If you're looking for the best face powder that's apt for dry skin, you're in the right place! We have a curated list of the 10 best dry skin-friendly face powders, plus a buying guide with comments from dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz! Let's get started!
Quick List - Top Face Powders for Dry Skin
Becca
A Hydrating Face Powder Perfect for Morena Beauties With Dry Skin
Laura Mercier
Light, Silky, Universally Flattering Setting Powder That Won’t Crease
Charlotte Tilbury
Designed in a Convenient Compact for On-the-Go Touch-Ups
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Choosing the perfect face powder for dry skin requires considering various formulas and finishes that best match your skin's needs. Here are some things to consider before purchasing one.
To ensure that the face powder you pick won't dry out your skin, look for moisturizing ingredients in its ingredients list, such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalene, and plant oils. Glycerin hydrates the outer layer of the skin and provides protection against skin irritants.
Meanwhile, squalene also ensures that your skin stays hydrated and is an antioxidant, which means that it fights skin damage and free radicals. Finally, plant oils such as coconut oil, soybean oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butter oil, and olive oil are natural gentle moisturizers that give you healthy, luminous skin.
Dryness presents with both visible and palpable changes in the surface of the skin. Symptoms of dry skin may include tight, painful, and itchy skin.
People with dry skin can benefit from the application of a moisturizer. Dry skin types should use a barrier repair moisturizer that ideally contains the proper ratio of ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol, which is 1:1:1.
The type of formula that a powder has is important since choosing the wrong one can magnify your skin's imperfections rather than cover them up or enhance your appearance. This is why it's important to know which formulas are best for your skin type, or this in case, for dry skin.
Dry skin can appear dull or patchy, making matte powders not advisable for them. This is because matte powders can emphasize rough-textured skin. Matte powders are usually also formulated to help those with excess sebum control their oil production, which means they will likely dry your skin out.
For those with dry skin, choosing the right face powder can be a little tricky, particularly finding a formula that adds moisture rather than draws it away. It is highly recommended to choose a loose formula in a light finish. It is also best to layer the powder over your hydrating sunscreen.
Powders with fine or loose formulations are great since they're not too heavy on the face and can be layered over other hydrating products such as primers or moisturizers without draining it out of moisture or mattifying your skin. It will help you achieve dewy, healthy-looking skin, perfect for any kind of look.
You can choose a translucent powder so that you don't have to worry about the shade, or you can choose a shade closest to your foundation or skin color so that it can blend seamlessly with your makeup.
A loose formula with a light or translucent finish is a great option. Some trial-and-error may be needed to make sure that the powder won’t cake on your skin or leave your skin looking dehydrated.
These ingredients will likely irritate those with dry skin and can be too harsh, resulting in unnecessary peeling, itching, and redness. As they will likely suck any moisture out of your skin, it will be painful. You can also opt for a powder that is talc-free if you have respiratory issues, just to be on the safe side.
Retinol is a great ingredient, but one of its side effects is the drying of the skin. If you have dry skin, to begin with, this can further dry out your skin or even lead to irritation.
