Let us help you discover the best moisturizer for dry skin in the Philippines! With the guidance of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Krizia Ty, we crafted a guide that lists down what to look for in a face moisturizer to solve dry skin woes. Don't miss out on our picks for the best dry skin moisturizers available on Lazada and Shopee, too!
Quick List - Top Face Moisturizers for Dry Skin
Physiogel
Clinically Proven to Relieve Itchiness and Redness on Dry, Sensitive Skin
Aveeno
Gentle, Long-Lasting Hydration with Natural Oat for Dry and Sensitive Skin
Dr. Krizia Ty is a board-certified dermatologist from Manila, Philippines, who is passionate about skincare and would love to help everyone achieve healthy skin, one patient at a time. She is a Fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society and is currently practicing in several commercial clinics in Manila catering to both medical and cosmetic dermatologic concerns. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook or send her a message for more details on her practice.
Rica is a writer and editor for mybest PH who first joined the team in October 2020. She mostly writes lifestyle titles, especially ones that tap into fashion, beauty, food, arts, and hobbies. Though she's someone who dabbles in whatever sparks her interest, Rica spends most of her free time fangirling, watching races, and playing with her dogs.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Unsure if you have dry skin and using the right products for your skin type? Worry no more! Below, we will discuss the characteristics of dry skin and methods to know if your skin is leaning more toward this skin type.
Dry skin is skin that is dull and flaky with more visible fine lines and wrinkles. This is caused by an impaired skin barrier due to an inherent lack of lipids and natural moisturizing factors in your skin. This also makes dry skin more sensitive to common irritants and allergens.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Krizia Ty, to know if you have dry skin, you can try the wash method. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat your skin dry, then wait 30 minutes without applying other skin care products. If your skin feels tight, rough, and scaly, you might have dry skin.
Another method is the blotting paper method, where you apply the blotting paper on your face 30 minutes after washing your face in the middle of the day or at the end of the day. If there is minimal to no oil absorbed, then you might have dry skin.
With so many moisturisers on the market, finding the right one for dry skin can feel daunting, but choosing a suitable formula is key to maintaining a healthy, hydrated complexion. Our buying guide below outlines the most important factors to consider, helping you confidently select a moisturiser that will nourish and protect your skin.
If you struggle with dry skin, it's best to choose face moisturizers with a combination of humectants, emollients & occlusive agents. Humectants, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and urea work by pulling water into the skin to ensure it stays hydrated. On the other hand, emollients like plant oils, fatty acids, and shea butter seal in moisture and improve skin texture by filling in the gaps and cracks between skin cells.
Lastly, occlusive agents such as petrolatum (petroleum jelly), beeswax, and mineral oil protect the skin from external factors like wind and cold air, which can further contribute to dryness. They also minimize water loss on the skin's surface by creating a seal that traps moisture. As a result, a moisturizer with these ingredients can keep skin hydrated.
Each of them works hand in hand to help increase the moisture level in our skin, repair the skin barrier, and prevent it from drying out so quickly. So when choosing a moisturizer specially for dry skin, make sure that it contains at least one ingredient from each category to ensure that it provides adequate hydration.
If you have dry and mature skin, chances are you struggle with signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and uneven skin texture. To combat these, here are specific ingredients you should look for in a moisturizer:
As we age, our skin becomes more prone to losing moisture, resulting in sagging and accentuating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Some common ingredients to counteract these are hyaluronic acid, ceramides, amino acids, and fatty acids. Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture within the skin, plumping the skin and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Meanwhile, ceramides strengthen the skin's protective barrier, crucial for preserving moisture and improving the skin's elasticity. Certain amino acids, such as arginine and proline, are also vital for collagen production, directly affecting the skin's elasticity and overall firmness. Lastly, fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 are other ingredients you might want to look for, as they maintain the skin's lipid barrier, preventing the loss of moisture to keep it soft and supple.
To improve plumpness and elasticity, it's important to choose moisturizers that contain ingredients that effectively penetrate the skin barrier such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, amino acids & fatty acids.
Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, can stimulate collagen production, increase cell turnover, and diminish pigmentation issues like age spots. Additionally, it aids in refining skin texture by promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells while reducing the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.
Conversely, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can speed up the aging process. It also has skin-brightening abilities and can assist in fading age spots and various forms of hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, it supports collagen synthesis, contributing to smoother and firmer skin.
Age spots and skin texture can be improved by using retinoids like tretinoin or retinol and vitamin C, which can be used separately or incorporated into moisturizers.
For those with sensitive skin, aside from moisturizing ingredients, consider looking for moisturizers that contain skin-calming and repairing actives that can help soothe and restore the skin barrier. Some of the ingredients you can look for are panthenol (vitamin B5), tocopherol (vitamin E), niacinamide (vitamin B3), centella asiatica, beta-glucan (yeast/oats), and bisabolol, which is derived from chamomile.
