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Just when you feel like you’ve finally gotten a handle on your skin, menopause switches up the playbook, and suddenly, your complexion is drier than the Sahara. Here’s the good news: The best moisturizers for dry menopausal skin can help your complexion weather those changes, restoring hydration and reinforcing the skin barrier along the way.
If you've noticed a shift in your skin, it's not just you: “During menopause, estrogen levels drop, which directly impacts the skin's ability to retain moisture,” says Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan Beach, California. So that sudden onset of dry skin is indeed a symptom of menopause, even if it doesn’t get nearly as much airtime as hot flashes. “Oil production may decrease as well, but menopausal dryness is not simply about producing less oil; it is also about retaining less water and having a weaker skin barrier,” says Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Elmsford, New York.
Addressing that dryness often comes down to the formula. “Focus on humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid applied on damp skin to draw in water, followed by ceramides to help rebuild the lipid barrier,” says Dr. Shokeen. And really consider your overall regimen as well. “It’s vital to be gentle: Avoid harsh cleansers that strip the skin, and always follow up with a solid moisturizer,” recommends Dr. Shokeen. Below, you’ll find our favorite derm-recommended moisturizers that truly and deeply hydrate dry, menopausal skin.
Our Top Moisturizers for Dry Menopausal Skin
- Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, $25
- Best Night Cream: La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream, $230
- Best for Wrinkles: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox Cream, $150
- Best for Sagging: Strivectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream, $99
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What do dermatologists recommend for menopausal skin?
- How can I stop dryness during menopause?
- How does menopause affect the skin, and why does it often become drier?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
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La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: Menopausal skin often calls for more than a basic hit of hydration—it needs help holding on to that hydration, too. That’s why La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is lauded as a particularly versatile pick. First, glycerin comes in as a humectant to draw water into the skin. Then, ceramides and niacinamide help reinforce the skin barrier so all that hydration sticks around for more than a couple of hours. “I like it for dry, sensitive, or easily irritated skin because it focuses on hydration and barrier support without trying to make the moisturizer do everything,” says Dr. Kobets. That pared-back approach is especially useful for menopausal skin, which can become more reactive as it gets drier. It also leaves plenty of room in your routine for your favorite serums and treatments, as this lightweight cream “can also work well alongside stronger active ingredients," says Dr. Kobets.
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- Key ingredients: niacinamide, ceramides, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Best for: sensitive, acne-prone skin
Best Night Cream: La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream
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La Mer
The Rejuvenating Night Cream
La Mer
Why it’s worth it: If you’re looking for a supremely luxurious addition to your nighttime regimen, let it be La Mer’s The Rejuvenating Night Cream—which just earned a Best of Beauty win. The brand is practically synonymous with its legendary Miracle Broth, a proprietary complex made with fermented sea kelp and minerals that protects skin against environmental aggressors and irritation. The formula also contains a marine-based retinol alternative (MRA-3) to aid in skin repair and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while you sleep. Lime tea concentrate, meanwhile, adds antioxidant protection, helping neutralize free radicals that can contribute to visible signs of skin aging.
But beyond the impressive ingredient list, it’s the pillowy texture that makes this cream feel like a ritual rather than another step in your skin-care routine. If you have a hard time staying consistent, maybe you just need to find a moisturizer you’ll actually look forward to applying every night—and this could be the one. One caveat: If you’re sensitive to fragrance, the scent can be a little strong.
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- Key ingredients: sea kelp, marine retinol alternative, lime tea concentrate
- Fragrance-free: no
- Best for: all skin types, especially dry
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Collagen Bank Moisturizer
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Neutrogena
Collagen Bank Moisturizer
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: This Best of Beauty winner does so much more than just hydrate: Neutrogena’s Collagen Bank Moisturizer uses micropeptides that are much smaller than conventional peptides, so they can supposedly penetrate the skin better, theoretically yielding better results. Since collagen and elastin are key to keeping skin looking smooth and bouncy, supporting their production—especially as our bodies start producing less of them over time—becomes increasingly important.
While retinol is still the gold standard when it comes to addressing signs of skin aging, it’s not universally well-tolerated. That’s where bakuchiol comes in: The plant-derived ingredient has been shown to offer some retinol-like benefits, including improving the appearance of fine lines and uneven tone, but is generally less irritating and drying. And at under $30, "it allows patients to add a more treatment-oriented nighttime moisturizer without immediately moving into a luxury price point,” adds Dr. Kobets.
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- Key ingredients: micropeptides, bakuchiol, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Best for: dull skin
Best for Wrinkles: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox Cream
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SkinCeuticals
P-Tiox Cream
Dermstore
SkinCeuticals
Bluemercury
Why it’s worth it: Sometimes you don’t want to layer 13 products into your nighttime routine, and we get it. If you’re looking for hydration with some serious wrinkle-smoothing power, this cream packs plenty into a single formula. Preceded by the Best of Beauty-winning P-Tiox Serum, this moisturizer uses the same tripeptide (acetyl hexapeptide-8), which may help reduce the appearance of expression lines by limiting the muscle contractions that contribute to them. While it may offer some Botox-like benefits, it won’t replicate an injectable’s effects. (No topicals can!)
