Never ditch these ingredients in your skincare routine if you have dry skin

Shweta Pandey is a Senior Content Writer at Hindustan Times, with over 12 years of experience in beauty and wellness journalism, specialising in makeup, skincare, and hair care.

She began her professional writing journey in 2011, entering the evolving world of digital lifestyle journalism as beauty and wellness content rapidly transformed in India. Over the years, she has worked with reputed digital media houses like India Today, the Times of India and Skymet Weather, steadily building credibility through well-researched features, product reviews, and trend analyses. Her career reflects consistent growth, moving from content contributor to senior writer. She now plays a key role in shaping editorial strategy, social media content, and ensuring high-quality, reader-focused content that aligns with evolving audience needs.

Shweta’s core expertise spans makeup, skincare, hair care, and holistic health and fitness. She specialises in in-depth beauty product reviews, ingredient analysis, skincare routines, and evidence-based wellness advice. Known for her analytical and data-driven approach, she relies on verified sources, dermatological insights, and expert consultations to ensure credibility. Her field experience includes interviewing Bollywood celebrities, beauty and makeup professionals, tracking consumer trends, and simplifying the top picks.

Shweta holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication, Advertising, and Journalism and has done Bachelor’s in Commerce from Delhi University. She believes in delivering reader-first insights that empower informed decisions while maintaining transparency, credibility, and trust.

Beyond her writing desk, Shweta enjoys exploring new destinations, experimenting in the kitchen with delightful recipes, and staying in tune with the latest beauty and wellness trends.

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Dry skin can feel tight, rough and uncomfortable, especially after a shower or during colder, drier months. Moreover, choosing a body lotion is not just about its fragrance or texture. The ingredient list matters just as much. A good moisturiser for dry skin should ideally combine ingredients that attract water, ingredients that soften the skin and ingredients that help prevent moisture loss.

According to Dermatologist Dr Vaishnavi Verma of Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, tells HT Shop Now, “For dry skin, the focus should be on restoring and protecting the skin barrier rather than simply adding moisture. Ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane and shea butter can be particularly helpful”. She also says that ceramides support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss, while humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin attract and retain water in the skin. Squalane and shea butter act as emollients, helping soften rough, flaky skin and improving overall comfort.

Dr Verma further mentions, “For very dry or sensitive skin, fragrance-free formulations are preferable, as perfumes and harsh active ingredients may worsen irritation. It is also important to avoid over-cleansing and very hot water, both of which can strip natural oils from the skin”.

As per Dr Verma, your skincare ritual must include a gentle cleanser followed by a moisturiser on slightly damp skin, which can help lock in hydration. “If dryness is persistent, associated with redness, itching, cracking or inflammation, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist to rule out conditions such as eczema or contact dermatitis”, she says.

Cocoa butter is one of the classic ingredients for dry skin. It is a rich emollient that helps soften rough skin and leaves it feeling smoother. Because it forms a protective layer over the skin, it can also help reduce moisture loss.

Almond oil to soften rough skin:

Almond oil is another ingredient worth considering if your skin feels dry or lacks softness. It is an emollient oil that helps smooth the skin and can make it feel more supple. It also gives body lotions a nourishing texture without necessarily making them feel extremely heavy.

Glycerin to attract moisture:

Glycerin can be used for everyday hydration. It is a humectant, which means it helps attract and hold water in the skin. Unlike richer butters and oils, glycerin does not simply sit on the surface. It helps support the skin’s hydration levels.

Niacinamide for the skin barrier

Niacinamide is best known for its skincare benefits, but it can also be useful in a body moisturiser. It supports the skin barrier and can help improve the appearance and feel of dry, rough skin with regular use.

Shea butter for rich moisturisation

Shea butter is another excellent ingredient for dry skin because it is rich in fatty acids and acts as an emollient. It helps soften the skin while reducing the feeling of tightness. Shea butter is best for areas that tend to become extremely dry, such as the feet, hands, elbows and knees.

Ceramides for barrier support

Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids found in the skin barrier. When the skin barrier is compromised, it can lose moisture more easily, leaving the skin dry and sensitive. Body moisturisers containing ceramides can therefore be a good choice when your main concern is persistent dryness.

Hyaluronic acid for hydration

Hyaluronic acid is another humectant that can help attract water to the skin. While it is more commonly associated with facial serums, it can also be useful in body care. For dry skin, it is most useful when combined with richer moisturising ingredients rather than used as the only hydrating ingredient.