Panthenol (Vitamin B5) is known to have the ability to improve the skin's moisture retention and provide relief from dryness and irritation, while tocopherol (vitamin E) contributes to overall skin health and repair. Conversely, niacinamide (vitamin B3), centella asiatica, beta-glucan, and bisabolol help reduce redness and inflammation while soothing and calming irritated skin.
Generally, you will benefit from thicker formulations like creams or balms if you have dry skin because they tend to have a higher concentration of emollients and occlusive agents. They also seal in moisture better. However, if your skin doesn’t feel as dry at the moment, especially in warmer and humid weather conditions, dermatologist Dr. Krizia Ty advises opting for more lightweight moisturizers like lotions. Gels can even be a good pick if your skin isn't too dry!
Another thing to take note of is when to use the moisturizer. For daytime, choose lighter or thinner moisturizers to wear alone or under make-up to prevent oil build-up and clogging of pores. For nighttime, you can use heavier or thicker moisturizers while your skin is in repair and recovery mode to help prepare your skin for the following day.
It is important to listen to your skin. Pick a moisturizer depending on your current skin type, which can change depending on your age, health status, and current environment.
Remember that different skin types require different types of moisturizers. If you have normal/combination skin, you can opt for lightweight creams or lotion formulations. If your skin tends to be oilier, get a water- or gel-based, oil-free formulation to prevent clogging your pores
If you have dry skin, it's best to avoid ingredients that can further aggravate your skin's dryness. Hence, you're better off avoiding isopropyl, ethanol, and denatured alcohol and sulfates that can potentially be drying and irritating if you already have dry skin.
Triclosan and sulfur are other ingredients that can strip skin of its natural moisture when applied to the skin. Moreover, you might also want to steer clear of fragrances and dyes that can potentially pose irritation risks if you have dry, sensitive skin.
Disclaimer: These products are recommendations made by our team at mybest Philippines. Our expert, Dr. Krizia Ty, is not affiliated with, nor is she endorsing any of the brands we mention below.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Ingredients | Formulation | Fragrance-free | Alcohol-free | Hypoallergenic | Use | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream | ![]() | Gentle, Intensive Hydration for Sensitive and Dry Skin | Niacinamide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Panthenol | Cream | Day, Night | 550 mL | ||||
2 | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel | ![]() | Lightweight Hydration With Long-Lasting Moisture for All Skin Types | Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Urea, PCA, Serine, Alanine, Glycine, Threonine, Arginine, Prolin, Allantoin | Gel | Day, Night | 15 mL | ||||
3 | Physiogel Hypoallergenic Soothing Care AI Cream | ![]() | Clinically Proven to Relieve Itchiness and Redness on Dry, Sensitive Skin | Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Betaine, Squalane, Sarcosine, Ceramide 3 | Cream | Day, Night | 50 mL | ||||
4 | Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion | ![]() | Gentle, Long-Lasting Hydration with Natural Oat for Dry and Sensitive Skin | Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Glycerin | Lotion | Day, Night | 71 mL | ||||
5 | COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream | ![]() | All-in-One Cream Enriched with 92% Snail Mucin for Intense Hydration and Repair | Snail Secretion Filtrate, Adenosine, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantonin, Panthenol | Cream | Day, Night | 100 mL | ||||
6 | Dermorepubliq Intensive Barrier Repair Cream | ![]() | Intensive Barrier Repair with Ceramide, Cica, and 2% Niacinamide for Hydrated, Resilient Skin | Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Ceramide NP, Glycerin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract, Allantoin | Cream | Night | 50 mL | ||||
7 | Face Republic Hydro Barrier Ceramide Cream | ![]() | Vegan Ceramide Cream for Deep Hydration and Strengthened Skin Barrier | Asiaticoside, Glycerin, Ceramide NP, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan | Cream | Night | 50 mL | ||||
8 | Céleteque Hydration Facial Moisturizer | ![]() | Lightweight, Oil-Free Moisturizer for Daily Hydration and Sensitive Skin | 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Gel Extract, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Bisabolol | Gel | Day, Night | 100 mL | ||||
9 | The Originote Hyalucera Moisturizing Gel | ![]() | Lightweight Gel Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides for Barrier Protection | Panthenol, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Glycerin, Diglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Ceramide NP | Gel | Day, Night | 50 mL | ||||
10 | Human Nature Hyaluronic Acid Gel Day Moisturizer | ![]() | Natural Gel Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid for Lightweight Daily Hydration | Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice | Gel | Day | 50 mL |
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Panthenol |
---|---|
Formulation | Cream |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Hypoallergenic | |
Use | Day, Night |
Net Weight | 550 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is praised for its refreshing, non-greasy feel and effective hydration, especially in humid climates. Many highlight its quick absorption and suitability under makeup, noting it leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. Some users with sensitive skin mention the strong fragrance as a downside, which may cause mild irritation or breakouts for a few. The packaging in a jar format is also noted as less hygienic by some, but overall, the product is well-regarded for lightweight, everyday hydration.
