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10 Best BB Creams for Dry Skin of 2023 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed)
Having dry skin can make finding the right makeup products difficult. BB cream is a foundation alternative that offers coverage while providing your skin with additional benefits such as moisturizing, brightening, and SPF protection. However, given the multitude of BB creams available online, how do you know which one is the right choice for you?
To help you out with your search, we've compiled a list of the 10 best BB creams for dry skin. Our top pick, Dr. Jart+'s Premium BB Beauty Balm, is formulated with many effective moisturizers to deliver long-lasting hydration. For more options, read on! Check out our buying guide, reviewed by a professional makeup artist, for some tips and tricks that will help you choose the right product for your skin.
Natalya is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles and has been trying new products to find what is best for each individual's skin tone and type. She is self-taught but wanted to further her education, and she went to a makeup school in Los Angeles to learn the ins and outs of makeup. She has tried many makeup brands and products and can proudly say she has found some of the best and longest-wearing products. As a freelance makeup artist, she wants her clients not to worry about their makeup not lasting as long as they need it to.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
How to Choose BB Creams For Dry Skin
Dry skin requires a lot of hydration. So when picking a BB cream, it's important to ensure your skin gets it. In this buying guide, we will introduce ingredients that can keep your skin hydrated for a long time and give you some tips for choosing the right shade and coverage.
Look for Ingredients That Nourish Dry Skin
Dry skin tends to both look and feel rough, and can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. So, to give your skin a more youthful and healthy look, it's important to find a formula that can address all the issues associated with dry skin.
Moisturizers Repair and Protect Skin
Dry skin has a weak skin barrier and cannot retain water on its surface. So, to improve the function of the skin's barrier, look for moisturizing ingredients in the BB cream formula.
Ceramides are lipids that naturally occur in the sebaceous glands, and can strengthen the skin's barrier when applied. They also protect the skin from environmental aggressors. Other ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, and dimethicone. These ingredients can effectively lock in hydration and reinforce the skin's protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.
Oils and plant-based butters such as argan oil, safflower oil, shea butter, and wheat germ oil can also work to restore your skin's barrier and prevent further drying. They're rich in vitamins and fatty acids to soften your dry, rough skin.
Between wearing makeup, being in the sun and hot or cold temperatures, and having dehydrated skin, we need a little extra boost to keep it looking flawless. If your skin is super dry and irritated, adding makeup to your face can seem dreadful. That is when a moisturized BB cream acts as a skin barrier.
Not only will a BB cream provide moisture to the dry skin, but it will also keep the skin in a healthy state. Your skin has a barrier that shields you from the bad and holds onto the good. So adding a BB cream adds a little extra hold of moisture and an extra shield from the environment like the sun, hot, cold, or dehydration.
People with dry skin suffer from outer skin barrier water loss, so for dry skin types, adding a BB cream adds moisture back to the face since most BB creams are made mixed with water to leave a fresh feeling to the skin.
Antioxidants Help With Dull or Mature Skin
Plump skin cells are often shriveled by dry skin. This results in premature aging of your skin. Your skin may lose its natural glow. Additionally, blemishes like fine lines and wrinkles might start to appear or actually become more prominent.
You can slow premature aging and make blemishes less visible by opting for a BB cream that's rich in antioxidants. Niacinamide, green tea extract, rosehip oil, and aloe vera are some examples of ingredients that can neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals, brighten your skin, and improve its elasticity.
Excessive exposure to the sun's rays can also exacerbate your dry skin condition and increase the presence of wrinkles and fine lines. To shield your skin from harmful UV rays, consider a formula that contains SPF. Keep in mind that dermatologists suggest choosing an SPF of 30 or higher for optimal protection.
A BB cream that has antioxidants only helps our complexion like wrinkles and acne, and it doesn't hurt or clog pores. Antioxidants help protect our skin from UV rays which, in the long run, will preserve our skin. They are also known to decrease inflammation and redness. A BB cream that has antioxidants protects and treats the skin as well as adds some color for a light, natural makeup look.