As skin ages, collagen and elastin production slows, which can reduce the structural support around pores and make them appear more noticeable. If enlarged-looking pores are becoming more of a concern, the addition of micropeptides makes this moisturizer an especially interesting option for smoothing the look of skin. “The peptide complex is formulated to target deep-set wrinkles and texture specifically, which is a different job than daily hydration,” says Dr. Shokeen. Niacinamide and zinc PCA round out the formula, offering the boost of hydration that menopausal skin needs. We also love that the creamy gel texture gives skin an immediately softer feel, making this a particularly satisfying option when you want your moisturizer to pull a little more weight.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: micro-peptides, niacinamide, zinc PCA
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Best for: normal, combination, oily, sensitive
Best for Sagging: Strivectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream
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StriVectin
TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
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Why it’s worth it: When it comes to menopausal skin, we can’t forget the skin under our chin. “The neck has thinner skin and fewer oil glands than the face, so it tends to show crepiness and laxity early,” says Dr. Shokeen, who is a fan of having a dedicated neck cream. StriVectin’s TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream is specifically formulated to target the concerns that tend to show up below the jawline, including slack skin, crepey skin texture, horizontal neck lines, and uneven tone on the décolleté.
The proprietary Alpha-3 Peptide in this formula is designed to support a firmer, more lifted-looking appearance, while the rich formula helps smooth and moisturize skin. And that temporary lifting effect comes from spilanthol, which is “a plant-derived ingredient that gives a quick, temporary tightening effect, so you see a smoother look right away while the peptides work over time,” says Dr. Shokeen. Just level-set expectations: Topical creams can’t address structural changes in skin-like sagging, but the right formula can still help skin look firmer, smoother, and more lifted.
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- Key ingredients: alpha-3 peptide, spilanthol, bearberry and clary sage extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Best for: normal, combination, oily, sensitive
Best for Uneven Tone: Caudalie Vinoperfect Moisturizer
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Caudalie
Vinoperfect Moisturizer
Amazon
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: If discoloration is a concern on top of dryness, a brightening moisturizer like Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Moisturizer may be just the thing. “During menopause, falling estrogen leads to drier, duller skin, and years of sun damage become more visible as spots,” says Dr. Shokeen. To combat those spots, this rich pudding-like cream features the brand’s signature viniferine, a polyphenol-rich antioxidant. Derived from grapevine sap, “it can help reduce the look of dark spots by interfering with pigment production”, says Dr Shokeen. In other words, those sun spots from your beach days in your 20s may finally be ready to take a hint.
Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid delivers the hydration and plumping effect dry, menopausal skin craves, while niacinamide helps support the skin barrier so it can better hold on to that moisture. The goal? Skin that stays hydrated without requiring a moisturizer top-up every few hours. Pearlescent particles provide an instant soft-focus glow, giving skin a brighter, more luminous look.
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- Key ingredients: vinifirine, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: no
- Best for: discoloration and spots
Best Moisturizer with SPF: EltaMD UV Skin Recovery SPF 50
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EltaMD
UV Skin Recovery SPF 50
Amazon
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Why it’s worth it: If you’re looking for a moisturizer that can multitask as your sunscreen, EltaMD UV Skin Recovery SPF 50 is a compelling pick. This Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award winner took home our highest honor, thanks to a 100% mineral formula that is very kind to sensitive skin. “It combines daily broad-spectrum sun protection with moisturizing and calming ingredients, including Centella asiatica, which can help soothe redness and inflammation,” says Dr. Kobets. It also contains amino acids to help support the skin barrier and visibly reduce redness, while ceramides further reinforce the barrier and help skin hold on to hydration. That combination can be particularly helpful for menopausal skin, which is more prone to dryness and sensitivity.
But the real selling point is the texture: ceramides and other emollients “create a nice skin feel that is unlike more common mineral sunscreens,” says cosmetic chemist Amanda Lam who is based in LA. And while some mineral formulas take some wrestling to blend in, this pick glides onto skin without leaving any cast.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: zinc oxide, Centella asiatica, ceramides
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Best for: all skin types
Frequently asked questions
What do dermatologists recommend for menopausal skin?
When choosing a face moisturizer for menopausal skin, prioritize ingredients that replenish hydration and support the skin barrier. Look out for “ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, peptides (particularly copper peptides for collagen support), niacinamide for barrier repair, and squalane,” recommends Dr. Shokeen. If you want to incorporate actives into your routine, retinoids can also help address collagen loss. “Retinoids remain the best-studied for collagen stimulation, but they need a strong moisture foundation underneath them, or they'll worsen the dryness,” says Dr. Shokeen.
How can I stop dryness during menopause?
You need a two-pronged approach that pairs hydration with moisture. To that end, “look for a combination of humectants, which draw water into the skin, and barrier-supporting or occlusive ingredients that help keep it there,” says Dr. Kobets. Think about how you dress in colder weather—it’s all about layers. The same approach applies to your skin-care routine.
Dr. Shokeen recommends applying a humectant first to damp skin, such as a hyaluronic acid- or glycerin-based serum, followed by a peptide or ceramide treatment, and then sealing everything in with a richer moisturizer or facial oil at night. In the morning, you can keep the routine lighter and finish with sunscreen to fend off sun damage. “Sun protection is non-negotiable because the thinner barrier is more vulnerable to UV-induced moisture loss and irritation,” says Dr. Shokeen.
How does menopause affect the skin, and why does it often become drier?
It’s not just in your head if your skin suddenly feels tighter, drier, or less supple; hormonal changes can have a direct impact on skin. “As estrogen declines, the skin loses some of that water-holding capacity and transepidermal water loss increases, so it can become thinner, drier, and less elastic,” says Dr. Kobets. Collagen loss is another major piece of the puzzle: “It can decline by as much as 30% during the first five years after menopause and then continues to decrease more gradually,” says Dr. Kobets. These changes can make it feel as though your skin has transformed almost overnight, even though the underlying changes have been building over time.
Meet the experts
- Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care, based in Elmsford, New York
- Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of OSVI Dermatology and Surgical Institute, based in California.
- Amanda Lam, a cosmetic chemist based in Los Angeles, California.
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best moisturizers for dry menopausal skin, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
