When winter’s harsh winds start stripping moisture from your skin, you need more than just a basic moisturizer. The best face moisturizer for cold weather for women over 60 creates a protective barrier that locks in hydration while defending against frigid temperatures, low humidity, and indoor heating that leave your complexion tight, flaky, and uncomfortable.
After researching dermatologist recommendations and analyzing hundreds of user reviews, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect winter face cream for your skin type and budget.
Why Your Skin Needs Special Care in Cold Weather
Cold weather wreaks havoc on your skin’s natural moisture barrier. When temperatures drop, humidity levels plummet, creating drier air that literally pulls moisture away from your skin’s surface. Indoor heating compounds the problem, further depleting your skin’s natural oils and leading to transepidermal water loss—the process where water evaporates through the outer layer of skin.
This double assault explains why your summer moisturizer just doesn’t cut it when winter arrives. Your skin needs richer, more occlusive formulas that can seal in hydration and create a protective shield against harsh environmental conditions.
Just as taking care of your overall health becomes more important after 60, winter skincare requires special attention for mature skin.
What Makes the Best Face Moisturizer for Cold Weather?
Before diving into our top picks, let’s understand what separates effective winter moisturizers from ordinary face creams.
Essential Ingredients to Look For
Ceramides are the gold standard for winter skincare. These lipid molecules naturally occur in your skin’s barrier and help seal in moisture while preventing environmental irritants from penetrating. Look for products containing ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II for maximum barrier repair.
Hyaluronic acid acts like a moisture magnet, drawing water into the skin and holding up to 1,000 times its weight in hydration. In winter formulas, it works best when paired with occlusives that prevent that moisture from evaporating.
Just as choosing the right soap for aging skin matters, understanding these key ingredients helps you make informed decisions about your winter skincare.
Squalane mimics your skin’s natural sebum, providing lightweight yet effective moisture that won’t clog pores. This ingredient is particularly valuable for those with combination skin who still experience winter dryness.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and helps regulate oil production—making it ideal for transitional weather when your skin is adjusting.
Colloidal oatmeal and shea butter offer soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits while providing rich moisture that calms irritated, wind-chapped skin.
13 Best Cold Weather Face Moisturizers: Comprehensive Reviews
1. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream – Best Overall Winter Moisturizer
Price: 34-48 | Size: 1.7-4.2 oz
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream has earned its reputation as a cold-weather skincare legend. This lightweight yet deeply nourishing cream contains squalane and glacial-derived glycoprotein that work together to hydrate skin for up to 24 hours, even in brutal winter climates.
Key Features:
- Glacial glycoprotein helps skin adapt to environmental stress
- Squalane provides non-greasy, long-lasting hydration
- Suitable for all skin types including sensitive
- Fragrance-free formula
- Non-comedogenic
Who It’s For: Anyone seeking a reliable, do-everything winter moisturizer that works from mountain air to radiator-dry apartments.
Pros:
- Absorbs quickly without leaving residue
- Proven 24-hour hydration
- Works beautifully under makeup
- Clinically tested in harsh climates
- Consistently rated highly by dermatologists
Cons:
- Higher price point than drugstore alternatives
- May not be rich enough for extremely dry skin types
- Some users prefer a thicker texture for nighttime use
Where to Buy: Available at Ulta, Sephora, Nordstrom, and Kiehl’s official website
2. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream – Best for Sensitive Skin
Price: 16-40 | Size: 2-14 oz
First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream is a dermatologist favorite for sensitive, eczema-prone skin that becomes even more reactive in cold weather. The colloidal oatmeal and shea butter formula soothes irritation while supporting the skin barrier. Sensitive skin becomes more common as we age, making gentle, effective products essential.
Key Features:
- Colloidal oatmeal provides anti-inflammatory benefits
- Rich in shea butter for intensive moisture
- National Eczema Association approved
- Free from harsh chemicals and fragrances
- Allantoin aids skin healing
Who It’s For: Those with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin who need gentle yet effective winter hydration.
Pros:
- Calms redness and irritation immediately
- Rich texture that doesn’t feel heavy
- Multi-purpose (can use on face and body)
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
- Excellent value for the quality
Cons:
- Some find the texture too thick for daytime
- May take longer to absorb than gel-creams
- Not ideal for very oily skin types
Where to Buy: Sephora, Ulta, Amazon, Target
3. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – Best Drugstore Option
Price: 13-20 | Size: 1.75-19 oz
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream has become the holy grail drugstore moisturizer for good reason. Formulated with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this cream replenishes the skin barrier while providing non-greasy, long-lasting moisture perfect for dry winter skin.
