Moisturiser is the most crucial product in any skincare routine. Especially for those with dry skin, they can keep our skin hydrated, healthy and supple while also providing a protective barrier in the long run. But the key is to use the right moisturiser. Only then dry skin issues like irritation, redness and increased sensitivity can be avoided. Now the big question is: how do you know which is the right moisturiser for you?

In Malaysia, there are vast of products to choose from and it can get very confusing to pick the right moisturiser that cater to dry skin. But a good one can definitely help to soothe dry face and fight premature ageing while locking in the moisture to keep your skin supple.  

Ready? Scroll down below to see Beauty Insider’s pick for the best moisturisers for dry skin.

Source: Jannoon on Freepik

How To Pick The Right Moisturiser For Dry Skin?

For those with dry skin, you need an intensive moisturiser in thick cream textures that can replenish parched and dehydrated skin, as well as lock in hydration. You should opt for moisturisers that are packed with ultra-hydrating ingredients like nourishing oils, fatty acids and hyaluronic acid, as well as ceramides. These ingredients can repair your skin’s protective barrier and reduce redness and irritation. Also, avoid moisturisers with alcohol at all costs because they can dry out your skin and also be harsh and irritating, causing more trouble than they’re worth. 


Why Is Moisturiser So Important For Dry Skin?

In general, moisturiser is important for all skin types. Using the right kind of moisturizer for your skin can help maintain its balance. When skin is too dry many common skin problems like acne, and psoriasis can start to pop up. That is why moisturisers are so important because they can give your skin a healthy sheen, which can even out any existing blemishes. Some moisturizers also come with SPF, which can protect your skin from harsh sun rays.

Dry Skin 101: Learn How to Banish Dry Skin With Our Expert Insights!

How To Apply Moisturiser The Right Way?

One of the most common mistakes everyone does when applying moisturiser is applying it on dry skin Well, it turns out that would be the wrong thing to do. The right way to moisturise is after showering or cleansing your face when your skin is still slightly damp.

Why? Well, because it can help lock in hydration. And if you have dry skin, you know that hydration is the name of the game. So, the next time you shower or wash your face or hands, apply moisturizer to damp skin instead of towelling it dry.


The Best Dry Skin Moisturisers in Malaysia

We’ve trawled the beauty aisles and decks talked to a bunch of skincare experts and tested tons of products ourselves all in the attempt to bring you the ultimate round-up of the best dry skin moisturisers in Malaysia.

1. Bio-Oil® Dry Skin Gel

By swapping out the in-active water in creams and lotions for oil, this innovative oil-based gel advances the existing dry skin technology and creates a solution that is effective in treating dry skin. The majority of treatments for dry skin are creams or lotions, which often contain about 70% water. It might come as a shock but water will not adhere to our skin as it is hydrophobic (hates water). This implies that when we apply creams or lotions to our skin, the water will evaporate upon contact, producing a cooling sensation, but having no real benefits on dry skin.

Preventing moisture loss from the skin is a crucial strategies in treating dry skin, and applying oil makes this possible. Compared to creams and lotions, Bio-Oil® Dry Skin Gel has up to four times as much oil, making it more powerful and efficient. Clinically proven: After 4 weeks, 100% of the patients demonstrated improvement in their dry skin. 90% of users agree that “skin feels immediately moisturised” after application. Bio-Oil® Dry Skin Gel is non-comedogenic and suited for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Why we love it:

  • Does not clog pores
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Prevents moisture loss
  • Affordable

Price: RM19.90 (50ml), RM34.95 (100ml), RM58.25 (200ml)

Where to buy: ShopeeLazadaGuardian and Watsons

2. MKUP Real Complexion Cream

This cream can be a lazy girl’s best friend! This day-to-night cream has dual whitening properties: corrects the skin tone and whitens the skin after consistent use. Instantly gives your skin a dewy and supple look. It moisturizes, repairs skin spots and scars, and strengthens the skin barrier. Best of all, it doesn’t contains alcohol, colourants, and parabens.

Why we love it:

  • Brightens the skin
  • Clean ingredients
  • Strengthens the skin barrier

Price: RM35.00 – RM149.00

  Add to Cart

3. LAVENIR H2O Replenish Cream

The LAVENIR H2O Replenish Cream is a deep moisturising cream that features a blend of hydrating agents, vitamin E, stem cells and antioxidants. Furthermore, it offers the benefit to infuse your skin with all the nutrients necessary for all-day suppleness and hydration! Providing you with instant freshness, it also offers anti-ageing effects thanks to ingredients like Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract. As well as Symphytum Officianle Callus Culture Extract, which won the Cosmetic Business Award in 2013. Both of these, help promote youthful skin and heal the skin from within. What’s more is that you can use it on its own, or under makeup as well.