However, the drying effects of retinol can be mitigated with the application of a moisturizer. In fact, newer formulations of retinols have been incorporated with moisturizing ingredients to balance it out.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Moisturizing Ingredients | Formula | Number of Shades Available | Additional Features | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Becca Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder | ![]() | A Hydrating Face Powder Perfect for Morena Beauties With Dry Skin | Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone | Loose Powder | 1 (Golden Bronze) | Mist-Like Effect, Light-Reflecting, Weightless, Vegan, Cruelty-Free | 10 | |
2 | Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder | ![]() | Light, Silky, Universally Flattering Setting Powder That Won’t Crease | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Plant Extracts), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Lauroyl Lysine, Methicone | Loose Powder | 1 (Translucent) | Non-Comedogenic, Oil-Control, Light-Reflecting, Long-Lasting, Lightweight | 29g | |
3 | Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder | ![]() | Designed in a Convenient Compact for On-the-Go Touch-Ups | Rosa Multiflora Flower Wax, Linden Flower Extract, Sweet Almond Oil, Dimethicone, Water, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Dimethiconol, Propylene Glycol | Pressed Powder | 1 (Medium) | Soft Focus Effect, Light-Reflecting, Long-Lasting | 8g | |
4 | By Terry Hyaluronic Tinted Hydra-Powder | ![]() | A Tinted Loose Powder That Keeps Skin Nourished and Radiant | Sodium Hyaluronate Salt Form of Hyaluronic Acid). Dimethicone | Loose Powder | 8 | Tinted, Vegan, Non-Drying, Weightless | 10g | |
5 | La Mer The Powder | ![]() | Gives Off an Ultra-Sheer Finish and Luxurious Feel | Algae Extract, Niacin, Sesame Seed Oil, Copper Gluconate, Lauroyl Lysine, Sodium Gluconate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Water, Zinc Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate | Loose Powder | 1 | Light-Diffusing, Lightweight, Paraben-Free, Phthalate-Free, Sulfate-Free | 8g | |
6 | Happy Skin Dew Aqua Cooling Setting Powder | ![]() | Made With Gentle Ingredients for Sensitive, Dry Skin | Centella Asiatica (Cica) Extract, Glycerine, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate (Salt Form of Hyaluronic Acid), Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Water | Loose Powder | 2 | Cooling Sensation, Anti-Blue Light Technology | 7g | |
7 | Decorté Face Powder | ![]() | Infuses Moisture to the Skin With Antioxidant-Rich Squalane | Squalane, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Lauroyl Lysine, Silicone, Water, Alcohol | Loose Powder | 1 (Misty Beige) | Silky Smooth Finish, Light-Reflecting, Dermatologically Tested. Paraben-Free | 20g | |
8 | NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder | ![]() | A Long-Lasting Setting Powder That Turns Dry Skin Into Picture-Perfect | Chondrus Crispus (Red Algae Extract), Glycerin, Squalane, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Ascophyllum Nodosum (Brown Seaweed Extract), Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Water | Pressed Powder | 1 (Crystal) | Light-Reflecting, Long-Lasting, Photochromatic Technology, Dermatologist Tested, Non-Acnegenic | 10g | |
9 | Huda Beauty GloWish Luminous Pressed Powder | ![]() | A Transfer-Proof Pressed Powder Suitable for Dry Skin | Dimethicone, Glycerin, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Octyldodecanol, Pentylene Glycol, Triethylhexanoin, Water | Pressed Powder | 13 | Fragrance-Free, Transfer-Proof, Vegan Cruelty-free, Non-Comedogenic, Paraben-Free, Sulphate-Free | 10g | |
10 | Ellana Loose Mineral Foundation | ![]() | A Non-drying Face Powder That Shields Skin From the Sun's Rays | Allantoin. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Methicone | Loose Powder | 10 | Has SPF, Refillable, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free, Talc-Free | 8g |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone |
---|---|
Formula | Loose Powder |
Number of Shades Available | 1 (Golden Bronze) |
Additional Features | Mist-Like Effect, Light-Reflecting, Weightless, Vegan, Cruelty-Free |
Net Weight | 10 |
Regardless of skin tone, this translucent powder from Laura Mercier provides flawless and breathable coverage for your face. It acts like a natural shield that guarantees long-lasting wear plus protection from harmful particles. It's gentle yet moisturizing, so it also won't dry out your skinーthis is all thanks to its plant extracts ingredient.
