We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A Korean microdermabrasion mitt you can use in the shower to buff away all of the dry, dead skin the cold weather air has gifted you with. The exfoliation comes from a skin-smoothing viscose fiber lining, and once it's cleared away all the flaky stuff, your skin will have an easier time absorbing lotions and creams. If you love a gross-yet-satisfying moment, this is for you.
Promising review: "For my entire life, my skin has been dry, scaly, and unbearably itching during winter. These gloves are game changers. I've never seen more dead skin come off of my body in my life and I do foot peeling masques. Every inch of my body is smooth and silky when done. Literally, I feel like a snake shedding my extra skin. It's amazing and not uncomfortable at all, just make sure to soak in warm water for at least 10 minutes before scrubbing. These are a 10 outta 10 for me." —JaDiHi
Get it from Amazon for $5.50 (also available as a pair).
2. A Lee Beauty Professional Callus Remover that'll smooth out rough, dry skin that comes with nonstop boot wearing. All ya do is soak your feet in warm water, dry 'em off, apply this gel and let it sit, then rinse it off and scrub your feet. Think of it as an in-home spa treatment without the hefty price tag.
Psst: If you need a foot rasp to go with, check out #11!
Promising review: "This product is AMAZING!!! I'm so glad I found this product! I suffer from dry skin and very dry feet and heels during the winter, and they have a tendency to be cracked and hard. THIS WAS MY SAVING GRACE!!! Now don't be fooled, you still have to put a little elbow grease into buffing your feet after applying this product, but the dead, dry, rough skin literally just melts off and you are left with baby smooth feet!!! It really really is as good as the reviews say. They have earned a customer for life in me. Don't straddle the fence, BUY IT!!!" —Roses and Red Lollipops
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
3. Plus an anti-blister balm, because as much as we love a cute winter boot, most of 'em will inevitably start rubbing against our feet after a few hours of wear. It's formulated with vitamins A and C, which help soften and soothe chapped feet, and if you apply it before you put your shoes on, it'll proactively help prevent painful raw skin.
Promising review: "For the past couple of winters my toes hurt, and sometimes the top of my foot would burn and get swollen whenever I wore winter boots. I have tried all kinds of boots and saw the foot doctor and my MD, who checked my blood for all kinds of stuff and nothing helped. I finally did some reading online and bought this Foot Glide to see whether this would help me. First time I put it on, I wore my winter boots and went out and walked in the grocery shops and came home. Miracle, my toes weren't swollen and not burning and not hurting, and finally I can walk with my boots on not worrying about my toes!!! I think I am going to be fine this winter, FINALLY!" —S. Subramanian
Get it from Amazon for $9.
4. A bottle of cuticle repair oil in case you're someone whose nails could use a little TLC after all those holiday gel manis. It's made with conditioning sweet almond oil, moisturizing jojoba oil, and antioxidant-rich vitamin E, so bye bye, cracked hands!
Promising review: "During the winter my nails become very brittle, dry, and flaky. I use this every day to moisturize my nail bed/cuticles and it has been a life saver for my nails. They grow stronger and longer, and it heals any parts where dry skin has taken over. Not going to lie, I’ve also used this for some other areas of dry skin and it has healed them up beautifully!" —Kelley W
Get it from Amazon for $8.50+ (available in four sizes as well as a pen version).
6. A bottle of highly rated Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo, because flakes should be falling from the sky, not our scalps. This stuff's formulated with ketoconazole, which delivers welcome relief to dry, itchy scalps — a literal lifesaver from December to March.
It's safe to use on color-treated, chemically processed, and gray hair!
Promising review: "Love this shampoo. I have a serious dandruff problem and it gets worse every winter with dry, itchy, and painful scalp and hair roots. This shampoo is the only one I have found so far which treats all my scalp problems. I have tried all the big name, fancy brands out there but no one does the job like this one. So thankful to have this." —Maddy
Another promising review: "Best dandruff shampoo I've ever tried. I’ve had dandruff my whole life, and recently it got much worse and turned into what was pretty much scalp psoriasis. I have tried MANY products and treatments over the past year and nothing has come close to this shampoo. I haven’t had ANY dandruff since I started using it, it took care of my psoriasis as well. Would absolutely recommend for anyone with bad dandruff." —Alicia Eddy
Get it from Amazon for $15.44.
