Dry skin can feel tight, rough, and uncomfortable. The right ingredients help restore hydration, lock in moisture, and repair the skin’s natural barrier. Here’s a guide to what to look for in your skincare products.

1. Humectants: Draw Moisture into the Skin

Humectants attract water from the environment into the skin.

• Hyaluronic acid – Holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Ideal for deep hydration.
• Glycerin – Pulls moisture into the skin and keeps it soft.
• Aloe vera – Soothes dry, irritated skin while providing hydration.

2. Emollients: Smooth and Soften

Emollients fill in the gaps between skin cells to make skin feel soft and smooth.

• Squalane – Lightweight oil that mimics your skin’s natural oils.
• Shea butter – Rich and nourishing, perfect for very dry areas.
• Jojoba oil – Closely resembles natural skin oils, making it gentle and hydrating.
• Caprylic/capric triglycerides – Derived from coconut oil, helps lock in moisture. 

3. Occlusives: Lock in Moisture

Occlusives create a barrier on the skin to prevent water loss.

• Petrolatum – Forms a protective layer to retain moisture.
• Beeswax – Shields skin from dryness.
• Dimethicone – Silicone-based barrier that keeps hydration in. 

4. Barrier-Repairing Ingredients

A healthy skin barrier prevents water loss and protects against irritation. 

• Ceramides – Restore the lipid barrier for stronger, hydrated skin.
• Fatty acids (linoleic, oleic acid) – Support skin structure and moisture retention.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – Strengthens the barrier and improves hydration. 

5. Soothing and Calming Ingredients

Dry skin is often sensitive or inflamed. These ingredients calm irritation. 

• Panthenol (Vitamin B5) – Hydrates and soothes dry, itchy skin.
• Oat extract / colloidal oatmeal – Reduces dryness and irritation.

Tips for Using Dry Skin Ingredients

• Apply products in order from lightest to heaviest: serums first, creams or oils last.
• Moisturise immediately after cleansing to lock in water.
• Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol heavy toners, and strong exfoliants that strip natural oils.

Choosing products with these ingredients helps relieve dryness, improve texture, and maintain a healthy, comfortable skin barrier. Consistency is key small changes in your routine make a big difference.