Editor tip: This formula is available in three different sizes, including a mini that’s perfect for travel.
Key ingredients: niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Fragrance-free: no
Best for Nighttime: Weleda Rejuvenating Night Cream
Why it’s worth it: Another Allure Best of Beauty winner, Weleda Rejuvenating Night Cream is one of the richest night creams we’ve tried, using a blend of plant oils and butters (including olive, shea, cocoa, and castor) to intensely nourish and condition dry skin. Extracts like blue gentian, edelweiss, and centella asiatica work in tandem to help brighten, smooth, and soothe so your complexion glows upon waking. This one does have a bit of an oily finish, but we like that for an evening formula. “As a dry-skinned person, I like my night creams extra thick and a little bit greasy,” says content director Kara McGrath. “This one nails both criteria, plus it has a light, calming, floral scent that lets my brain know it’s time to start winding down for bed.”
Editor tip: There is a touch of added fragrance in this formula, but in our experience, it doesn’t irritate skin.
Key ingredients: blue gentian extract, edelweiss extract, shea butter | Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dry, sensitive skin on the face?
When skin is dry and sensitive, that’s a sign that your skin barrier is compromised. “When the skin barrier is compromised, it does not protect you as well from allergens and irritants,” explains Dr. Lolis. This layer of your skin doesn’t just act as a shield from environmental factors, but also helps prevent water from escaping the skin. “When the skin barrier is weakened, there is more transepidermal water loss, so your skin becomes dry and more susceptible to irritation,” she adds.
Things like overuse of harsh active ingredients like retinol and skin conditions like eczema can lead to a weakened skin barrier, but so too can seasonal changes, says Dr. Kim. “As the weather gets colder, our skin gets drier and inflamed,” he explains. “Our skin barrier gets compromised and we need heavier moisturizers to keep our skin protected and hydrated.”
Which moisturizer is best for a dry, sensitive face?
When shopping for a moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin, it’s crucial to seek out ingredients that fall into three specific categories: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. “Humectants attract water like a sponge to keep the epidermis hydrated,” says Dr. Lolis. These include hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, and glycerin. Emollients are lipids that act like grout between skin cells to prevent that water from evaporating; Dr. Kim points to ceramides and fatty acids. “Ceramide is a naturally occurring molecule in our skin and helps keep the skin barrier intact,” he says. “Fatty acids are an important component of our skin’s natural barrier and help keep the skin hydrated and supple.” The last category, occlusives—which includes ingredients like petroleum jelly, shea butter, and beeswax—act like a top coat to trap in all that goodness.