7. And Briogeo's Scalp Revival, a scalp mask that'll help keep itching and scratching at bay when your scalp is feeling bone dry this season. It's made with tea tree, peppermint, and spearmint oils that provide a cooling sensation and soothe itchiness, while binchotan charcoal helps remove buildup for a cleaner scalp. And for a boost of hydration, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera help prevent skin from getting dry and flaky.
Briogeo is a Black woman–owned small biz dedicated to making inclusive haircare products that are cruelty-free, gluten-free, and mostly vegan.
Promising review: "Holy grail for dry scalp! I love this product so much! With the dry winter weather and hard water, I was finding myself scratching my scalp in pain. The second this touched my scalp it felt like instant relief. I've recommended it to so many people, and will always re-purchase." —kaitbarr
8. Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask, which keeps lips kissably smooth by trapping moisture to prevent chapping and cracking — something many of us are all too familiar with once the first chill of the season makes its presence known! Swipe some on in the morning or before bed to let it work its magic overnight.
Promising review: "This stuff is a godsend. It leaves your lips so so soft, and it looks like gloss without the stickiness. It’s winter, and usually I have a huge issue with chapped lips, but this stuff made it completely go away." —LilyV36
Another promising review: "I love this lip mask! I have always struggled to find a lip product that would keep my severely dry lips at bay and this is the product! I have been using this for the past few weeks and I have never had such plush, smooth lips. I wear it at night and sometimes during the day depending on what I am doing. If you struggle with dry lips, I highly recommend you give this a try." —Holly2176
Get it from Amazon (available in four scents) or Sephora (available in two scents) for $24.
9. And a Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm you can stash in your purse if chapped lips are a regular occurrence for you once December rolls around. This bb's packed with ingredients like grapefruit, ginger, shea butter, avocado oil, vitamin E, and green tea extract for dryness and irritation relief, and as a bonus? It has SPF 25!
Promising review: "This is hands down the best lip treatment I’ve ever used! Every winter my lips get SO chapped, flaky, and irritated just from the change in weather. Recently my lips were so bad I was embarrassed to take my mask off at work because they were badly cracked and chapped. Every single lip balm I used did nothing to help and would wear off quickly. I did what anyone else would do and googled the best lip treatments/lip balms, and this was one of them. When I got this, I put it on at night and woke up the next morning with like 80% improvement of my lips! Two days of use and my lips were completely smooth, soft, hydrated, and no cracks/flakes whatsoever. I bought three more tubes so that I always have it on me! The tubes are small, but you don’t need to use much product and it’s long lasting. I wear it throughout the day but my favorite is to put it on at night before bed and I wake up with such soft lips. I highly recommend this product to EVERYONE!" —marinameg
Get it from Amazon for $6.80+ (available in six scents and in multipacks) or Sephora for $8 (available in five scents).
10. Plus a double-sided silicone lip brush that'll lightly exfoliate dry skin away to reveal lusciously soft smoochers, even when those brutal winter winds have other ideas. Use it with a lip scrub and "kiss" that chapped mouth goodbye.
Promising review: "I tend to get dry, chapped lips a lot in winter (and sometimes summer) so I've recently starting using a lip scrub once or twice a week in the evening before applying an overnight lip treatment. I like that it has two sides and you can choose to use them however you'd like. I use the bristle side for exfoliation and then the bumpy side for massaging in a small amount of moisturizing product. (After that, I apply a layer of something more occlusive to sleep in, sort of like putting on a lip mask). I think I found this item via a BuzzFeed article on inexpensive but useful items, and I like it a lot so far so I would recommend giving it a try." —sourpuss
Get it from Amazon for $7.99. And here's a highly rated lip scrub to go with!
11. A microplane foot file with serious smoothing power you'll want if dry, cracked feet are a permanent fixture on your winter Bingo card. You'll be shocked by how much grated cheese — whoops, skin — it removes, even after the first use. I mean, the photos say it all.
Promising review: "It's absolutely magical. I bought this after seeing it mentioned in a Facebook post and reading the reviews here. This thing is amazing!!! Every winter I have horrible cracked heels that are so painful, and no amount of filing, pedicures, or lotions do anything to fix it. I have even done the peels and they help a bit but it always comes back. Similar files to this one either hurt or just don’t do a great job — not this one. It gives me baby soft feet like I’ve never had before. If you’re on the fence — get this. You won’t be disappointed." —Kate Stone
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
12. And a tub of O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet Foot Cream that'll smooth out even the most cracked skin and caked-on calluses. It delivers essential exfoliation and moisture, and has a good dose of allantoin, which penetrates those super-thick areas.
