best ingredients for dry skin

12 Best Ingredients for Dry Skin

Taking care of dry skin can be extremely difficult as it needs proper care and attention. This is especially due to the fact that dry skin simply lacks the normal range of moisture, and if left uncared for, can cause various skin issues. Do you know there are special ingredients for dry skin that are put in products to target dry skin problems? When buying skincare products, always keep an eye out for these ingredients. If they are present in a product that means it is good for dry skin. Even though some products may claim to be formulated for dry skin, the absence of all of these would mean it would not do very much or very well for your dry skin. 

Without proper care, dry skin can develop dry patches that flake off. These are from the lack of moisture and hydration. Moreover, it makes the skin itchy and on the face, the makeup does not go smoothly as it should. Probably you feel, dry skin develops a tight skin feeling, which is again caused by the absence or lack of hydration and moisture. Besides, dry skin needs to be cared for in every season, not just winter. In winter, it does need that extra kick of moisture but in every other season, it should be well hydrated and supple.

Let me guides you with a list of the best ingredients for dry skin

On the market, many products are available these days. And it comes as no surprise that the general public would purchase any product that says “for dry skin” at the front without checking its ingredients. So, make sure to see the ingredients and get information on why they are in the product before buying it. This is important in the procedure of protecting your skin and making it better. Just in case you are concerned about a certain product, you can consult with an expert.

Your routine of skincare for dry skin should include products that have these ingredients. The best moisturizer for dry skin would have ingredients from this list, so note them down for your next skincare shopping trip!

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is the equivalent to your skin drinking a ton of water. The reason being that it has to ability to hold 1000 times of its own molecular weight in water. It goes deep into the layers of the skin and binds molecules of water to the skin cells. This way, your skin gets hydrated deeply and becomes supple and boosted. Also, Hyaluronic acid seems to be the favorite skincare ingredient of so many generations and it is obviously for a very good reason. Its pure serum or cream product does not need a bunch of other products to be effective in hydrating the skin. Because It can work perfectly well on being layered with just one other product.

Another amazing benefit of Hyaluronic acid is that it is a humectant. Once it hydrates the topmost layer of the skin, it makes way for hydrogen bonding and goes on to attract more hydration from the outer environment. This makes the effect of its hydration last for a very long time.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is very heavily concentrated in fats and vitamins that are beneficial for the toning and moisturizing of the skin. Besides, it has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties which are highly valuable. Shea butter soothes the skin and is great to be applied as a moisturizer all over the body, hands, and feet. It acts as a protective layer over the skin. As it is made from shea tree’s nuts, it is naturally existing and smells great too on top of everything else. So, what’s not to love about this one?

  • Generally, it’s good. BUT Some people may react to Shea butter. So, If you have sensitive skin, test it on your arm before using it on your face.

Squalene

Squalene is a lipid that our skin makes naturally. But with age, its production level goes down. Therefore, it is added to the skincare products which benefit the skin in many ways. Squalene in skincare products is highly recommended for dry skin. It is a definite must-have in your skincare routine for dry skin. Not only Squalene makes the skin hydrated by boosting the hydrogen bonding but It also aids in the production of collagen. It helps with the skin being supple and healthy and overall, it makes the skin vibrant as well.

Glycerin

Glycerin is among the top ingredients of skincare products. It is extremely good for dry skin for a number of reasons. First, it acts as an emollient to nourish and moisturize the skin. Second, it creates a barrier of protection against the harsh environment. Third, it fights skin problems such as acne, skin irritation, dry patches and many more. You can feel the skin looks healthy and supple after the use of products with glycerin. 

Ceramides

Ceramides are the lipids existing naturally in the topmost layer of the skin. They keep the skin healthy, nourished and supple. But, in dry skin, the number of ceramides is reduced due to the harmful environment. To counterbalance this, products with ceramides were created. Seel the label of the cosmetic you buy and check if it has Ceramide NP. It replenishes the preexisting ceramides of the skin and further nourishes the skin as well. Furthermore, Ceramides strengthen the damaged skin barrier! Anyone looking for smooth and hydrated skin should go for products with ceramides in them. It further prevents water loss from the skin, thereby extending hydration and also helps fight skin aging as well.

Beta Glucan

Dry skin can be easily inflamed or irritated. It can get dry patches and the texture can be rough. If your skin is irritated, or you struggle with wrinkles and fine lines, then try to look for products that have Beta Glucan in them. This ingredient is basically a form of sugar, the polysaccharide, and is formed in cell walls. Beta-glucan soothes and calms the rough and irritated skin and helps to fill in and prevent aging skin issues.

Sodium PCA

Sodium PCA is not only used in formulations of skin care products but also hair conditioners as well. That is just how far this one goes to moisturize the skin and keep the moisture locked in. The Sodium PCA infuses the topmost layers of the skin and then continues to gather and draw in more and more hydration. It creates long-lasting hydration on the skin and it is also aimed at making the skin supple and soft. Moreover, it’s the key to make the skin smooth and soft to touch.

Arbutin

Arbutin is made up of berries and is an organic ingredient. Its main function is to brighten the skin tone by blocking the creation of the pigment that excessively darkens the skin. It evens out the skin tone and helps fight dark spots and eliminate them. Arbutin is a very good ingredient for use on dry skin as dark spots can be caused easily on dry skin. By use of products with Arbutin in them, the skin tone becomes clear and even, and overall, the skin becomes brighter.

Panthenol

Panthenol is a chemical ingredient, derived from Vitamin B-5 or pantothenic acid created from plant and animal sources as well. Easily you can find it in many food items and cosmetics. Panthenol functions to soothe red and irritated skin and it helps with sores and cuts on the skin. Products with panthenol are helpful with dry skin because dry skin can often be sensitive, and a calming and soothing product is needed to heal irritated skin. This one is perfect for that because it works great for dry skin.

Tocopherol

Tocopherol is an antioxidant, also the most effective form of Vitamin E. It is highly beneficial to have in your skincare for dry skin. It is created and naturally and artificially as well for example from food items etc. Applied topically, Tocopherol helps with skin inflammation and gives the skin a brighter, youthful appearance. In dry skin, it helps to moisturize the skin effectively and reduce the visible signs of skin aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, etc.

Butylene Glycol

Butylene glycol is a form of alcohol, often created from the use of distilled corn. It has properties of moisturizing the dry skin and aiding to keep that moisture locked in. Butylene glycol is present in acne treatments to give these products a moisturizing and soothing capability as acne treatment products can often be harsh. Furthermore, it improves the texture of the skin by conditioning it as well. This is good for dry skin.

Propylene Glycol

Another form of alcohol. Propylene glycol has a function of behaving as a humectant, which is super good for dry skin. It effectively coats and infuses in the skin’s top layers and then attracts further hydration from the surroundings. The skin becomes supple and hydrated after the use of products with propylene glycol and is not dry anymore. Also, It acts as an emollient which is great for dry skin too. It retains the moisture of the skin and preserves it for extended periods of time.

These are some of the best skincare ingredients for dry skin and one should look for these when buying products for your skincare routine. 

You may also like

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Clicking those links before you shop means that best k-beauty receives a small commission. Please see my full disclaimer for more information.

Scroll to Top