Chapped, inflamed, winter-stressed skin—unfortunately, I know her well. As soon as the first gust of freezing wind kisses my nose and cheeks, my complexion turns raw and tender. As a beauty editor who slathers on moisturizer like it’s her job (because it kind of is), this is a rather frustrating scenario. And yet, finding a face cream that A) adequately drenches my skin in moisture; B) keeps it hydrated and protected all day long; and C) doesn’t feel too greasy or clog my pores (because I also deal with breakouts along my T-zone—fun!) is akin to stumbling across the Hope Diamond.
Well, friends, I discovered the loot. I’ve been using a moisturizer so dang good that people can’t stop commenting on how “balmy” my skin looks. (This never, ever happens to me during winter, just so you’re aware.) It’s an underrated find from a TikTok-viral brand, and I am literally scraping the sides of the jar to ration this liquid gold. As much as I want to gatekeep, I must do my due diligence for dry, chapped complexions everywhere. Ahead, find my ultimate winter skin secret.
Ole Henriksen
Strength Trainer Skin Barrier Moisturizer
Okay, I’m aware that Ole Henriksen is far from an underrated brand. In fact, most of its offerings go viral on TikTok—ahem, Pout Preserve—often selling out from all the (well-deserved) hype. That said, I don’t know why it took me so long to try this peptide-infused moisturizer, which originally launched in 2022. Let me tell you, I’m so glad I finally did.
Allow me to wax poetic about its ingredient list for just a moment. With players like ceramides, amino acids, fatty acids, peptides, collagen, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, niacinamide, and vitamin B12, it noticeably plumps the skin with moisture that lasts all day long. These ingredients—namely, the fatty acids, peptides, amino acids, and ceramides—also help strengthen your moisture barrier, which is responsible for keeping all that precious hydration locked inside (and the bad guys out).
The stronger your moisture barrier, the better your skin is able to handle stressors, like brutal winds and frigid air. And since incorporating Strength Trainer into my routine, my skin has become way less reactive (read: red and inflamed). Instead of itching and flaking, I’m met with a noticeable, dewy glow; someone once even asked me if I was wearing foundation when I didn’t have a stitch of makeup on. That’s when you know!
The texture is also delightfully unexpected. Most barrier balms I test are thick and ointment-like, which makes me less inclined to wear them during the day, even if my skin is practically screaming for the extra layer of protection. Strength Trainer, on the other hand, has a balm-to-gel texture that melts upon application. It starts out as a thick, viscous solution then transforms into a lightweight veil of hydration—not unlike the water cream formulas I adore during the summer.
Can you tell I’m obsessed?
(Image credit: @jamieeschneider)
It’s one of the most sensorially appealing barrier creams I’ve tried, and I can’t get enough. As you can tell from the photo above, I’m down to the dregs; that alone should clue you in to how much I’m obsessed, since I’m constantly editing my routine to test new, buzzy launches. That said, I won’t give up this moisturizer any time soon. It’s my secret weapon for buttery skin, and I honestly can’t believe it hasn’t received more hype. Ole Henriksen has a track record for viral sensations, so I expect this sleeper hit to reach cult status any time now.
More Winter Moisturizers I Love
Ole Henriksen
Après Skin Overnight Moisturizer + Mask
I’ve also been testing this overnight mask with my beloved Strength Trainer, and I’ve been loving the combo so far! I’ll apply a thin layer on my driest areas: my cheeks and sides of my nose.
RéVive
Rescue Balm Overnight Mask
I cannot say enough good things about this overnight mask, either. It soothes any irritation I have overnight, leaving me with dewy, calm skin in the a.m. It’s pricey, but a little goes a very long way. I’ve had it for over two months and have yet to make a noticeable dent. I call that skincare sorcery.
Glow Recipe
Cloudberry Bright Refillable Cream Moisturizer
Who doesn’t want brighter skin? This recent launch from Glow Recipe is the ticket to a healthy glow. I also am obsessed with the matching toner.
Kiehl’s
Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
This cream is a godsend for angry, rough patches of skin. It’s a bit more ointment-like in consistency, so I like to use it at night as a skin savior.
Skinfix
Barrier+ Strengthening and Moisturizing Triple Lipid-Peptide Refillable Cream
Please, please, please, do not sleep on Skinfix. I fall head over heels for each product I try, including this lipid-rich barrier cream.
Rhode’s Barrier Butter is worth the buy! I love the jumbo size and the velvety, nourishing formula.
Ilia Beauty
Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream
Ilia’s new barrier cream contains colloidal oatmeal to coddle sensitive complexions as it hydrates. It’s so soothing, in fact, that it earned a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association.
Paula’s Choice
Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Gel-Cream Moisturizer
I will forever be a Paula’s Choice stan. The brand’s Pro-Collagen moisturizer is a must-get, as it’s another one of those magical formulas with a deeply hydrating yet lightweight consistency.
Tower 28 Beauty
SOS Daily Skin Barrier Redness Recovery Moisturizer
Formulated specifically with sensitive skin in mind, this Tower 28 cream instantly calms uncomfortable redness flares (which, for me, happen often during winter). It’s also earned an Eczema-approved seal, so you know it’s super gentle and hydrating.
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