How do I choose a face moisturizer for dry skin?

For dry skin, the safest default is a fragrance-free cream or ointment. The American Academy of Dermatology says the right moisturizer depends on skin type and dryness severity, and its dry-skin guide specifically recommends fragrance-free products and says creams or ointments help heal overly dry skin better than a lighter lotion when skin is really parched.

If your skin is dry but acne-prone, do not grab the heaviest cream on the shelf without checking the rest of your routine. Pair the moisturizer with a gentle cleanser, then look for a daytime sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. That matters because dry skin is easier to irritate, and over-scrubbing or skipping sun protection can make the whole situation worse. If you are using retinoids, moisturizer choice matters even more because your skin barrier is already doing extra work.

The practical test is simple: if a product burns, stings, or makes your face feel tighter after a few days, it is probably too harsh or too heavily fragranced for you. The right product should feel boring in the best possible way. You want less flaking, less tightness, and fewer moments where your skin feels like it is arguing back.

If you want a starting point, shop a face moisturizer for dry skin. For the rest of the routine, compare it with how to choose a sunscreen for your face, how to choose a facial cleanser for sensitive skin, and how to know if you should use a retinoid.