# EltaMD Intense Moisturizer for dry sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for dry sensitive skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Arab Emirates.

Brand: [EltaMD](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/eltamd)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for dry sensitive skin; a few moisturizers fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Highly suitable for your dry and sensitive skin as petrolatum and paraffin create an occlusive barrier to significantly reduce water loss and enhance barrier resilience.
- These ingredients also provide excellent emollient benefits, directly addressing your dry or flaky skin concerns.
- The formula is safe for your skin, containing no harsh ingredients and including soothing components.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/oily-skin): Low
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/combination-skin): Low
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/acne-prone-skin): Low
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High (this page)
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Low

## Key ingredients

Petrolatum, Paraffin

## What the research says

- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Topical treatment with skin-identical lipids in a petrolatum-rich cream base showed no superiority over pure petrolatum in promoting normalization of barrier recovery and inflammation in detergent- and tape-stripped-perturbed human skin over 14 days. ([Acta Dermato-venereologica, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11243632/))
- Topically applied extra virgin olive oil and petrolatum both significantly improved skin barrier function and microtopographic features in 54 healthy adult volunteers, with petrolatum exerting stronger occlusive effects and extra virgin olive oil uniquely promoting epidermal renewal. ([Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40649050/))
- Daily paraffin bath combined with hand exercise significantly improved extension deficit, perceived stiffness, and skin elasticity in patients with systemic sclerosis compared to exercise alone. ([Disability and Rehabilitation, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15371046/))
- Topical application of four vegetable oils and paraffin oil leads to semi-occlusion and penetration limited to the first upper layers of the stratum corneum in six healthy volunteers compared to petrolatum. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22092829/))
- Application of water, paraffin oil, ethanol, and glycerin for 10 minutes induces significant changes in the mechanical properties of human skin in vivo, with water and paraffin oil increasing distensibility and hysteresis, ethanol negatively affecting distensibility, and glycerin showing a delayed onset. ([Acta Dermato-venereologica, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7906448/))

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine. Start using this moisturizer 3 times a week and move to daily use if your dry skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this moisturizer after cleansing and toner in the morning, or after your serum in the evening. Always pair it with SPF in the morning.
- Gently press a small amount of the moisturizer into your skin. Avoid rubbing it harshly to protect your sensitive skin.
- Apply the moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help with hydration absorption. This also works well for dry and flaky skin types.
- Do a patch test before your first use. Avoid the eye area to prevent any irritation.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes EltaMD Intense Moisturizer a great fit for dry sensitive skin?

EltaMD Intense Moisturizer is a great fit because petrolatum and paraffin create a protective barrier that locks in moisture and strengthens your skin barrier. This formula provides excellent softening benefits to smooth flaky dry skin while staying very safe and gentle.

### Which ingredients make this moisturizer a good fit for dry sensitive skin?

Petrolatum and paraffin make this moisturizer a great fit for your dry sensitive skin because they lock in moisture and soothe flaky areas. This formula is gentle and helps protect your skin barrier without harsh ingredients.

### What does Petrolatum do for dry sensitive skin?

Petrolatum helps dry sensitive skin by locking in moisture to repair the skin barrier and calm irritation. Applying it regularly may also reduce redness and support overall comfort.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14572299/), [Skin Therapy Letter, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24570291/)

### What does Paraffin do for dry sensitive skin?

Paraffin helps dry sensitive skin by locking in moisture and protecting the surface without causing irritation. Studies show that mineral oils and waxes like paraffin stay on the outer layer of the skin with no evidence of deep absorption, making them very safe for regular use.
Sources: [Clinics in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22507050/), [Toxicology Letters, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28789996/)

### Where does this moisturizer go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?

This moisturizer goes as the final step of your evening skincare routine, and you can also use it in the morning when your skin needs extra moisture and protection. Its petrolatum and paraffin create a protective barrier to lock in hydration and soothe dry or flaky areas safely.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/)

### Can I use this moisturizer with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this moisturizer with retinol by applying the retinol first and following it with the moisturizer. This layering helps lock in moisture and may reduce the dryness and irritation often caused by retinol on sensitive skin.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/)

### How often should I use this moisturizer?

You can use this moisturizer daily to help lock in moisture and soften dry or flaky skin. Applying it regularly supports your skin barrier and is unlikely to cause irritation since the formula avoids harsh ingredients.
Sources: [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/), [Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14571069/)

### Can this moisturizer clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?

EltaMD Intense Moisturizer is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on dry sensitive skin, as its petrolatum and paraffin formula forms a protective barrier without harsh ingredients. This type of product focuses on sealing in moisture and is free of common pore-clogging irritants, making it gentle for sensitive areas.

### Can I use this moisturizer around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this moisturizer around your eyes and on your body because petrolatum and paraffin create a protective barrier that locks in moisture and keeps your skin feeling soft. This gentle formula is safe and unlikely to cause irritation on thin areas like the eyelids or on dry body skin.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

## Alternatives for dry sensitive skin

- [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 34.80 at Amazon
- [Obagi Hydrate Luxe Moisture-Rich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/obagi/hydrate-luxe/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 244.74 at Amazon
- [The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-ordinary/natural-moisturizing-factors-ha/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 65.00 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 32.95 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 81.41 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dr-g/green-mild-up-sun/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — AED 81.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in United Arab Emirates has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Paraffin, Petrolatum
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/eltamd/intense-moisturizer/for/dry-sensitive-skin (this page)