When skin feels dry, tight, rough, or flaky, understanding the ingredients in your skincare products can help you make better choices.
Different ingredients support dry skin in different ways. Some attract water, some help soften the skin, and others help reduce moisture loss.
Ceramides
Ceramides are lipids naturally found in the skin that help support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.
Often researched for: dry skin, barrier support, and sensitive skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant commonly used to attract and hold water in the skin.
Often researched for: hydration, tight-feeling skin, and dehydrated skin.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a widely used humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin.
Often researched for: everyday hydration and dry skin.
Squalane
Squalane is an emollient commonly used to soften and smooth the skin while helping provide a moisturized feel.
Often researched for: dry, rough, or uncomfortable skin.
Petrolatum
Petrolatum is an occlusive ingredient that forms a protective layer over the skin and helps reduce moisture loss.
Often researched for: very dry skin and moisture retention.
Urea
Urea is commonly used in moisturizers designed for dry and rough skin. It can help hydrate and soften the skin, with different concentrations serving different purposes.
Often researched for: dry, rough, or thickened areas of skin.
Panthenol
Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is commonly used in skincare products to help moisturize and condition the skin.
Often researched for: dry, sensitive, or irritated skin.
Humectants, Emollients & Occlusives
One of the easiest ways to understand moisturizing products is to think about three general ingredient categories.
Humectants
These ingredients help attract water to the skin.
Examples include hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Emollients
These ingredients help soften and smooth the skin.
Examples include squalane and certain plant oils.
Occlusives
These ingredients help form a protective layer that reduces moisture loss.
Examples include petrolatum and certain waxes.
A well-formulated moisturizer may use more than one type.
What Should You Look For?
Don’t focus on one ingredient alone.
When researching a product for dry skin, consider:
The Concern — Is your main issue dryness, dehydration, rough texture, or barrier support?
The Ingredients — Does the formula contain ingredients that address what you’re looking for?
The Formula — How are the ingredients combined?
Your Skin — Does your skin tend to be sensitive or reactive?
The Routine — Are other products in your routine contributing to dryness or irritation?
From Ingredients to Products
Once you understand the ingredients that may support dry skin, the next step is researching products that contain them.
We look at ingredients, purpose, value, and fit to help you compare your options.
Explore Dry Skin Product Research
Don’t Guess. Understand What You’re Buying.
A moisturizer isn’t just a moisturizer.
Understanding what’s inside the product can help you decide whether it actually fits what your skin needs.
Learn the ingredients. Research the products. Then make your decision.
Explore Product Research