If you have dry skin, it’s important to find products that are effective yet gentle, as well as hydrating and strengthening. Popular drugstore brand Neutrogena has products that check all those boxes. Below, we’ve reviewed some of the absolute best Neutrogena products for dry skin.
The Best Neutrogena Products for Dry Skin
Best Cleanser
Best Neutrogena Cleanser for Dry Skin
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
This fan-favorite cream cleanser is an excellent daily face wash for those with dry skin. It is gentle on the skin and effectively cleanses without drying it out.
This cleanser is excellent for dry skin. Glycerin – a humectant – keeps the skin moisturized, while cleansing ingredients gently remove dirt and debris[1]. It is also non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t contain ingredients known to clog pores.
Pros
- Gentle
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Some reviewers complain about the pump
This cream cleanser was developed by dermatologists, and is suitable for sensitive skin, including those with rosacea and eczema.
Best Exfoliating Cleanser
Best Neutrogena Exfoliating Cleanser for Dry Skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Daily Gel Cream Exfoliating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid
This cleanser is one of the best Neutrogena products for dry skin, as it gently exfoliates and cleanses the skin while also keeping it hydrated.
This gel-cream cleanser uses naturally-derived physical exfoliators that gently smooth the skin, making it a great option for those looking for light exfoliation. A low concentration of lactic acid (a chemical exfoliator) further helps exfoliate the skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which pulls moisture to the skin to maintain healthy hydration levels[2].
Pros
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
- Exfoliating
Cons
- Contains fragrance
This cleanser is gentle enough for daily use, but can also be alternated with another gentle cleanser (like the Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser).
Best Serum
Best Neutrogena Serum for Dry Skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This serum contains a blend of ingredients that keep the skin hydrated and supple for 24 hours.
This serum is one of the best Neutrogena products for dry skin. It contains a blend of both high and low weight hyaluronic acid to reach all layers of the skin. Hyaluronic acid works to pull moisture to the skin to keep it hydrated[2]. It also contains glycerin and vitamin B5 (panthenol), which further help attract and lock in moisture[1][3].
Pros
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Contains ingredients not suitable for acne-prone skin (carrageenan, mica)
In addition to helping with hydration, hyaluronic acid has been shown to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making this serum a helpful product for anti-aging[2].
Best Moisturizer
Best Neutrogena Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream with Hyaluronic Acid for Extra-Dry Skin
This award-winning gel-cream moisturizer is an excellent product for dry skin, because it is packed with ingredients that moisturize and strengthen the skin’s barrier.
This moisturizer is a dry skin must-have. One of the star ingredients is hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to the skin and locks it in[2]. It also contains olive extract (sorbitan olivate), which moisturizes and softens. Additionally, it is free of fragrances and dyes that can irritate the skin.
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Per ounce cost is on the higher end for a drugstore brand
In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, this moisturizer contains glycerin, a humectant that further helps keep the skin moisturized[1].
Best Moisturizer with SPF
Best Neutrogena Moisturizer with SPF for Dry Skin
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
This moisturizer contains ingredients that keep the skin hydrated all day, as well as SPF 50 to protect the skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays.
It’s crucial to wear an SPF on a daily basis. This moisturizer makes it easy to both protect your skin from the sun and keep it moisturized, making it one of the best Neutrogena products for dry skin. It contains glycerin, which locks in moisture, as well as an antioxidant blend (which includes vitamins E and C) to help further protect against environmental damage[1].
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Non-comedogenic
- Allergy tested
Cons
- Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate more sensitive skin
This moisturizer is not water-resistant, so on days when you plan on swimming or sweating, choose a water-resistant sunscreen on top of a moisturizer instead.
FAQs
Is Neutrogena good for dry skin?
Yes, Neutrogena has a variety of products that are specifically formulated for dry skin types. Some of the best Neutrogena products for dry skin include the Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum and the Hydro Boost Gel-Cream with Hyaluronic Acid for Extra-Dry Skin.
Which Neutrogena face wash is best for dry skin?
One of the best Neutrogena face washes for dry skin is the Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser. The creamy and hydrating formula washes the skin without drying it out. If you’re looking for an exfoliating cleanser, the best option is the Hydro Boost Daily Gel Cream Exfoliating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid. It gently exfoliates, and contains ingredients that help hydrate the skin.
What is the best Neutrogena moisturizer?
For those with dry skin, the best Neutrogena moisturizer is the Hydro Boost Gel-Cream with Hyaluronic Acid for Extra-Dry Skin. If you want a moisturizer with SPF for daytime use, the Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is an excellent option.
The Bottom Line
Those with dry skin can easily develop an effective skincare routine using products from Neutrogena. The above products will help keep your skin hydrated and supple, and won’t disrupt the skin’s moisture barrier.
