In this article, we will be breaking down the best moisturizer for dry sensitive skin that you should consider getting.
And these are among the best ones: Cerave, Vanicream & Cetaphil
We will be looking at what differs between them which should give you a clear idea of the one that is best for you.
But first, let’s look at why you should consider getting a moisturizer and why you should implement so within your skincare.
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Why including a Moisturizer for your Dry Sensitive skin is important?
People that suffer from dry sensitive skin, often need a bit more attention in choosing products that best helps them.
They need to be pay attention to products to avoid painfully tightness, or painful irritations in few areas on the skin.
Including a moisturizer within your routine is important since it maintains your skin moisture barrier and prevents environmental damage to your skin.
And if you do suffer from dry skin, then moisturising every day can prevent dryness or oiliness from developing into your skin.
It is important to note that not all moisturizers will work and you should be picky when it comes to the ones that you intend to use.
Indeed, according to Mount West, people with dry and oftentimes sensitive skin, have to be mindful of the moisturisers that they use.
Generally, greasy creams and ointments are your best friend if you have dry skin, since they are oil-based, their consistency is thicker, providing more hydration than lotions.
However this does depend on the seasons, and that is why dermatologists such as Dr Nussbaum and Dr Linkner, said that in summer, you can transition to a lighter lotion, serum or even gel-based moisturizer.
Having dry combined with sensitive skin can be annoying and sometimes frustrating! In most cases though all you need is a few lifestyles changes and over the counter moisturisers.
However, the issue here is that there are many moisturisers out there available and it can be tricky to find the most that are more recommended. Fortunately, I am here to help you decide on the best ones.
The best face moisturizer for dry sensitive skin:
The ones that many experts believe you should get given their affordability and efficiency in combatting dry sensitive skin are:
*Cerave Moisturising Cream
*Vanicream Moisturising Cream
*Cetaphil Moisturising Cream
What they do have in common is the fact that they are all dermatologically proven and recommended. They have all the essential ingredients that have been tasted to work for people that do suffer dry sensitive skin.
On top of that, they are reasonably affordable for all and have the luxury to be ranked as one of the best products out there for a dry sensitive skin condition.
People might surely be wondering which one they should get since they are pretty much similar on a budget and delivery level.
Therefore, down below we will analyse each of these products by explaining their features and benefits.
We will also compare them so that you can have a general idea of the one that might suit you best.
*Cerave moisturising cream:
Product Features and advantages/benefits:
It is a cream that has been specifically developed with dermatologists, so you are surely in good hands!
It’s completely fragrance-free and contains no sulfates which mean that it will surely help restore and protect dry skin and won’t have to worry about side effects such as irritations.
It is indeed packed with moisture-binding and has three main supporting and essential Ceramides: Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP & Ceramide EOP. What these components do, help form a strong component to refill and maintain the natural skin barrier.
The moisturiser also has hyaluronic acid (a powerful moisturising agent, that helps keep skin’s natural moisture by helping to ease dry skin), which offers multi-depth skin hydration!
Out of the many benefits, the cream contains non-comedogenic which means that it will not clog pores and will help avoid skin pore blockages or other unwanted signs of acne.
It also uses original MVE technique that helps fill ceramides and deliver longer hydration (and gives 24-hour hydration). This moisturiser will deliver enough hydration to also soothe the driest complexions guys!
As we have seen, the cream surely has multitasking ingredients that are gentle and well-tolerated, which means that is ideal for sensitive skin.
On the Cerave daily moisturiser they give you the option that if you do not want to get a separate sunscreen. They made a slightly more expensive version called Cerave facial moisturising lotion AM that includes sunscreen. However for more info about their other products, please click here.
The only disadvantage is that the cream is unfortunately not known by many. It’s however considered to be one of the most golden treasures when it comes to fight dry and sensitive skin and protect the skin barrier of the face and body.
Plus, it is surely an affordable yet effective and sophisticated hydrating moisture perfect for dry sensitive skin conditions. Check my honest review of the product here. 🙂
Related: CeraVe moisturising lotion vs cream
* Vanicream Moisturising-Cream
Product Features and advantages/benefits:
This cream is one of the very best moisturisers for dry sensitive skin.
What differs from the Cerave is that while it can be used for other skin types, Vanicream is specifically formulated for people that do suffer from this type of skin condition. The cream is indeed used as a moisturiser to treat dry and skin irritations.
It is a gentle yet effective cream for the face. It helps reinforce the skin barrier and seal in moisture.
It has a non-greasy formula which means that the product can be worn under makeup, and it is a non-comedogenic formula.
In addition, it has BHT. The latter, is a stabiliser that acts as an antioxidant that helps maintain the properties of the product since it is exposed to the air. This helps avoid changes such as the colour, odour, or the texture of the product.
Vanicream also uses clean components which means that the product is free from fragrances and offers effective moisture. It is also gluten-free so it has no ingredients that could be ingested.
