If you’ve ever applied on a moisturizer to your skin only to feel dry again an hour later, you’re not alone. Many moisturizers marketed for dry skin fall short — either because they’re packed with fillers, lack staying power, or don’t contain the right combination of ingredients to truly hydrate AND MOISTURIZE the skin. As someone who formulates natural skincare, I’ve learned that solving dry skin isn’t about chasing trendy ingredients — it’s about smart formulation.

Let’s break down what actually makes a moisturizer work—especially for dry, sensitive, or weather-exposed skin.

The Foundation: Hydration and Moisture Are Not the Same

One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that a moisturizer is just…moisturizing. But hydration and moisture are two different things — and the best dry skin moisturizers contain ingredients that address both.

• Hydrating ingredients are water-based and help bind water to the skin. These include:

  • Floral waters (like rose or chamomile)

  • Aloe vera juice

  • Vegetable glycerin

  • Hyaluronic acid

  • Ceramides

• Moisturizing ingredients are oil-based and help soften and protect the skin. Think:

  • Avocado oil

  • Almond oil

  • Pumpkin seed oil

  • Carrot seed oil

  • Shea, kokum, and cocoa butters

  • Botanical extracts like green tea and calendula

And, honestly, the list goes on and on! But, I try to use ingredients that have been around a while. Tride and true ingredients that have been clinically studied and have enough time in the market that the ingredients have been proven safe and effective. Trendy ingredients don’t have the same time in the market to really understand the long term effects on the skin. So, when I select ingredients I read studies, I see what clinical trials have been performed and I look at the origin and method of processing of the ingredient. All these conditions can make a difference in the effectiveness of the ingredient. Without both sides of this equation, you’re either giving your skin water without sealing it in, or oils without hydrating the deeper layers.

The Emulsifier Matters — A Lot

Most moisturizers are emulsions — a blend of oil and water. But not all emulsifiers are created equal. Many conventional products use emulsifiers that are potentially toxic for your organs or endocrine disrupting emulsifiers. They can often feel heavy or create a waxy film on the skin.

At Simple Body, we use a natural emulsifier derived from olive oil — and only the smallest amount necessary. Why? Because when you minimize the emulsifier, you allow the powerful botanicals and active ingredients to do their job without interference.

No Fillers. No Fluff.

When I formulate a moisturizer, I don’t want a single ingredient in there “just to bulk it up.” Every component has to pull its weight — especially when we’re dealing with dry skin, where performance matters most.

Fillers like mineral oil, silicones, or synthetic fragrances can not only dilute the effectiveness of the formula but also trigger irritation or clog pores in sensitive skin types. A clean, well-balanced formulation is more than just a marketing label — it’s a commitment to skin health.

Occlusives: The Unsung Hero

One of the most important elements in a dry skin moisturizer is the inclusion of occlusive agents — ingredients that sit on the surface of the skin to lock in hydration and prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Occlusives help create a physical barrier that traps moisture inside the skin — especially critical in dry, windy, or high-elevation environments (hello, Colorado).

Natural occlusives I love using:

• Shea butter

• Cocoa butter

• Jojoba oil

• Squalane

There are many others, but these are my favs! If your moisturizer doesn’t have some form of occlusive, your skin’s hydration will evaporate faster — no matter how good the formula feels or smells. You’ll know if you apply your moisturizer and your skin starts to feel dry during the day. A great moisturizer for dry skin should last ALL DAY! As a matter of fact, I believe your skin should feel soft even as your washing your face at night!

Non-Comedogenic Is Key (Even for Dry Skin)

Just because skin is dry doesn’t mean it can’t be acne-prone. I always design my moisturizers to be non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores. That requires choosing oils and butters carefully — and avoiding ingredients known to cause congestion.

Common pore-clogging ingredients to avoid:

• Isopropyl myristate

• Coconut oil (in leave-on products)

• Ethylhexyl palmitate

• Wheat germ oil

• Lanolin

Instead, I prefer lightweight, skin-compatible oils like meadowfoam seed oil, squalane, apricot kernel, and almond oil. These absorb well, support the lipid barrier, and suit a wide range of skin types.

Why Absorption Rate Matters

Here’s something a lot of people don’t talk about: a good dry skin moisturizer shouldn’t absorb instantly. In fact, I intentionally design our formulas to absorb slowly.

Why? Slower absorption allows the oils and butters time to soften the lipid barrier — the outermost layer of the skin that protects against moisture loss. When this barrier is softened gradually, it helps improve elasticity and skin function over time. Some dermatological studies even suggest that prolonged contact time can increase the efficacy of lipid-replenishing ingredients.

In short: quick absorption may feel convenient, but for dry, depleted skin, slower is often better.

Formulation = Performance

At the end of the day, what matters most to me — and to my customers — is that a product works. When I approach the problem of dry skin, especially in tough climates like ours (dry air, elevation, intense sun), I don’t stop at a few good oils and call it a day.

I test. I tweak. I study ingredients in-depth — not just for their benefits, but how they interact in real-world conditions. Because performance isn’t about promising miracles. It’s about delivering real, visible results.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been struggling with dry skin that doesn’t stay moisturized — no matter how many products you try — it may be time to look at what’s in your moisturizer. A well-formulated, natural product with the right balance of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients, a natural emulsifier, and occlusives can make all the difference.

And if it’s non-comedogenic and slow-absorbing? Even better.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t recommend my two favorite moisturizers that I think you should try. Our Face Cream and our Beauty Balm. Our Face Cream is a little lighter weight but provides all day moisture without that greasy feel. Whereas our Beauty Balm is thicker and absorbs more slowly, but has Vitamin C and a host of other age supporting ingredients! Personally, I use both. My skin is really dry due to hashimotos, I live at 10,000 feet, I live in Colorado close to the sun and in a really dry climate! So, my skin requires double moisturizing. I apply the Face Cream First, then apply the Beauty Balm on top. It might seem excessive, but it really works for my skin! Also, there’s a completely different set of ingredients in each cream, so I’m getting a wide variety of nutrients on my skin this way! If you’re curious to try either, they’re both available in mini sizes! Here’s the link for those of you that would like to try–what I consider, to be THE BEST moisturizers for dry skin!

Mini Face Cream
Mini Beauty Balm

xoxo
Jewels