Soothing Ingredients Can Alleviate Itching
Excessively dry skin can lead to red patches, flakiness, bleeding, and even dermatitis, a severe inflammation of the skin. To alleviate skin inflammation, search for soothing ingredients like chamomile extract, aloe vera, and white mulberry root extract. These also contain strong antioxidant characteristics and can help even your skin tone.
Cucumber extract is another great ingredient that can give your skin a soothing and cooling sensation. It's a great idea to supply your skin with vitamins E and A, too. They're well-known for their regenerative properties to promote healthier skin.
Avoid Ingredients That Are Drying or Irritating
Knowing which ingredients will help your skin is important, but knowing which ingredients to avoid is equally important. Some ingredients used in BB creams can cause more damage than good when applied to dry skin.
Matte products, including BB creams, usually contain alcohol, which is dehydrating. Not only does it pull the moisture from your skin, but it can cause damage to its barrier. Ethanol, benzyl alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol should be avoided. However, fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol are actually good for dry skin.
Another ingredient to avoid is glycolic acid. This exfoliant can cause irritation if you have dry skin. Look out for salicylic acid as well. This ingredient is meant for people with oily skin and can dry your skin out further if used.
Choose a Shade That Matches Your Complexion
When choosing a shade, make sure it complements both your skin tone and skin undertone. Matching your exact skin tone can be difficult, and may require a combination of different shades. Look for a BB cream that offers several shades, as those are more likely to have options closest to your own skin, and you can experiment from there or consult a makeup professional.
A BB cream's undertone should be similar to your skin undertone in order to enhance it. Specifically, if you have a cool undertone, you should choose a BB cream with a bluish or pinkish hue. For those with a warm undertone, go for a BB cream with a beige, gold, or yellow tint.
If you're unsure of your skin's undertone, check the color of the veins on your wrist. If they are blueish, then your undertone is cool. And if they appear greenish, you have a warm undertone.
Pick the Level of Coverage and Finish You Want
BB creams come in three levels of coverage: light, medium, and full. Light- and medium-coverage BB creams can give you a dewy, natural look. However, they might not be able to conceal all your blemishes. In that case, you can use a concealer to cover them up or look for a formula that is buildable.
Another option is to choose a BB cream that provides full coverage. They can cover imperfections without the need for a concealer. They last for a long time, too. However, it can be easy for this type to look cakey or show creases if you're not experienced with applying makeup.
BB creams with a matte finish are usually created without oils and might make your skin look flat and dull. Instead, search for products with a dewy finish instead. They're often formulated to leave you with a moisturized, radiant look.
10
Best BB Creams For Dry Skin Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Beauty Balm | | Best for a Natural Finish | |
2 | MIZON Dream Fresh BB Cream | | Best Full-Coverage Option | |
3 | Jane Iredale Age Defense BB Cream | | Best for Smoothing Skin | |
4 | MISSHA Rōsilliance Organic BB+ Cream | | Best for Anti-Aging | |
5 | Covergirl SkinActive BB Cream Anti-Aging | | Best Lightweight Option | |
6 | Marcelle BB Cream Illuminator Golden Glow | | Best for a Range of Skin Tones | |
7 | Pacifica BB Cream | | Best Soothing Cream | |
8 | 100% Pure Argan Wear BB Cream | | Best Organic Option | |
9 | e.l.f. Mineral BB Cream | | Best for Red, Inflamed Skin | |
10 | Holika Holika PhotoReady BB Cream | | Best Korean BB Cream With Spatula |
Dr. Jart+Premium BB Beauty Balm
Best for a Natural Finish
- Medium coverage
- Includes niacinamide
- Fruit oils leave skin refreshed
- Natural finish
- SPF 40
Cons:
- Fruit oils can irritate sensitive skin
This BB cream's medium coverage formula covers blemishes without looking cakey for a natural-looking finish. The formula includes niacinamide, which can enhance the skin's texture and repair the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss. On top of that, the blend of fruit oils such as lime, lemon, and bergamot rejuvenate lackluster skin.
A few reviewers note that the fruit oils irritated their skin. However, most reviewers are impressed with how well this BB cream covers imperfections. They love the long-lasting moisturizing effect and the lightweight consistency.
