Our top-rated anti-dryness skincare products, approved by our experts

Dry skin begins with a deterioration of the skin barrier. As it becomes less impermeable, it struggles to regulate water loss from the deeper layers of the skin into the ambient air. The skin thus gradually loses its NMFs, or natural moisturising factors, which ensure the hygroscopicity of the stratum corneum. This disruption compromises the skin’s biological activity, particularly in relation to aquaporins, proteins involved in the transport of water between epidermal cells. The result: the skin slowly but surely dries out, flakes and becomes rough. Apart from factors associated with certain medical conditions and medications, there are three main causes of this deterioration in the skin barrier’s protective efficacy.

1. An unsuitable skincare routine: repeated rubbing, cleansers that are too harsh or the use of water that is too hot during your skincare routine can dissolve the lipids that make up the outermost layer of the epidermis. Scientists agree that the use of so-called ‘stripping’ cleansers tends to increase insensible water loss (1)

2. Skin ageing: as we age, the skin produces less sebum and loses much of its ability to defend itself effectively against factors that cause dehydration. This is why mature skin is often dry, and vice versa, as skin that is not properly moisturised is also skin that shows signs of ageing more quickly

3. An unbalanced diet : what you eat (and what you do not eat in sufficient quantities) also has an impact on the skin’s hydration levels. Several studies have shown that deficiencies in linoleic acid (a polyunsaturated fatty acid), calcium and vitamin C can all disrupt the homeostasis of the skin barrier (2).

Dry skin and very dry skin are particularly demanding and often difficult to satisfy. Whilst a cleverly formulated product remains essential for restoring comfort, softness and suppleness, it is probably even more important to incorporate it into a rigorous routine, where every little daily step is designed to maximise its benefits.

This list of the 10 top-rated skincare products for dry skin features a high proportion of plant-based oils. Naturally rich in fatty acids and bioactive compounds, they combine emollient properties with varying degrees of film-forming action, making them essential in cases of dry skin. They strengthen the lipid phase of the hydrolipid film, which is often compromised. Certain oils that are particularly compatible with the skin’s surface can also ‘mimic’ the lipid cement that holds the cells together, thereby filling the intercellular gaps that may promote the evaporation of deep moisture.

Active ingredient: Phytosterol concentrate. It strengthens the protective barrier whilst soothing delicate skin that lacks comfort. 100% plant-based, phytosterols help maintain the structure and membrane function of cells and play a regulatory role in inflammatory processes. When incorporated into your recipes for restorative balms or anti-ageing creams, they promote skin hydration. Dosage: 1–5 per cent of the total weight of your formulation.

Skin Repair Active. This active ingredient has been proven effective in restructuring the skin barrier. When incorporated into a face cream or body lotion formula, it improves the skin’s resistance to external aggressors. A must-have for dry, mature-looking skin, it restores a firmer appearance thanks to its effect on collagen synthesis. 100% natural (organic wild Acanthus extract from Auvergne), sourced in France. Dosage: 2 per cent of the total weight of your formulation.

Rich Vegan Collagen & Spilanthes Cream. Proven effectiveness against 8 signs of ageing: dryness, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, sagging skin, dull complexion, loss of firmness, loss of elasticity and loss of density. Ideal for dry skin: it contains a blend of hyaluronic acid and camellia oil that provides intense, long-lasting hydration. A velvety texture that absorbs quickly, without leaving a greasy residue. A 100% naturally derived, vegan, certified organic formula, made in France.

Oat & Ceramide NP Lipid-Restoring Balm. Proven effectiveness once again: reduces dryness, soothes redness and itching, and strengthens the skin barrier. This high-tolerance balm is ideal for dry, atopic-prone skin across the whole family, including babies from birth, pregnant women and breastfeeding women. Soft and velvety finish. Dermatologically tested, 100% natural, certified organic, vegan, made in France.

Avocado Butter. This plant-based butter is made from cold-pressed organic avocado oil, natural vitamin E derived from sunflower oil, and a fraction derived from olive oil. Its rich, creamy consistency is ideal for creating skincare products with a velvety texture. Intensely nourishing, revitalising and protective, it is naturally rich in phytosterols and antioxidants. 100 per cent natural, made without palm oil and without hydrogenation.

Organic Sweet Almond Oil. Rich in oleic acid and phytosterols, this plant-based oil protects the skin from dryness whilst leaving it feeling velvety soft. With its emollient and softening properties, it is ideal for creating silky massage oils or ‘cocoon’ creams designed for dry skin. Sourced from Sicilian almonds, 100% pure and natural, virgin, first cold-pressed, certified organic by Ecocert Greenlife in accordance with the Ecocert standard, and awarded the Aroma-Zone ‘Exceptional Product’ label.

