8 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin in India 2021 (With Buying Guide)

Dryness can ooze out all the glow from your skin, not to mention the irregular texture that it provides. There is an abundance of products in the market claiming to be a solution to your dry skin problems. Some don’t work so well, and the others don’t fit your budget. 

We know you are tired of not getting any favorable results after trying an overwhelming number of products. Worry not; we will lead you by your hand to a product that will suit your skin type and still be within your budget. 

Now first things first, before purchasing a moisturizer, you need to look at several factors after observing your skin. Look for components like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E or organic ingredients like grape seed oil, shea butter, among others.

Weigh the pros and cons; check which suits your skin type best, and then get yourself the one you have been waiting for all this while. That being said, here is a list of the best eight moisturizers for dry skin in India.

Top 8 Best Moisturizers For Dry Skin In India

1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

If your skin lacks that natural glow due to excessive dryness, then Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel will be your savior. Coupled with oil-free property and hyaluronic acid, your skin is sure to look smooth, hydrated, and graceful.

This moisturizer helps in eliminating dead skin cells and preventing moisture loss. This brings about flexibility and firmness of the skin cells. Apart from that, Neutrogena Hydro gel is oil-free, alcohol-free, color-free, and scent-free. Meaning no added chemicals. Ta-da!

With extraordinary absorbing capacity, this product is also non-comedogenic and suitable for all types of skin. Start off with applying it once a day and then graduate to twice a day if the signs are all in your favor.

Key Components  – Rich with Hyaluronic Acid + Botanical Trehalose, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel consists of Aqua, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Dimethiconol, Polyacrylamide, Sodium Olivate, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, among others.

2. Forest Essentials Hydrating Sandalwood and Orange Peel Facial Moisturiser

Yes, we know this product is costly, probably the most expensive on the list. But, hear us out. If you are ready to spend that kind of money, Forest Essentials Hydrating Sandalwood and Orange Peel Facial Moisturiser will be worth every single penny.

Forest Essentials hydrating moisturizer ensures that your skin glows and heals naturally. It provides instant relief from dryness with its fast-absorbing technique. The SPF 20 is an added advantage, as it shields you from the harmful UV rays of the sun.

This moisturizer also doubles up as a very effective primer, thus giving your makeup that firm and smooth base. The goodness of sandalwood, tulsi, orange peel, and ashwagandha has no comparison. 

The packaging is a cynosure to the eyes. The antioxidants and other elements efficiently hydrate and moisturize the skin. Using it twice a day will show you encouraging results in a couple of weeks.

Key Components – Ashwagandha helps in fighting the anti-aging problem. Orange Peel clarifies, detoxifies, and rejuvenates the skin. Aloe vera provides a soothing, hydrating, and moisturizing respite. While tender coconut water is rich in Vitamin C, which visibly reduces blemishes and dark spots.

3. L’Oreal Paris Hydrafresh Genius Multi-Active Essence Cream

L’Oreal Paris Hydrafresh Genius Multi-Active Essence Cream has a unique paraben-free formula. It is rich with the benefits of our star ingredient – Hyaluronic acid. The water-retaining properties of this acid helps the cream in making the skin soft and supple.

Other than Hyaluronic acid, it has other very beneficial ingredients like aloe water and fresh mountain water. While the former provides a soothing effect on the skin, the latter works effectively as a locking agent. This basically ensures that the sufficient hydration of the cream lasts for a very long time.

It has a non-sticky formula, and the delightful fragrance is an added embellishment. Really, it is not possible to jot down all the goodness that is cream is filled with. Just get it and give it a try. For best results, apply it twice a day after adequately cleansing the face.

Key Component: L’Oreal Paris Hydrafresh Genius Multi-Active Essence Cream consists of Panthenol and Glycerin, which is highly beneficial for dry skin. It consists of sodium chloride, sodium citrate, linalool, limonene, and fragrance, among others.

4. Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion

Whether you have dry or acne-prone skin, Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion is “The One” for you. Enriched with the goodness of natural ingredients such as shea butter, macadamia nut oil, and Vitamins E and B5, this moisturizer is clinically proven to hydrate the skin for 24 hours straight.

