Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin in Winter According to a Dermatologist (Neutrogena, CeraVe, & More!)

Every year when it gets cold out, I start getting asked for moisturizer suggestions for dry skin. So I rounded up the best moisturizers for dry skin in the winter in this video with options for face and body. What's your favorite moisturizer? Tell me in the comments!
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SHOP:
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream*: myshlf.us/p-252491
Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment*: myshlf.us/p-252492
Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair Serum in Cream Treatment*: myshlf.us/p-252493
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream - for Extra-Dry Skin*:
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer*: myshlf.us/p-252495
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream*: myshlf.us/p-252496
Cerave Moisturizing Cream*:
CONNECT WITH ME:
Instagram: / drsamanthaellis
Website: www.mybeautymd.com/
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:26 Winter & Dry Skin
01:37 About Moisturizers
03:18 First Aid Beauty
03:56 Allies of Skin
05:15 Tatcha
06:19 Neutrogena
07:02 Kiehl's
08:08 Body Moisturizers
08:33 First Aid Beauty
09:13 CeraVe
10:07 Winter Moisturizers
DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician. Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links (marked with *). Affiliate links help support my KZbin channel so I can continue to create fun, informational skincare videos for you. Also, some products may have been received as PR. Thanks for watching!

[@beckynicol]

Please do a drugstore version! My funds are limited, but I've learned so much this past year how important taking care of my skin is!

[@veronicaivanova]

Some of the ones she mentioned in this video are drugstore 🙂

[@beckynicol]

@@veronicaivanova I know. But she specifically asked if we wanted a drugstore version so I gave a resounding yes! 🙂

[@nikki2370]

Some of the mentioned products like Neutrogena and Cera Ve are drug store...

[@nikki2370]

@@beckynicol oh okay!

[@perseverandoencristo]

You can find first aid products at Marshall’s and tjmax. I just got the ultra repair cream which is $40 at sephora for only $16 at Marshall’s ! You just have to keep an eye when they arrive !

[@Booboomiss]

I’m SO glad that you mentioned that you lived in Colorado. I currently live in Colorado and we have had a horribly dry fall. My skin is struggling and I’ve been trying so many moisturizers to alleviate this condition. Hopefully I will find something from your list that will work for me 👍

[@alexandraelliott1207]

Love this! I suffer from eczema and have very sensitive and dry skin and this time of year I need all the help I can get. I’m glad to hear the first aid brand is recommended as I just bought to try a couple weeks ago and so far I’m loving it. Thanks for all the tips and info.

[@tabatha9577]

I love Eucerin redness relief night creme for my roscesea. Very moisturizing and kind to the skin with no fragrance.

[@nikkiwilder2668]

I love that tatcha moisturizer! It feels so great I look forward to putting it on. And it keeps the dry patches away

[@megan7506]

I have been loving the Vanicream cream that comes in a tub!

[@rmishio6036]

Thanks Sam for all your videos and for sharing your knowledge. Being in my middle 40’s, I’ve started to develop very itchy skin in the winter. Started using the CeraVe body moisturizer and it has made a huge difference. No itching at all! Of course it’s thick, so I mix it with a lotion like Aveno, 3/1, works great. Thanks so much!

[@lauramcdermott2894]

Great video! Very informative, and I appreciate the advice on how and when to use the different moisturizers.

[@ellafarricielli1591]

Great video as always, I took notes. Thank you. My “can’t live without” winter moisturizer is Triple Lipid from SkinCeuticals. Pricey, but just wonderful for my very sensitive skin. 💖

[@Kats4korner]

I believe good skincare ought to be effective and affordable. I would appreciate a video on the best facial moisturizers and body creams from the drugstore for dry to normal, mature skin. Thanks 🥰♥️

[@stacieschlange8545]

CeraVe with the pump is the BEST! Loved the video!

[@katschrader1482]

Thank you!! Going to buy the Kiehls and cerave options. Both sound great for this Colorado momma.

