The $19 drugstore cream dermatologists keep recommending (plus 4 more for dry skin)

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a drugstore classic for good reason. It combines three essential ceramides with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, ingredients that help support the skin barrier and hold onto moisture. It's fragrance free, non-comedogenic and comes in a big tub, so you can use it generously on your face, hands and body.

Owners consistently describe it as the cream that finally fixed their winter dryness, and it's one of the products dermatologists mention most. The trade-off is texture: it's thick and can feel heavy under makeup or on oily areas. Apply it to slightly damp skin for best results.

If most moisturizers sting or make you itch, Vanicream is the one to try. Its short ingredient list skips many common irritants, including fragrance, dyes, lanolin and parabens, and it's frequently recommended for people with sensitive, reactive skin.

The texture is thick and protective, which makes it excellent for rough hands, elbows and dry patches. Owners with sensitive skin say it's the rare product that doesn't cause redness. The trade-off is a heavy, slightly greasy finish that some people find too much for daytime facial use. Use a small amount on the face and more generously on the body.

Toleriane Double Repair is a great choice if you want daily hydration without a heavy feel. It combines ceramides, niacinamide and glycerin in a light, oil-free lotion that absorbs quickly and works well under sunscreen and makeup.

It's fragrance free and made for sensitive skin. Owners like that it's comfortable for both dry and combination skin. The trade-off is that very dry skin may need something richer at night, such as CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Want a little coverage too? Our best tinted moisturizers guide has options.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is a cult favorite for rough, flaky patches. It includes colloidal oatmeal and shea butter in a whipped texture that feels rich but absorbs faster than most thick creams.

Owners frequently use it on elbows, knees and around the nose during winter, and many say it calms rough spots quickly. It's fragrance free. The trade-off is price compared with drugstore picks, and a few owners with very sensitive skin report mild irritation, so patch test first. Treat yourself or someone else; see our best gifts for women for more ideas.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is a long-running favorite for daily hydration. Squalane and glycerin help keep skin soft, and the texture is light enough for morning use yet moisturizing enough for most dry skin types.

Owners say it feels comfortable all day without greasiness, and it's suitable for a range of skin types. The trade-offs are price per ounce compared with drugstore options and a formula that may still not be rich enough for very dry skin in deep winter. It comes in several jar sizes, so you can start small before committing.