Promising review: "In the winter my feet are so dry and cracked that they snag on everything, carpet and sometimes even bed covers. I had tried everything, including petroleum jelly and sleeping in socks (which I hate). Healthy Feet solved all my problems in only 2–3 days. It is fragrance-free and leaves no greasy residue, just softer, smoother feet. You can apply it immediately before putting shoes or socks on without your feet feeling wet or slippery inside your shoes. But remember, a little goes a long way. Just swirl your fingertips over the top of the cream, then dab it wherever it's needed and rub it in. One jar should last you a long, long time. At first, you probably won't be very impressed; I wasn't. Then after a few days, I was amazed! I don't usually rave about products like this but just had to share. Try it. You won't want to ever be without it again. Keep it at bedside and apply it to your feet a few times a week at bedtime. You'll be glad you did." —enigma
Get it from Amazon for $8.55 (also available in multipacks).
13. Plus a popular foot peel mask you can wear with your legs propped up as you stay inside binging your favorite series for the next three months. Your jaw will drop when you see how much these transform your feet — You: 1, Winter: 0.
With these foot mask "socks," you just slide them onto your feet, leave them on for an hour to let the gel soak into your feet, and you should start to see the dead skin peel away within 6–11 days (with remarkably softer feet in two weeks!).
Promising review: "If you're looking to save your dry feet from this cold, brutal winter, this is what you're looking for! I used this product a couple of weeks ago. One week after I used it, the peeling started, as indicated in the instructions. It left me with baby-soft feet. The package comes with two applications for those who may need to use it twice for stubborn calluses, which I plan to use. This product is easy to use and works, would recommend for those of you looking for an at-home treatment for your dry feet. Would definitely purchase again!" —Amazon Customer
Get two pairs from Amazon for $16.37+ (available in 10 scents).
14. A 2-in-1 La Roche-Posay moisturizing sunscreen, because even though it might seem like the sun is nowhere to be found, you still need to protect your skin during the winter months. This silky smooth formula will combat cold weather dryness *and* give your skin the broad spectrum SPF 30 it needs, meaning you can achieve a glowy complexion without slathering on an extra skincare product in the a.m.!
I recently tried this product after having heard nothing but good things, and...I'm never going back. WOW! First off, I hate having to apply moisturizer and sunscreen separately because it always ends up pilling, especially if I put makeup on top. Second of all, I can't stand the feeling of heavy skincare products — if they don't melt into my skin within a few seconds of applying them, I'm like "NEXT!" Well, I can confidently report that this two-in-one miracle checks all of my boxes — it's super lightweight given that it's a sunscreen, and gets absorbed almost instantly with no greasy residue. Usually sunscreens give my face a very matte appearance, which, during the colder months, makes my skin appear even duller and drier than it typically is, but this one leaves it looking fresh and bright. I can't recommend it enough, and I even bought a tube for every member in my family as a stocking stuffer this year!
Promising review: "I’m always skeptical of moisturizers with sunscreen because they never fail to make me look like Casper the ghost (even those that claim to be dark-skin-friendly). This is the complete opposite and I’m not sure what took me so long. It’s super moisturizing, gentle (and I have sensitive skin), and it gives me a glow without making my skin super oily. It’s also not suffocating, some sunscreens make me sweat a whole bunch but not this one. New faveee." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $20.99.
15. And a brightening SPF 30 moisturizer formulated with darker skin tones in mind, since it swaps the chalky residue for a dewy, radiant finish. Plus, it contains vitamin C (which helps reduce signs of sun damage) along with nourishing moisturizers and extracts.
Bolden is a small, Black woman-owned biz making skincare products that are never tested on animals.