[@xzxsixthsense]

I have tried almost all of the moisturizers that you mentioned (except the first two). I enjoyed all of them but stopped using either because of price or incompatibility with my sunscreen. I loved Cerave but somehow it always made my sunscreen ball up. I have dry skin so I'm always on the hunt for quality and affordable moisturizers. My current favorite is the Cetaphil moisturizing cream for face and body. It keeps my face comfortable without shine, works well under my sunscreen, and is very affordable!

[@nancystark1958]

Hi Lisa,Have you tried the Eucerin Q10 Day Cream? They also do a Night Cream. I too have dry skin which is super sensitive,and this cream is great- doesn't irritate and sits well under make up! X

[@johannashelley4546]

Drugstore option please! I live in Stockholm, Sweden and it gets down to -15°C here frequently 🥶 Thank you for your videos! ❤️

[@veronicaivanova]

I love the LRP Toleriane Ultra Creme during the day in the cold months and Cicaplast Baume B5 for particularly dry spots. I absolutely love the Youth to the People Adaptogen Cream and the Pyunkang Yul Nutrition Cream at night. Biossance Omega Repair Cream is also great, I just feel it's too pricey for what you get. I can't justify such a cost for a simple moisturiser.

[@rivervine]

I love First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. I first started using it after a worker from Ulta recommended it for me for my rosacea.

[@HWme]

Cool video Doc Sam !!!! A product I never really cared for but loved when I tried is the Cetaphil Cream, IT IS EXCELLENT. Glycerin is the second ingredient, petrolatum the first occlusive on the list and Dimethicone to make the formula nicer, less greasy and to leave the skin feeling smoother. It is a THICC cream, yet it goes nicely onto skin, highly recommend it. Many will like it, specially those who have sensitive & dry skin, maybe some with Atopic Dermatitis will appreciate it too. Let me just tell you I was surprised lol, it is this like THICC Marshmallow cream-baume 😂

[@TheGina4220]

Yes if you could please do a best and affordable drugstore facial creams please thank you

[@galato4234]

Please do a drugstore moisturizer video considering combination skin and non-comadogenic. Thank you.

[@kirstygreen6264]

Yes! Please do a drugstore version of this :-)

[@janiemalenfant2589]

I love aveeno products for the winter, both face and body. My body gets so much less scratchy!

[@alanna4148]

This was an amazing video and extremely helpful!! Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@Inismoon]

First aid beauty use year round. Its amazing! 💖

[@haleymoon657]

Kate Somerville delikate cream is INCREDIBLE

[@darlenechrist3118]

it would be wonderful if you would do a video for more affordable options for face and body for extremely dry mature skin some of us on a tight budget thanks!

[@yeseniazuniga.]

Hello Dr.Sam. can you please do a video on best body cream🙏 Thankyou ❤

[@Corinthians-tc3zm]

I really like using the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream on my face and body!! 😌 it’s $14 for 20 oz

[@juliabinford6500]

I use cerave from the tub on my face year round at night, but I add Aveeno calming my oat gel on lower cheeks in am during colder months.

[@charlieganter4175]

Stelatopia Emolient Cream! For babies but works so well on my face! 😃

[@catherinesmith5421]

thank you for this, doctor sam!!! looking goregous as always!!

[@susanwildermuth9222]

Allie’s of skin is a fantastic brand..thanK you so much for reminding me

[@micheleisblessed]

I use the Tatcha cream you showed! I have rosacea and lupus, so I get the wolf rash too, but my face burns without this Tatcha cream. I'm highly allergic to shea and practically all creams have shea nowadays but not Tatcha serum night cream!

[@staciatkins6787]

I am new to your channel and have watched Soooo many videos!! I love how you give the information!! I am pretty into skin care, but I find myself hesitant with many products because I want to buy cruelty free (long time vegetarian turned vegan here). Any chance you would do a video on best cruelty free products for moisturizers and anti aging??? I know that's broad, but would really appreciate any info!!!

[@ratherbquiltn]

My favorite by far is Drink Elephant Lala Retro. My rosacea flares with anything that contains propanediol, burns with everything CeraVe.

[@preston6814]

I’m in Illinois and it’s very dry in the winter. I love Curel fragrance free lotion for my body and face. I like it better than Cerave cream.

