Best Moisturiser for Very Dry Skin: A Pharmacist's Guide

The best moisturiser for very dry skin is a fragrance-free emollient cream or ointment that combines a humectant (glycerin or urea) with an occlusive (shea butter or white soft paraffin), applied generously at least twice a day. In pharmacy practice, most failures come from using too little, using too light a product or washing in hot water, not from the brand. This guide explains how our pharmacy team matches a product to the problem, why moisturiser sometimes fails, and which options Pharmazon Direct stocks.

Which moisturiser suits your problem?

Choosing by product name is less useful than choosing by problem. This is how we match them.

Ointment, cream or lotion: which texture works?

The difference is the water content. Lotions contain the most water and evaporate quickly, so they rarely control very dry skin on their own. Ointments contain the least water and fewest preservatives, which suits sensitive skin but feels heavy. Creams sit in between.

What to check on the ingredient label

Most effective moisturisers for very dry skin combine ingredient types. Check the label for at least two of these.

Avoid products listing perfume or fragrance if your skin is sensitive or eczema-prone. Perfume is a leading cause of contact irritation on already damaged skin.

Why is my skin still dry after moisturising?

This is the most common question we hear, and the cause is usually one of the following.

Under-application is the biggest single reason treatment fails. A 500g tub can be used up in one to two weeks with twice-daily whole-body use, which is normal. Tubs can also become contaminated by repeated finger dipping, so use a pump where available, or a clean spoon.

Medicines and conditions that can dry the skin

Check whether something else is driving the dryness. Medicines that commonly dry the skin include oral and topical retinoids, diuretics ("water tablets") and benzoyl peroxide acne treatments. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Ask a pharmacist or your prescriber how to manage the dryness alongside it.

Persistent, widespread dry or itchy skin can also be associated with an underactive thyroid, diabetes, kidney problems or iron deficiency. If you have itching without a visible rash, or dryness that does not respond to regular emollient use, book a GP review.

Best moisturisers for very dry skin at Pharmazon Direct

These products suit very dry skin and are available from Pharmazon Direct. Prices were correct when this guide was written and stock changes, so check each product page. You can also browse the full Skincare & Antiseptics range.

Aveeno Dermexa Daily Emollient Cream

Our first choice for very dry, itchy skin. It is an emollient cream for daily leave-on use. Start with the 200ml tub to check your skin tolerates it, applying it to damp skin straight after washing. Move to the 500ml size for regular whole-body use, as it costs less per millilitre.

Aveeno Moisturising Cream

The Aveeno Moisturising Cream 500ml suits dry skin that is not severely irritated. Aveeno formulas are oat-based, which many people with sensitive skin tolerate well. It is a practical daily body cream.

Aveeno Skin Relief Lotion with Shea Butter

A lotion covers the legs and back quickly. The Skin Relief lotion with shea butter is a good daytime option. If your skin is very dry, follow it with a thicker cream in the evening.

Aveeno Skin Relief Hand Cream

Frequent handwashing strips oils fast. Keep the Aveeno Skin Relief Hand Cream 75ml beside the sink and reapply after every wash.

A lighter option for the face

Facial skin reacts more easily than body skin. The Aveeno Face Calm and Restore Oat Gel Moisturiser 50ml (£12.45) is a lighter choice for daily facial use. Pharmazon Direct also stocks CeraVe, E45, Eucerin, QV, Sebamed, Doublebase, Hydromol and Oilatum skincare.

How to apply emollients properly

1. Wash with lukewarm water and an emollient wash or soap substitute rather than soap or foaming body wash.
2. Pat dry and apply within a few minutes, while the skin is slightly damp.
3. Use plenty. Smooth it on gently in the direction of hair growth rather than rubbing in.
4. Reapply at least twice daily, and after every handwash.
5. If you also use a topical steroid such as hydrocortisone, leave about 30 minutes between the two and follow the order your pharmacist or prescriber gives you.
6. Use a thicker layer overnight on hands and feet, with cotton gloves or socks.

Paraffin fire safety and patch testing

Emollients containing paraffin can soak into clothing, bedding and dressings, which can then ignite quickly near naked flames or lit cigarettes. Keep away from fire, avoid smoking after application, and wash fabrics regularly. This applies to all paraffin-containing emollients, not only thick ointments.

Patch test any new product on the inner forearm and wait 24 hours before wider use. Stop if redness, stinging or itching develops.

When to speak to a pharmacist or GP

• Skin is cracked, bleeding, weeping or crusting, or has yellow crusts.
• The area is red, hot, swollen or painful, which can signal infection.
• Itching disturbs your sleep.
• There is no improvement after two weeks of regular emollient use.
• You suspect eczema or psoriasis, or you are choosing for a baby or young child.

For product questions, Pharmazon Direct customer support is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, on +44 (0) 1494 424 434.