There is a particular point in winter when your regular moisturiser simply stops doing its job. Your cheeks begin to feel tight after washing your face, the skin around your nose starts flaking, your foundation
refuses to sit properly and even your favourite skincare products seem to disappear into your skin without making much of a difference.
The instinct is usually to buy a richer moisturiser. But before adding another expensive jar to your bathroom shelf, it helps to understand what your skin is actually asking for.
A good winter moisturiser should ideally do three things: attract water, replenish the skin barrier and prevent that moisture from escaping. This is where three ingredient categories – humectants, ceramides and occlusives – become particularly important.
They may sound like skincare terminology reserved for dermatologists and beauty formulators, but understanding the difference can make choosing your next moisturiser considerably easier.
First, Understand What Your Skin Needs In Winter
Cold weather, lower humidity, indoor heating and frequent hot showers can all contribute to moisture loss. The skin’s natural barrier may struggle to retain hydration, leaving it feeling rough, tight, itchy or flaky.
This is why dermatologists often recommend switching from lightweight lotions to richer creams or ointments when the weather becomes colder.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends looking for ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, petrolatum and shea butter when shopping for dry-skin moisturisers.
But what does each ingredient actually do?
Ceramides: The Barrier-Building Essentials
Think of your skin barrier as a protective wall. Skin cells form the bricks, while lipids, including ceramides, help hold everything together.
Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids in the outermost layer of the skin. They help maintain the barrier and reduce moisture loss. When the barrier is compromised, skin can become increasingly dry, sensitive and uncomfortable.
A ceramide-rich moisturiser can help replenish these essential lipids and support the skin’s protective function.
Look for products containing ceramides alongside ingredients such as cholesterol and fatty acids. These work together to support the skin barrier.
Who should look for them? People experiencing persistent dryness, tightness, sensitivity or a weakened skin barrier, particularly during winter.
Humectants: The Ingredients That Attract Water
If ceramides help strengthen the barrier, humectants help bring hydration into the picture.
These ingredients attract and bind water, helping the outermost layer of the skin stay hydrated. Some of the most commonly used humectants include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea and panthenol.
Hyaluronic acid is particularly popular because of its ability to bind water, while glycerin is a dependable ingredient that supports skin hydration.
However, there is one important detail to remember: hydration needs to be retained, not simply delivered.
In dry weather, a humectant-based serum or lightweight moisturiser may not be enough on its own. Pairing it with emollients and occlusives can help reduce moisture loss and keep the skin comfortable for longer.
Who should look for them? Those experiencing dehydration, dullness, tightness or skin that feels thirsty despite regular moisturising.
Occlusives: The Protective Layer Your Skin May Need
This is where richer winter moisturisers earn their place.
Occlusives form a protective layer over the skin, helping reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is the evaporation of water from the skin’s surface.
Ingredients such as petrolatum, dimethicone, mineral oil and certain plant butters perform this function.
Petrolatum is particularly effective at reducing water loss, which explains why it is frequently found in products designed for very dry skin.
Occlusives are especially useful when the weather is cold and dry, or when the skin barrier needs additional protection. They can also be helpful on particularly dry areas such as elbows, hands and around the lips.
Who should look for them? People with very dry, flaky or rough skin who need longer-lasting moisture retention.
So, Which Winter Moisturiser Should You Actually Buy?
The answer depends on your skin type and the level of dryness you experience. A rich balm may feel wonderful on very dry skin but unnecessarily heavy on an oily complexion.
For combination or oily skin, a lighter cream with glycerin and hyaluronic acid may be sufficient. For normal to dry skin, look for ceramides, squalane and nourishing emollients. If your skin becomes extremely dry during winter, a richer formula containing petrolatum or shea butter may be more appropriate.
Another useful habit is to apply moisturiser immediately after washing your face, while the skin is still slightly damp. This helps trap existing moisture.
And remember, expensive does not automatically mean effective. The formulation, ingredient combination and suitability for your skin matter much more than the price tag.
Here are some premium moisturisers worth considering for your winter skincare shelf.
Premium Winter Moisturisers Worth Investing In
1. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
For those who prefer a luxurious everyday moisturiser without an excessively heavy finish, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is worth considering. Its formula features squalane and glycerin, making it a useful option for everyday hydration and helping maintain skin comfort.
The texture is designed to feel lightweight rather than greasy, which makes it an interesting choice for people who want a richer winter moisturiser without the heaviness of a traditional balm.
Best for: Normal, combination and dry skin looking for everyday hydration.
2. Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume
When dryness goes beyond an occasional tight feeling, a richer balm may be a better choice. Bioderma’s Atoderm Intensive Baume is designed for very dry, sensitive and irritation-prone skin.
Its nourishing formulation includes ingredients such as glycerin and skin-conditioning lipids, helping support the skin barrier and reduce discomfort associated with dryness.
Unlike a conventional lightweight face cream, this is a richer balm that can also be used on the body. It is particularly worth considering when winter dryness becomes persistent.
Best for: Very dry, sensitive and irritation-prone skin.
3. Cetaphil Moisturising Cream
Cetaphil has long been associated with uncomplicated skincare, and its Moisturising Cream is a particularly practical option for people who prefer rich, straightforward hydration.
The formula contains glycerin, petrolatum, dimethicone, panthenol and niacinamide. Together, these ingredients help hydrate the skin, reduce moisture loss and support the skin barrier.
Its generous 453 g packaging also makes it useful beyond the face, particularly for people who experience dryness on their arms, legs and other areas during winter.
Best for: Dry and sensitive skin that needs a rich, fragrance-free moisturiser for everyday use.
4. Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturising Cream
For skincare enthusiasts who specifically want to focus on barrier support, Dr. Jart+’s Ceramidin range is worth exploring.
The Ceramidin cream features multiple ceramides alongside cholesterol, panthenol and nourishing emollients. This combination makes it particularly interesting for skin that feels dry, tight or compromised.
Its richer texture is designed to provide lasting comfort, making it a strong winter skincare contender.
Best for: Dry skin and those looking for a ceramide-focused moisturiser.
A Few Things To Remember Before Buying
Oily skin does not mean you can skip moisturiser. Choose lighter textures.
Dry skin generally benefits from richer creams rather than lightweight lotions.
Sensitive skin may do better with fragrance-free formulations.
Apply moisturiser to slightly damp skin to help retain hydration.
Do not forget sunscreen during winter. UV protection remains important throughout the year.
Ultimately, the best winter moisturiser is not necessarily the most expensive one or the one with the longest ingredient list. It is the one that gives your skin the right balance of hydration, barrier support and moisture retention.
