Dry Skin Care
In short
For dry skin the goal is to draw moisture into the skin, repair the barrier and reduce water loss. Hyaluronic acid binds water, ceramide and panthenol repair the barrier, centella soothes. Avoiding drying harsh detergents (SLS) and high levels of volatile alcohol is an important part of keeping moisture.
Which ingredients help?
Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin draw water into the skin; ceramide and panthenol repair the barrier and lock that moisture in; centella soothes irritation. The most effective approach is applying a humectant to damp skin and sealing it with an occlusive moisturizer on top.
What to avoid
Harsh sulfate detergents (SLS) can strip too much of the skin's natural oil and increase dryness. A high level of volatile alcohol (Alcohol Denat.) near the top of the list can stress the barrier. Long washes with very hot water and heavily fragranced products also challenge dry skin. Fatty alcohols like cetyl/stearyl are the opposite, moisturizing, so there is no need to avoid them.
A practical routine
A gentle, sulfate-free cleanser; a humectant serum on damp skin; a rich ceramide moisturizer on top; sunscreen during the day. Switching to more occlusive products in winter is normal. Scanning a product to spot drying ingredients in advance makes it easier to choose what suits dry skin.
Ingredients that help
Ingredients to watch
Basics and lists
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Start scanningFrequently asked
What is the key ingredient for dry skin?
Not a single ingredient, but a trio working together: a humectant (hyaluronic acid), a barrier repairer (ceramide) and an occlusive moisturizer.
Does alcohol in cosmetics dry out dry skin?
A high level of volatile alcohol (Alcohol Denat.) can dry it; but fatty alcohols like cetyl/stearyl are moisturizing, do not confuse the two.
How should I use hyaluronic acid?
Apply to damp skin and seal with a moisturizer; using it alone on dry skin can sometimes feel drying.
This page is for general information; it is not a substitute for medical/dietary advice. Personal suitability varies by skin type, allergies and health status.