Wheat Germ Oil. Nourishing, rich and highly emollient, this plant-based oil is a must-have for dry, flaky or tight skin. Its thick texture envelops the skin in a protective cocoon with a velvety feel. A source of antioxidants, it helps combat the signs of ageing, particularly loss of firmness. An added bonus: its natural, cereal-like scent. 100% pure and natural, virgin, first cold-pressed, sourced from Europe.

Oat oil. This plant-based oil is an exceptional source of ceramides and phytosterols. Thanks to its remarkable compatibility with the skin’s surface, it strengthens the skin’s lipid barrier and supports its natural repair process. Particularly suitable for dry to very dry skin, this rich source of omega-6 is also ideal for sensitive skin, whether applied on its own or as part of an oil-based formulation. 100% pure and natural, sourced in Europe.

Organic Moroccan Argan Oil. Rich in omega-9 and antioxidants, it is renowned for its benefits in caring for dry, wrinkled or lacklustre skin. It is, in fact, an ultra-nourishing plant-based oil that helps maintain the skin’s moisture and elasticity. Use it undiluted as a serum (1–2 drops), as a day or night treatment (3–4 drops) or customised (fat-soluble active ingredient, essential oil, fragrance). 100% pure and natural, produced in Morocco by women’s cooperatives, certified organic, and labelled ‘Product of Excellence’ by our teams.

Organic Aloe vera gel. Don’t be misled by its remarkable ability to penetrate the skin: it creates a highly protective film on the skin’s surface, ideal for counteracting the skin’s natural water loss. You can use it undiluted all over your face, as well as on your body and hair. A 100% natural product, made in France and certified organic. Guaranteed concentration of aloeverose (>1200 mg/L) for exceptional restorative properties. Remember to store this product in the fridge between uses.

Offering honest accounts of the challenges that can come with living with dry skin, the reviews below clearly demonstrate that natural active ingredients and formulas that are both simple and transparent can make all the difference to skin comfort.

“Easy to use. I heat it up with coconut oil to make my own body lotion, as a replacement for glycerine. The lotion absorbs well without feeling sticky; after 8 days, my skin feels more supple.” About the active ingredient: Phytosterol Concentrate

“I love the texture of this cream; it’s very pleasant, absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy. What’s more, as someone with very dry skin, I don’t even need to use much or reapply it during the day – and that’s a real bonus.” About the Vegan Collagen & Spilanthes Rich Cream

My favourite butter!!! I use it all the time. I have dry, tight skin, but it hasn’t felt tight at all since I started using it. I apply it after my day or night cream to the driest areas and it’s perfect. I can’t do without this brilliant butter now. Thank you.” About the Avocado Butter

Our Biochemistry and Natural Active Ingredients Engineer, Emilie Ondet

"The skin, whether dry or oily, remains an organ in its own right. It is alive and, in that sense, its condition is never truly static. Much of its biological activity follows a circadian rhythm (a 24-hour cycle). Adopting two distinct routines – one for the morning and one for the evening – therefore makes perfect sense. If you have dry skin, bear in mind that the permeability of your skin barrier increases in the evening (6). In other words, it’s in your best interests to use a night cream that forms a much thicker film than your day cream, precisely to compensate for this physiological permeability. Overall, try to adapt as much as possible to the changes in your skin. The seasons also have an impact: in winter, our skin has fewer lipids on its surface to protect itself (7). Here too, restructuring agents, occlusives and film-forming agents are your best allies for maintaining your skin’s comfort."

Our naturopath, Lou Dumas

"If your skin is still very dry despite your best efforts, consider adopting a holistic routine, particularly by incorporating dietary supplements to support the effectiveness of your topical skincare products. Capsules containing plant oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids – specifically borage and evening primrose – appear to reduce water loss from the skin, whilst simultaneously improving skin hydration (2). Supplementation with hydrolysed collagen, for example in the form of an enriched drink, could also be beneficial for optimising your hydration levels (8), as could taking probiotics, which are already known to have benefits for atopic conditions, but which are also showing promising early results in maintaining normal hydration levels (9)."

A compromised skin barrier can lead to discomfort and hypersensitivity reactions to topical formulations. We therefore recommend that you always test a new product on a small, hidden area of your skin before incorporating it into your routine. Wait 48 hours to check that your dry skin shows no adverse reactions. This precaution applies to all cosmetic products, including your homemade skincare products. The products, active ingredients and other ingredients mentioned in this content may be subject to precautions and restrictions on use. Please refer to our technical data sheets. Always follow the recommended dosages when making a homemade recipe or customising a base product.

Hélène Betoux is a French beauty journalist specialising in web media. Every day she writes tips, advice, and guides to help consumers choose the right beauty products. With a strong interest in natural, organic, and clean cosmetics, she analyses and shares trends and innovations in the sector.