Best Ingredients to Look For in Cleansers and Moisturizers for Dry and Dehydrated Skin 

There are some ingredients you should look for in a facial cleanser or moisturizer to help prevent dry and dehydrated skin.

Glycerin

Glycerin has the ability to attract and retain moisture from the environment. When applied to the skin, glycerin draws water molecules from the surrounding air and helps to bind them to the skin's surface, where it forms a thin layer to prevent water loss. Glycerin also has the ability to penetrate the skin's outermost layer and draw water into the skin.(3)

Glycerin is a main ingredient in many moisturizers, such as Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser. This gentle skin cleanser helps promote a smoother, healthier-looking complexion.(3) You can boost your moisturization by using a deep long-time hydration serum that also contains glycerin, such as Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is another naturally occuring, ingredient of many moisturizers and excellent for your skin. This skincare ingredient is able to attract and retain water. By penetrating the skin's surface layers, hyaluronic acid helps to keep the skin hydrated.(3) View all Cetaphil products which contain hyaluronic acid.

Urea

Urea is another natural component of the skin and part of the skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMF), which is responsible for ensuring sufficient hydration of the skin by attracting water from the atmosphere and the environment and binding it to the layers of the skin.(1,4)

Products like Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion and Cetaphil Daily Smoothing Moisturizer for Rough and Bumpy Skin include urea. Moreover, urea has exfoliating and softening properties, which in turn helps to improve the skin's texture, making it smoother and more receptive to moisturizers. Overall, urea is one of the best ingredients in moisturizers for dry skin.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential vitamin for the skin that comes with a range of beneficial properties. Niacinamide acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect the skin from environmental damage. Niacinamide boosts the skin's protective barrier, reduces water loss, and helps to improve the skin's ability to retain moisture.(5)

Including niacinamide in skincare routines, by using products like Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion and Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, can improve the overall appearance of your skin, giving it a more radiant look.

Shea butter

Shea butter has intense moisturizing properties and an ability to restore and supplement the skin's natural barrier, making it one of the best ingredients for dry skin. Derived from the nuts of the shea tree, it acts as an emollient, locking in moisture to your skin and preventing water loss.

Shea butter also is rich in vitamins, and antioxidants like vitamins A and E, that benefit and nourish the skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and protected from dryness.6

Try Cetaphil Advanced Relief Lotion With Shea Butter, which also contain niacinamide and panthenol (vitamin B5).

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a plant known for its soothing properties and is widely used in skincare products as a natural moisturizer. Its high water content helps to hydrate skin and replenish moisture by forming a barrier on the skin's surface. Aloe vera also contains various vitamins and minerals that support the skin.(7)

Try Cetaphil Soothing Gel Cream With Aloe Vera, to benefit from its 24-hour moisturization.

Tocopherol

Tocopherol, commonly known as vitamin E, is an important nutrient for the skin as some studies have shown that it has moisturizing benefits and may help improve your skin's natural barrier.(8)

Look out for Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Absorbing Moisturizer and Cetaphil Restoraderm Soothing Moisturizer which are both formulated with a blend of moisturizing ingredients, including tocopherol, to replenish and soothe your skin with long-term hydration.