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Skincare for Dryness

Dry skin feels tight, rough or flaky and often needs ingredients that draw in water and seal it in.

What helps dry skin?

Dry skin does best with a moisturiser that combines humectants, which draw water into the skin (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea), with emollients and occlusives that seal it in (ceramides, squalane, petrolatum). Apply it straight after washing, use a gentle cleanser, and skip hot water and products with drying alcohol high in the list.

Key ingredients for dryness

  • Glycerin — draws water into the skin; the most widely used humectant
  • Hyaluronic Acid — holds water in the top layers so skin feels less tight
  • Urea — hydrates and softens rough, flaky patches
  • Ceramides — top up the barrier lipids that dry skin is often short of
  • Squalane — a light oil that softens without feeling greasy
  • Petrolatum — seals water in; useful on very dry or cracked areas

Common triggers to watch for: Alcohol Denat.

Compare products: Best moisturisers for dry skin · Best ceramide moisturisers · Best hyaluronic acid serums

More related ingredients

Products for Dryness

This page groups products and ingredients commonly associated with dryness. It is educational, not medical advice — patch test and consult a professional for persistent concerns.