Key Features:
- Contains ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II
- MVE (MultiVesicular Emulsion) technology for all-day hydration
- Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture
- Developed with dermatologists
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
Who It’s For: Budget-conscious shoppers seeking dermatologist-quality hydration without the luxury price tag.
Pros:
- Exceptional value—can find at any drugstore
- Suitable for face and body
- Scientifically formulated with proven ingredients
- Won’t clog pores
- Gentle enough for eczema-prone skin
Cons:
- Jar packaging (less hygienic than pump)
- Texture may feel heavy for some
- May need reapplication in extreme cold
Where to Buy: CVS, Walgreens, Target, Amazon, Walmart
Remember, quality skincare doesn’t have to be expensive—just as you can stay fit with a few essential pieces of equipment, effective skincare can be found at any budget.
4. La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Cream – Best for Very Dry Skin
Price: 21-25 | Size: 2.6-13.5 oz
Specifically designed to restore extremely dry, winter-stressed skin, La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar AP+M combines ceramides and niacinamide to reduce dryness, itching, and barrier damage caused by harsh weather.
Key Features:
- Rich in ceramide-3 for barrier repair
- 4% niacinamide calms and strengthens skin
- Shea butter provides intensive moisture
- Thermal spring water soothes irritation
- Microbiome-friendly formula
Who It’s For: Those experiencing severe winter dryness, itching, or discomfort from compromised skin barriers.
Pros:
- Clinically proven to improve barrier function
- Reduces itching within hours
- Dermatologist and pediatrician tested
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
Cons:
- Rich texture takes time to absorb
- May be too heavy for oily or combination skin
- Higher price than some drugstore alternatives
Where to Buy: Ulta, CVS, Target, Amazon, Dermstore
5. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (Fragrance Free) – Best for Combination Skin
Price: 17-25 | Size: 1.7-2.5 oz
Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel offers a unique solution for combination skin that still gets dehydrated in winter. The hyaluronic acid gel locks in water and slowly releases it throughout the day without adding excess oil.
Key Features:
- Hyaluronic acid gel matrix
- Oil-free, non-comedogenic formula
- Fragrance-free version available
- Lightweight texture
- Absorbs instantly
Who It’s For: Combination to normal skin types who need winter hydration without greasiness.
Pros:
- Gel texture feels refreshing, not heavy
- Works perfectly under makeup
- Won’t clog pores or cause breakouts
- Affordable and widely available
- Provides lasting hydration despite lightweight feel
Cons:
- May not be rich enough for very dry skin
- Not as protective in extreme cold
- Some prefer cream texture for nighttime
Where to Buy: Drugstores, Amazon, Target, Walmart, Ulta
6. Weleda Skin Food – Best Lotion for Extreme Dryness
Price: 12-22 | Size: 1-2.5 oz
Weleda Skin Food is the cult-favorite thick herbal cream that beauty editors and makeup artists swear by for extreme winter protection. Its occlusive formula seals in moisture and protects against wind and cold—perfect for “slugging” or layering over lighter moisturizers.
Key Features:
- Rich herbal extract blend
- Plant-based oils create protective barrier
- Multi-purpose (face, hands, elbows, anywhere dry)
- Natural formula
- Concentrated—a little goes a long way
Who It’s For: Those facing extremely harsh conditions or wanting an intensive overnight treatment for very dry areas.
Pros:
- Provides heavy-duty protection
- Works immediately on chapped skin
- Long-lasting barrier effect
- Natural ingredients
- Cult favorite for decades
Cons:
- Very thick—not for daytime for most
- Strong herbal scent (not everyone’s preference)
- Can feel greasy if over-applied
- Not suitable for oily or acne-prone skin
Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Amazon, Ulta, natural beauty retailers
7. Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm – Best for Chapped, Damaged Skin
Price: 10-18 | Size: 1.75-14 oz
Aquaphor is technically an ointment, but it’s a winter skincare essential for preventing transepidermal water loss and healing chapped, cold-induced skin damage. Many use it as a final sealing step over their regular moisturizer.
Key Features:
- 41% petrolatum creates occlusive barrier
- Glycerin and panthenol support healing
- Fragrance-free, preservative-free
- Dermatologist recommended
- Multi-purpose healing ointment
Who It’s For: Anyone dealing with extreme dryness, chapping, cracked skin, or eczema flare-ups triggered by cold weather. Dry, cracked skin is common in winter, especially for mature skin that produces less natural oil.