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Urea, PCA, Serine, Alanine, Glycine, Threonine, Arginine, Prolin, Allantoin |
---|---|
Formulation | Gel |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Hypoallergenic | |
Use | Day, Night |
Net Weight | 15 mL |
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Betaine, Squalane, Sarcosine, Ceramide 3 |
---|---|
Formulation | Cream |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Hypoallergenic | |
Use | Day, Night |
Net Weight | 50 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is commonly praised for its gentle yet effective hydration, especially for dry and sensitive skin types. Many appreciate its soothing effect on irritated skin and its lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly. Some note the product’s mild scent-free formulation as a plus for sensitive skin, though a few wish for larger size options. Overall, it is regarded as a reliable daily moisturizer that improves skin softness and comfort without causing breakouts.
Key Ingredients | Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Glycerin |
---|---|
Formulation | Lotion |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Hypoallergenic | |
Use | Day, Night |
Net Weight | 71 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
The COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream is acknowledged for its hydrating and soothing properties, with users noting it helps improve skin texture and reduce redness. Many highlight its lightweight texture and fast absorption, making it suitable for use in humid climates. While some with very oily skin find it slightly rich, the majority praise it as an effective all-in-one moisturizer that promotes healthier, more radiant skin.
Key Ingredients | Snail Secretion Filtrate, Adenosine, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantonin, Panthenol |
---|---|
Formulation | Cream |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Hypoallergenic | |
Use | Day, Night |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Ceramide NP, Glycerin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract, Allantoin |
---|---|
Formulation | Cream |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Hypoallergenic | |
Use | Night |
Net Weight | 50 mL |
Key Ingredients | Asiaticoside, Glycerin, Ceramide NP, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan |
---|---|
Formulation | Cream |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Hypoallergenic | |
Use | Night |
Net Weight | 50 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Céleteque Hydration Facial Moisturizer is consistently praised for its lightweight, non-sticky feel and reliable hydration, especially in humid climates. Many appreciate its gentle formulation that works well for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Some users wish for a richer option for very dry skin, but overall, it is valued for being affordable, effective, and easy to incorporate into any skincare routine.
Key Ingredients | 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Gel Extract, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Bisabolol |
---|---|
Formulation | Gel |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Hypoallergenic | |
Use | Day, Night |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
Key Ingredients | Panthenol, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Glycerin, Diglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Ceramide NP |
---|---|
Formulation | Gel |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Hypoallergenic | |
Use | Day, Night |
Net Weight | 50 mL |
Key Ingredients | Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice |
---|---|
Formulation | Gel |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Hypoallergenic | |
Use | Day |
Net Weight | 50 mL |
We have also asked Dr. Krizia Ty for some tips about moisturizers. Continue reading so that you can arm yourself with the right information as you go through your skincare journey!
The loss of moisture in the skin tends to make fine lines and wrinkles more visible as dry skin tends to be less reflective to light, making it look dull with enhanced skin markings. Skin that is well moisturized reflects light better, making it appear to have a healthy glow.
A simple skincare routine for dry skin includes using a gentle soap-free cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on a daily basis. Hydrating toners and serums can also be added prior to application of moisturizers to enhance skin hydration.
Avoid using hot water and avoid scrubbing or rubbing to prevent further damage to the skin barrier. Also, apply moisturizer within 3 minutes after washing your face since damp skin helps moisturizers penetrate the skin better. Lastly, drink adequate amounts of water to prevent overall dehydration.
Moisturizers are usually applied at least twice a day after every face wash. If your skin tends to be drier, especially if it’s colder, you can increase the frequency of application to as often as needed in order to maintain optimal hydration. In between washes, you can also opt to "wet" your skin with hydrating facial mists prior to reapplication of moisturizers for better absorption.
Having dry and flaky skin can be bothersome, and it can also make you lose your self-esteem. Worry no more, as we have different solutions for that! Check out our other recommended products targeted for dry skin below.
Re-editor: Bianca Dela Cruz, R. Victoriano
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Cetaphil|Moisturizing Cream
No. 2: Neutrogena|Hydro Boost Water Gel
No. 3: Physiogel|Hypoallergenic Soothing Care AI Cream
No. 4: Aveeno|Daily Moisturizing Lotion
No. 5: COSRX|Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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