MIZONDream Fresh BB Cream
Best Full-Coverage Option
Pros:
- Uses snail secretion to moisten and repair skin
- Niacinamide brightens skin
- Adenosine for anti-wrinkle effects
- Full coverage that stays on all day
- SPF 50+
Cons:
- Some reviewers mention that the BB cream is too thick
If you're looking for a full-coverage, protective BB cream, this is a great choice. It offers full coverage that lasts all day while using snail secretion to moisturize and repair the skin. It also uses niacinamide to brighten your complexion, and its SPF 50+ protects you from sun damage.
Some reviewers mentioned that this BB cream was too thick for their liking. However, others say that they love the coverage and natural finish. Some also appreciated that it's fragrance-free. Many reviews say this is a great option for sensitive, dry skin.
Jane IredaleAge Defense BB Cream
Best for Smoothing Skin
Pros:
- Grapefruit extract reduces pores and blemishes
- Sunflower seed oil keeps skin moisturized
- Water-resistant
- Aloe leaf soothes skin
Cons:
- Some reviewers felt it was too thick
Glow Time Full Coverage BB Cream works to smooth your skin using grapefruit extract to reduce pores and blemishes. The aloe leaf extract soothes, reducing redness. It also has sunflower seed oil, which will keep your skin moisturized. It's water-resistant for up to 40 minutes and has SPF 25.
Some reviewers thought this product was too thick and some mention the shades tend toward yellow. Others say it offers great coverage and keeps their skin looking refreshed. Some say that it is a particularly good product for mature skin.
MISSHARōsilliance Organic BB+ Cream
Best for Anti-Aging
Pros:
- Anti-aging formula
- Brightens skin
- SPF 42
- Hydrates skin using ceramides and hyaluronic acid
Cons:
- Some reviewers mention the fragrance is too strong
This BB cream is great for mature or aging skin. Its anti-aging formula with plant and marine extracts helps reduce wrinkles while brightening your skin. It also uses oils, ceramides and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated. It has an SPF of 42 to protect from sun damage.
Although some reviewers mention that the fragrance in this product is strong, others say that it provides a good amount of coverage while feeling lightweight. They note that it keeps their skin hydrated well and protects their skin from the sun.
CovergirlSkinActive BB Cream Anti-Aging
Best Lightweight Option
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Improves elasticity
- Offers all-day hydration
- SPF 21
Cons:
- Some reviewers mentioned they wish the cream had better coverage
This BB cream is great if you're looking for a light coverage, lightweight cream that will keep your skin moisturized all day. Its formula improves your skin's elasticity while keeping it feeling refreshed. It also has an SPF of 21 to protect your skin from the sun.
Although some reviewers mentioned that they want the cream to have better coverage, they agree that this product is light and refreshing. They like that it offers coverage without looking cakey, and say it does a good job of smoothing skin tone.
Marcelle BB Cream Illuminator Golden Glow
Best for a Range of Skin Tones
Pros:
- Easily blends into most skin tones
- Uses aloe vera, dimethicone, and glycerin to seal moisture in
- Fragrance-free
Cons:
- Some said that the shade doesn't blend as well into pale skin
Infused with aloe vera, dimethicone, and glycerin, this BB cream can seal in moisture to give your skin long-lasting hydration. What's also special is that it contains pigments that will blend in to suit most skin tones. Moreover, this formula is fragrance-free and is therefore suitable for people with fragrance sensitivity.
Some said the universal color is too dark or orange-looking on very light skin. Still, the moisturizing formula receives many compliments from reviewers. They like that it lasts all day and that it provides just enough coverage to cover blemishes and even out their skin tone.
Best Soothing Cream
Pros:
- Dewy finish
- Hydrates and primes skin
- Reduces pores and fine lines
- Uses soothing ingredients like coconut water and floral stem cells
Cons:
- Some reviewers mentioned this BB cream doesn't have the best coverage
Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB cream uses ingredients like coconut water and floral stem cells to soothe the skin, while hyaluronic acid and aloe keep the skin hydrated. The cream works to reduce pores and fine lines and produces a dewy finish.
Some reviewers mention that this cream doesn't have the best coverage. However, others note this is a great BB cream if you have sensitive skin and only need light coverage. Some reviewers add that it reduces redness and evens skin tone.