Pros:
- Prevents moisture loss effectively
- Accelerates skin healing
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Affordable
- Can be used on lips, cuticles, anywhere dry
Cons:
- Very occlusive—feels greasy
- Best for nighttime or spot treatment
- Not a standalone moisturizer for most
- Can leave residue on pillowcases
Where to Buy: Any pharmacy, Amazon, Target, Walmart
8. COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream – Best K-Beauty Option
Price: 24-28 | Size: 3.52 oz
This K-beauty favorite combines multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid for deep, multi-level hydration that keeps skin plump and comfortable in cold, dry air. The lightweight cream texture absorbs beautifully while delivering intensive moisture.
Key Features:
- Three types of hyaluronic acid for layered hydration
- Propolis extract provides antioxidant benefits
- Lightweight but deeply moisturizing
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
Who It’s For: Those who prefer Asian beauty formulations and want effective hydration without heavy creams.
Pros:
- Absorbs quickly without residue
- Plumps and hydrates simultaneously
- Works well in layered skincare routines
- Gentle formula
- Good value for the size
Cons:
- May not be occlusive enough for severe dryness
- Needs to be ordered online for most
- Some prefer thicker texture at night
Where to Buy: Amazon, YesStyle, Soko Glam, Ulta
9. Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream – Best for a Luminous Finish
Price: 68-140 | Size: 1.7-3.4 oz
Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream delivers intense hydration with a signature “dewy” finish that combats the dullness winter weather brings. The rich cream contains hyaluronic acid and Japanese botanicals for a luxurious moisture experience that helps you maintain radiant, glowing skin no matter the season.
Key Features:
- Japanese purple rice and algae for anti-aging benefits
- Hyaluronic acid and squalane for deep hydration
- Creates naturally dewy, lit-from-within glow
- Silky, fast-absorbing texture
- Cruelty-free and clean formulation
Who It’s For: Normal to dry skin types seeking luxury hydration with a radiant, dewy finish.
Pros:
- Beautiful texture and application
- Provides long-lasting moisture
- Gives skin a healthy glow
- High-quality, clean ingredients
- Luxurious self-care experience
Cons:
- Premium price point
- Dewy finish not ideal for oily skin
- May be too rich for combination skin
- Jar packaging
Where to Buy: Sephora, Tatcha.com, Nordstrom
10. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream – Best Under Makeup
Price: 48-105 | Size: 1.7-5.07 oz
Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream is beloved by makeup artists and beauty editors for creating a perfectly hydrated, cushioned base that keeps makeup looking fresh all day—even in dry winter conditions.
Key Features:
- Peptides and vitamins boost skin health
- Frangipani extract brightens
- Hyaluronic acid hydrates deeply
- Priming effect under makeup
- Luxurious cream texture
Who It’s For: Those who wear makeup daily and need winter hydration that creates a flawless base.
Pros:
- Makeup applies beautifully over it
- Provides all-day hydration
- Brightens dull winter complexion
- Feels luxurious
- Works for most skin types
Cons:
- Expensive for the size
- May be too rich for very oily skin
- Scent may bother sensitive individuals
- Packaging not the most hygienic
Where to Buy: Charlotte Tilbury stores, Sephora, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman
11. La Mer Crème de la Mer – Best Luxury Option
Price: 180- 295 | Size: 1-16.5 oz
La Mer’s iconic Crème de la Mer represents the pinnacle of luxury moisturizing. The rich cream contains the brand’s famous “Miracle Broth” for locking in moisture and softening even the most winter-parched skin.
Key Features:
- Miracle Broth with sea kelp ferment
- Lime tea concentrate supports barrier
- Rich, concentrated formula
- Suitable for normal to dry skin
- Iconic skincare investment piece
Who It’s For: Those seeking the ultimate luxury moisturizer and willing to invest in premium skincare.
Pros:
- Incredibly rich and nourishing
- Small amount goes far
- Luxurious experience
- Softens skin remarkably
- Long-lasting jar
Cons:
- Extremely expensive
- Not justified for everyone’s budget
- May be too heavy for some
- Requires specific application technique
- Not superior to quality drugstore options for many
Where to Buy: La Mer boutiques, Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bluemercury
12. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ – Best Classic Choice
Price: 32-99 | Size: 1.7-6.76 oz
Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ has been strengthening moisture barriers and maintaining hydration for decades. The updated formula works even better for dry to combination skin in winter routines.
