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17 Winter Skin Care Products to Survive the Season

winter skin care

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Each season is not created equal, and neither are our skin care needs during them. Winter in particular can be harsh and dry, especially if you have mature or exceptionally dry skin or live in a colder, drier climate. With that in mind, keep your skin healthy and glowing for the holidays and beyond with the best winter skin care products around. They’ll keep you nourished, hydrated, moisturized, and feeling and looking great this season.

graydon face food mineral mist
  • Softens, brightens and protects skin
  • Clean ingredients
  • Refreshing and gentle
Price: $49.00 Shop now at Graydon Skincare Shop now Read our review
Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Gives a beautiful, youthful, natural glow
  • Reduces aging signs like fine lines
  • Very hydrating and firming
Price: $77.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
om organics marula cactus face oil
  • Fast-acting - very nourishing and hydrating
  • Makes skin smooth, bright, and glow
  • Ideal for dry or mature skin
Price: $42.00 Shop now at Om Organics Shop now Read our review
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Highly moisturizing and protecting against the elements
  • Smoothes skin & reduces signs of aging
  • Don't need much to see results
Price: $27.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Florence by Mills Hit Reset Moisturizing Mask Pearls Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Leaves skin supple, soft, and glowing
  • Refreshing and hydrating
  • Unique and fun to use
Price: $13.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Lanolips Lip Water Collection Trio Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Leaves lips soft and hydrated
  • Applies very smoothly
  • Nice variety of tints/looks
Price: $39.95 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
JUNO-&-Co.-Clarifying-Cleansing-Powder Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Leaves skin fresh, hydrated, and supple
  • Helps clear up acne without drying
  • Unscented, gentle, great for sensitive skin
Price: $17.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Meebak Cica Redness Solution Cream Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Leaves skin brighter, less red, natural, and more even-looking
  • Can use as a lighter, more natural makeup alternative
  • You don't need much - a little goes a long way
Price: $21.97 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Youth To The People Kale + Green Tea Superfood Face Cleanser Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Clears up pores and leaves skin glowing
  • Very gentle - ideal for sensitive skin
  • Won't dry or strip skin
Price: $31.20 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
florence by mills Surfing Under The Eyes Hydrating Treatment Gel Pads
  • Effectively reduces puffiness
  • Makes skin brighter and tighter
  • Feels refreshing
Price: $20.00 Shop now at Ulta Beauty Shop now Read our review
Stratia Soft Touch AHA | Hyper-Gentle Resurfacing Treatment Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Leaves skin smooth and matte
  • Lightweight, non-greasy, quick-absorbing
  • Works on most sensitive skin
Price: $16.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Versed Keep It Supple Body Oil Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Feels lightweight and non-greasy
  • Leaves skin soft and supple
  • Spray nozzle helps with application
Price: $23.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Skinceuticals Renew Overnight Dry Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Provides great moisture and hydration
  • Balancing and long-lasting
  • Nice light, clean formula and scent
Price: $62.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Mario Badescu Lip Mask with Acai and Vanilla Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Very nourishing and hydrating
  • Great overnight or to wear on its own or under lipstick
  • Smells and tastes amazing
Price: $14.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Winter Skin Essentials Skincare Set Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Works wonders for those with sensitive combination skin
  • Tried and trusted brand
  • Great value and gift option
Price: $27.07 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Moisturizes well - ideal for sensitive skin
  • Lightweight, applies easily and evenly
  • A little goes a long way
Price: $32.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
AHAVA Dead Sea Mineral Hand Cream Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Long-lasting (effects & product itself)
  • Heals, soothes & moisturizes well
  • Works well for sensitive skin
Price: $18.75 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Our Unbiased Reviews
  1. 1. Graydon Face Food Mineral Mist

    Pros:
    • Softens, brightens and protects skin
    • Clean ingredients
    • Refreshing and gentle
    Cons:
    • Scent isn't for everyone
    • Pricey
    • Some didn't see any effects

    If you’re like me, you love a product that multitasks, no matter the season. And that’s exactly what this clinically and dermatologist-tested, 2-in-1 hydrating face mist and toner from Graydon does. The white tea and mineral complex of magnesium, zinc, copper, and malachite creates a weightless shield against stressors from the environment.

