Ah, fall—the season of cozy sweaters, pumpkin-spiced everything, and, let’s be honest, skin that suddenly starts acting like it’s gone through the wringer. If your complexion feels dry, tight, or a little flaky, blame the crisp air, indoor heating, and the fact that your summer skincare routine just isn’t cutting it anymore.
The good news? A few simple product swaps can help your skin transition smoothly into the cooler months. These fall skincare essentials are here to hydrate, soothe, and get your glow back.
The Top Skin Products for Dry Skin
1. Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser
If your cleanser leaves your face feeling squeaky or tight, it’s time to swap it out. For fall, you want something that removes dirt without stripping your skin’s natural oils.
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CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this creamy cleanser is gentle and dermatologist-loved.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Perfect for sensitive or dry skin types, and fragrance-free.
2. Rich, Nourishing Moisturizer
Fall weather calls for moisturizers that do more than just sit pretty—they need to seal in hydration and support your skin barrier.
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First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
A cult-favorite for a reason: it’s thick without being greasy and loaded with colloidal oatmeal and shea butter.
Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream
Lightweight but rich, with ceramides, fatty acids, and squalane to repair and replenish.
3. Hydrating Serum
Hydration starts before your moisturizer. A hyaluronic acid serum pulls water into the skin and keeps it there, helping you look dewy even when the air is dry enough to fry a leaf.
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The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Affordable and effective, it layers well under any routine.
Vichy Mineral 89
A gel-textured serum with hyaluronic acid and thermal water for hydration and resilience.
4. Gentle Exfoliant
Exfoliation is still important in cooler months. It helps get rid of dead, dry skin and allows your other products to work better. Just avoid anything too harsh.
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Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant
A lactic acid formula that gently resurfaces and hydrates at the same time.
Naturium Mandelic Topical Acid 12%
A great option for sensitive skin, this exfoliant smooths texture without irritation.
5. Facial Oil
A facial oil adds an extra layer of protection and glow, especially when used at night. Look for non-comedogenic options that nourish without clogging pores.
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The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
High in essential fatty acids and vitamin A, great for dry or dull skin.
Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil
A luxe blend of cold-pressed oils for deep nourishment and glow.
6. Lip Balm with SPF
Lips tend to get ignored until they’re cracked and miserable. Stay ahead of the game with a balm that hydrates and protects.
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La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lip Balm B5
An ultra hydrating lip balm with Shea Butter is ideal for dry, cracked lips.
Supergoop! PLAY Lip Balm SPF 30
A lightweight, hydrating, and ideal for daily use.
7. Moisturizing Sunscreen
Yes, even when it’s cold and cloudy, you still need sunscreen. The difference? Fall is a great time to use formulas that double as moisturizers.
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EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
A hydrating, sheer formula packed with hyaluronic acid.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 100
Ever popular this formula is rich, moisturizing, and great for sensitive skin.
Some of the products featured here may contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on personal use, stylist feedback, or product performance.
