The 8 Best Skin Care Products to Fight Winter Dryness

A woman with Dream Eye cream under her eye, an open jar of Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter, and The Cure collection.

‘Tis the season of dry skin, lips, hair, and everything else. Time to restock those bathroom shelves with the best moisturizer to keep that flaky, dry skin off your nose! If you’re unsure which product would be best for your skin, we’ll help you figure it out.

Winter air lacks humidity, which means it quickly zaps the moisture right out of your skin and hair. Even if you don’t venture out into the cold that much, indoor heating systems have the same effect.

This is why, in wintertime, it’s more important than ever to boost the hydration in your skin and hair. If you’re unsure which products would be best, or if you’re just on the hunt for a new one to try, our list is sure to point you in the right direction.

Best Body Cream: Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil

An open container of body butter against a pink background.

Using a moisturizer on your body is a good idea year-round, but it’s especially important in winter. The dry cold air outside and dry heat in your house can lead to itchy, irritated, and even flaky skin.

This season, reach for a moisturizer that’s a little extra luxe to combat those effects. Josie Maran’s decadent moisturizer is infused with argan oil for a natural source of hydration. It comes in several amazing scents, like Vanilla Apricot and Sweet Citrus, as well as an unscented version.

Best for Face: Burt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Mask

Three tubes of Burt's Bees' exfoliating, detoxifying, and hydrating masks.

The sensitive skin of the face needs special attention, especially at this time of year. You’ll definitely want to use a facial moisturizer, but sometimes, that’s not enough.

Burt’s Bees has you covered with its hydrating overnight face mask. You can use it daily or just as a special treatment whenever your skin is overly dry. This mask works in just 10 minutes, but you can leave it on overnight, as well.

Best for Lips: Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm

Three tubes of Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm.

Your lips are even more sensitive than the rest of your face, so it’s important to keep them covered with a protective lip balm during winter. A high-quality balm will help you kiss chapped lips goodbye for good!

Jack Black’s Intense Therapy Balm is a favorite for a reason. Its naturally hydrating ingredients include avocado and shea butter. Not only will it protect your lips from dryness, but it also has an SPF of 25 to prevent any additional irritation from the sun (yes, you also need an SPF in the winter). This variety pack includes three flavors: Shea Butter, Natural Mint, and Pineapple Mint.

Best for Eyes: Youth to the People Dream Eye Cream

Two containers of eye cream, one open and one closed, next to dried goji berries.

Like your lips, the skin around your eyes is uniquely sensitive. Even if it doesn’t look dry or irritated, you should treat this area with special care during winter. The right product can make your eyes look fresh and wide awake, no matter how late your night was.

Youth to the People’s Dream Eye Cream works magic overnight and keeps the skin around your eyes looking smooth and hydrated. The lush texture feels good on your skin and is easy to apply.

Best for Hands & Feet: O’Keeffe’s Foot & Hand Creams

A container of hand cream and a container of foot cream on a white background.

In the winter, your hands and feet tend to also suffer from more intense dryness and irritation. Washing your hands often is a necessity, especially in the winter during cold and flu season. Unfortunately, it also dries your skin out faster.

Meanwhile, your feet face everyday wear and tear from just walking around, which can lead to rough, dry, or even cracked skin. Add the cold air and those chafing snow boots to the equation, and you’ve got several months that can really wreak some havoc on your heels, soles, and toes.

However, this cream duo from O’Keeffe’s will prevent and even repair all these winter-skin woes. Their highly concentrated formulas deliver extra hydration right where it’s needed, and help keep your hands and feet moisturized and smooth.

Best for Nails: Deborah Lippmann The Cure

 

Someone applying cuticle cream around a fingernail.

In addition to dry hands and feet, you might notice your nails and cuticles are also dry and brittle this time of year.

This cuticle treatment cream by Deborah Lippmann is the perfect solution for dry, rough cuticles and nails. It contains natural ingredients, like shea butter and red algae, for fast results. Just massage it onto your nails and cuticles as needed.

Best for Hair: MoroccanOil Intense Hydrating Mask

A jar of MoroccanOil Intense Hydrating Hair mask.

If winter weather has left you with dry, frizzy, or damaged hair, a treatment mask can help smooth things out. Use it once or twice a week for just five minutes, and you’ll soon see the results.

This option is best for medium-to-thick hair, which tends to be the most prone to dryness. Rich ingredients, like argan oil, deliver the moisture your hair so desperately needs in winter, while MoroccanOil’s signature scent will make you feel like you’re getting a luxe spa treatment.

Best for Everywhere: Rituel de Fille Smoke Salve

Someone holding a tin of Rituel de Fille Universal Skin Balm and the tin with the top removed.

When you have to buy specific products for every area of your body, it can get expensive real fast. That’s why it’s a good idea to have an all-over hydrator on hand, as well. A universal balm can hydrate hands, lips, cuticles, and other areas as needed, so it’s ideal to stash in your car or bag to use on the go.

Rituel de Fille’s Smoke Salve is a luxurious, yet effective, solution to dry skin all over your body. You can even use it on your delicate eye area. Plus, it has a subtle, delicious unisex scent derived from beeswax and vetiver oil.


If you live in a seasonal climate, that cold winter air can really dry out your skin. However, if you slather on any of these super-hydrating products, you can say goodbye to that dry, itchy, irritating skin.

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