Key Features:
- Strengthens skin’s moisture barrier
- Hyaluronic acid and glycerin hydrate
- Sunflower seed cake provides antioxidants
- Classic Clinique yellow moisturizer
- Dermatologist-developed
Who It’s For: Those who appreciate reliable, classic skincare that delivers consistent results.
Pros:
- Proven formula with decades of success
- Lightweight yet effective
- Absorbs quickly
- Works well layered in routines
- Fragrance-free
Cons:
- May not be rich enough for severe dryness
- Some prefer newer formulations
- Mid-range price
- Bottle packaging can be less economical
Where to Buy: Clinique counters, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Ulta, Sephora
13. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Hydration Cream – Best for Brightening + Hydration
Price: 65-100 | Size: 1.7-3.4 oz
Sunday Riley’s C.E.O. Hydration Cream tackles both winter dullness and dryness with vitamin C-rich ingredients that hydrate while addressing environmental stress and pollution effects.
Key Features:
- Advanced Vitamin C Complex brightens
- Shea butter and sodium hyaluronate hydrate
- Antioxidant-rich formula
- Fast-absorbing despite rich texture
- Addresses multiple winter skin concerns
Who It’s For: Those wanting to combat winter dullness while maintaining hydration and fighting environmental damage. Vitamin C helps brighten aging skin while providing antioxidant protection.
Pros:
- Brightens and hydrates simultaneously
- Lightweight for a rich cream
- Clean ingredients
- Works for most skin types
- Visible results with continued use
Cons:
- Premium price point
- May be too active for very sensitive skin
- Some prefer pure hydration without actives
- Citrus scent not for everyone
Where to Buy: Sephora, Sunday Riley website, Space NK, Dermstore
How to Choose the Right Winter Face Moisturizer for Your Skin Type
For Very Dry or Sensitive Skin
Prioritize ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, and thicker cream textures. Look for products like CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M, or Aquaphor as a final sealing step. Mature skin tends to be drier, requiring more intensive moisture support.
Key indicators you need a rich cream:
- Skin feels tight throughout the day
- Flaking or peeling, especially around nose and mouth
- Rough texture that doesn’t improve with regular moisturizer
- Redness or irritation from cold exposure
For Combination or Oily Skin That Gets Dehydrated
Go for lighter gels or gel-creams with hyaluronic acid that won’t add excess oil. Neutrogena Hydro Boost, COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream, or Clinique Dramatically Different work beautifully for balancing hydration without heaviness.
Signs you need lightweight hydration:
- Oily T-zone but dry cheeks
- Skin feels dehydrated but breaks out with heavy creams
- Fine lines from dehydration but can’t tolerate rich textures
- Makeup slides off or looks cakey with thick moisturizers
For Normal Skin Adapting to Winter
Choose versatile, balanced formulas like Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream or Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream that provide ample hydration without being too heavy or too light.
For Mature Skin Needing Extra Support
Look for moisturizers with peptides, antioxidants, and rich emollients like Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream or Sunday Riley C.E.O. that address both hydration and aging concerns. Integrate these into your complete anti-aging skincare routine for best results.
Winter Moisturizing Techniques for Maximum Results
Layering for Extreme Cold
For night or exceptionally harsh conditions, use the “sandwich” method: Apply a humectant-rich cream first (like one with hyaluronic acid), then seal with something more occlusive like Weleda Skin Food or Aquaphor on the driest areas.
Application Timing Matters
Apply moisturizer to damp skin within 2-3 minutes of cleansing. This locks in the moisture from your cleanser or toner, maximizing hydration.
Don’t Forget Reapplication
In extreme cold or dry office environments, keep a travel-size moisturizer handy for midday touch-ups on dry patches.
Humidifier Hack
Use a humidifier in your bedroom while sleeping to maintain moisture in the air, reducing how much your skin loses overnight. Using a humidifier improves overall winter health, not just your skin—it can help with breathing, sleep quality, and reducing static electricity.
Common Winter Moisturizer Mistakes to Avoid
Using the same lightweight lotion from summer – Your skin needs richer formulas when humidity drops.
Skipping sunscreen – UV rays damage skin year-round. Sun protection is critical at every age, and even more so for mature skin. Layer SPF over your moisturizer daily.
Over-exfoliating – Winter skin is more fragile. Reduce exfoliation frequency and follow with intensive moisturizer.
Taking hot showers – Hot water strips natural oils. Use lukewarm water and apply moisturizer immediately after.
