Best Moisturisers for Dry Skin in the UK 2025 – Affordable & Dermatologist-Approved Picks
Dry skin can be a daily struggle — especially in the UK, where cold winds, central heating, and damp weather can all strip moisture from your skin. The good news? The right moisturiser can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best moisturisers for dry skin in 2025, all affordable, dermatologist-approved, and available to buy in the UK.
🧴 What Makes a Good Moisturiser for Dry Skin?
According to dermatologists, a great moisturiser should combine:
Humectants – attract water into the skin (e.g. hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea)
Emollients – smooth and soften the skin (e.g. ceramides, squalane, fatty acids)
Occlusives – lock in hydration (e.g. petrolatum, dimethicone, shea butter)
💡 Pro Tip: Apply your moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp to seal in moisture more effectively.
⭐ Best Affordable Moisturisers for Dry Skin (UK, 2025)
Here’s our top list of budget-friendly and dermatologist-approved moisturisers you can find in the UK this year. Each one is highly rated, fragrance-free, and perfect for keeping your skin hydrated and comfortable.
1. 🧴 CeraVe Moisturising Cream
💰 Price: ~£12.39
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5, 95K+ reviews)
Best for: Very dry, sensitive, or mature skin
A cult favourite for a reason. CeraVe’s Moisturising Cream is rich yet non-greasy and packed with ceramides + hyaluronic acid to restore your skin barrier. It’s suitable for face and body and approved by dermatologists worldwide.
✅ Why We Love It: Deep hydration, fragrance-free, suitable for eczema-prone skin.
2. 💧 Byoma Moisturising Gel Cream
💰 Price: ~£9.59
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5)
Best for: Combination-dry skin or layering
A modern, lightweight gel-cream enriched with ceramides and niacinamide to support your skin barrier. Perfect under makeup or as a daily hydrator if you prefer a fresh, non-heavy texture.
3. 🧼 Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion
💰 Price: ~£8.00
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5, 66K+ reviews)
Best for: Sensitive, eczema-prone skin
A dermatologist-trusted classic. Cetaphil’s lotion is lightweight but nourishing, offering all-day hydration without clogging pores.
💡 Great for layering under sunscreen or makeup.
4. 💸 E45 Cream for Dry Skin
💰 Price: ~£4.50
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5)
Best for: Very dry, flaky, or irritated skin
A UK pharmacy staple, E45 Cream is affordable and effective. It’s rich in emollients and helps soothe and protect dry, chapped skin.
🧴 Use it on hands, elbows, and legs too.
🛒 Shop on Amazon UK
5. 🌿 The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
💰 Price: ~£6.10
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5, 41K+ reviews)
Best for: Layering with serums
This budget-friendly moisturiser contains amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides — all essentials for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Great for minimalists or layering under richer creams.
6. 💧 CeraVe Moisturising Lotion
💰 Price: ~£17.48
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5)
Best for: Everyday hydration
The lighter sister of CeraVe’s cream. It’s a great daytime option that sinks in quickly while still delivering long-lasting moisture.
7. 💙 Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream
💰 Price: ~£19.50
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5)
Best for: Dehydrated, dull skin
A premium pick that feels luxurious. Powered by Blue Hyaluronic Acid, it deeply hydrates and smooths skin, leaving it plump and soft.
🛒 Shop on Space NK or Amazon UK
8. 💦 Vichy Mineral 89 72H Moisture Boosting Cream
💰 Price: ~£18.38
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5)
Best for: Mid-weight daily hydration
Infused with Vichy Mineralizing Water and hyaluronic acid, this dermatologist-tested cream strengthens your skin barrier and delivers up to 72 hours of hydration.
🧴 How to Use These Moisturisers in a Dry Skin Routine
| Time | Step | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Cleanse → Hydrating serum (optional) → Moisturiser → SPF | Layer light lotion + sunscreen |
| Evening | Gentle cleanse → Treatment (optional) → Rich cream | Try “slugging” with Vaseline on very dry days |
| Weekly | Exfoliate (gentle) → Moisturiser | Avoid harsh scrubs or alcohol-based toners |
💤 Nighttime tip: Heavier creams like CeraVe Moisturising Cream or E45 work best before bed.
💡 Why Moisturiser Matters More Than Ever in 2025
Between harsher weather patterns, increased screen time, and more time spent in climate-controlled environments, modern dry skin needs more than just basic hydration. Dermatologists in 2025 emphasise barrier repair as a key focus — meaning formulas rich in ceramides, lipids, niacinamide, and humectants like hyaluronic acid. These ingredients don’t just make skin feel softer; they actively restore balance and resilience, helping your skin retain moisture longer and stay calm against irritation, pollution, and blue light exposure.
So, if you’re struggling with tightness, flaking, or dullness, it’s not just about adding water back in — it’s about locking it in and rebuilding your skin’s defences.
✨ Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get glowing, hydrated skin — many of the best moisturisers for dry skin in 2025 are under £20 and easily available in the UK. Stick to gentle, barrier-boosting ingredients, and consistency will pay off.
Whether you go for a rich classic like CeraVe, a lightweight gel like Byoma, or a pharmacy favourite like E45, your skin will thank you.
