I've experimented with numerous products for my dry skin—these 7 luxurious creams consistently provide great results.

      With autumn approaching and temperatures falling rapidly in the UK, I’ve started to think about my skincare routine for colder weather. While I prioritize hydration throughout the year, I know I’ll need to enhance my efforts soon to shield my skin from the harsh winds and cold temperatures. For someone with very dry skin like me, my main focus is to replace my daily moisturizer with an ultra-hydrating, rich cream.

      What Is a Rich Cream?

      As the name implies, a rich cream is a thick, deeply nourishing moisturizer crafted to hydrate and repair the skin. Loaded with ingredients such as ceramides, shea butter, and argan oil, a rich cream is also effective at restoring the skin barrier. Due to these nourishing components, rich creams often have a heavier texture compared to water- or gel-based moisturizers. While those with oily or acne-prone skin might find them somewhat too heavy (though some available options work for all skin types), my dry skin absorbs them effortlessly.

      As you can see, I am quite fond of these moisturizers, and I have spent the past few months trying out some of the top options available to curate a list of the best rich creams. Read on to explore my favorites.

      The Best Rich Creams, Tried & Tested

      Best Overall: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturiser, £22

      Best Luxury Option: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, £250

      Best Affordable Option: Byoma Moisturising Rich Cream, £15

      Best for a Dewy Finish: Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, £69

      Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+, £20

      1. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser

      **Best Overall Rich Cream**

      Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser

      Key ingredients: Shea butter, aloe vera, hydrolysed soy protein, mineral oil

      Fragrance-free? No

      Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème is a beloved product from French pharmacies for a good reason. This whipped, rich formula envelops the skin and provides deep nourishment; it has been my favorite for years. Its combination of shea butter, aloe vera, and soy protein acts as a hydrating blanket for my dry skin. I should mention that those with normal to oily skin might prefer to use this at night, but I apply it generously to my face, neck, and body throughout the day without issue. Although it contains fragrance, I find it neither overpowering nor irritating to my eczema-prone skin.

      Pros: Versatile multi-use formula (can be used as a face cream, face wash, and primer)

      Cons: Not fragrance-free, which may irritate those with eczema or sensitive skin.

      2. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

      **Best Luxury Rich Cream**

      Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

      Key ingredients: TFC8®, argan oil, avocado oil, evening primrose oil, squalane, vitamin E, vitamin B5

      Fragrance-free? Yes

      I first tried Augustinus Bader’s rich cream when I received a mini version in a beauty advent calendar a few years ago. I’ve always been skeptical about skincare with such a hefty price tag; however, I can confidently say this did not disappoint. Formulated with patented technology to enhance skin texture and barrier function, it is a truly exceptional product that you won't find anywhere else. After consistent use for a few weeks, it provides a noticeable, plump finish that looks great alone or under makeup. If you’re looking to indulge in a luxury, scientifically-backed face cream, I’d say it’s worth a try.

      Pros: Impressive skincare ingredients.

      3. Byoma Moisturising Rich Cream

      **Best Affordable Rich Cream**

      BYOMA Moisturising Rich Cream

      Key ingredients: Tri-ceramide complex, bakuchiol, shea butter, glycerin

      Fragrance-free? Yes

      I’m always searching for budget-friendly skincare that competes with its premium counterparts, and Byoma’s Moisturising Rich Cream achieves just that. Filled with a tri-ceramide complex and bakuchiol, this formula nourishes the skin and promotes cell turnover without the irritation often linked to retinol. The only drawback I’ve encountered during testing is that the pump can sometimes get clogged, making it difficult to dispense the cream, but aside from that, I have no complaints.

      Pros: Fragrance-free formula, affordable, very nourishing.

      Cons: Pump can make it challenging to dispense the product.

      4. Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

      **Best Rich Cream for a Dewy Finish**

      Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

      Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, red algae, hadasei-3, biomimetic