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5 Signs Your Moisturizer Isn’t Working

What to Use Instead

Ever feel like your skin is still dry even though you’re slathering on moisturizer every day?

You’re not alone. So many people assume that if their skin still feels tight, flaky, or dull, the solution is to just use more of the same product. But the truth is, not all moisturizers are created equal—and if yours isn’t doing its job, your skin will let you know.

Let’s look at 5 clear signs your moisturizer isn’t cutting it—and what to do instead.

1. Your skin still feels dry an hour later

If your skin feels soft immediately after applying a product but goes right back to feeling dry or tight within the hour, your moisturizer might be missing key components.

The best moisturizers contain:

  • Hydrators like floral waters, aloe juice, or glycerin (to draw water into the skin)

  • Moisturizers like avocado oil or shea butter (to nourish and smooth)

  • Occlusives like jojoba oil or kokum butter (to lock in hydration)

Our Simple Body Face Cream blends all three—with no fillers—so your skin stays hydrated longer, even in dry climates.

2. You’re applying more and more just to feel relief

This is usually a sign your product is evaporating too quickly or not penetrating the skin at all. Many drugstore moisturizers contain silicones or petroleum-based ingredients that just sit on the surface, giving the illusion of moisture.

Look for a formula that’s:

  • Non-comedogenic

  • Made with natural emulsifiers

  • Packed with nutrient-dense oils, not synthetics

If you’re going through a jar of moisturizer faster than your favorite snack stash, it’s time to rethink what you’re using.

3. You’re breaking out more than usual

Here’s the tricky part—dry skin can still break out, especially if your moisturizer is clogging your pores.

Pore-clogging ingredients to avoid:

  • Isopropyl myristate

  • Coconut oil

  • Heavy synthetic waxes

Instead, go for lighter oils like apricot kernel, sunflower, or grapeseed—all featured in our Face Cream, which is formulated to deeply moisturize without clogging pores.

4. Your makeup looks flaky or patchy

If your skin barrier is compromised (hello, harsh cleansers or too many actives), it won’t hold onto moisture well—and your foundation will cling to every dry patch.

This is where layering matters:

Bonus: Wrinkle Defense Serum also makes an incredible primer—so your makeup goes on smooth.

5. Your skin just feels… off

Sometimes it’s not one dramatic thing. It’s just that your skin doesn’t feel healthy or balanced. It might be dull, sensitive, red, or even itchy.

This can be a sign of trans epidermal water loss (TEWL)—when your skin is losing more moisture than it can hold.

The fix? A moisturizer that actually rebuilds and protects the skin barrier. That’s where ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and clean botanical oils come in. Our formulas are packed with these—because when your skin barrier is healthy, your whole face feels better.

So… What Should You Use Instead?

If you’re nodding along to any of these signs, here’s the good news: you don’t need a 12-step routine. You just need a better moisturizer.

We recommend starting with:

This trio supports hydration, strengthens your barrier, and leaves skin feeling soft, balanced, and calm.

Need Help Choosing the Right Routine?

We’re here for you! You can book a free skincare consultation in-store or by phone. We’ll help you figure out exactly what your skin is asking for—and recommend natural solutions that actually work.

Shop our favorites for healthy, hydrated skin:

🧴 Is Your Moisturizer Working?

Signs Your Moisturizer Isn’t Working What to Use Instead
Skin feels dry again within the hour Moisturizer with hydrators + emollients + occlusives (like Simple Body Face Cream)
You have to reapply constantly Non-comedogenic formulas with nourishing oils (like avocado, almond, apricot kernel)
You’re breaking out more than usual Lightweight, pore-safe options like our Face Cream or Barrier Defense Serum
Makeup looks flaky or uneven Hydrating serum + nutrient-rich moisturizer + optional facial oil for barrier support
Skin feels dull, red, or itchy Moisturizer with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and clean botanical oils

Final Thoughts

If your moisturizer isn’t pulling its weight, your skin will show it. But with the right combination of hydrating ingredients, nourishing oils, and barrier-supportive actives, you can restore comfort, balance, and that healthy, hydrated feeling. At Simple Body, we believe skincare should work—without irritation, fillers, or guesswork. If you’re ready to upgrade your routine, we’re here to help you find products that actually feel good and do good for your skin.

xoxo
Jewels