    As well, this refreshing product balances the complexion, mattifies and rejuvenates the skin, and protects you from environmental pollution, plus, it’s cruelty-free and vegan. I love how I can literally hear and feel the squeaky clean of the solution and how its light consistency and fresh smell awaken my senses every morning!

  2. 2. Charlotte’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir

    Pros:
    • Gives a beautiful, youthful, natural glow
    • Reduces aging signs like fine lines
    • Very hydrating and firming
    Cons:
    • Small for the price
    • May not be ideal for sensitive skin
    • Smell isn't for everyone

    This clinically-proven lightweight, hydrating serum produced by Charlotte Tilbury, in partnership with expert scientists, improves skin’s appearance by reducing dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines, brightening the complexion, and plumping to help with makeup application.

    The serum makes you look more youthful, as agreed by over 90% of test subjects, featuring a well-blended combination of potent ingredients:

    • replexium for younger-looking skin,
    • golden vitamin C for brightness,
    • niacinamide to reduce the look of pores and improve skin tone and texture, and
    • polyglutamic acid for hydration (which is four times more hydrating than popular hyaluronic acid – and we all need that hydration in the winter time).
  3. 3. Om Organics Marula + Cactus Nourishing Face Oil

    Pros:
    • Fast-acting - very nourishing and hydrating
    • Makes skin smooth, bright, and glow
    • Ideal for dry or mature skin
    Cons:
    • Can be too oily for certain skin types
    • Scent isn't for everyone
    • Pricey for some, but a little goes a long way

    This rich, luscious plant-based face oil from Om Organics is super nourishing, smoothing, and hydrating to give you naturally glowing, repaired, supple skin without the dryness or look of fine lines. Your skin will feel softer, firmer, and more elastic thanks to the luxe ingredients including:

    • marula oil, with essential fatty acids that hydrate, reduce redness, nourish, heal, and moisturize
    • prickly pear seed oil, with fatty acids and vitamin E that neutralizes free radicals, plumps, and firms, and
    • schisandra extract, with vitamins C and E antioxidants that help lock in moisture

    I absolutely love how this oil makes my skin feel and smell, with its fresh rose and coconut scent. It’s the perfect addition to my nighttime routine and gives me soft, nourished, hydrated skin by morning – something everyone will need this winter.

  4. 4. IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream

    Pros:
    • Highly moisturizing and protecting against the elements
    • Smoothes skin & reduces signs of aging
    • Don't need much to see results
    Cons:
    • Scent isn't for everyone
    • May not be great for sensitive skin
    • Can add shine to oily skin after a while

    If you’re looking to reduce the look of aging signs while giving your skin plenty of moisture all season long, look no further than IT Cosmetics’ silky smooth Confidence in a Cream. The vegan formula contains no parabens, SLS/SLES, or mineral oil and helps with these potent, active ingredients that reverse visible signs of aging quickly – including fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of elasticity, firmness, and plumpness:

    • Nicotinamide (4%) – evens out skin tone and lessens the look of fine lines and wrinkles
    • Squalane (3%) – hydrates and helps to reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier
    • Peptide-lipid complex (2.5%) – improves firmness and tightness, hydrates, and smoothes out the appearance of fine lines

    I loved that this cream visibly firmed my skin and reduced the look of wretched crow’s feet. I did find it can sting just a little, so I’m careful not to use too much or apply it too close to my eyes.

  5. 5. Florence by Mills Hit Reset Moisturizing Mask Pearls

    Pros:
    • Leaves skin supple, soft, and glowing
    • Refreshing and hydrating
    • Unique and fun to use
    Cons:
    • Can be messy to use
    • Quantity on the small side for the price
    • May not be ideal for sensitive skin

    Each one of these moisturizing pearls from Florence by Mills helps to reset and rejuvenate your skin when it’s tired or dry. They contain niacinamide, shea butter, apricot kernel oil, and hyaluronic acid for plenty of softness and moisture – what we all crave in the winter. The dermatologist-tested formula is cruelty-free, vegan, clean, and free of silicone and SLS/SLES. Bonus: they’re super fun to crush in the palm of your hand!

