When the heating goes on and the temperature drops, a light summer lotion often stops being enough. This guide compares six moisturisers that are widely sold in Europe and often recommended for dry skin, based on what is in them and who they suit.
How we chose: this comparison is based on each product's published ingredients and the type of skin they are formulated for, not on lab testing. Formulas can change, so always check the current label. Read How We Research.
What to look for in a winter moisturiser
- Barrier ingredients such as ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids, which support the skin's protective layer.
- Humectants such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea and panthenol, which draw water into the skin.
- Occlusives such as petrolatum, shea butter or lanolin, which slow water loss in dry indoor air.
- Fragrance-free formulas if your skin stings or reddens easily.
Quick comparison
| Moisturiser | Key ingredients | Fragrance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CeraVe Moisturising Cream | Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free | Everyday dry face and body |
| La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ | Panthenol, madecassoside | Fragrance-free | Rough, irritated, chapped patches |
| Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS Face Cream 5% Urea | Urea, ceramides | Check label | Dry, tight, flaky facial skin |
| Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream | Lipid-replenishing complex | Fragrance-free | Very dry, easily itchy skin |
| Weleda Skin Food | Sunflower oil, lanolin, beeswax, plant extracts | Contains natural fragrance | Very dry hands, elbows and cheeks |
| Nivea Creme | Glycerin, mineral oil, lanolin alcohol | Fragranced | Budget all-rounder for body and hands |
The options in more detail
1. CeraVe Moisturising Cream: the everyday all-rounder
A thick but non-greasy cream built around ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It is fragrance-free and comes in large tubs and pumps, which makes it practical for both face and body. A sensible first choice if you simply want your skin to stop feeling tight.
2. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+: for rough and irritated patches
A rich balm with panthenol (provitamin B5). It is popular for chapped cheeks, around the nose during a cold, and dry patches on hands. It can feel heavy as an all-over face cream, so many people use it on problem areas or at night.
3. Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS Face Cream 5% Urea: for flaky skin
Urea is both a humectant and a gentle smoothing ingredient, so it suits skin that feels rough and flaky rather than just tight. If your skin is very sensitive or broken, urea can sting, so patch test first.
4. Avène XeraCalm A.D: for very dry, itchy skin
Designed for very dry skin that is prone to itching, with a minimal, fragrance-free formula. A good option if ordinary creams leave your skin uncomfortable. If you have diagnosed eczema, follow your doctor's or pharmacist's advice.
5. Weleda Skin Food: the classic rich balm
A thick, plant-oil based cream with lanolin and beeswax, famous for very dry hands, elbows and wind-burned cheeks. It contains natural fragrance from plant extracts, so it is not the best pick for reactive skin.
6. Nivea Creme: the budget classic
An inexpensive, widely available cream that works well as a protective layer for hands and body in freezing weather. It is fragranced and quite occlusive, so some people find it too heavy for the face.
How to choose in 30 seconds
- Just want comfortable skin, face and body: CeraVe Moisturising Cream.
- Red, chapped, sore patches: Cicaplast Baume B5+.
- Flaky and rough: Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 5% Urea.
- Very dry and itchy: Avène XeraCalm A.D.
- Hands and elbows in freezing wind: Weleda Skin Food or Nivea Creme.
How to get more from any moisturiser
- Apply to slightly damp skin within a few minutes of washing.
- Use a little more at night, when skin loses more water.
- Keep showers short and warm, not hot.
- Add a humidifier at home if the air feels very dry.
For the full routine, read our winter skincare guide. Before ordering from abroad, check delivery times, VAT and returns with our shipping and returns checklist.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. See a pharmacist or doctor if your skin cracks, bleeds or does not improve.
Where to shop
Want to compare more moisturisers? YesStyle stocks many Korean and Japanese creams with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and other barrier-friendly ingredients.
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