Why we love it:

  • Nourishing
  • Enhances elasticity
  • Suitable for all skin types

Price: RM178

Where to buy: Lazada | Shopee

4. Garden of EDEN Primrose E Radiant Hydra Cream

Get your glow on with the Garden of EDEN Primrose E Radiant Hydra Cream, which has been long hailed for its moisture-locking power. It is packed with all-star ingredients, including evening primrose oil, vitamin E, shea butter, eight types of hyaluronic acids, and niacinamide. The game-changing formula delivers a mega dose of hydration that provides a whopping 72-hour deep hydration to quench thirsty skin. With its luxurious creamy texture, it rejuvenates tired and stressed skin for a radiant glow. 

Why we love it:

  • Revitalises tired and stressed skin
  • Increases hydration level
  • Improves skin radiance 

Price: RM69.90

Where to buy: Garden of EDEN, Guardian, Watsons

5. Skinned Gleam Dream Moisturiser

This local moisturizer delivers the hydration your parched skin barrier needs – leaving you with soft and supple skin. It contains 6 key ingredients Sodium Hyaluronate, Rice extract, Hydrolysed pea protein, Allantoin, Vitamin E, and Aloe Vera to give you a straightforward, fuss-free moisturiser that moisturises, firms, and tones the skin.

Why we love it:

  • Packed with hydrating ingredients
  • Deeply hydrate the skin
  • Ensures soft and smoother skin

Price: 98.90

  Add to Cart

6. Dermax Bio Hydro Gel 7A by DR. KO Skin Specialist

Winner of Beauty Insider’s 2022 Beauty Awards—DERMAX BIO HYDRO GEL 7A is designed specifically for dehydrated skin. This light and water-based product has a high concentration of Trehalose, which aids in the delivery of intense hydration to the skin. Bisabolol’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics, along with vitamin E, defend and repair your skin, making it suited for all skin types, even acne-prone skin.

Why We Love It 

  • Specially formulated for dehydrated skin
  • Light and water-based formulation
  • Helps to promote intensive moisture

Price: RM RM250.00

Where To Buy: DR KO Skincare, Lazada, Shopee

7. La Maison Du Savon De Marseille Face Cream – SWEET ALMOND

From the name itself, it uses 100% natural almond oil that softens and moisturizes the skin. If you’re heading somewhere cold and your face easily gets dry, this one is a must-have to bring. A must-try for dry skin types – this one will definitely stop the tight, pulling feeling that comes with dehydrated skin.

Why we love it:

  • Infused with almond oil
  • Retains the moisture level
  • 95% natural ingredients

Price: RM149.00

  Add to Cart

8. EMBRYOLISSE Lait-Crème Concentré

If you’re looking for the best moisturizer for your dry skin, look no further as EMBRYOLISSE Lait-Crème Concentré should be on top of your list. Infused with essential vitamins and fatty acids, it delivers intense hydration that will keep your skin moisturized for long-lasting hours.

With its nourishing and soothing properties, this cult favourite product will deeply nourish your skin and protect it against environmental aggressors. There’s a reason why a legion of celebrities and professionals swear by this product, it can be used as a moisturizer, makeup primer, beauty mask, post-shaving care and even makeup remover. Plus, it works wonders for all skin types, from normal, and sensitive to very dry skin.

Why we love it:

  • Delivers intense hydration
  • Ideal for all skin types
  • Protects the skin against environmental aggressors
  • Retains the moisture

Price: RM110 (75ml), RM65 (30ml) and RM32.90 (15ml)

Where to buy: GuardianShopeeLazada and Zalora

9. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence harnesses the power of PITERA™, a natural bio ingredient to improve the overall complexion. This highly rated ingredient is enriched with over 50 micro-nutrients including organic acids, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Apart from its efficacy in accelerating skin cell turnover, it also works wonders to reverse the signs of ageing and revitalize the skin texture. With its ultra-lightweight consistency, this treatment essence penetrates easily into the deepest layers of the skin, revealing a healthy and glowing complexion. Simply pour about three drops into your palms and gently pat the product on your skin until it is completely absorbed.

Why we love it:

  • Retains moisture
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Packed with antioxidants
  • Intensely hydrate the skin

Price: RM253.00 (75ml ), RM539.00 (160ml), RM759.00 (230ml) 

Where to buy: SK-II official website

10. Face Republic Hydro Barrier Ceramide

Dry and damaged skin barrier? This cream from the Face Republic will save your skin. It contains a high concentration of ceramides, Centella Asiatica, and shea butter to soothe, strengthen, and hydrate the skin. Plus points for its hypoallergenic, clean formula so it’ll be gentle for those with sensitive skin as well.

Why we love it:

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Soothes the skin
  • Strengthens the barrier

Price: RM54.90

  Add to Cart

11. Uriage Eau Thermale Water Cream

Formulated with Uriage Thermal Water that’s known to repair the skin’s barrier to retain the moisture on the skin, this will give you plump and bright skin all day! Its non-greasy texture easily blends into the skin to provide deep hydration.

