The colder months are accompanied by cozy sweaters, endless cups of hot chocolate and—unfortunately—thirsty, irritated skin. If your typical moisturizer just isn’t pulling its weight, you’re not alone. Cold climates paired with lower humidity and indoor heating all team up against your skin, often resulting in a dull, dry complexion.
Whether you’re battling flaky patches, redness or an overall lackluster look, choosing the right product lineup is key to combatting brutal winter weather and maintaining a hydrated glow. Keep reading for tips on how to choose the best
moisturizer for winter.
Best Moisturizer for Winter: How to Choose for You
Just like a snowflake, your skin is unique—and it deserves a one-of-a-kind routine that gives it exactly what it’s asking for. No two complexions are the same, which is why taking a customized approach to skin care is essential for maximizing your glow.
Choosing the best moisturizer for winter comes down to one simple factor: finding out which type of moisturizer best fits
your needs. Keep reading to learn about the different types of moisturizers out there, and how to choose the best moisturizer for winter to support what your skin craves.
Moisturizer 101: What kinds of moisturizers are out there?
The good news? There’s no shortage of moisturizers on the market, each made with different textures and key ingredients to nourish your skin. Here are some of the most common types of moisturizers and which skin types they benefit the most:
Humectant Moisturizers: Best for oily, combination or acne-prone skin
Humectant moisturizers draw moisture from the air into the skin and are commonly made with ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, alpha hydroxy acids or hyaluronic acid. Humectant moisturizers can work for all skin types, however, they’re best for oily, combination or acne-prone skin. They’re typically in the form of gel moisturizers, however, some lotion-based moisturizers can fall into this category as well.
Emollient Moisturizers: For dry or rough skin
Emollient moisturizers form a “film” on the outer layer of the skin, filling in the gaps between skin cells to create a softer, smoother texture. This makes them an ideal option for dry, rough or irritated skin. Emollient moisturizers often include ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids or squalene. Most emollients are cream-based moisturizers or heavier lotion-based moisturizers.
Occlusive Moisturizers: Made for extremely dry skin
Occlusive moisturizers are ideal for extremely dry skin because they form a barrier that locks in moisture. They typically come in the form of thick creams, butters or balms and often contain ingredients like petrolatum or beeswax.
What if my skin is too oily for a moisturizer?
There’s a common misconception that oily skin types are better off skipping moisturizers altogether. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Moisturizer is essential for
all skin types, even those that are prone to extra oil.
In fact, neglecting to hydrate oily skin can lead to dehydration, which results in the skin producing
even more oil. For best results, hydrate according to your skin type (even if your skin feels like it doesn’t need it). Your skin will thank you!
The Best Moisturizer For Winter for Every Skin Type
Whether your skin is dry, oily or somewhere in between, choosing a moisturizer that works for
you is essential for hydrated, happy skin. Keep reading to find the best moisturizer for winter for every skin type.
Extra nourishing moisturizers for dry skin
Jason Revitalizing Vitamin E Moisturizing Creme
This creamy, revitalizing moisturizer is made with soothing vitamin E along with nourishing avocado, sweet almond and wheat germ oils for deep hydration and skin renewal. Formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, SLS, sulfate or artificial colors, this cruelty-free, dry-skin solution is made to nurture dull, dehydrated skin back to life.
Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Miracle Face Cream
Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Miracle Face Cream is specifically created with dry, sensitive skin in mind. Made with natural oat extract, organic coconut oil, organic argan oil and organic calendula oil and shea butter, this face cream soothes and softens dry skin, providing relief from irritation and long-term protection to keep skin feeling soft and nourished. It’s vegan, dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free and made without parabens, phthalates, soy or harsh chemicals.
The best moisturizers for combination skin
Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer Oil-Free SPF 35
This everyday moisturizer is oil-free, lightweight, gentle, fast-absorbing and provides broad spectrum SPF 35 to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Made with a powerful blend of antioxidants, edelweiss extract and ProVitamin B5, this non-greasy formula soothes and repairs sensitive skin while protecting against free radical damage without fragrance or parabens.
Weleda Facial Lotion
Weleda’s facial lotion is formulated specifically for normal to combination skin types to restore balance to the complexion while strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. This fast-absorbing lotion is packed with nourishing ingredients like organic sweet almond oil, plum kernel oil and antioxidants like vitamins E and A to calm sensitive skin and prevent moisture loss. It’s cruelty-free and made without potentially irritating chemicals like parabens, phthalates, GMOs, endocrine disruptors, preservatives or artificial fragrances.
Try these moisturizers if you have oily skin
Acure Incredibly Clear Mattifying Moisturizer
Acure’s Incredibly Clear moisturizer is made for combination to oily skin and is vegan and cruelty-free. With lilac extract and chlorella, this mattifying formula absorbs easily to improve the skin’s texture and appearance while providing lightweight hydration. It’s made without sulfates, parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, silicone or mineral oil.
Pacifica Pore Warrior Everyday Lotion
This everyday moisturizing lotion is lightweight and hydrating while preventing excess oil. Made with cucumber, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it provides balanced moisture that’s safe for sensitive skin. This weightless moisturizer is cruelty-free, vegan and made without SLS, parabens, phthalates or mineral oil.
The best body moisturizers for all-over hydration
The impact of harsh winter weather on complexions doesn’t stop at the face. Head-to-toe hydration is essential during the colder months for soft, healthy skin all over. These body moisturizers are perfect for keeping the skin quenched, even in the winter:
Zum Rub® Body Moisturizer Frankincense and Myrrh
Made with nourishing goat’s milk and shea butter, Zum Rub’s multipurpose body balm soothes chapped skin, lips, cuticles, cracked heels, sunburns, scars, tattoos and poison ivy.
SheaMoisture Nourishing Hydration 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Moisturizer for Dry Skin
SheaMoisture’s 100% extra virgin coconut oil is an excellent option for hydrating and softening the skin. Made with just one ingredient, this product uses fair trade natural coconut oil to nourish the skin and hair and provide a boost of fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Additionally, coconut oil doubles as a makeup remover to gently dissolve any remaining product buildup from the day.
NutriBiotic Hand & Body Lotion
This all-over body moisturizer is made with grapefruit seed extract to promote healthy skin tissue and protect the skin from inflammation. It’s made without animal byproducts or parabens and is scented using only essential oils. Infused with organic shea butter, organic sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, coconut and vitamins A, C and E, this body lotion is packed with nourishing qualities to maintain the skin’s moisture levels and pH balance year-round.