Promising review: "My skin has been super dry, especially as we move into cooler months. Within a week of using this product I'm noticing my skin feels more conditioned and a noticeable dewiness has returned. I did not notice any scent/perfume, which was a positive for me." —Mallory Strange
Another promising review: "I love this moisturizer. Being a dark-skinned African American, I find that often times sunscreen leaves a residue. This is the first sunscreen I've ever used that doesn't leave any weird discoloration, feels great on my skin, and it aids in reducing hyperpigmentation. I even have sensitive skin and haven't had any breakouts while using Bolden's sunscreen. A pump and a half is all I need for my face and neck. I highly recommend it and will be buying more for my family." —Missy D
Get it from Amazon for $27.99.
16. A box of Mighty Patch blemish patches containing hydrocolloid to spot-treat those pesky skin eruptions that can pop up when you have an itchy scarf scratching up your face all day. Leave 'em on overnight, and in the morning you'll be rewarded with a patch full of gross-yet-satisfying white residue (aka pimple gunk).
BuzzFeed Shopping's Ciera Velarde says: "I've used this specific brand for years now and have found them to be the best at reducing the size and redness of breakouts! Whenever I notice a zit popping up, I put one of these one right before bed, and it stays put all night, even when I toss and turn a lot. By morning, it's much less noticeable and is practically nonexistent when I cover the zit with makeup. It's such a great practically zero-effort way to treat blemishes!"
Promising review: "I heard all about these on TikTok, so I decided to order. I switched my birth control and was having a ton of breakouts, these are amazing! They helped me stop picking at my face and my skin is so clear now. Will always have these in my house from now on!" —Kiara Galloway
Get a pack of 36 from Amazon for $12.99.
17. Dr. Loretta's Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, which will effectively remove the makeup from all of those holiday parties while nourishing dry winter skin with moisturizing marine peptides and chamomile and ginger root essential oils. Oh, and if you have rosacea or another skin sensitivity, this is approved for you!
In addition to dermatologist Dr. Loretta herself, this small, family-owned biz has a team that also includes her two daughters, and is dedicated to formulating cruelty-free, vegan products to help reverse the effects of pollution, light, climate, and irritants on our skin.
FYI, this is one of my personal *holy grail* cold weather products. I tried this Dr. Loretta gentle hydrating cleanser for the first time last year, and, can I just say, it's been a total game-changer. I was blessed with dry, red, irritable skin, which only gets even more fun to deal with once the temperature drops — and face cleansers in particular tend to dry me out even more. But not this one! It feels like a dream on my skin — in fact, my face feels even more moisturized after I've rinsed it off (and stays that way, despite the fact that I have my heat blaring 24/7 during the winter). True to its name, it's incredibly gentle, and my skin has never felt softer (or looked happier and *glowier*) after being scrubbed clean. Definitely my new favorite out of all the cleansers I've tried in the past year — and as a skincare obsessive, I've tried A LOT.
Get it from Dr. Loretta for $35.
18. Or CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser that was specifically formulated with dry skin in mind. It gently removes residue without stripping the skin of its natural moisture, and contains essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help restore and maintain the skin barrier.
Promising review: "I have been using this cleanser for years now and I believe it is the BEST on the market for sensitive, dry skin! I also have pretty significant redness on my face due to rosacea, and it doesn't irritate or make my skin any more red like other cleansers do. It is my staple year round, but is especially helpful in our dry air Michigan winter seasons. Thank you CeraVe for your amazing products!" —Heidema
Get it from Amazon for $14.57+ (available in two sizes).
19. A tube of Weleda Skin Food you'll "eat" right up once you discover how much it transforms your parched skin during the coldest months of the year. Per its name, it contains delicious-sounding, hydrating ingredients like rosemary and chamomile extracts and sunflower and sweet almond oils.
Promising review: "Living at high altitude in the Rocky Mountain West, the air is very dry throughout the year, and especially in winter. I have struggled with very dry skin on both my face and body/hands, and have tried everything over the years (balms, lotions, serums, creams, oils) — but having recently discovered Weleda Skin Food, I think I have found the holy grail. It is somewhat thick, but melts into my skin and lasts for hours without feeling greasy or giving me that lingering “coating” feeling. My skin is simply soft, nourished, moisturized, and glowing rather than dry and dull. And it remains this way all day. I am using on both my face and body, which may be more than some will need; a little goes a long way. The scent is light and very pleasant. I’ve subscribed for repeat delivery. For dry skin, dry climates, there is truly nothing better than this!" —girl from CO
Get it from Amazon for $12.49+ (available in two sizes).