    I liked how easily spreadable this formula is and that it doesn’t feel too heavy once on. It made my skin feel soft and hydrated. To use, shake 2 moisture pearls out and crush in between your fingers, then apply to clean skin. Leave on for 15 minutes and blend in or blot away any excess product. Or, leave on before bed as an overnight mask.

  6. 6. Lanolips Lip Water Collection Trio

    Pros:
    • Leaves lips soft and hydrated
    • Applies very smoothly
    • Nice variety of tints/looks
    Cons:
    • Gloss not long-lasting (but lips stay soft)
    • Flavors might not be to everyone's taste
    • Consistency is on the thick side

    The shimmery, hydrating, smooth-as-silk Lanolips Lip Water Collection Trio comes with Original Lanolin Lip Water, Lip Water Watermelon + Lip Water Liquid Gold. Each gloss contains lanolin, a sustainable, renewable, and natural byproduct of wool washing. All glosses are cruelty-free, non-sticky, and free of parabens, petrolatuml mineral oil, sulfates, or artificial fragrance.

    I love how smooth the clear Lip Water is – almost like a serum – and how it leaves a fresh tingle of mint on my lips. It applies super smoothly with the flexible bristles and leaves my lips pretty soft for a while afterward.

  7. 7. JUNO & Co. Clarifying Cleansing Powder

    Pros:
    • Leaves skin fresh, hydrated, and supple
    • Helps clear up acne without drying
    • Unscented, gentle, great for sensitive skin
    Cons:
    • Small quantity, but a little goes a long way
    • Not as exfoliating as some would like
    • Can be tough to get inside cover off

    This exfoliating facial Clarifying Cleansing Powder from Juno delivers that bit of extra hydration you likely need this season, thanks to hyaluronic acid. What’s great is it suits sensitive skin, since the formula is hypoallergenic and water-free. It also contains rice lees extract, jam-packed with antioxidants that strengthen, hydrate, and soften the skin. As well, rice powder and papaya enzyme revitalize and gently scrub away dead skin and impurities, which leaves you with glowing, radiant skin.

    And, as if this weren’t enough, the wash helps to even out skin tone and make you appear younger by reducing the look of wrinkles and fine lines. I, for one, am totally on board and just love the clean, tight feeling it gives my skin right after washing.

  8. 8. Meebak Cica Redness Solution Cream

    Pros:
    • Leaves skin brighter, less red, natural, and more even-looking
    • Can use as a lighter, more natural makeup alternative
    • You don't need much - a little goes a long way
    Cons:
    • Clay-like, dense & heavy (but this feels nice once on)
    • Doesn't blend too well at first, just takes a bit of time
    • May not work well on overly sensitive skin

    I was pretty excited to try Meebak’s Cica Redness Solution Cream. To be honest, I’ve never used a color-correcting product like this, so I didn’t know what to expect. And until I applied it to my face, I truly had no idea that my skin tone was in fact uneven. The cruelty-free cream made my skin brighter and more consistent in texture, tone, and color than before. Look at Meebak, solving a problem I didn’t even know I had.

    The calming rosacea and cica tiger grass soothes irritated, redness-prone skin (common in the winter) by rebuilding and strengthening the skin’s barrier. And, a huge plus is the fact the product not only color-corrects but also works double-duty as concealer or makeup, so you can absolutely minimize your routine and skip that foundation. Winter is a great time to try this product out since you’re likely not sporting a tan.

  9. 9. Youth To The People Kale + Green Tea Superfood Face Cleanser

    Pros:
    • Clears up pores and leaves skin glowing
    • Very gentle - ideal for sensitive skin
    • Won't dry or strip skin
    Cons:
    • Herbaceous scent isn't for everyone
    • Some didn't get amazing results
    • Pricey

    Youth To The People’s ph-balanced, fresh and clean Kale + Green Tea Superfood Face Cleanser is non-drying and chock-full of antioxidants and phytonutrients from kale, spinach, green tea, alfalfa, and vitamins C, E, and K.