[@kimlyons8424]

Thank you so much for this video. I have a few favorite winter moisturizers and living in Wisconsin I change up my body and face moisturizer when winter hits. I have dry, sensitive, reactive, and rosacea prone skin. My favorite winter body moisturizers are Necessaire with niacinamides body lotion, Kiehl's Creme de corp body lotion, and my all time "holy grail" is Vaseline Intensive Care Extremely Dry Skin Rescue Moisture Lotion. For my face, I love Epionce Intensive Nourishing cream - it's thick creamy and so soothing and I will also reach for la Roche Posay double repair moisturizer. I prefer something that is fragrance free and thicker for winter. I also have a ton of allergies so I have to read labels closely. 🙂Also lips!!! don't forget the lips I am infatuated with all of the Laneige sleeping lip masks and Aquaphor lip repair.

[@Vodolei4ik]

I am over 30, and the FAB Ultra Repair Cream is still the one and only which saves me every time I get an eczema flare-up. I keep a jar in my fridge and always take a small jar of it with me wherever I travel. So, it’s not only for teens or about the brand for sure. Nothing has helped like this cream. P.S. Also, I love Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin (liquid for summer months, cream for winter). It’s very calming as well.

[@elt9264]

Thinking of picking up some Naturium Plant Ceramide Rich Moisture Cream for the winter months 🙆🏽‍♀️😬❄️

[@ChrisBartleyLeo]

I use CeraVe lotion on my face. Works very well without giving me acne. Plus it also is compatible with my l-asobic acid vitamin c without pilling.

[@kaitlin6033]

Please do a drugstore video! 💕

[@mollynavarro4101]

Jergens ultra healing! ( the original) Not greasy at all try very moisturizing! Lightly scented. I have the driest skin, … jergens really does help moisturize and calm my dry itchy skin. It’s gentle on my face and doesn’t cause breakout either.

[@Spark1221]

Can you please do a video on your hair products, tools, and how you STYLE your hair? It looks fantastic! (Thanks!)

[@DrSamEllis]

Definitely can do that! And thank you 😊

[@maryamhabib2595]

Please do a drugstore moisturizer reviews for different skin type,

[@martham7198]

Thank you! I love First Aid Ultra Repair Cream and Cerave Cream too. My thought is spend money on growth factors and in office treatments, keep moisturizer simple and inexpensive because I use tretinoin and vitamin C as well. Curious if you have an opinion on at home radio frequency devices-I’ve had Vivace which was great for firmness. Wondering if a device like Newa or Tripollar might be good for maintenance. Thanks!

[@caroline-s]

Would love a drugstore version video please 💜 I love cerave pm but when I tried the tub on my face, I had acne right away. Anytime I try body lotion on my face I break out and I do not have acne usually. So I'm confused why this happens. My skin is mature, combo leaning dry.

[@caracorson2709]

Please do a drugstore video! I use the drugstore body moisturizer Jorgensen Ultra Healing on my face. It doesn't sting my sensitive skin and has a nice thick consistency.

[@deecawford]

a drug store winter moisturizer video would be excellent. I’m in Alaska and can’t always get to ultra or Sephora. Ordering online is difficult to say the least. I can get to Walgreens, Walmart, Target, and Fred Meyers (which has an amazing beauty dept). I use tretinoin and am at the phase of using it nightly now. My face still tends to peel sooooo.

[@Mi-yc3oy]

I use that FAB moisturizer year round. 😍

[@andreia9312]

Thanks for this informative video I will definitely be trying 1 of these out as my cerave moisturiser drys my skin out for some reason and makes my face feel like it has a film on it and I'm not a fan of it

[@clisaa6974]

If you haven't yet- please do a vid on blackheads!!! Prevention and also how to get rid.

[@184JMC]

I have used weleda light when I feel I need “extra” but otherwise I used Stratia Liquid Gold. I would Love to here your thoughts on both of these brands. 👍🏻. I also sometime skipped moisturizer at PM & just use marula oil.