20. E.l.f.'s Poreless Putty Primer, which has over 25,000 5-star ratings — probably because it's more than just a smooth makeup base. It contains squalane, which mimics the oil naturally found in our bodies to keep dull, dry winter skin hydrated, so your face will feel as good as it looks. Oh, and reviewers say your makeup will. not. budge. with this stuff.
Promising review: "This Poreless Putty Primer has become my favorite primer that I've tried, and I have bought it several times. It works well with my makeup, creating a better looking finish. I've tried the matte version of it, which I also like, but isn't great for me if my skin is more on the dry side or in the winter. The matte one also feels to me as though it might be a bit more pore clogging. This primer has more of a moisturizing feel. With the foundation and products I use, I find that the silky 'serum' type primers tend to allow more oil to form and more break up and slipping of my makeup. This primer spreads easily and comes out looking transparent, no added color." —A.K.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
21. Or Milk Makeup's Hydro Grip Primer for anyone who prefers a more gel-like consistency. Not only will it keep your holiday makeup looking fresh for literal hours after you apply it, it'll also help banish dryness with its hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and aloe water formula.
Promising review: "Easily one of my favorite primers out there! As a makeup artist, I always try new products and test new things out constantly, but Hydro Grip never fails me! No matter what, I always turn back to this one. I have combination skin that gets pretty dry during the winter and when I use Milk Hydro Grip, my foundation stays on all day and stays looking hydrated and healthy. LOVE LOVE LOVE, thank you Milk Makeup!" —Cflores27
Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $18+ (available in two sizes).
22. A bottle of truly iconic Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil to take your skin from borderline scaly to oh-so-soft, even on the most blustery days. It's formulated with vitamins A and E, along with chamomile, sunflower, and lavender oils to provide much-needed moisture without clogging pores or making skin feel greasy (the worst!). Plus, reviewers say it's highly effective when it comes to fading acne and other types of scars!
Promising review: "Love it! Makes my skin feel so soft and smooth! In the winter my skin becomes so dry and itchy that Bio-Oil is a must! It absorbs into my skin and leaves it feeling hydrated. I use it on my face and it is not too oily but it does stop my skin from flaking. It's awesome!!" —Angel Fitzgerald
Another promising review: "I've been using Bio-Oil on and off for several years. I love it. I have some slight scarring from bad acne when I was younger and after a few months of applying the Bio Oil the scarring was considerably improved and my skin was smoother. I have oily skin so I was concerned about using any type of oil on my face, but this stuff doesn't make me greasy at all (and I use it before bed). Added bonus; I LOVE the scent." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $8.92+ (available in two sizes).
23. Fenty Beauty's Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain, which became so popular on TikTok it was sold out at Sephora for the longest time (don't worry, it's back!). It contains squalane, giving parched winter lips hydration *and* long-lasting color, and has a slick, glossy texture. Pro-tip: Many TikTokers say they like dabbing it off after applying for the perfect "just-ate-a-Popsicle" tint.
Promising review: "This lip gloss stain lived up to all the hype for me. First of all, it's extremely moisturizing, which I have never found in a stain before, and secondly I find it very versatile. For a night out, I wear it as the full colour gloss, which then fades into a nice shade when I inevitably forget to reapply. But I also put a thin sheen over my lips in the morning before work, and it gives me that small pop of color that makes my makeup look 'done' (even though it's not). This is probably my favourite all time Fenty product!" —dgunns
Get it from Sephora for $24 (available in four shades).
24. A tube of TruSkin Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer, because if you're someone who likes a low-maintenance skincare regimen, this bb packs a punch. Not only does it contain TruSkin's signature vitamin C, it's also filled with cold air-friendly ingredients like aloe, green tea, and shea butter so your moisture-deprived skin stays quenched, looks brighter, and feels more even.
Promising review: "I love this moisturizer! It hydrates my skin, even in the dry winter months, without feeling heavy or greasy. My skin is very prone to breakouts, but this product doesn't seem to clog my pores at all. This has become a staple in my daily skin routine." —Samantha Casey
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three sizes).
25. A Dr. Jart+ color correcting treatment that helps balance out the redness so many of us experience when the brutally cold elements are whipping at our faces nonstop. And while we're on the subject of redness: painful sunburns, be gone! (It's got SPF 30).
