Hydrating Products to Help Your Skin Survive Winter

Winter is a notoriously difficult time for skin and hair, thanks to a combination of dry, cold air outside, dry heating inside, and less vitamin D. After many years of struggling through the winter months with cracked knuckles, chapped lips, and staticky hair, I’ve curated the perfect set of hydration products to get you through it. I keep it simple with clinically proven ingredients that dermatologists recommend for sensitive skin — and most are under $20. These are some of my cold-weather go-tos. 

_{Prices are accurate as of February 5, 2026. Subject to change.}

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser 

If you have dry or combination-sensitive skin that changes with the seasons and is acne-prone, finding the right face cleanser can be a challenge. Just the thought of cleansing already-dry, irritated skin makes you shiver. I’ve used cleansers that left my face feeling too heavy with residual oils and cleansers that dried out and irritated my skin further. This foaming cleanser from CeraVe has been a game-changer. It cleans my face without stripping away my natural oils so I know my pores are clean and ready for the rest of my moisturizing routine. It is an incredibly gentle product that I love for my difficult skin. 

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

I would be remiss to not mention Aquaphor on this list. This product is the KING of healing ultra-dry skin. Some days, lips are more chapped than others, dry patches pop up on your face, or knuckles are more cracked despite using all the moisturizer in your cabinet. Aquaphor is a great way to relieve those more intense bouts of dry skin and despite its thick texture, it shouldn’t clog pores. You can use a small amount anytime — even under makeup — to help heal little rough patches or try a thicker layer for slugging your lips and face. 

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizing Sheet Mask

When the nights are cold and you don’t feel like going out, relaxing with a sheet mask is the perfect way to have a spa night in. The hyaluronic acid in Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost mask leaves my skin hydrated and plump without feeling greasy or sticky. The mask is made from hydrogel rather than the cotton fiber many other masks use, which feels more soothing on dry winter skin. It doesn’t aggravate my sensitive skin or cause breakouts like some other masks I’ve tried. You can get single masks as needed or multi-packs so you always have one on hand. Many Better Report staffers are fans of the entire Hydro Boost line, including the water gel and overnight pressed serum.

Dr. PawPaw Multipurpose Balm 

Every other lip balm I’ve used in my life has left me unsatisfied. They are either too waxy, making my lips feel unnaturally stiff, or so goopy they make a mess — some lip balms feel good the moment you apply them, but might actually dry your lips out more in the long run. This multipurpose balm from Dr. PawPaw, on the other hand, is incredibly moisturizing and leaves my lips feeling naturally hydrated. I even use it on dry knuckles and cuticles when I’m in a pinch. It’s just a great product to keep in your bag at all times.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

I’m not one to remember to moisturize regularly, plus I don’t like feeling moisturizer on my hands while I work during the day. But winter months leave my hands stiff and dry and the Norwegian Formula Hand Cream from Neutrogena is one of the only hand creams I’ll use. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave my skin balmy. The bottle is compact too, so it’s easy to throw in your bag and always have it on hand (pun intended) when you need it.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Intense Repair Cream

La Roche-Posay consistently churns out high-quality products that feel luxurious at a reasonable price, and its Lipikar Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream is no different. This rich full-body moisturizer uses shea butter, niacinamide, and ceramides to leave your skin feeling fabulous while also restoring its natural barrier long-term.  It is fragrance-free and is even gentle enough to use on babies from two weeks old. 

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum

In all honesty, I’m not a huge serum person. Because of my sensitive skin, I have a very simple skincare routine, but in the winter when my skin is feeling extra sensitive and dry, I use this hyaluronic acid serum from Neutrogena and it makes a world of difference. It’s lightweight on the skin and absorbs quickly, making it a great addition to both my morning and evening routine. 

Hairgurt Smoothing Hair Mask 

Hair is one of the most neglected parts of a hydrating routine! Before knowing how important it was to take measures to moisturize my hair, winter always meant frequent static and dead ends. Once I incorporated a hair mask into my shower routine, everything changed. About once a week, I use this Hairgurt Smoothing Mask and it leaves my hair visibly hydrated and silky smooth feeling. The visual results are amazing and it smells like a strawberry banana smoothie. 

ColourPop So Juicy Plumping Gloss Balm

This product might not be for everyone, but ColourPop’s So Juicy Plumping Gloss Balm is the perfect combo of form and function. It has a glossy shine that makes my lips feel as hydrated as they look. I love using it as my night-out lip product in the winter because it’s doing work behind the scenes. It’s an effortless way to keep lips trendy without sacrificing their well-being. 

Feature Image Credit: Kaboompics/ Pexels