18 expert-approved moisturisers for every skin crisis

In 2026, we’re finally moving past the “more is more” skincare era and into a phase of clinical empathy and mindful consumption. The modern shelf isn’t just about high-potency glow; it’s about ingredients that work overtime to repair, regulate, and rescue a barrier that’s likely seen one too many harsh peels. Achieving that elusive I-just-got-back-from-a-facial radiance starts with understanding the basic why behind your skin’s irregular behaviour.

Whether your skin is staging a rebellion or just chronically parched, a little expert-guided assistance doesn’t hurt. Between stressful commutes, weather mood swings that are often more volatile than our own, and the pressure to look perpetually hydrated, we found the best dermatologist-backed formulas to see you through every skin crisis, grouped neatly by the kind of rescue mission you’re on. Think of this as your roadmap to a calmer, more resilient complexion that thrives no matter what the day throws at it.

If you have a compromised skin barrier or extra-sensitive skin

When your skin is weak, it reacts to everything with redness, stinging, and dryness. This is often the result of “over-cleansing, frequent exfoliation, and harsh actives,” according to Dr Mikki Singh, dermatologist, cosmetologist, and founder of Bodycraft Clinic. To fix it, you need ceramides to rebuild that broken lipid matrix. The CeraVe moisturising cream is a top clinical recommendation for its ceramide-rich formula, while the Avène Cicalfate+ cream is another reliable, no-frills option for intense hydration. Meanwhile, Dr.Jart+’s lightweight Ceramidin milky lotion combines ceramides, panthenol, and glycerin to provide a moisture boost that doesn’t feel greasy even on oily skin. For severe cases where the skin is truly angry, Dr Prachi B Bodkhe, dermatologist at Envi Aesthetics, suggests a colloidal oatmeal-based moisturiser to calm the inflammation and patch the barrier.

If you have oily, acne-prone skin

The oily-skin myth is that you can skip moisturiser, but doing so often paradoxically increases oil production. Excess sebum and clogged follicles are the main drivers here, influenced by everything from humidity to high-glycaemic diets. Dr Bodkhe swears by 5 to 10 per cent niacinamide for its anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating properties. Novology’s lightweight Acne Light gel combines niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and pro-vitamin B5 and is excellent for retaining a matte finish while treating the skin and is easy on the pocket. Dr. Althea’s 345 Relief cream is currently going viral for its combo of blemish-fighting, nourishing, soothing ingredients and providing weightless hydration for oily skin. If patches of your skin feel parched due to acne treatments, Bioderma Sébium Hydra is designed specifically to regulate sebum and balance acne-prone skin types while rebuilding the skin barrier with ceramides and glycerin.

If you have dull, dry skin

Extremely parched skin lacks both water (hydration) and lipids (water-insoluble molecules like fats and oils), leading to flaking and even micro-cracks. This is often a byproduct of low humidity, ageing or even a diet deficient in essential fatty acids. The gold standard here is a mix of hyaluronic acid to pull in moisture and occlusives like petrolatum to lock it in. Dr Bodkhe recommends the Eucerin Advanced Repair cream for its intensive repair capabilities, while La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Baume B5+ is a skincare favourite for bringing dehydrated skin back to life. L’Oréal’s Revitalift Line Filling Water cream uses a combination of micro-epidermic hyaluronic acid and three types of ceramides to plump up the skin.

If you have eczema-prone skin

At its core, eczema is a mix of an overzealous immune response and a skin barrier that’s genetically prone to breaking down. It appears as chronic, itchy patches that require a delicate balance of calming and healing. Colloidal oatmeal and ceramides are the essential heroes here to reduce itching and restore the barrier. Aveeno’s Dermexa cream is a staple for calming flare-ups and can be used on the face and the body, while the aforementioned Avène Cicalfate+ restorative cream also works wonders on dry patches, according to users. If you’re a K-beauty enthusiast, Aestura’s Atobarrier 365 cream also does a good job of restoring the skin barrier (designer Arpita Mehta swears by it). For maintenance, Dr Singh suggests looking for products with low concentrations of urea to soften and hydrate, like Clinique’s fragrance-free Dramatically Different moisturising lotion.

If you have ageing, mature skin

As we age, a decline in collagen and elasticity makes the skin less resilient and more prone to fine lines. In Indian skin especially, high UV exposure year-round often accelerates oxidative stress. To counter this, peptides and retinoids prove essential structural supports. Olay Regenerist is a tried-and-true powerhouse, while the Clarins Extra-Firming cream is an indulgent option whose recently revamped formula focuses on replenishing collagen reserves. Aminu’s Bio-retinol cream combines three plant-derived bio-retinols (bakuchiol, Bidens pilosa, Bio-Samphira) with hydrating ingredients like ectoin for gentle firming. But for a deeper impact, both doctors recommend introducing prescription-strength retinoids to gradually boost cell turnover and collagen production.

If you struggle with dark spots or hyperpigmentation

Melanin-rich Indian skin is particularly prone to dark spots and melasma. Managing this requires a combination of photoprotection and melanin-regulating actives like tranexamic acid and alpha arbutin. Dr Singh suggests products with thiamidol, like Eucerin’s Anti-Pigment range, to visibly reduce dark spots. The Uriage Dépider face cream combines vitamin C, niacinamide, and AHA to treat blemishes and even out skin tone. Above all, SPF is the non-negotiable step to prevent further pigment triggers. K-beauty-favourite Medicube’s Deep Vita C cream with capsules of sea buckthorn extract, niacinamide, and pure vitamin C is earning rave reviews for its ability to brighten skin with its boba-like capsules.