Dry, cracked, or dehydrated skin can affect anyone — whether it’s chapped lips in winter, cracked heels from long hours on your feet, or a dry, tight feeling on your face after cleansing. While these skin concerns are common, they are also highly treatable with the right skincare routine and ingredients.

In this guide, we’ll explore why the skin becomes dry or cracked, the powerful ingredients that restore moisture, and the products that help rebuild a healthy, hydrated barrier from head to toe.

🔍 Why Does Skin Become Dry or Cracked?

Your skin relies on natural oils and water-binding molecules to stay soft, smooth, and protected. When these are stripped away or depleted, the barrier becomes weak — leading to:

• Flaking

• Rough texture

• Tightness

• Cracks and irritation

• Increased sensitivity

Common causes include:
✔ Cold or dry weather
✔ Hot showers
✔ Over-exfoliation
✔ Harsh cleansers
✔ Aging
✔ Low humidity
✔ Dehydration
✔ Wearing sandals or going barefoot (for cracked heels)

Understanding these triggers is the first step toward building an effective skincare routine.

🌸 Best Ingredients for Dry, Cracked, or Dehydrated Skin

These powerhouse ingredients deliver hydration, barrier repair, and long-lasting moisture.

Hyaluronic Acid

A gold-standard humectant that attracts up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
Perfect for:

• Dry face

• Tightness

• Dehydrated skin

• Fine lines caused by dryness

Hyaluronic Acid boosts the skin’s water levels, leaving it plump, smooth, and supple.

Betaine

A natural osmolyte derived from sugar beets, known for its water-balancing and soothing properties.
Benefits:

• Deep hydration without heaviness

• Reduces irritation

• Strengthens the skin barrier

Ideal for cleansers and toners that hydrate while cleansing gently.

Squalene (Olive-Derived)

A lightweight, skin-identical oil that mimics your natural sebum.
Benefits:

• Softens rough patches

• Prevents moisture loss

• Restores elasticity

• Suitable for face and body

Perfect for cracked hands, dry facial skin, and flaky areas.

Olive Oil

Rich in fatty acids (oleic acid), antioxidants, and vitamins.
Helps with:

• Very dry or cracked skin

• Damaged skin barrier

• Persistent roughness

• Cracked heels and elbows

A nourishing, occlusive oil that seals moisture in.

Ojon Oil

A rare oil prized for its healing and smoothing properties.
Benefits:

• Ideal for dry or over-processed hair

• Strengthens the hair shaft

• Helps repair the scalp

• Adds shine and reduces breakage

Perfect ingredient for conditioners and hair masks targeting dry hair and split ends.

Best Product Types to Treat Dry & Cracked Skin

Here are product categories that help replenish moisture from head to toe.

1. Hydrating Cleansers

Dry skin often starts with harsh cleansers that strip away natural oils.
Look for cleansers containing:

• Betaine

• Hyaluronic Acid

• Olive-based emollients

• Creamy or oil-based formulas

These cleanse without compromising the barrier.

2. Moisturizers for Face & Body

To repair cracked or dry skin, moisturizers should combine:

• Humectants (Hyaluronic Acid)

• Emollients (Squalene, Olive Oil)

• Occlusives to prevent moisture loss

Creams and butters are especially effective on cracked feet, elbows, and hands.

3. Lip Gloss & Lip Treatments

Dry lips need moisture, but also occlusion to prevent water loss.
Ingredients to look for:

• Olive Oil

• Squalene

• Shea butter

• Vitamin E

Lip gloss with treatment benefits keeps lips shiny, soft, and protected.

4. Hair Conditioners With Ojon Oil

Dry or cracked skin often goes hand-in-hand with dry, brittle hair.
Ojon Oil restores:

• Smoothness

• Shine

• Elasticity

• Overall hair health

Perfect for curly, coily, or damaged hair types.

5. Face Toners With Betaine or Hyaluronic Acid

Modern toners hydrate — they don’t dehydrate.
Look for toners that provide:

• Skin-softening hydration

• pH balancing

• Gentle soothing

Perfect step after cleansing to prep the skin for serums and creams.

6. Face Oils

Face oils rich in Squalene or Olive Oil are excellent for sealing in moisture and strengthening the barrier.
Benefits:

• Protects against cold weather

• Softens flaky patches

• Helps relieve cracked skin on face

7. Cleansing Balms

Ideal for dry skin that feels stripped after washing.
Cleansing balms:

• Melt away makeup

• Remove impurities

• Hydrate and soften

• Never leave the skin tight

Look for formulas enriched with olive oil and squalene.

Final Thoughts: How to Restore Soft, Hydrated Skin

With the right routine and the right ingredients, dry and cracked skin can be transformed. Whether you're dealing with cracked heels, dry face, chapped lips, or dehydrated hair, ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Betaine, Squalene, Olive Oil, and Ojon Oil offer powerful, natural hydration that rebuilds the skin and hair from within.

For brands looking to formulate skincare or haircare products with these high-performance natural ingredients, selecting the right manufacturer is essential for quality, safety, and results.