Moisturizing Ingredients | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Plant Extracts), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Lauroyl Lysine, Methicone |
---|---|
Formula | Loose Powder |
Number of Shades Available | 1 (Translucent) |
Additional Features | Non-Comedogenic, Oil-Control, Light-Reflecting, Long-Lasting, Lightweight |
Net Weight | 29g |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Rosa Multiflora Flower Wax, Linden Flower Extract, Sweet Almond Oil, Dimethicone, Water, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Dimethiconol, Propylene Glycol |
---|---|
Formula | Pressed Powder |
Number of Shades Available | 1 (Medium) |
Additional Features | Soft Focus Effect, Light-Reflecting, Long-Lasting |
Net Weight | 8g |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Sodium Hyaluronate Salt Form of Hyaluronic Acid). Dimethicone |
---|---|
Formula | Loose Powder |
Number of Shades Available | 8 |
Additional Features | Tinted, Vegan, Non-Drying, Weightless |
Net Weight | 10g |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Algae Extract, Niacin, Sesame Seed Oil, Copper Gluconate, Lauroyl Lysine, Sodium Gluconate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Water, Zinc Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate |
---|---|
Formula | Loose Powder |
Number of Shades Available | 1 |
Additional Features | Light-Diffusing, Lightweight, Paraben-Free, Phthalate-Free, Sulfate-Free |
Net Weight | 8g |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Centella Asiatica (Cica) Extract, Glycerine, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate (Salt Form of Hyaluronic Acid), Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Water |
---|---|
Formula | Loose Powder |
Number of Shades Available | 2 |
Additional Features | Cooling Sensation, Anti-Blue Light Technology |
Net Weight | 7g |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Squalane, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Lauroyl Lysine, Silicone, Water, Alcohol |
---|---|
Formula | Loose Powder |
Number of Shades Available | 1 (Misty Beige) |
Additional Features | Silky Smooth Finish, Light-Reflecting, Dermatologically Tested. Paraben-Free |
Net Weight | 20g |
With NARS translucent powder, you can create a flawless, camera-ready look that appears stunning in real life and on screen! Its light-reflecting element enhances the skin's inherent glow and conceals flaws. In addition, the Photochromatic technology guarantees there will be no flashback in photos.
This face powder is formulated for all skin types, including dry skin. According to customers, it keeps makeup in place without accentuating dry patches. Thanks to its blend of natural and synthetic moisturizing ingredients, you can confidently enjoy a radiant complexion without worrying about any dryness!
Moisturizing Ingredients | Chondrus Crispus (Red Algae Extract), Glycerin, Squalane, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Ascophyllum Nodosum (Brown Seaweed Extract), Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Water |
---|---|
Formula | Pressed Powder |
Number of Shades Available | 1 (Crystal) |
Additional Features | Light-Reflecting, Long-Lasting, Photochromatic Technology, Dermatologist Tested, Non-Acnegenic |
Net Weight | 10g |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Dimethicone, Glycerin, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Octyldodecanol, Pentylene Glycol, Triethylhexanoin, Water |
---|---|
Formula | Pressed Powder |
Number of Shades Available | 13 |
Additional Features | Fragrance-Free, Transfer-Proof, Vegan Cruelty-free, Non-Comedogenic, Paraben-Free, Sulphate-Free |
Net Weight | 10g |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Allantoin. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Methicone |
---|---|
Formula | Loose Powder |
Number of Shades Available | 10 |
Additional Features | Has SPF, Refillable, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free, Talc-Free |
Net Weight | 8g |
More dry skin woes? For more information and essential tips, check out Dr. Katrina Luz's answers and insights on the most asked questions about dry skin.
Dry skin is a common condition typically described as rough in texture, dull in color, and sometimes associated with this feeling of tightness or itching. There are a lot of factors that can contribute to dry skin. One of the most important ______ is the role of the skin barrier and its capacity to retain water.
Dry skin is usually associated with a sensation of tightness or itching. Dry skin with chronic itch is the most common clinical manifestation of dermatoses, as seen in elderly patients, patients with eczema, and patients with pruritic systemic diseases (e.g., chronic kidney disease and diabetes).
More often, acne comes hand-in-hand with oily skin. However, it's still possible to develop acne with a dry skin type. Remember, anything that clogs your pores can cause breakouts.
Keeping your skin healthy and moisturized is a must, no matter what skin type you have. Of course, this is especially important for those with dry skin, so check out our other articles below to help make sure that your skin is hydrated and the best it can be all the time.
Re-editor: Bianca Dela Cruz, Kat Balingit
No. 1: Becca|Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder
No. 2: Laura Mercier|Translucent Loose Setting Powder
No. 3: Charlotte Tilbury|Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder
No. 4: By Terry|Hyaluronic Tinted Hydra-Powder
No. 5: La Mer|The Powder
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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