Waiting too long to moisturize – Apply while skin is still slightly damp for maximum absorption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I switch my moisturizer in winter?
Yes, most people benefit from switching to a richer, more emollient moisturizer in winter. Cold air and low humidity require stronger barrier protection than summer formulas typically provide. If your current moisturizer leaves your skin feeling tight or dry within hours, it’s time to upgrade.
Can I use the same moisturizer on my face and body in winter?
Many winter moisturizers work for both face and body (like CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream). However, facial skin is more delicate and prone to breakouts, so ensure any multi-purpose product is non-comedogenic if using on your face.
How often should I apply moisturizer in cold weather?
At minimum, apply moisturizer morning and night. In extreme cold, dry office environments, or after outdoor activities, you may benefit from reapplication. Listen to your skin—if it feels tight or uncomfortable, it needs more moisture.
Is gel or cream better for winter?
It depends on your skin type. Creams are generally better for dry and sensitive skin because they contain more oils and occlusives that create a protective barrier. Gels work well for oily or combination skin that needs hydration without added oils. Some combination skin types do well with gel during the day and cream at night.
Do I still need hyaluronic acid in winter?
Absolutely! Hyaluronic acid is beneficial year-round because it draws moisture into the skin. However, in winter’s low humidity, pair it with occlusive ingredients (like ceramides or petrolatum) to prevent the moisture from evaporating. Apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin, then seal with your moisturizer.
What’s the difference between moisturizer and face oil in winter?
Moisturizers contain water and hydrating ingredients (humectants like hyaluronic acid) plus oils (emollients and occlusives). Face oils are purely lipids that seal in moisture but don’t add water. In winter, you typically need both—moisturizer provides hydration, while oil (if needed) locks it in. Layer oil over moisturizer, not instead of it.
Can winter moisturizer cause breakouts?
Rich moisturizers can cause breakouts if they’re not suited to your skin type. Look for non-comedogenic formulas if you’re acne-prone. Products like Neutrogena Hydro Boost or COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream provide winter hydration without clogging pores. Remember, adult acne can still occur even after 60 due to hormonal changes.
Should I layer multiple moisturizers in winter?
Layering can be beneficial if done correctly. Start with lightweight, water-based hydrators (like hyaluronic acid serums), then add your primary moisturizer, and finish with an occlusive (like Aquaphor) on extra-dry areas. This “moisture sandwich” locks in hydration effectively.
How long does it take to see results from a new winter moisturizer?
You should notice immediate relief from tightness and discomfort after the first application. However, true barrier repair and improvement in texture, flaking, and overall hydration typically takes 1-2 weeks of consistent use. Give a new moisturizer at least two weeks before deciding if it’s working.
Are expensive moisturizers worth it for winter?
Not necessarily. Some drugstore options (like CeraVe) contain the same key ingredients as luxury creams at a fraction of the cost. What matters most are the ingredients and formulation, not the price tag. That said, some people find value in luxury textures, packaging, and experience. Choose based on your budget and what works for your skin.
Final Thoughts
The best face moisturizer for cold weather is one that matches your skin type, addresses your specific winter concerns, and contains ingredients proven to support the skin barrier.
Our Top Picks by Category:
- Best Overall: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
- Best Value: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- Best for Sensitive Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
- Best for Combination Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
- Best for Extreme Dryness: Weleda Skin Food + Aquaphor
- Best Luxury: La Mer Crème de la Mer
- Best Under Makeup: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
Remember, winter skincare is not one-size-fits-all. What works for your friend in Miami won’t necessarily work for you in Minnesota. Pay attention to how your skin responds, adjust as needed, and don’t hesitate to layer products for maximum protection. For more guidance, explore our complete collection of health and beauty solutions designed specifically for adults over 60.
Ready to Transform Your Winter Skin?
Don’t let another day go by with uncomfortable, dehydrated skin. Choose one of these dermatologist-recommended moisturizers and experience the difference proper winter hydration makes. Your skin barrier will thank you, and you’ll wonder how you ever survived winter without it.
Pro tip: Buy your winter moisturizer now while it’s fresh on your mind. Your future self will thank you when that first cold snap hits and you’re already prepared with the perfect cold weather protection your skin needs.
About the author
Claudia Faucher is a fitness and lifestyle blogger who shares practical tips for women over 50 on staying active, stylish, and confident. As the creator of FitFab50.com and Beyond59.com, she covers topics like workout gear, beauty trends, and wellness routines. Claudia is passionate about helping others live their best life at any age.