The 25 Best Winter Face Moisturizers That’ll Keep You Hydrated All Winter Long

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Whether your skin is as dry as the Sahara desert or retains more oil than a slice of pizza, finding the best winter face moisturizer is a necessity as we dive headfirst into the season. No matter the skin type, dry, winter skin is just a fact of life so it’s important we take a little extra time to care for it as the temperature drops. But, what exactly causes dry winter skin?
Does Winter cause dry skin?
During the winter months, skin needs a little more help for a bunch of reasons, namely the drop in humidity. Your skin reflects your environment, and with a lower humidity comes drier air which leads to (you guessed it) drier skin. When you add on things like dry indoor heat and an increase in hot showers, it’s no wonder our skin suffers this time of year! So, what should you be looking for in a winter face moisturizer?
What do the best Winter face moisturizers contain?
Sometimes the ingredient list on the back of cosmetics can seem impossible to understand, but when it comes to winter face moisturizers, there are some things you should be on the lookout for. The three main components of moisturizers are humectants, occlusives, and emoilents. Humectants help attract moisture (think ceramides, glycerin, sorbitol, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, and lecithin), occlusives help seal moisture within the skin (think petrolatum – or petroleum jelly – silicone, lanolin, and mineral oil) and emollients (think linoleic, linolenic, lactic, and lauric acids) smooth skin by filling in the spaces between skin cells.

In addition to ingredients that fall under the “big three”, you should also look for products that include vitamins and menthol. Vitamins can make a great addition to moisturizers (and skincare in general) because of their antioxidant properties. Menthol is great because its cooling sensation can help with that seasonal “winter itch” we all loathe during the most blustery days.
Now you could spend days searching for the best products that include these ingredients or you could just scroll down because we already did the work for you! Ranging from drugstore favorites to high-end splurges, stay hydrated and save your skin this winter with one of these winter face moisturizers!
1 of 25

Sephora
Sunday Riley C.E.O. C + E antiOXIDANT Protect + Repair Moisturizer
For When Your Face Starts Flaking Off
Star Ingredient(s): Vitamin C
What do you get when you combine high-potency Vitamin C with super hydration agents? This moisturizer! The C.E.O moisturizer from Sunday Riley is an incredibly rich moisturizer, fortified with the gold standard form of Vitamin C–THD ascorbate–which penetrates deeper, leaving skin radiant, incredibly soft, and hydrated all day long. To top it all off, this cream has a delectable citrus-y, orange scent that will leave you coming back for more!
Where to buy: Sephora, $65
2 of 25

Amazon
Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream
For the One Who Swears By Roses
Star Ingredient(s): Roses
It seems that no matter where you look, rose infused skincare has popped up everywhere, and natural Austrian skincare-house Dr. Hauschka is no exception. Enriched with extracts of wild rose hips, rose blossoms, rose wax, rose water, and a higher content of essential oil from Damask roses, this rich moisturizer will nurture even the driest of skins.
Where to buy: Amazon, $28
3 of 25

Amazon
Alba Botanica Jasmine & Vitamin E Hawaiian Moisture Cream
For the Natural Skincare Lover
Star Ingredient(s): Jasmine & Vitamin E
For those looking for an effective yet natural moisturizer, the Jasmine & Vitamin E Hawaiian Moisture Cream from Alba Botanica is a must-try! Organic and 100% vegetarian, this moisturizer combines the soothing qualities of jasmine extract, the antioxidant richness of Vitamin E, and the skin-saving emollient qualities of almond, jojoba and borage oils to deeply penetrate and hydrate skin.
Where to buy: Amazon, $15.23
4 of 25

Sephora
Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator
For the Ultimate Skin Rescue
Star Ingredient(s): Linoleic Acid
For a baby-smooth face, you'll find it hard to beat Clinique's cult winter classic, Moisture Surge Intense. This gel-cream lives up to its name by repairing skin's moisture barrier to help keep that precious moisture in and any environmental irritants out.
Where to buy: Sephora, $39
5 of 25

Amazon
Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Optimale Hydrating Rich Cream
For the Winter Multi-Tasker
Star Ingredient(s): Thermal Avène Spring Water
For those of you with super-sensitive and perennially-parched skin, this moisturizer from cult French brand Eau Thermale Avène might just become your holy grail this winter. Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, this cream goes on light but hydrates like a richer cream thanks in part to its use of thermal spring water, shea butter, and lecithin.
Where to buy: Amazon, $32.40
6 of 25

Sephora
Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
For The Korean Skincare Lover
Star Ingredient(s): Lady's Mantle, Malachite, Plantin, & Oat Husk
One of the coolest moisturizers to hit the market in the last couple of years is Korean skincare brand Belif's Aqua Bomb skin cream. Formulated without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, this refreshing gel-cream contains a blend of apothecary herbs that produce a cooling sensation when applied on the skin while also providing intense hydration for healthy, moisturized skin.
Where to buy: Sephora, $38
7 of 25

