I have dry skin. Not occasionally -- always. The kind that feels tight within an hour of cleansing if I don't follow up fast enough. I've tested a lot of moisturisers over the years. Most did either nothing or temporarily patched the surface without fixing anything underneath. A few actually worked.
What I Look For
I always check for ceramides, a decent humectant (glycerin or hyaluronic acid), and no fragrance. Formulas that skip one of those layers usually don't last past the first hour. I also scan for alcohol denat. -- it strips the barrier and makes dryness worse over time.
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
The one I come back to. It's got three ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin -- plus MVE technology, which releases moisture gradually over hours rather than all at once. Fragrance-free. I've used it for years and pointed basically everyone who asks toward it.
Thick cream. Good at night or when your skin is particularly parched. Under SPF it can feel heavy -- depends on your skin.
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair
This is what I use in the morning. Lighter than CeraVe -- ceramides and niacinamide, sits under SPF without pilling. The niacinamide takes a few weeks to show up, but it does make a difference to how balanced my skin feels.
If CeraVe is too much for daytime, this is the switch.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Neutrogena Hydro Boost
Completely different texture -- a gel. Sinks in fast, no heavy layer on top. I don't reach for it in deep winter but it's good for warmer months or mild dryness. Lighter than the other two.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Applying It
I put moisturiser on straight after cleansing, skin not quite dry. That small difference helps it absorb rather than just sit on top. At night I sometimes do a second thin layer if my skin's been particularly dry.
Where to Start
If you're not sure, start with CeraVe. Too thick for daytime? La Roche-Posay Toleriane for mornings. Ceramides and no fragrance -- those two things filter out most of what won't work.