[@mariebarwick1159]

Yes please! Can you please do the 3 best drug store moisturizer

[@kristinreis9931]

Skinfix peptide cream! It heals my eczema/dermatitis every time!

[@susangoodrichlerner7819]

I used First Aid for many years and I do love it. However, for the last two years, I have used Neutrogena for Dry Skin in the morning and CeraVe Nighttime face cream at bedtime, especially for the ceramides. I often add a little oil, such a Marula, to each, in order to get a little bit of a seal on them.

[@Waitsowereaspowerfulasthem]

Hey Dr Sam Ellis, I was wondering if you knew much about color changing eye drops, their analogy and how they work if they do, side effects etc. I’ve been trying to find information on it but they seem pretty scarce. Thank you!!

[@parksbpknit]

I had a very weird reaction to something unknown and my skin was bright red and itchy especially at the jaw and sides of my face, not sure if it was my mask, who knows but I purchased the Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Jaume and just love it for dry patches. Very soothing, I would highly recommend. I have combination skin at 65 and am a Retin A user for over 30 years. Would love more drugstore recommendations!

[@DrSamEllis]

Ooh yes I loooove the product!

[@mossy917]

I bought the Neutrogena gel cream with SPF hoping it would be an affordable dupe for Laneige, but unfortunately on my skin it fell short. I find myself drying out shortly after applying it and having to use something thicker over top to trap moisture in. I have combo skin with an oily forehead except between my eyebrows and then dry everywhere else. I did like the Tatcha sample I got from Sephora (in a purple container) and found it to be enough on its own and made my skin look dewy without feeling greasy.

[@evil.Cupcake]

I have dry skin, and my new love is the Skinfix moisturizer.

[@DrSamEllis]

Ah yes that one is awesome too! Their foaming oil cleanser is also phenomenal for dry skin if you haven’t tried it yet!

[@dora876]

La roche posay lipikar balm is my holy grail!

[@cameronkilcoyne1366]

I think the Biossance Omega Repair Cream will ways be in my top moisturizers of all time!!! Needs more love

[@our2pumpkins]

Thank you for the information. All recommendations contain ingredients that are not FA safe. Do you have any recommendations for a winter moisturizer for those who suffer from FA.

[@Ellie-es4ms]

Thanks for the great video, I would love to try the kheils one at night, can I use vitamin c serum at night with this at night?

[@21972012145525]

Please share the drugstore version of this video!

[@florencedolan6324]

I am so glad you mentioned the cerave moisturizer because I concerned it was a body only moisturizer! What I have to say though is I am 90% sure this cream is giving me crazy milia. For reference I have extremely dry and sensitive skin and I live in Quebec so my skin gets dryer in the winter. I will try to use it only 1-2 a week and use one you mentioned on other days to see if it improves. Thank you for your video!

[@Inismoon]

It's the worst cream!!

[@loriroth2070]

I love Weleda Skin Food

[@marie1089]

I have super dry skin, but also acne prone skin. Do you have a video on this??

[@jessicaschlott3879]

I use CeraVe PM moisturizer, but needed some thing heavier since the cold weather is kicking my butt. Would love a drug store video! Just bought CeraVe moisturizing cream to try and hoping it will help this winter.

[@kimlyons8424]

I have used CeraVe body cream in the winter and it works great. For reference I live in Wisconsin so I understand the winter effects on skin. I pair it with the Eucerin Calm Body wash that is an oily body wash but it is amazing when skin is dry and itchy in the winter. I also love Vaseline Intensive Care Deep Moisture for the body it really works well.

[@kendallstark4302]

The Cerave moisturizing cream works great on the face! I use it at night, and a few layers of the moisturizing lotion in the morning.

[@sailorgrlie]

If you use the pm lotion, the cream might be too much. If it is, try the CeraVe moisturizing lotion. It's a happy medium between the two.

[@reneeburich9497]

@@kimlyons8424 I also live in WI and use the Cerave in winter 😀❄️

[@hithere8140]

Dr dray has a lot of drugstore recommendations as she encourages budget friendly options

[@jjmcart1]

Nivea essentially enriched!