Amazon
For the Drugstore Junkie
NIVEA Soft Moisturizing Creme
Star Ingredient(s): Vitamin E & Jojoba Oil
A standard in most medicine cabinets, there's a reason many people have turned to Nivea for their skincare needs since 1882! One of their most popular formulas, Nivea Soft is formulated with Vitamin E and jojoba oil, leaving skin soft and supple even on the coldest winter days.
Where to buy: Amazon, $6.93
8 of 25

Amazon
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer
For That Winter Glow
Star Ingredient(s): Active Naturals Soy Complex
If there's one way we all want to describe our skin during those chilly winter months, it's radiant. Enter Aveeno's Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer! This hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic moisturizer uses an Active Naturals Total Soy Complex that not only hydrates skin but improves tone and texture so that your best skin can shine through.
Where to buy: Amazon, $12.80
9 of 25

Sephora
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Creme
For Intense Hydration
Star Ingredient(s): Six Rare African Oils & Hyaluronic Acid
If you find your skin is extremely dry in the winter months and just sensitive all year-round, this moisturizer might be the cure you've been looking for. Drunk Elephant's Lala Retro Whipped Creme moisturizer is exactly what it says it is – a whipped cream. Light with a texture that is only rivaled by that of a delicate meringue, this scentless moisturizer contains a blend of "six rare African oils" and that trusty hydrating hyaluronic acid, meaning your skin will be moisturized and stay moisturized all day long.
Where to buy: Sephora, $60
10 of 25

Amazon
Embroyolisse Concentrated Lait Creme
For the French Beauty Fanatic
Star Ingredient(s): Shea butter, Beeswax, & Aloe
Let's be real – when it comes to skincare the French know where it's at. There's a reason that the chic and effortless "French girl" makeup trend is so adored and it's mainly due to the fact that their approach to makeup is skin first. One of the best sellers across French pharmacies is Embroyolisse Concentrated Lait Creme. This lightweight and fast absorbing moisturizer combines "emulsifying and softening agents", naturally balancing your skin and keeping it at its best. Bonus: it can also be used as a creme cleanser!
Where to buy: Amazon, $22.04
11 of 25

Sephora
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream
For Dehydrated Skin
Star Ingredient(s): Ceramides
One of the premier humectants used in skincare, ceramides are known for their intense hydration properties. By preventing water loss and sealing in moisture to relieve that dreaded winter dryness, this thick Ceramidin Cream from Dr. Jart+ not only improves the look of skin, it fortifies it to withstand even the most brutal winds winter can throw at you.
Where to buy: Sephora, $48
12 of 25

Sephora
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
For Intense Repair Everywhere
Star Ingredient(s): Colloidal Oatmeal, Shea Butter, Ceramide 3, & the First Aid Beauty Antioxidant Booster
As the winter comes around the bend so does a whole host of skin issues. From winter itch and dryness, to flare-ups of eczema and rosacea, this moisturizer can treat it all. Formulated with colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, ceramide 3, and the First Aid Beauty Antioxidant Booster, the proof is in the pudding–err cream–with this one.
Where to buy: Sephora, $30
13 of 25

Sephora
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream
For Deep, Penetrating Hydration
Star Ingredient(s): Rose
Another cream taking part in the ever-growing rose trend is Fresh's Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream. Formulated specifically for those suffering with dry skin, this moisturizer is infused with soothing rosewater, rose flower oil, antioxidant Vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid, making it a great way to achieve "petal soft" skin this winter.
Where to buy: Sephora, $40
14 of 25

Sephora
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm
For Long-Lasting Hydration
Star Ingredient(s): Antarticine & Edelweiss Flower
One of the titans of skincare, Kiehl's has been a major player in the skincare game since 1851. So if you're looking for a way to quench the thirst of supremely parched skin, the Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm is a good product to try out. Containing both antarcticine and glycerin as well extract from the formidable edelweiss flower that thrives high in the Swiss Alps, you can count on this balm to melt into the skin and helps lock in moisture.
Where to buy: Sephora, $27.50
15 of 25

Amazon
Fysio Organic Moisturizer with Beeswax and Olive Oil
For the Organic Skincare Lover
Star Ingredient(s): Organic Beeswax
A little well-known skincare secret is this moisturizer from organic skincare brand Fysio. Intensely hydrating and fast absorbing, this moisturizer uses a host of amazing organic ingredients including organic beeswax, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, calendula, St. John's Wort oil and lavender oil guaranteed to hydrate and soothe skin during those brisk winter months.
Where to buy: Amazon, $10.99
16 of 25

Sephora
Tatcha The Silk Cream
For the Japanese Skincare Lover
Star Ingredient(s): Tatcha's Hadasei-3 Complex & Akoya Pearl
If you really want to treat yourself this winter, it doesn't get much better than the Tatcha Silk Cream. Made with a luxurious blend of Tatcha's hadasei-3 complex (Japanese green tea, rice, and algae) and Akoya pearl extract to support collagen production, this moisturizer will leave skin firm and supple even in the coldest climates.
Where to buy: Sephora, $120
17 of 25

