If you've ever felt that no matter how much moisturiser you apply, your skin stays dry, rough and uncomfortable, you aren't alone. Achieving soft, resilient skin isn't just about how much product you use; it's about the quality of the ingredients within those formulas. To truly support dry or sensitive skin, you need a balance of hydration, lipid replenishment and barrier protection.
In this guide, we'll look at the top 10 natural ingredients you should look for in a dry skin cream – and the "scrub 10" ingredients you should definitely avoid if you want to restore your skin's natural comfort.
Top 10: The best ingredients for dry, rough skin
The best ingredients for dry skin work by either drawing moisture into the skin (humectants), softening the surface (emollients), or sealing that moisture in (occlusives). Here are our top 10 picks for natural, effective dry skin support.
1. Starflower (Borage) Oil
One of the richest natural sources of gamma‑linolenic acid (GLA), starflower oil is essential for lipid replenishment. It helps rebuild a compromised skin barrier, reducing moisture loss and calming irritation.
2. Shea Butter
A classic emollient, shea butter is deeply conditioning and high in fatty acids. It provides a protective layer that keeps skin soft and supple, even in harsh weather conditions.
3. Goats Milk
A powerhouse for sensitive and dry skin, goats milk is naturally rich in fats, proteins and lactic acid. It hydrates while providing very gentle conditioning, making it a perfect base for skin that reacts badly to more aggressive ingredients.
4. Jojoba Seed Oil
Jojoba oil is unique because it closely resembles the skin's own natural sebum. This makes it exceptionally compatible with all skin types, helping to balance moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.
5. Sweet Almond Oil
Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, almond oil is a fantastic emollient that helps rehydrate skin and accelerate cell turnover, leading to smoother texture over time.
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is excellent for barrier repair. It is high in lauric acid and provides a protective seal that helps even out skin tone and prevent environmental stressors from drying out the skin further.
7. Glycerine (Plant‑derived)
A powerful humectant, glycerine acts like a moisture magnet, drawing water into the outer layers of the skin. It is one of the most effective ingredients for immediate hydration.
8. Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
As a potent antioxidant, Vitamin E protects the skin by preventing damage to cells and supporting the skin's natural collagen and elastin, helping to reduce the signs of ageing alongside dryness.
9. Sunflower Seed Oil
Sunflower oil is high in linoleic acid, which is essential for maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier. It is lightweight, non‑greasy and very effective at softening rough patches.
10. Chickweed & Chamomile Extracts
While often used for their soothing properties, these herbal extracts are traditionally used to ease the itching and discomfort associated with very dry or eczema‑prone skin, supporting the barrier's recovery.
Scrub 10: Ingredients to avoid
Just as important as knowing what to use is recognising what to avoid. Certain ingredients can strip the skin, worsen dryness or trigger sensitivity.
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
A harsh surfactant commonly found in cleansers, SLS strips the skin of its natural oils and can cause significant irritation for those with dry or sensitive skin.
2. Alcohol (Denat., SD Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol)
High concentrations of drying alcohols can strip the skin barrier and exacerbate dryness, especially when used repeatedly.
3. Artificial Fragrance
Synthetic fragrances are a leading cause of allergic reactions and skin sensitivity. For dry skin, they provide no functional benefit and increase the risk of irritation.
4. Parabens
While used as preservatives, parabens can disrupt the skin's natural barrier function and may cause sensitivity in those with compromised skin.
5. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde‑Releasing Preservatives
These preservatives can trigger allergic contact dermatitis, particularly in skin that's already inflamed or barrier‑compromised.
6. Mineral Oil (Petrolatum in some formulations)
While occlusive, low‑grade mineral oil can create a seal that prevents the skin from breathing naturally, potentially leading to clogged pores or a cycle of dependency.
7. Synthetic Dyes
Artificial colours serve no skin benefit and can be irritating for sensitive or reactive skin types.
8. Talc
Often used as a filler or texturiser, talc can be drying and may cause irritation in sensitive or eczema‑prone skin.
9. Triethanolamine (TEA)
A pH adjuster and emulsifier, TEA can be irritating and may become problematic for those with delicate or inflamed skin barriers.
10. Undiluted Essential Oils
While essential oils can offer benefits when properly diluted and used appropriately, undiluted or highly concentrated essential oils can cause irritation, sensitisation and even chemical burns on dry or damaged skin. If you choose products with essential oils, ensure they're diluted to safe levels and patch‑test first.
