SPF) in your daily routine you can achieve soft, radiant and healthy-looking skin all year round. Let the experts at Face the Future help you on the next stage of your skincare journey. Plus, we’ve got everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid: the hydration hero.

Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
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