Sephora
L’Occitane Ultra Rich Face Cream
For Those Who Like Their Moisturizer Thick
Star Ingredient(s): Shea Butter, Chestnut & Wheat Extracts
The third French brand on our list, L’Occitane is widely regarded as one of the best skincare brands out today thanks in part to its dense, super hydrating creams, and this is one is no exception. This rapid-absorbing, incredibly rich cream deeply nourishes skin and has been proven to keep skin hydrated for up to 24 hours!
Where to buy: Sephora, $34
18 of 25

Glossier
Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich
For the One Seeking Super Hydration with an Aesthetic
Star Ingredient(s): Ceramides & Murumuru Butters
You didn't think everyone's favorite millennial skincare brand would be left out of this list, did you? After the success of their Priming Moisturizer, Glossier decided to up-the-ante by tweaking the formula for those of us that need a little more help with dry skin. With a lavish blend of ceramides, fatty acids, shea and murumu butters, you'll be shocked that such a rich moisturizer could be so affordable.
Where to buy: Glossier, $35
19 of 25

Nordstrom
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
For the Luxurious Skincare Lover
Star Ingredient(s): Hyaluronic Acid, Rosehip & Camellia Oils, Vitamin E, and Pansy Extracts
One of the more luxurious items on the list, this "magic" cream from iconic British makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury's beauty line is definitely a worthwhile splurge. Fortified with hyaluronic acid, rosehip and camellia oils, Vitamin E and wild pansy extracts, this moisturizer will seal-in moisture so your skin feels renewed and rejuvenated no matter how cold it gets.
Where to buy: Nordstrom, $100-$255
20 of 25

Amazon
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
For the Neutrogena Devotee
Star Ingredient(s): Hyaluronic Acid
If you're looking for a moisturizer that'll do its job without breaking the bank this option from drug-store staple Neutrogena might be perfect for you. A recent classic from the brand, the Hydro Boost Gel-Cream is an affordable, lightweight cream that uses purified hyaluronic acid and olive extract to deeply moisturize and strengthen skin's moisture barrier, thus preventing moisture loss.
Where to buy: Amazon, $15.19
21 of 25

Amazon
Pond's Extra Rich Dry Skin Cream
For A Classic Hydration Solution
Star Ingredient(s): Petrolatum, Glycerin, & Mineral Oil
There's a reason this classic from your grandmother's cabinet is still around! Hypoallergenic and dermatologist approved, this gentle moisturizer won't clog pores while still providing that intense hydration we've come to expect from the timeless brand.
Where to buy: Amazon, $8.17
22 of 25

Sephora
Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich Intensive Anti-Aging Cellular Creme
For Anti-Aging Hydration
Star Ingredient(s): PTR Firma-Cell-4 Peptides, Lactic AHAs, & Sea Algae Botanicals
If there's one brand you can expect to deliver game-changing products it's Peter Thomas Roth. With patent-pending PTR Firma-Cell-4 peptide technology to aid in anti-aging as well as a supreme mixture of lactic AHAs, Vitamin b5, sea algae botanicals and Vitamins A, C & E, this moisturizer is super-charged with everything you need to keep your skin plump and looking its best.
Where to buy: Sephora, $85
23 of 25

Sephora
Origins Original Skin Matte Moisturizer with Willowherb
For Oily Winter Skin
Star Ingredient(s): Willowherb
One of the leaders in natural skincare, Origins makes some of the best moisturizers on the market. One of their latest successes is the Original Skin Matte Moisturizer with Willowherb. Willowherb–the magenta flower found in Canada–is known for its ability to thrive in harsh environments, making this moisturizer a unique and powerful defense against the cold this winter.
Where to buy: Sephora, $34
24 of 25

Amazon
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
For the Most Delicate Skin Types
Star Ingredient(s): This creams star is what it doesn't contain: dyes, fragrances, & parabens
For those of us with allergies and sensitivities, finding a face cream that ticks off every box on our list of requirements can sometimes seem impossible – but it doesn't have to be! This dermatologist recommended cream is not only incredibly hydrating, it's free of dyes, lanolin, fragrance, and parabens making it perfect for even the most delicate skins. Frequently used to treat skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis and that dreaded winter itch, with Vanicream dry skin doesn't stand a chance.
Where to buy: Amazon, $12.72
25 of 25

Sephora
La Mer Creme De La Mer
For the Ultimate Winter Skin Splurge
Star Ingredient(s): Hand Harvested Sea Kelp
The cremé de la cremé, La Mer's Creme De La Mer is a cult classic for a reason. Formulated with hand-harvested sea kelp and its iconic "Miracle Broth" it supports the five facets of natural healing: moisture, regeneration, soothing, smoothing, and radiance—leaving skin glowing, hydrated and in its healthiest state.
Where to buy: Sephora, $170
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