Promising review: "Omg this is so amazing! I absolutely love this cream, I put a little bit on and just see my face transform before my eyes. It takes all the redness out of my skin and is a great primer for my makeup. My skin feels hydrated all day even in winter (talking about those harsh NYC winters). I was worried about trying this as I have extremely sensitive skin and most things make me break out, but I have been using this for two months now and my skin has never looked better. I sometimes put this on when I’m having a makeup-free day and I have had compliments on my skin, which for me is huge as I’ve never had great skin. Will honestly buy this forever." —yorkshiregirl
Get it from Sephora for $20+ (available in two sizes).
26. A tube of antiperspirant lotion for anyone who's ever experienced excessive hand sweating after wearing thick gloves for hours on end and has vowed, "No more!" Just dab a bit of this onto your hands in the morning and at night so it can work its sweat control magic and you can go about your day with dry palms.
FYI — some reviewers said that their hands felt quite dry after using this and recommend following up with a moisturizer.
Promising review: "Works like it says it does. Helped to keep my hands and feet drier, and therefore warmer, during outdoor winter activities. Nothing else I’ve tried works as well, and it’s affordable, too." —Boomx2
Another promising review: "My daughter has had hyperhidrosis her whole life. She literally dripped sweat (...drops!) from her hands and feet. She has been using this product for a few weeks twice a day on her hands, and it has stopped her sweating where even prescription options have failed. As it started to work for her, she said her hands felt 'chalky.' I felt her hands, and for the first time in her life they felt like everyone else's hands normally feel. Her self-esteem has instantly increased. I'm so glad I found this product. It's amazing." —Shannon Nintzel
Get it from Amazon for $19.85 (also available in packs of two or three).
27. Youthforia's BYO Blush, a light oil that changes color by reacting to your skin's pH level to give you a positively dewy, all-day hue that's totally unique to you. And not only that — it's also packed with 20 plant-based, antioxidant-rich oils to help hydrate during cold, dry spells. If you've been wanting to try out the cold girl makeup trend all over TikTok, this will give you a rosy look without stepping foot in the snow!
It's also 100% fragrance- and cruelty-free!
Youthforia was founded by Fiona Co Chan with the goal of creating makeup that is also good for your skin — "so good you could sleep in it."
Promising review: "I love how perfectly this oil blush blends in with my skin tone. I also have dry skin, so I also love it because my face doesn't feel tight after wearing it, it's dewy goodness and I love that it lasts all day! I highly recommend!" —Stephanie C.
Another promising review: "First of all, it's everything. E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. This is extremely compatible with the glass skin look: It's super dewy but has massive staying power. I put this on at 4 p.m., I woke up at 6 a.m., and it's still on! I originally planned to only wear this on no makeup days as I was worried that, as an oil product, it may lift my makeup underneath. I can say now with confidence it doesn't mess with my base at all. It doesn't feel heavy, is easy to blend, and makes my skin look plump. I've been complimented on my skin, rather than my makeup, with this product on. I generally don't believe in hype, but I see why someone would be excited about this product — there's simply nothing like it, and it does a fantastic job. Looking forward to Youthforia future products!" —Lalita
Get it from Amazon or Youthforia for $36 (available in four shades).
28. A tube of Embryolisse Concentrated Lait Cream designed for daily use, so go ahead and slather it on for an essential boost of hydration when those drying winter gusts just won't let up. It's also a primer, face mask, and moisturizer in one, and with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, beeswax, and soy proteins, your thirsty skin will thank you.
Promising review: "If you’re questioning whether to buy this little magical cream, the answer is: YES. Do it. You will not regret it. My skin was feeling like sandpaper from the cold weather and this cream improved the texture and moisture of my skin. I have extremely sensitive skin but I’ve never had a breakout, redness, or anything negative happen from using this cream and I’ve been using it for over a month now. A little goes a long way and it will last you a while, which is great. I use it in the morning and it’s been amazing for my skin. Love, love, love!!" —Gio
Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in two sizes).
29. A versatile matcha-infused moisture stick you should keep in your bag at all times this season, since you can dab it anywhere your skin starts feeling dry, whether it's your lips, hands, or face. It's made with just three ingredients — caffeine-rich matcha powder, organic coconut oil, and organic beeswax — and can also help reduce the appearance of dark circles and eye puffiness.
Plus, some reviewers say they swipe the matcha balm over their styled brows to keep them in place!