[@sulakaricats]

QV FACE day cream with SPF 30 and QV FACE night cream….Australian pharmacy brand for dry sensitive skin , my dermatologist advised me to use these products and I use all year round. I’m. Not sure if they available in states, Dr Dray however did review and recommend QV products and she compared them to being comparable to Vanicream. Very inexpensive and here in Australia available at every pharmacy.

[@rupalikapoor6107]

Really surprised that the Eucerin line wasn’t mentioned

[@kiaraislam7838]

first video and 3 mins in and i have subscribed

[@yuliasafronova5077]

Helpful advice! I discovered that cleansing my face properly affects how my creams and serums work. Since I started using this silicone Luna 3 brush I feel like like my skin is firmer and absorbs skincare products much better! Foreo gadgets are on the pricier side, but they have amazing valentine day promos now...

[@lorainemcgillivray77]

Hi I have very very dry skin with both type one rosacea and eczema, so I need a really good moisturiser (especially in Winter). I used to use the FAB ultra repair cream all the time as my day cream, until they changed the formulation earlier in the year. They now use eucalyptus essential oil (rather than the previous eucalyptus extract) and most of the beneficial ingredients are much much further down on the INCI list than they were previously - this has made this item unusable for me. I'm currently using the new Avene tolerance soothing balm during the day and the Altruist 10% urea cream at night. I live in Scotland so our weather is fairly harsh in Winter. I obviously use serums etc underneath and one I particularly like for Winter is the Niod modulating glucosides - thicker, creamy serum formulation that is very soothing on the skin. I use prescription azelaic acid and a retinoid on alternate nights, to treat my rosacea and aging concerns (post menopause almost 50 year old skin). My skin drinks in moisturiser and I tend to slather it on for skin comfort - a decent amount goes a long way to making my skin more comfortable. I therefore wouldn't use a really expensive moisturiser, as I go through it so quickly - applied to face, neck and chest. instead I use slightly more expensive serums in a normal amount and more affordable moisturisers in a thicker layer. This of course is what works for me with my very dry skin and my budget. I just finished using the cetaphil redness relief night moisturiser as a day cream and it also worked well in that capacity. It wouldn't be enough for my skin overnight, but worked well under spf and makeup etc during the day. It is a little lighter than my current Avene balm for reference. Best wishes.

[@reneklein6049]

I love the Elf Holy Hydration moisturizer. Inexpensive, great ingredients, and it works. For a more expensive brand, I'm with you on the Tatcha. The Holy Hydration Overnight Hydration Mask is also fabulous. 😊

[@veronicaivanova]

I was so surprised how good the Elf moisturisers are! 😊 The Happy Hydration is great too! I think it's very similar to the Holy Hydration 🙂

[@jessicabillingsly3316]

Dr jart ceramidin, drunk elephant lala retro, Farmacy honey halo, skinfix triple lipid 🤩🙌

[@nataliechaput9293]

I started using La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ balm a few months ago and it quickly became a favourite of mine!! i use it on my face and body and i love it

[@agnieszkazadrozna4684]

Dear Dr. What about creme de la mer? What do u think about this cream? Thanks

[@irairod5160]

Dr. Ellis, Which Kiehl's moisturizer is the one you so heartily recommended as the one you used every day while living in CO? The video shows the Cream formulation that comes in a jar, but the link goes to the Moisturizer that appears to be a lotion and comes in a squeeze bottle. I hope you can clarify. Thank you!

[@strll3048]

Thank you... any possibility that there are creams with plant based collagen? Or is all collagen animal derived?

[@palanfuiniel]

Can't beat Vanicream in the winter!

[@cecyliarc2888]

yes drugstore products please :)

[@maryamhabib2595]

Do you have product recommendations for kids and tweens, in terms of lotions, moisturizer etc think you,

[@kimholderfield2771]

What is your opinion of the droplette device?

[@lisaharr1477]

Thank you for a very informative video ! I love how you included drug store brands in it too ! What are your thoughts on the Cetaphil cream ? I use it as a one and done, face to feet cream too and I like it. Is the Cereve cream better than Cetaphil ?