Why we love it:

  • Plump up the skin
  • Easily absorbs into the skin
  • Intense hydration

Price: RM94.30

  Add to Cart

12. Exuviance Professional Deep Hydration

If you’re willing to splurge on a moisturizer, try Exurviance Professional Deep Hydration! Its advanced formula contains Anti-Pollution Complex (Lilac Cell Culture Extract & PHA/Bionics) that helps protect the skin from everyday environmental damages like free radicals and metals. With that, its water-gel formula sinks easily into the skin to lock in moisture all day. Lastly, it also contains Evening Primrose Oil to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier.

Why we love it:

  • Protects the skin against free radical
  • Water gel consistency
  • Long-lasting hydration

Price: RM325.00

  Add to Cart

13. Alpha Essential Facial Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B, E, and Aloe Vera, this moisturiser from Alpha skincare will give your skin the boost of moisture it needs for visibly luminous, healthy, and supple skin. It also helps decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother complexion.

Why we love it:

  • Minimizes signs of ageing
  • Infused with hydrating ingredients
  • Soothes redness and inflammation

Price: RM115.00

  Add to Cart

14. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream

dry skin moisturisers in malaysia

If you experience skin dehydration, dryness or even dry patches on certain areas of your skin, then this moisturiser is the one for you. It can deliver an intense dose of moisture and keep your skin hydrated all day long. Formulated using time-release technology, it can balance hydration levels by attracting and sealing in moisture for a soft, healthy-looking complexion.

Why we love it:

  • Intense hydration
  • Promotes radiant complexion
  • pleasant scent

Price: RM210.00

Where to buy: Sephora

15. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

Buy Ultra Facial Cream – Best Facial Cream – Kiehl's MY

A cult favourite, the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream can provide you with 24-hour long-lasting hydration for softer, smoother, and visibly healthier-looking skin. Formulated with Glacial Glycoprotein and olive-derived Squalane, this non-greasy, lightweight moisturiser immediately nourishes the driest areas of your skin. Its lightweight texture allows the cream to absorb into the skin easily.

Why we love it:

  • 24-hours hydration
  • Lightweight
  • Instantly hydrate

Price: RM82.00

Where to buy: Kiehl’s Malaysia

16. Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream 

Super soothing and hydrating, the Laneige, Water Bank, Moisture Cream can provide pamper your skin with healthy moisture. Infused with green mineral water, this cream can protect your skin’s moisture barrier and improve your skin texture. With an excellent antioxidant effect, this cream can also remove harmful and active oxygen to improve your skin’s defensive ability.

Why we love it:

  • Packed with antioxidant benefits
  • Soothing properties
  • Improves the moisture barrier

Price: RM155.00

Where to buy: Laneige Malaysia

17. Lancome Hydra Zen Gel Extreme 

Despite being on the pricier side, this Lancome cream is worth every penny. With a combination of Neurocalm dermo-soothing complex and Ji Xue Cao leaves, this moisturiser by Lancome can soothe 96% of skin discomfort.  Thanks to its potent blend of active ingredients, this moisturiser is scientifically proven to reduce skin-generated stress. It can replenish your skin with intense and continuous moisture for 24 hours.

Why we love it:

  • Formulated with active ingredients
  • Replenish the skin
  • Super lightweight

Price: RM260.00

Where to buy: Lancome Malaysia

18. L’Occitane Aqua Réotier Ultra Thirst-Quenching Gel

Enriched with Réotier water and hyaluronic acid, this moisturiser can quench your skin’s thirst. Its ultra-fresh gel texture acts like a magnet to recharge skin with water, leaving it glowing with moisture all day long. Formulated with thousands of micro-bubbles, it can release freshness instantly, energizing and revitalizing the skin. Plus, the cream is also not oil so it retains moisture without being too greasy on the skin. 

Why we love it:

  • Lightweight texture
  • Revive dull skin
  • Does not leave greasy residues

Price: RM170.00

Where to buy: L’Occitane Malaysia

19. Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

Moisture Surge™ Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator | Clinique Malaysia  E-Commerce site

One of the best-selling dry skin moisturisers in Malaysia, this refreshing gel cream can provide an instant moisture boost. Enhanced to deliver almost twice as much hydration this moisturiser can create its own internal water source to continually rehydrate itself. Plus, it can also lock in all that moisture for an endlessly plump, dewy, healthy-looking glow. It stays on the skin for up to 72 hours, even after washing your face!