    The lightweight, soothing formula is a rich gel that lathers into a nice, light foam, powerfully cleanses skin, easily removes makeup, and rinses away gently, leaving no residue behind. Plus, the cleanser is made cruelty-free and without parabens, phthalates, sulfates, phthalates, dimethicone, or mineral oil.

  10. 10. florence by mills Surfing Under The Eyes Hydrating Treatment Gel Pads

    Pros:
    • Effectively reduces puffiness
    • Makes skin brighter and tighter
    • Feels refreshing
    Cons:
    • Excess plastic (but small package)
    • A bit tough to use/handle
    • May irritate slightly if gets in the eye

    These vegan, cruelty-free hydrating under-eye treatment pads from florence by mills don’t skimp on the hydrating moisture your dry or aging skin needs. Personally, I loved how tight and refreshed my under-eye skin looked and felt after just 10 minutes of using the pads. Plus, though a bit of an adjustment to use at first, they stayed on super well the entire time.

    Here’s how they work:

    • Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid with low molecular weight penetrates deeply into the skin’s surface layers to help hydrate and visibly plump the skin.
    • A sustainably-sourced adaptogen and survivalist plant combination revives and renews the skin’s natural function and moisture barrier, which boosts hydration and brings balance to stressed skin.
    • Blended fruit extracts (apple, grape, papaya, and plum) help the hyaluronic acid work harder for even more hydration.

    Use 2-3 times weekly by placing a wave under each eye (using the scoop to separate if needed). Leave on for 10-15 minutes before removing.

  11. 11. Stratia Soft Touch AHA Hyper-Gentle Resurfacing Treatment

    Pros:
    • Leaves skin smooth and matte
    • Lightweight, non-greasy, quick-absorbing
    • Works on most sensitive skin
    Cons:
    • Pricier than some comparable products
    • Info on packaging wears off quickly
    • May not be as gentle as others

    Stratia’s Soft Touch AHA is a gentle resurfacing exfoliant that brings out clearer, smoother, more vibrant skin. Mandelic acid removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and encourages collagen production that gives you firmer skin with less hyperpigmentation. As well, chamomile, aloe, and allantoin soothe, calm, and relieve skin. The formula fights blemishes, brightens skin, and leaves you with a clearer, glowing complexion. I really love how light and non-greasy the treatment feels and that it absorbs super quickly.

    Ideal for any skin type, including sensitive, the resurfacing treatment is best used after toning and before moisturizing. Start out every 2-3 days and then move to daily once your skin adjusts.

  12. 12. Versed Keep It Supple Body Oil

    Pros:
    • Feels lightweight and non-greasy
    • Leaves skin soft and supple
    • Spray nozzle helps with application
    Cons:
    • Strong scent isn't for everyone
    • Some may be sensitive to ingredients
    • May not be more effective than other oils

    We all know how drying the winter months can be on our body, and not just the face. This super hydrating, nourishing body oil from Versed helps with just that. It’s made with macadamia nut, sweet almond, and coconut oils, vitamin E, and calendula flower extract which all help to deliver soft, non-greasy, non-sticky, and fast-absorbing moisture from dry oil that soaks into your skin immediately.

    The formula is a great alternative to heavy body lotions if something more lightweight that still gives plenty of moisture appeals. You’ll love the beautiful yet subtle ylang ylang white flower and coconut scent and clean, vegan, cruelty-free formula.

  13. 13. Skinceuticals Renew Overnight Dry

    Pros:
    • Provides great moisture and hydration
    • Balancing and long-lasting
    • Nice light, clean formula and scent
    Cons:
    • Heavier, filmy consistency
    • Can clump if not applied correctly
    • May not be ideal for sensitive skin

    If you suffer from very dry skin that only gets worse in the winter months, you should give Skinceuticals Renew Overnight Dry nighttime moisturizer a try. It contains a 10% hydroxy acid blend that helps to refine, gently exfoliate dead skin cells, and hydrate the skin, leaving it looking beautiful the next morning. Plus, it reduces the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and other aging signs to restore and balance skin to the beautiful, glowing complexion you may be missing.

