9 Best BB Creams to Give Your Dry Skin a Dewy Glow

This BB cushion compact is jam-packed with moisturizing ingredients like ceramides (which create a barrier to prevent moisture loss) and comfrey leaf (an herb with hydrating properties), explains Dr. King. It also contains SPF 50 for an added boost of protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which not only dry your skin out further, but also cause long-term damage. 

This BB cream is a cult favorite due to its outstanding coverage and hydrating ingredients, like glycerin (a humectant to attract moisture) and dimethicone (to help lock in the moisture). It also contains niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) to target discoloration. The result? A lightweight, dewy finish that doesn’t emphasize dryness and texture

Due to its moisturizing properties, you’ve likely encountered argan oil in your favorite hair care products. But the ingredient also has anti-inflammatory benefits for your skin and helps improve brightness, tone, texture, and elasticity, says Dr. King. “This BB cream also contains glycerin, a good humectant to attract moisture and shea butter and dimethicone to lock in the moisture,” she adds.

If you’re looking for light coverage (read: not cakey at all), try this water gel formula from Maybelline if you have dry skin. It contains zero oils and heavy ingredients. Instead, it utilizes moisture-attracting glycerin, as well as lecithin, an ingredient that locks in hydration because of its fatty acids, explains Dr. King. Bonus: It also contains aloe vera extract to calm inflammation, she says.

If you’re going for a smooth, radiant finish, this BB cream from Garnier is a safe bet, thanks to ingredients like glycerin and shea butter. The thicker, creamy formula glides over skin effortlessly, so it won’t cling to any dry patches. The result? A natural, glowing complexion.

With seven different shades to choose from, all in a lightweight formula, this BB creams leaves the skin looking dewy and youthful. “It contains a number of hydrating ingredients including squalene, urea, and glycerin, as well as titanium to help defend against the sun’s damaging UVA/UVB rays,” says Erum Ilyas, MD, a dermatologist at Montgomery Dermatology.

The affordable price tag isn’t the only perk to using this BB cream. It multitasks by priming, protecting, hydrating, and perfecting the skin with a slew of anti-aging and skin-nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba oil, aloe, and cucumber. “This one has a hydrating base and really gives nice coverage to even out skin imperfections,” says Dr. Ilyas.

This hydrating BB cream offers a lightweight, buildable coverage to conceal imperfections without that heavy feeling. Glycerin pulls in moisture, vitamin C offers anti-aging benefits, while SPF protects your skin against harmful UV rays. What’s more, it’s noncomedogenic and fragrance free, so it won’t clog pores or irritate sensitive skin.

Although this tint from Alastin isn’t marketed as a BB cream, it feels and is used like one, with the same lightweight formula and sun protection. “This is one of the most popular products at my office and is used as a light foundation,” says Dr. Guanche. “It builds collagen with TriHex Technology as well as elastin (a protein in your skin) and contains a daily SPF with a beautiful color matching tint.”