Cocokind is a San Francisco-based small biz that makes truly dreamy, cruelty-free skincare products with sustainability in mind.
Promising review: "New winter go-to! I really love to have this on hand for the cold New England winters — great for lips, fly away frizz, and any other spots that need a little extra moisture!" —teal c.
Another promising review: "This is my first time using the MyMatcha stick and I looovvveee it! I have it on me pretty much all the time so I can dab a little bit on my dry spots as I need to. It softens up my dry areas and even decreases the swelling of my acne! I've used it as a moisture stick, an acne anti-inflammatory, and even a fly-away tamer. It's a great multitasking product." —alizza d.
Get it from Cocokind for $9.
30. Glossier's Haloscope Highlighter, which will kiss your skin with a healthy glow that doesn't veer into glittery territory. The "halo" in its name refers to the outer layer, which is where the tint comes in, while the inner core is made of moisturizing ingredients that, when paired with the tint, create a dewy, radiant effect. Take that, winter dullness!
Promising review: "Winter can be an especially lackluster season for your skin. It's hard enough to get that 'natural summer glow,' let alone keep your skin even a little moisturized in the brittle winter months. All those problems were over when I got the Haloscope in Moonstone. It manages to keep my skin hydrated and give me a beautiful glow when my skin is feeling dull. It stays on great over makeup and adds a level of ethereal dimensionality to my bare face. Amazing product!" —Glossygirl
Get it from Glossier for $22 (available in three shades).
31. A Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel Cream, because experiencing cold weather dryness and irritation on the super-thin skin surrounding your eyes? Not fun! This little tube contains moisturizing and brightening ingredients like hyaluronic acid and licorice extract for relief (plus it'll help you look like you got more than three hours of sleep!).
Promising review: "Glad I gave this a try. My eyelids get chapped in winter and it's difficult to find something non-irritating to apply to your eyelid. The minute I put this on it was instant relief. It absorbed well with no residue left behind. The dry, tight skin was gone by the next day. I just apply a little if I feel it coming back and voila, gone!" —Mermaidel
Another promising review: "I was at my wits end with dry, red, scaly eyelids — nothing I tried worked. I cut out all eye makeup and used only organic coconut oil on them for weeks to get rid of the dry/irritated skin, and even that didn't work. At one point, one of my eyelids was cracked and bleeding from the dryness. This hydrating eye gel is cost effective and works like it promises to — my eyelids were completely back to normal within three days of use. Will definitely be using this product daily!" —Shawn
Get it from Amazon for $14.22+ (available in two sizes).
32. A fan favorite CeraVe body and face cream (with over 90,000 5-star ratings!) to give skin that's flakier than the falling snow the hydration it craves, thanks to a combo of hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides. It's even got the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance!
Promising review: "My skin is extremely sensitive and gets extremely dry as soon as the temperatures go down for the winter. The tops of my hands get so dry (no matter how often I wash my hands and no matter what kind of hand soap I use) that if I don’t reapply hand lotion every time I wash my hands, I’ll eventually probably get scabs on my hands (that’s how it feels anyway). So I tried this… WOW… Even from the first time I used it, I immediately knew THIS is what I’ll be sticking with. It absorbs fast and efficiently. It’s NOT greasy. No weird residue. I’ve used it several times but not even close to how often I wash my hands. Anyway, it hydrates extremely efficiently. My hands have been my biggest problem area with winter dryness but the rest of my skin has been uncomfortably dry too. I started using this on the rest of my body and I’ve felt SO much better. I’ve had this for like three days and my skin is already almost completely back to healthy hydration, which without this lotion, I wouldn’t have for months. Buy it." —Shayla Peregoy
Get it from Amazon for $17.78 (also available in a few bundles).
33. A calming and moisturizing face oil specifically made with acne-prone skin in mind! It can help reduce the appearance of scars and prevent future breakouts from popping up — all while keeping thirsty winter skin hydrated. Use it for spot treating pesky blemishes, or mix it into your favorite moisturizer and apply all over your face.
Blume is a BIPOC, woman, and family-owned small biz based in Vancouver that makes cruelty-free, vegan, environmentally-friendly skincare in snazzy packaging.