Combating harsh environments, this Cetaphil moisturizer blends quickly and spreads nicely over the skin. Its non-sticky and non-comedogenic formula is even suitable for people with sensitive skin. 

The skin-replenishing and water locking agents of this cream focus on provisioning deep and even moisturization. The formula claims to be oil-free, thus no clogging of pores or stickiness. The packaging in a tube is an added advantage as it prevents contamination and maintains hygiene.

This is a dream come true moisturizer for people with dry and sensitive skin. Use once a day, either morning or night, after cleaning the face, for best results.

Key Component: Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion consists of glycerin, Aqua, sodium hydroxide, panthenol, farnesol, sodium PCA, among others.

5. Plum Grape Seed and Sea Buckthorn Light Stay Day Cream SPF30

Plum Grape Seed and Sea Buckthorn Light Stay Day Cream with SPF 30 works both as a sunscreen and a moisturizer. This product claims to be eco-friendly without any harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulphate, silicone, propylene alcohol.

So are you ready to give your skin the goodness of sea buckthorn and grape seed oil? The question that must be coming to your mind is – how does this product help me? A natural ingredient like grape seed oil works as a shield and helps in repairing the skin cells.

On the other hand, sea buckthorn oil works as an antioxidant, thus helping evade damage from the sun’s harmful rays. SPF 30 functions as the icing on the cake. Another great benefit of this product is that it does not leave any white cast. 

Thanks to its light texture, there is no clogging of pores, thus preventing the skin from becoming sticky and dull. Use it regularly twice a day after cleansing your face for the best results.

Key Components: Plum Grape Seed and Sea Buckthorn Light Stay Day Cream SPF30 contains Aqua, helianthus annuus or sunflower seed oil, sea buckthorn fruit oil, grape seed oil, glycerin, fragrance, among others.

6. Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

Although on the expensive side of the spectrum, Clinique moisturizers are a dry skin person’s best friend. Once you start using Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, you will never look back.

This product works mysteriously yet miraculously. With a little dab, using its auto replenishing and advanced hydrator technology, it helps establish an internal water source for the skin, which keeps rehydrating the skin, thus preventing dryness.

Are you tired of your skin looking tired and dull? Go for Clinique Moisture Surge, and you won’t regret it. Count on it to incessantly pump that beautiful dewy, plump and healthy glow from within. Use it twice a day after washing your face with lukewarm water for best results.

Key Components – Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator consists of Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Betula Alba (Birch) Bark Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Silybum Marianum (Lady’s Thistle) Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Glycerin, among others.

7. WOW Skin Science Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel 

The most trendy thing in the skincare world as of now is Hyaluronic acid. With its many benefits as a moisturizing agent and anti-aging components, creams with this ingredient are very much in demand.

Keeping up with the trend, WOW launched ‘WOW Skin Science Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel.’ So what is all this buzz about? Hyaluronic acid creams efficiently hold a thousand times its weight in Aqua or water. What this does is that it draws moisture from the environment and makes sure that your beautiful skin is never left dry.

WOW gel is packed with all the goodies – Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B5. This gel-based cream provides an instant cooling sensation after seeping into the skin. It is free of any ingredient that can cause harm to the skin – paraben, silicone, alcohol, etc.

Providing round the clock moisturization and hydration, WOW Hyaluronic acid gel is another great pick for dry skin people. For best results, apply it after gently cleansing your face, preferably at night.

Key Components: The product contains D-Panthenol, which provides a soothing effect. Tocopherol Acetate works as an antioxidant. Other than that, it also contains purified water, glycerin, carbomer, sodium PCA, among others.

8. NIVEA Soft Light Moisturizing Cream Berry Blossom Fragrance With Vitamin E & Jojoba Oil

You must have heard your mom say – Nivea offers the best products out there. Well, the reliability of this brand is something that has stuck with us since our childhood. To this day, Nivea continues to offer very effective, affordable, and reliable products. 

For some people, Nivea creams are the cure for every problem – be it dry skin or chapped lips, because it suits them so well. If you are one of them and are relentlessly tired of your skin getting dry, NIVEA Soft Light Moisturizing Cream Berry Blossom Fragrance With Vitamin E & Jojoba Oil can be the answer for you.

