17 Must-Have Hydrating Products People Swear by in Cold Weather

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CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

 

Price: $15–$25

This gentle cleanser is designed for normal to dry skin and works well as part of a cold‑weather skin‑care routine. Instead of stripping away natural oils, it cleanses while helping retain moisture in the outer layer of skin. That feature is especially helpful during cold months when frequent washing or showering might otherwise leave skintight or dry. After cleansing with this, skin often feels softer and more comfortable rather than cracked or irritated.

It also offers a good base for applying moisturizers or serums afterward since it doesn’t leave residue that competes with hydration products. Using a gentle cleanser like this can reduce seasonal dryness and help preserve the natural skin barrier. In colder seasons combining this with a hydrating moisturizer can keep skin balanced and healthy.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Price: $20 for 1.7 oz

Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel is a popular choice for those looking for lightweight hydration during the colder months. Its gel texture absorbs quickly, providing instant moisture without leaving a heavy, greasy feeling. The formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid, which helps draw moisture into the skin and keep it hydrated for longer periods.

Many users find this product to be a great option for daytime use, as it sits well under makeup while keeping skin plump and smooth. It’s especially effective for those who experience tightness and dryness due to indoor heating or cold, dry air. For people with oily or combination skin, this gel provides the perfect balance of hydration without clogging pores.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Price: $10 for 3.5 oz

Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a must-have for anyone dealing with extremely dry, cracked skin during the winter months. This versatile ointment creates a barrier that locks in moisture and protects the skin from further dryness and irritation. It’s particularly useful for rough patches, chapped lips, and cracked hands, which are common complaints during cold weather.

The formula is rich and soothing, helping to heal damaged skin while preventing further moisture loss. Many users apply it overnight as a treatment for dry, damaged areas, waking up to noticeably softer and smoother skin. It is fragrance-free and safe for all skin types, making it a reliable go-to for those with sensitive skin.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Price: $25 for 70 ml

Laneige’s Water Sleeping Mask is a favorite for anyone looking to rehydrate and revitalize their skin overnight. This overnight mask delivers a burst of hydration, leaving the skin feeling soft and refreshed by morning. The formula uses hydro-ionized mineral water to deeply hydrate and lock in moisture while you sleep, making it ideal for those who struggle with dry skin in the winter. It also contains evening primrose extract, which helps soothe and restore skin’s natural balance.

The lightweight, gel-like texture feels refreshing, and many users appreciate how it works as an extra step in their nighttime routine. This mask is perfect for those with dry or dehydrated skin who want to wake up to smooth, glowing skin, even in the coldest weather.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

Price: $32 for 1.7 oz

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is a highly recommended moisturizer for its rich yet non-greasy formula that provides long-lasting hydration, making it ideal for cold weather. It contains glacial glycoprotein, which helps skin retain moisture and prevents dryness, even in extreme conditions. Many users appreciate how this cream keeps their skin soft and balanced throughout the day without feeling heavy or clogging pores.

It works well for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is effective even when the weather is particularly harsh. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling smooth, supple, and nourished. For those who spend time outdoors in cold weather, this cream offers a protective layer that prevents moisture loss and keeps skin comfortable.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Price: $36 for 6 oz

First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream is a deeply hydrating moisturizer perfect for dry, cracked skin in the winter months. It’s enriched with colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and ceramides, which help restore skin’s moisture barrier and provide lasting hydration. The rich cream helps soothe irritation, reduce redness, and calm skin that has been exposed to harsh elements like wind and cold air.

Many people find it to be a lifesaver for areas like elbows, knees, and hands, which tend to get rough and dry during the colder months. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy finish and provides comfort throughout the day. Its fragrance-free formula makes it suitable for those with sensitive skin, and it can be used both on the face and body.

Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream

Price: $10 for 16 oz

Eucerin’s Advanced Repair Cream is perfect for anyone struggling with extra-dry skin, as it works to repair and replenish skin’s moisture reserves. This rich, non-greasy formula is infused with ceramides and natural moisturizing factors, which help to keep skin hydrated while improving its texture. Many people turn to this cream during the winter months when their skin feels rough, tight, or cracked.

It provides long-lasting hydration without causing irritation or breakouts, making it ideal for both the face and body. The formula is suitable for daily use, helping to restore a healthy, soft appearance to skin even in the harshest conditions. Over time, it helps improve skin’s resilience and reduces the appearance of dry patches.

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

Price: $68 for 50 ml

Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream is a luxurious moisturizer that offers deep hydration and a glowing finish, making it a perfect pick for winter. It’s formulated with Japanese purple rice, which helps lock in moisture and give skin a radiant, dewy look. The rich cream is ideal for those with dry or dull skin that needs an extra boost of hydration to combat the cold, dry air. Many users find that it leaves their skin feeling soft and nourished, without feeling heavy or greasy.

The luxurious texture is ideal for nighttime use but can also be applied in the morning for an added glow under makeup. It is also infused with botanicals that help soothe and hydrate, making it an excellent option for sensitive skin. For anyone wanting to keep their skin looking healthy and hydrated in cold weather, this is an excellent choice.