If you're managing very dry, rough or eczema‑prone skin, sticking to formulations with fewer synthetic additives and more lipid‑rich natural ingredients will give your skin the best chance to recover.
Choosing Your Moisturiser
Beyond creams formulated specifically for dry skin, there are additional moisturisers worth exploring depending on your skin's specific needs:
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Napiers Goatmilk & Starflower Cream
Top 10 ingredients: Goats milk, starflower (borage) oil, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, glycerine, vitamin E, sunflower seed oil, chickweed & chamomile extracts
Free from: SLS, alcohol, artificial fragrance, parabens, synthetic dyes
Best for: Very dry, rough or eczema-prone skin needing intensive barrier repair and long-lasting hydration
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Napiers Ginger Detox Oil
Top 10 ingredients: Sweet almond oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil, vitamin E
Free from: SLS, parabens, synthetic dyes, mineral oil
Best for: Circulation support and easing inflammation in dry, tight or weathered skin
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Napiers Starflower Skin Cream
Top 10 ingredients: Starflower (borage) oil, shea butter, glycerine, vitamin E
Free from: SLS, parabens, artificial fragrance, synthetic dyes
Best for: Dry skin needing intensive GLA-rich barrier support and daily hydration without heaviness
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Napiers Castor Oil Cream
Top 10 ingredients: Glycerine, shea butter, vitamin E
Free from: SLS, parabens, artificial fragrance, synthetic dyes
Best for: Deeply nourishing and protecting very dry, rough or weather-damaged skin
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Napiers Amazing Vanishing Cream
Top 10 ingredients: Glycerine, vitamin E
Free from: SLS, parabens, artificial fragrance, heavy oils
Best for: Lightweight daily hydration that absorbs quickly without residue, ideal for combination or oily-dry skin
Frequently Asked Questions
Can goats milk help with eczema?
Yes. Goats milk is exceptionally gentle and contains fats and proteins that help soothe and nourish very sensitive, reactive skin. Its mild lactic acid content gently supports the skin's natural turnover without stripping or irritation.
What's the difference between an emollient and a humectant?
Humectants (like glycerine) draw water into the skin. Emollients (like shea butter) soften and smooth the surface. Occlusives (like coconut oil) seal moisture in. The best dry skin creams use a combination of all three.
Should I avoid all essential oils if I have dry skin?
Not necessarily. Properly diluted essential oils can be beneficial. The issue arises when they're used undiluted or in high concentrations, which can irritate or sensitise dry, compromised skin. Always patch‑test and choose products with safe dilution levels.
Is starflower oil the same as borage oil?
Yes. Starflower oil and borage oil are two names for the same ingredient, derived from the Borago officinalis plant. It's one of the richest plant sources of gamma‑linolenic acid (GLA).
How often should I moisturise dry skin?
At minimum, twice daily – once in the morning and once at night. For very dry or eczema‑prone skin, you may benefit from reapplying throughout the day, especially after washing hands or bathing.
Can I use goats milk cream on my face?
Yes. Goats milk is gentle enough for facial use and is particularly beneficial for dry, sensitive or mature skin. Products like Napiers Goatmilk & Starflower Cream can be used on both face and body.
What should I look for on a label if I want to avoid harsh ingredients?
Look for "free from" statements like SLS‑free, paraben‑free, fragrance‑free, or alcohol‑free. Short ingredient lists with recognisable, natural ingredients are often a good sign.
Will natural oils clog my pores?
It depends on the oil. Non‑comedogenic oils like jojoba, sunflower and sweet almond are generally well‑tolerated and won't clog pores. Heavier oils like coconut oil may be comedogenic for some people, particularly on the face.
Can I layer moisturisers?
Yes. In fact, layering a humectant‑rich serum under an emollient cream is an excellent strategy for very dry skin. Apply lighter, water‑based products first, followed by heavier, oil‑based ones.
Why does my moisturiser sting when I apply it?
This often means your skin barrier is compromised. Avoid products with alcohol, fragrance or acids until your skin has healed. Switch to gentle, lipid‑rich formulations like those containing goats milk, shea butter and starflower oil.
Looking for a deeply nourishing solution? Explore Napiers Goatmilk & Starflower Cream – formulated with many of the top ingredients listed above to restore comfort and resilience to dry, rough skin.