Why we love it:

  • Instant hydration
  • Retain the moisture for 72 hours
  • Plumps the skin

Price: RM169.00

Where to buy: Zalora

20. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

This drugstore-friendly option is ideal for skin that is overly exposed to city aggressors, pollution and other factors that can dry out the skin. Clinically proven to provide deep hydration for up to 72 hours, this gel moisturiser can stimulate your skin to produce its own hyaluronic acid from within. Infused with 5% Prebiotic Kiwi yeast extract, this moisturiser can give you hydration as you have never experienced before.

Why we love it:

  • Good value
  • Ultra lightweight
  • Oil-free

Price: RM55.92

Where to buy: Watsons Malaysia

21. The Herb Farm Nourishing Rose Face Cream

One of the very few organic dry skin moisturisers in Malaysia, this beautiful face cream by The Herb Farm can nourish and protect your skin. It can provide you with intense hydration throughout the day while also helping improve your skin’s elasticity to give you a youthful complexion. Use it every day as it can leave your skin feeling nourished and softened.

Why we love it:

  • Organic
  • Increases skin’s elasticity
  • Soften the skin

Price: RM158.00

Where to buy: Tnss SkinLab

22. Herbivore Botanicals Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Crème

Another all-natural dry skin moisturiser joining our list is this lightweight, natural rosewater moisture cream by Herbivore Botanicals. The cream just melts into your skin creating a hydrated, dewy, and smooth canvas. Along with rosewater, this cream is also packed with aloe water, sodium hyaluronate, white tea, and rice extracts to hydrate, soothe, and reduce the appearance of redness. 

Why we love it:

  • Minimizes redness
  • Easily absorbs into the skin
  • Nourish the skin

Price: RM184.19

Where to buy: Revolve

23. Avene Hydrance Optimale Riche Hydrating Cream

Avene Hydrance RICH Hydrating Cream Exp:2/23 | Shopee Malaysia

Last but not in our best dry skin moisturisers in Malaysia is the Avene Hydrance Optimale Riche Hydrating Cream. Super rich and thick in texture, this hydrating cream is perfect for those with extremely dry skin. You can also use the cream on other dry parts of the body, not just the face! It can keep your skin feeling comfortable and supple all day long. On a side note, this moisture does have fragrance added to it, so if your skin starts to react stop use immediately.  

Why we love it:

  • Ideal for very dry skin
  • Thick consistency
  • Revitalize dry and parched skin

Price: RM131.74

Where to buy: Care to Beauty

24. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30

CeraVe is yet another famous name in the skincare community. The AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a great moisturiser for dry skin. What’s more, is that this moisturiser contains SPF as well as zinc oxide, which is anti-inflammatory. If you are dashing out the door every morning, you’ll love this moisturiser as it doubles as a sunscreen too! Thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, your skin will be moisturised to the max. 

Why we love it:

  • Non-comedogenic
  • Matte finishing
  • Layers well under makeup

Price: RM119.00

Where to buy: Threebs

25. IUNIK Beta Glucan Daily Moisture Cream

The IUNIK Beta Glucan Daily Moisture Cream is a great moisturiser for dry skin thanks to its creamy texture. It also contains beta-glucan that helps to hydrate the skin. Aside from that, it also helps to improve the skin barrier. What’s more, is that this moisturiser also contains a red fruit complex that helps calm and revitalise any redness and irritation. 

Why we love it:

  • Hydrates the skin
  • Brightens the skin
  • Soothes irritations

Price: RM28.00

Where to buy: Shopee

26. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA

Skincare enthusiasts are no strangers to The Ordinary. Most of their products are suitable for all skin types! So, The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA is no exception. As one of the best moisturisers for dry skin, it features low-risk ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides. With long-lasting hydration, you won’t have to worry about your skin drying out! 

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for dry skin
  • Non-greasy
  • Contains pure vitamin E

Price: RM35.00

Where to buy: Sephora

27. Cosrx Hydrium Moisture Power Enriched Cream

Cosrx is yet another beloved skincare brand that everyone loves. Its Hydrium Moisture Power Enriched Cream moisturises without leaving your skin feeling greasy. It has a velvety consistency, as well as contains vitamin B5, which is anti-inflammatory. This moisturiser also helps to soothe the skin and maintain its water and oil levels. 

Why we love it:

  • Protects the skin barrier
  • Contains ceramides
  • Anti-inflammatory 

Price: RM74.00

Where to buy: Threebs

28. The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream

One of the most popular dry skin moisturisers in Malaysia, this Vitamin E Cream by The Body Shop is super light and refreshing on the skin. It is a dream come true for those with dry skin as it can moisturise and protect your skin with 48 hours of hydration. Packed with skin-soothing ingredients like wheat germ oil and hyaluronic acid, this cream can replenish parched and dry skin.

Why we love it:

  • Soothing properties
  • Instantly hydrate dry skin
  • Ideal for all skin types

Price: RM70.00

Where to buy: The Body Shop

For more beauty infos, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Also, visit our Insider Mall to shop and get rewarded!