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream

Price: $48 for 50 ml

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream is known for its ability to provide intense hydration and repair the skin’s barrier, making it ideal for winter use. This rich cream is formulated with a blend of ceramides that help lock in moisture and improve skin elasticity. It’s perfect for those who have dry or compromised skin and need extra protection from the harsh cold weather. Many users notice their skin becoming softer and more resilient after consistent use.

The cream is rich and nourishing but absorbs easily, making it suitable for both daytime and nighttime use. It’s especially beneficial for people living in colder climates where skin tends to dry out quickly. This cream helps to maintain moisture levels and improve skin texture, making it a winter essential.

Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume

Price: about $25 for 200 ml

This balm is often recommended for people whose skin becomes very dry or itchy during cold or dry seasons. Its rich, creamy texture helps the skin retain water and relieves tightness that comes with low humidity or indoor heating. Many users report noticeable reduction in rough patches and a smoother, more comfortable feel after repeated use.

It works well on both face and body, which makes it a convenient all-in-one product when weather starts to dry out skin. The formula tends to be gentle enough for sensitive skin while still providing enough hydration to counteract winter’s dehydrating effects. Overnight application can be especially soothing when skin feels parched.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream

Price: about $30 for 50 ml

This cream is designed to deliver deep hydration when the air gets cold and dry. Its blend of mineral‑rich thermal water and hydrating agents helps the skin maintain moisture barrier and stay supple through the day. For many people it prevents the flaky, tight sensation that often comes with winter air or indoor heating.

The texture is richer than a gel but still absorbs without oily residue, making it suitable for daily use even under makeup. Those with normal to dry skin often find it helpful when moving from cold outdoor air into heated indoor spaces. With regular use hydration seems to last longer compared to lighter moisturizers.

La Roche‑Posay Toleraine Ultra Cream

Price: about $38 for 40 ml

Toleraine Ultra Cream is known for its gentle, soothing hydration that is well suited for sensitive skin exposed to harsh cold weather. Its simple formulation avoids irritants while giving enough moisture to prevent dryness or tightness caused by cold air. Many users notice a calming effect after application, especially when skin feels irritated from wind or sudden temperature changes.

It absorbs well and does not leave a heavy or greasy film which makes it comfortable for everyday use. It can serve as a reliable daily moisturizer when the weather gets colder and skin tends to get dry or reactive. For those prone to redness or sensitivity, this cream offers a mild but effective hydrating solution.

Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream with Clary Sage

Price: about $24 for 50 ml

This night cream is popular among people looking for a more natural‑leaning moisturizer to counter dry, cold air. Its formula uses plant-based oils and extracts that help replenish moisture while you sleep. Many users appreciate how their skin wakes up feeling softened and refreshed instead of tight or flaky.

It tends to work well on normal to dry skin and helps reduce the roughness or dryness that builds up during a cold day. The relatively rich but comfortable texture makes it suitable for nighttime use when skin can regenerate and absorb nutrients better. For those who prefer products with fewer synthetic components yet effective hydration this one stands out during cold seasons.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Price: about $14 for 18 oz

This lotion is widely used in colder months as an affordable but effective full‑body moisturizer. Its formula uses colloidal oatmeal and emollients that help skin lock in moisture and resist dryness caused by cold air or indoor heating. Many people apply it right after a shower while skin is slightly damp to seal in moisture more effectively.

Regular use helps prevent rough patches and reduces the feeling of tight, dry skin across arms and legs. Its light but nourishing texture makes it suitable for daily use even if skin does not feel severely dry. For those looking for a reliable body lotion that helps maintain hydration throughout winter this lotion offers good results at a modest price.

Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich

Price: about $28 for 50 ml

This moisturizer stands out among beauty lovers who want hydration that layers well under makeup during cold months. Its texture feels rich yet smooth which helps skin stay soft and balanced even when outside air is dry and indoor heating is frequent. Users often find that it prevents their makeup from clinging to dry patches by keeping skin hydrated underneath.

It provides a good blend of moisture and lightweight finish that feels comfortable throughout the day. For those who want a moisturizer that works both as a prep under makeup and as a daily hydrating cream this is often recommended. Skin tends to stay supple instead of flaky even if the weather remains chilly and dry.

Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream

Price: about $48 for 50 ml

This cream is praised by many for its rich moisture‑rich formula which is ideal for cold weather. It uses a mix of nourishing oils and plant lipids that help replenish lost moisture and support skin softness. For those whose skin becomes dry, rough or tight during winter this cream offers deep hydration and relief.

The whipped texture spreads easily and absorbs without leaving heavy greasiness which makes it suitable even for daily use. Many users apply it at night but it can also work during daytime under lighter products. After regular use skin often feels softer, more comfortable and less prone to dryness or irritation.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

Price: about $6 for 2 oz

Cold air and indoor heating especially affect hands which often become dry, cracked or rough. This hand cream is made to tackle those symptoms by delivering intense moisture and protection to hands frequently exposed to cold or dry air. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around for frequent reapplication when going outside or returning indoors.

Many users notice softened skin and relief from tightness and cracking even with regular outdoor exposure in winter. Its formula tends to absorb well without leaving greasy residue which makes it practical for everyday use. For people who do a lot of hand‑washing or spend time outside in chilly weather this hand cream remains a helpful and affordable hydrating option.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.