100% PureArgan Wear BB Cream
Best Organic Option
Pros:
- Uses vitamin E to keep skin hydrated
- Aloe and shea butter soothe skin
- Uses fruit oils and extracts to strengthen and rejuvenate skin
Cons:
- Some reviewers found this BB cream to be too thick
This BB cream uses natural ingredients like raspberry seed oil, cherries, and bilberry seed oil to strengthen and rejuvenate your skin. Vitamin E keeps your skin moisturized throughout the day, while the shea butter and aloe soothe it. It also offers full coverage.
Some reviewers found this BB cream to be too thick. However, others say that it has a luminous effect that is great for dry skin. They mention that this cream has a smooth consistency that makes it easy to blend. Some reviews mention this is a good choice for scarred or maturing skin, too.
e.l.f.Mineral BB Cream
Best for Red, Inflamed Skin
Pros:
- Color corrects
- Cucumber extract, aloe vera, and jojoba oil soothe inflamed skin
- Vitamin E keeps skin hydrated
Cons:
- Some reviewers mention that this BB cream is difficult to find lighter shades in
e.l.f.'s BB cream uses cucumber extract, jojoba oil, and aloe vera to soothe inflamed skin. It's also infused with vitamin E, which will keep your dry skin hydrated. Its formula also color corrects, working to reduce redness.
Some reviews mention that it is difficult to find lighter shades in this BB cream. However, others note that it is moisturizing and light on the skin. They also mention that the SPF keeps their skin protected from the sun and that the cream blends easily.
Holika HolikaPhotoReady BB Cream
Best Korean BB Cream With Spatula
Pros:
- Mint water cools and hydrates skin
- Marine jelly moisturizes skin
- SPF 20
- Built-in spatula applicator
Cons:
- Limited shade options
This product uses mint water to hydrate the skin and marine jelly to keep it moisturized. It has buildable coverage, so you can decide how much you want to wear day-to-day. It also has SPF 20 to protect your skin from sun damage, and licorice extract to soothe inflamed skin.
Although this product has limited shade options, reviewers agree that it offers great coverage and keeps their skin moisturized. They like that it is buildable and applies very smoothly. Some mention that this is a good product for those with sensitive skin or allergies since it isn't likely to irritate or inflame the skin.
Natalya's Recommended BB Cream for Dry Skin
A great BB cream for dry skin would be the Burt's Bees BB Cream because it acts as a lotion to the face. It has a lightweight sheer color that can even be applied to the lips. I use this mostly on my super dry clients or mature skin because it acts as a primer base before I add any liquid foundation if needed.
This adds a tint of color extreme moisture to the face that holds all day. Applying a foundation over this adds more coverage but still results in a sheer glow beneath that blends beautifully together. I would use this as a daily primer to the skin because it adds a glow and has healthy ingredients that the skin loves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Along with reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Natalya also took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about BB cream.
Is BB cream considered a primer?
Natalya says, "If you were to compare the two products, a primer has the same texture and blurring effect that a BB cream has, except BB cream has color. So you can basically call a BB Cream a tinted primer. BB cream has a soft, hydrating, blurring, and mattifying look to it that includes sunscreen.
It has the same smoothness as a primer, and as long as you have BB cream, you don't necessarily need a primer. You can use BB cream as a primer before liquid foundation to protect your skin but add a little extra coverage."
Should I use BB cream or CC cream?
"A BB cream stands for 'beauty balm' whereas CC cream stands for 'color control'," Natalya explains. "If you're looking for sheer coverage that is based on skincare ingredients, you should reach for a BB cream to moisturize, protect, and provide SPF protection to the skin. If you're looking to color correct your skin, a CC cream will cover redness, dark circles, acne, or age spots."
Other Great Skincare Products for Dry Skin
Dry skin needs a lot of love in the hydration department to fight things like flakiness, itching, and eczema. To help improve your dry skin, check out these beauty products!
Amazon's Best Selling BB Creams
If you still want more options to find the best BB cream for you, check out Amazon's best selling BB creams.
Buying Guide Reviewed by Professional Makeup Artist Natalya Lowe
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 BB Creams For Dry Skin
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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