It is surely an intense and very effective moisturizer that helps heal and calm the skin while delivering the best results.
The cream does not however contain hyaluronic acid (as we have seen, a powerful moisturising agent that is recommended for anyone that suffers from dry sensitive skin that helps retain the skin natural moisture).
It does however deliver effective moisture and still protect the natural skin barrier thanks to the special and active ingredient that this moisturiser has in its aloe vera.
As you might be aware, implementing aloe vera on a product helps intensify further moisture into the skin without leaving a greasy feeling after applying the cream.
You should also know that it is extremely beneficial for sensitive skin. According to experts, it is perfect for irritated skin and helps prevent inflammation.
And if you want to opt for less thick moisture that does contain hyaluronic acid, you can check the Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer version.
This is a light and rich lotion that provides effective moisturisation for day or night.
*Cetaphil Moisturising Cream
Product Features and advantages/benefits:
Considered the best overall moisturizer for dry and sensitive skin since it is intense moisture for long-lasting hydration that helps restore and nourish your skin making it healthier. It is the cheaper and most affordable formula out of Cerave or Vanicream.
Like the Cerave and Vanicream, it is fragrance-free, and it is a light, non-comedogenic formula that absorbs into your skin quickly. It is formulated for all skin types, but it protects against sensitive skin. It also works well for people that do suffer from dry skin as well.
It has been clinically proven to bind water to the skin and deliver long-lasting moisture and hydration. According to many users, it works amazingly in your skin and can also be used on your face.
It may not contain hyaluronic acid, but they also do offer other versions that may contain the agent. If you want to discover the other products that they do offer visit this page here.
Briefly comparing the products:
The only advantage that I believe Cetaphil has compared to Cerave and Vanicream is that is the most affordable formula.
Other than that, although it is a light formula that is not too thick but still delivers effective moisture to have healthy and beautiful skin, it was mainly develop for normal skin types.
Vanicream, on the other hand, has a heavier formula that cleanses while offering deeper moisturizing for very dry skin. It also has been specifically designed for dry sensitive skin, as mentioned above.
According to experts Cerave is slightly better than Cetaphil for dry skin. Cetaphil formula, however, defends more your skin if it is sensitive than Cerave does.
Furthermore, Cerave may contain trace amounts of gluten, compared to Vanicream. However, most of the ingredients originate from gluten grain which means that are highly refined and keep no trace of gluten proteins.
Also, according to experts, while Cerave has the advantage of containing Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides (making the cream thicker), Vanicream has generally been reported that moisturises better your skin.
This is because, according to experts, has ingredients (Occlusive and emollient) that sealed the moisture into the skin for a longer period.
I would personally recommend the Vanicream moisturizing cream to be the best of the three just because it has been specifically designed and formulated for a dry sensitive skin condition.
All the ingredients were carefully picked by dermatologists to meet and deliver effective moisture and hydration for dry sensitive skin.
I however personally purchased the Cerave Cream! This is because it is the most popular and can be found pretty much everywhere.
Check out my honest review of the Cerave moisturizing cream below 🙂
*Cerave moisturizing cream product review
So, in brief, which one might be for you?
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- If you do suffer from very dry skin and marginally sensitive skin and looking for a product that does contain hyaluronic acid (one of the most powerful moisturizing agents for dry sensitive skin) then Cerave might be your answer. They also provide a smaller version of it! Check here.
- If you want to get a product that has been designed specifically for people that do suffer from dry sensitive skin and has all the crucial ingredients to fight the condition, but also want a thicker formula that delivers longer hydration, then you should consider the Vanicream moisturising cream.
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- If you however do have very sensitive skin and suffer from moderate or slightly dry skin and looking for a more affordable yet effective moisturiser, then the Cetaphil formula might be perfect for you.
Besides, whichever you decide to pick and give it a try, you will not get disappointed since they all deliver effective moisture, good hydration and protection into your skin. They are ranked among the best moisturiser for dry sensitive skin for a reason!
If you do however still have any doubts, please do not hesitate to write your question or concern in the comment down below. I will be more than happy to help you! 🙂
I do suffer from dry and sensitive skin, has been like that ever since I was a teen. I’ve tried multiple creams and moisturizers but nothing has helped me the way I wanted. I haven’t tried Cetaphil yet, but I have a feeling that this might actually help and prevent my skin from being itchy because of the dryness. Is this moisturizing cream also helpful for people who have psoriasis or is it not recommended?
Hi Stephanie. Definitely! Cetaphil is reported to provide good results from people who have psoriasis. Just make sure that you apply a generous amount of it.
Hell Lotta, thank you very much for this wonderful post. I was looking for a great moisturizer but I was wondering which one to choose. I have heard about cetaphil before but not the other two that you’ve mentioned in this article. Today I know which one to go with because of your article. I also needed one without any fragrance and you’ve highlighted that as a feature itself. Thanks again !!
you’re very welcome! I am pleased that you found the article useful!