[@DrSamEllis]

Cetaphil cream is also great! They’re actually quite similar in texture but I know that some of my patients definitely develop a preference for one versus the other.

[@lisaharr1477]

@@DrSamEllis thank you so much !

[@hediyeh7853]

Does Neutrogena Gel cream cause acne for oily acne prone skin? I'm 17 year old girl and I have oily,acne prone and verry dehydrated skin.i'm currently on Accutane. Would you suggest me to use Neutrogena Water gel or Gel cream that is for dry skin? What about Simple light moistrizer?

[@justasksally]

Can you start listing/linking the makeup you’re wearing in the comments?

[@legalpuppy8602]

I did not believe in expensive moisturizer but tried Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair because I use tretinoin at night and heard, with the sandwich method, it can control peeling. That is the first moisturizer that I have used that actually worked. Although the cost is outrageous, I had a talk with myself and decided that since I am a non-shopper, don't drink Starbuck's and watch my $, it is worth the price to have non-peeling skin! 😀

[@legalpuppy8602]

@Bigheartoneggshells I didn't criticize anyone for getting Starbucks. I simply said that is a way that I save money. And if you purchase a Starbucks daily, the price of the product comes out to the amount of a monthly Starbucks bill. Rather simple observation really.

[@memorydandaroy1618]

Thanks Doctor Ellis for this wonderful video. I use the brands Dermaquest and Guinot moisturizers.

[@xxInfiniteGasp]

I recently tried adding the Kiehl’s in my routine, but I noticed it has salicylic acid in it-should I avoid using it when I use adapalene?

[@maisonmassingill8459]

can I use the keihls moisturizer in the summer

[@Juliarosegio]

Can you talk about spironolactone and hormonal acne ? I have been struggling with hormonal acne on my cheeks for years. I was out on oral antibiotics and clindamycin topical but it never worked. I am in my first month on spironolactone hoping it works for me.. my skin is dry and I am purging right now. Praying it works.

[@DrSamEllis]

I have a video on the Mixed Makeup KZbin channel with Susan Yara where I discuss this! 💕

[@victoriagarcia5533]

The kiehls is the best moisturizer but so expensive 😢.. I like the CeraVe more for my body rather than my face. It burned my skin sometimes after retinol or exfoliating.

[@Mabellucyanna]

Cudnt come at a better time ! My skin is falling off x 😁

[@CD-bn7el]

I would love a drug store. I use olay regenerist whip

[@jeseniadiaz1868]

What do you guys think of Paula choice skin restoring moisturizer?? During the winter season, my face gets dry, flaky, and red around my mouth and nose. This year I want to try a new product that will benefit me with these issues. Can everybody HELP!!?!?

[@echahine6168]

Vanicream

[@Carolinerowswell]

Have you tried Embryolisse Lait Creme - either the Fluide or Concentre? These are fantastic moisturizers and I've been obsessed with them lately. I love the Tatcha indigo cream as well - bought it when Sephora had the 20% off sale. It's probably the most I've spent on a moisturizer ever!

[@dizzydev7]

Dr. Ellis what do you think about the Cetaphil moisturizing cream? I have started using this as a moisturizer for my face and it has helped the dryness I was experiencing.

[@MrMark28]

I truly wonder how much FAB has paid content creators to talk about their products and how amazing it is. After their unannounced reformulation their products are crap. It’s like the only product that all Derms make an exception for when it comes to fragrance/ extracts is FAB… Dr Sam, you are amazing and stunning. An incredible human being but I will disagree with you on FAB, I’m surprised as you, who has rosacea, would like their products and /or would not cause you a flare up. I might disagree with you on this but I still love yojr videos and you are amazing? I love that you share your thoughts and ideas. You would also like the Tatcha Dewy that one is also very very amazing. The ELF Holly Hydration holds up too, that one is very affordable and can keep up with the expensive brands. Surprisingly the inkey list symbright is very hydrating as well. Keep up the awesome e content Dr Sam! Much love!

[@josie4peace]

The FAB contains Eucalyptus oil, a known irritant. :\

[@Mrpancake-lol124]

I’ve tried using the first aid beauty a fair few times but it burns ☹️