The product is enriched with the goodness of Vitamin E and Jojoba oil and feels exceptionally soft to the skin. With that fantastic texture, Nivea truly lives up to its name. The lightweight technology quickly seeps in the skin, thereby rejuvenating and replenishing it.

Moisturization is Nivea’s forte. The biggest plus with Nivea is its competitive price tag, which is highly affordable and suitable for the product that it offers. Apply it after nicely cleansing your face twice a day for the best results.

Key Component: The active ingredients in this Nivea cream is Jojoba oil and Vitamin E. Other than that, it also comprises of Stearic acid, Aqua, Glycerin, Carbomer, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Perfume, Linalool, Benzyl Alcohol, among others.

Buying Guide

There are a plethora of boxes that you need to tick before picking any skincare product. Here is a list of all the things that you need to keep in your mind before finalizing on one from the list above:

Skin Type

Every individual is unique, especially in terms of what skin type they have. Depending on that, one should choose the product. Observe how your skin behaves – if it’s oily, dry, normal, or combination, and then pick the right cream for you. 

In our list above, we have mentioned products for all types of skin. It is imperative that you avoid using products not meant for your skin to prevent any adverse effects.

Ingredients

When buying a product, we never focus on the ingredient list, and that is where the problem seeps in. It is always advised to use organic ingredients in place of problematic chemicals. Artificial color can damage the skin, cause breakouts, and irritate sensitive skin. 

Creams containing petroleum and paraffin wax are never recommended as they may clog the pores, thereby preventing the absorption of moisture in the skin. A product with shea butter, cocoa butter, etc., works wonders by hydrating, softening, nourishing, and rejuvenating the skin.

Skin Concern or Age

Choose a face cream according to your skin concern and age. If you are someone with a problem of acne breakouts or spots and blemishes, go for a cream that predominantly focuses on reducing that. 

On the other hand, if you are concerned about the wrinkles that have started to show and want to address the sagging and aging skin, opt for products that focus on firming and treating that. 

Shelf Life

Don’t we often choose products with a longer shelf life? Well, that is absolutely wrong. To make a product last longer, harmful chemicals and preservatives are used. If used, it can pose a severe threat to your skin. In contrast, products with shorter life spans are not fused with skin-damaging chemicals.

Packaging

We often ignore the packaging aspect when picking a moisturizer. Is it something that one should keep in mind? Experts believe it is. Packagings are of two types – jars and tubes. 

Tubes are preferred more as it is easy to use, prevents the wastage of the already costly creams, and limits the risk of contamination; thus, it is hygienic. Meanwhile, jars may result in contamination owing to unhygienic packaging. 

Price

The view that we generally have is that a product with a greater price tag is often the better one. Nonetheless, that notion is an absolute mirage. What matters is the quality and ingredients in a cream. A mid-range product can prove beneficial for your skin as well.

Allergies and Ongoing Medication

It is not recommended to try new products if you have any allergies or skin ailments as it might cause rashes, irritable skin, and even mild lesions on your skin. If you have some ongoing medication, always take your dermatologist’s advice before using any such product. 

Final Words

Dry skin needs a lot of time, dedication, and caring. If not given the utmost attention and treated well, it may lead to Dermatitis. Though challenging, with the right product, regular usage, and proper routine, you can bring about a stark difference.

Some Friendly Tips

• The holy grail to any skin issue is the moisturizer. Never skip, avoid, or miss it.
• Avoid hot showers. It is neither good for your skin nor your hair as it strips the skin off of the natural oils.
• Use a gentle and chemical-free cleanser.
• Weekly exfoliation is a must for dry skin. 
• If you have very dry skin, use a paraben-free exfoliator two times a week.
• Products containing Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin, Vitamin E bestows miracles on your skin.
• The last and the final tip for the day is – Never ever, and we cannot stress enough, miss your sunscreen.

Season change can be harsh for people with dry skin. Finding the right product which is not greasy and provides proper hydration and moisturization can be a task. But there is nothing to worry about because we have compiled a list catering to every skin type and every price range.

What you need to do now is – observe your skin, go through the product list above, pick what you think suits you best and is in your budget, and then get your hands upon it.

So, which among these is going to be your saving grace?