    To use, apply a fair amount to face and neck after cleansing and toning the skin, as well as after any retinol application. Be sure to avoid the eye area.

  14. 14. Mario Badescu Lip Mask with Acai and Vanilla

    Pros:
    • Very nourishing and hydrating
    • Great overnight or to wear on its own or under lipstick
    • Smells and tastes amazing
    Cons:
    • Lips feel good in the morning but not too supple
    • Goes quickly
    • Scent is hard to define/not too natural

    This rich, overnight jelly lip mask from Mario Badescu is made with vanilla and acai botanical oils and extracts that offer anti-aging benefits, antioxidants and vitamins, and an amazing feeling on application. It’s thick but not too thick, smooth but not slippery or sticky, and amazingly fruity and fresh-scented (though somewhat hard to name). My lips felt deeply moisturized and nourished and in the morning they were hydrated – not as supple as I expected, but still smooth and soft.

    What’s awesome about this lip mask is you can wear it overnight as directed, or use it throughout your day for extra moisture – which is super important if you live in a cooler climate as I do.

  15. 15. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Winter Skin Essentials Skincare Set

    Pros:
    • Works wonders for those with sensitive combination skin
    • Tried and trusted brand
    • Great value and gift option
    Cons:
    • Lotion may not be too long-lasting
    • Scent isn't great for everyone
    • Thick consistency of lotion not for everyone

    This set of four winter essentials from Aveeno is the perfect kit to get you through the season. It includes an award-winning, clinically proven moisturizing body lotion, a body wash, a facial cleanser, and a face cream.

    The lotion works hard to lock in moisture and improve skin quickly with its soothing, fast-absorbing oat formula. The body wash is very nourishing with rich oat and emollients, and it helps to replenish moisture and improve the skin’s look and feel. The face wash easily removes dirt, oil, and grime, leaving your skin smooth and soft. And, last but not least, the lightweight face cream offers clinically proven hydration that lasts the full day.

  16. 16. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

    Pros:
    • Moisturizes well - ideal for sensitive skin
    • Lightweight, applies easily and evenly
    • A little goes a long way
    Cons:
    • Can feel sticky
    • Not the best value for some
    • Very dry skin may need something richer

    The hypoallergenic, overnight gel Laneige Water Sleeping Mask is made with nourishing, sleep-biome technology, probiotic-derived complex (lactobacillus ferment lysate + Trehalose), and squalane that help hydrate, nourish, strengthen, and replenish the skin’s natural moisture barrier and improve its clarity and brightness.

    Use before bed by applying evenly to the face after moisturizing, and rinse off in the morning.

  17. 17. AHAVA Dead Sea Mineral Hand Cream

    Pros:
    • Long-lasting (effects & product itself)
    • Heals, soothes & moisturizes well
    • Works well for sensitive skin
    Cons:
    • Scent isn't for everyone
    • Some didn't experience amazing results
    • Thick consistency

    This classic hand cream from favorite Dead Sea beauty product brand, AHAVA, is a great winter staple no matter where you’re from. It contains minerals from the salty sea that smoothes, hydrates, moisturizes, revitalizes, heals, and protects hands, along with witch hazel extract and allantoin which relieve inflammation and soothe the skin. With this cream, you’ll enjoy softer and more supple skin throughout the harsh winter and beyond.

    To use, apply a small amount to clean hands several times throughout the day as needed and after hand-washing.

What Skin Care Products Are Best For Winter?

Skin needs plenty of hydration since it's drier in the winter months, so cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, masks, and other skin care products that deliver extra hydration are best during this time of year. Even better, trade in lotions and serums for oils, emollients, and creams.

How Can I Improve My Skin During The Winter?

Moisturize right after washing, layer products, use overnight masks or treatments, and be gentle with and cut back on exfoliants.

What Products Are Best For Dry Skin?

Rich moisturizers, overnight masks, and quality products with as much hydration as you can get are great for dry skin, especially in the winter. Brands like Versed, AHAVA, Om Organics, and Lanolips are great, among others.

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