Promising review: "Awesome! Very hydrating and soothes skin significantly. Also fades acne scars." —Jennelle G
Another promising review: "Been using Meltdown for two weeks straight and I'm happy to say that it has done wonders for my skin. It has brightened up my complexion and kept my skin moisturized during these cold winter months. Don't skip out on this magic serum." —Linnea V.
Get it from Amazon for $27.95 or Blume for $28+ (available in two sizes).
34. Summer Fridays' Jet Lag Mask, which, in spite of its name, has plenty of positive reviews from people who call it a winter "must-have" and "holy grail." Its glycerin-, niacinamide-, and hyaluronic acid-infused formula gives skin a smoother, more plump appearance with its hydrating properties, and there's a good chance you'll notice a brighter, even-looking complexion after you use it.
Promising review: "Cold weather = dry skin. This mask is perfect for this time of the year! I like to apply it to my face and leave it overnight for maximum hydration. I wake up in the morning with moisturized, supple skin." —jacybooo
Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $26+ (available in three sizes).
35. A tub of Puriya's Mother Of All Creams for anyone who might need something a liiittle more intense when it comes to combatting dry, irritated skin during the coldest time of year. The honey, shea butter, and aloe vera-rich formula works quickly to nourish and moisturize, but is gentle enough for those of us with sensitive skin, too.
Promising review: "This cream is nothing short of astonishing. Honestly, I rolled my eyes at some of glowing reviews about how quickly the healing started because I've used what feels like 'everything' from essential oils to steroid creams on my left hand eczema. It typically flares in winter and this winter has been extra tough for some reason. My hands have also had cuts on the knuckles and sides of my fingers. This cream arrived Saturday at noon and I immediately put it on — felt great but I was still skeptical that anything different would happen. I put it on a few times that day but my hand was still a bit swollen. I woke up and several of the cuts had started to heal...but my hopes still weren't too high. It's Monday morning and I literally woke up to give this review...I wish I had taken before and after photos because my hand is cut/blemish/rash free, not swollen, and honestly looks great. I've been using it about 3–4 times a day. I'm not sure how this cream is different but it is. If you've tried it all, give this a try... if it's anything like my experience, you'll be happy." —J. Sorensen
Get it from Amazon for $32.29.
36. An old-school bottle of Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion you can slather all over your body when it's feeling straight-up sandpaper-y after being out in the cold. Its soothing oat formula absorbs into skin quickly, and it's unscented, in case you're sensitive to fragrance.
Promising review: "I have very dry and sensitive skin that tends to peel during winter months. This lotion keeps my skin hydrated all day long, no need to reapply it at all. It is thick enough but not greasy, it doesn't leave any white residue and the smell is so light, you barely notice it. If you have dry and sensitive skin like me, this is the body lotion for you." —Pamela
Another promising review: "It's so moisturizing and it has no scent. We all love it, and use it every day. It is the best lotion I've encountered. It has no greasiness and makes your skin glow." —Lils Reyes
Get it from Amazon for $9.64 (also available in several bundles).
37. And finally, a dermatologist-approved tub of Vanicream moisturizer, which even people with the most sensitive winter skin can feel confident about using (no dyes, fragrances, or other common irritants!). It's also gentle enough to use pretty much anywhere, from your body and hands to your face, and if your dry skin craves a rich, creamy formula, this one's nice and thick without leaving behind any dreaded greasy residue.
I follow a lot of dermatologists on TikTok (sorry not sorry!) and one of them mentioned this being their dry skin moisturizer of choice. I'm always on the lookout for new products that'll combat my dry skin without feeling heavy, so I immediately bought it to try for myself. In short, I love it and don't really see the need for any other body lotion in my life! It absorbs quickly, but leaves my skin feeling hydrated all day — even in the dead of winter (I usually apply it after my morning shower). I've even tried it on my face as a night cream and have never had a bad reaction to it — just glowier skin when I wake up in the morning. You also get a TON of product for the price — my tub barely has a dent in it, even with regular use. 15/10!!!
Promising review: "I have struggled with dry skin for my entire life. I've been seeking out lotions to actually hydrate my skin — even resorting to prescription options. This is hands-down the best lotion I have ever tried. It hydrated the "dragon scales" after one use. I now have the soft, supple skin I've dreamed of for years. The most noticeable difference has been with my feet, the last time I had a pedicure the technician asked what I had started using." —Rhandi32
Get it from Amazon for $13.56 (also available in several bundles).
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.