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Estée Lauder Nutritious Melting Soft Creme/Mask for dry skin

High

  • HighDry Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

One of the best nourishing masks for dry skin.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Highly suitable for your dry skin, this formula leverages the humectant properties of glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, complemented by the emollient action of shea butter to deeply hydrate and support your skin barrier.
  • Niacinamide and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract further enhance soothing benefits, contributing to overall skin comfort and health.
  • The product is safe for your skin, containing no harsh ingredients and including components that actively calm and protect dry skin.

How to apply

  • Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine, starting 3 times a week before working up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
  • Apply this creamy mask after cleansing and toning, but always before your moisturizer or SPF.
  • Gently spread a thin layer of the creamy mask evenly over your face, avoiding any harsh rubbing .
  • For the best hydration, apply the creamy mask on slightly damp skin to help lock in moisture .
  • Be sure to avoid the sensitive eye area, and do a patch test before your very first use.

People Say

★4.6Overall rating based on 2.4k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, users frequently describe this product as a lightweight solution that effectively calms oily or combination skin by reducing redness and minimizing pores. Many praise its ability to melt into the skin for a non-greasy glow. However, some users with very dry skin find it lacks sufficient lasting moisture.

Highlights

  • Lightweight & absorbent Mostly Mentioned
    • “melts right into skin”
    • “absorbs nicely without residue”
    • “feels pillowy and light”
    • “doesn't feel heavy whatsoever”
  • Calms & soothes Often Mentioned
    • “calms my redness immediately”
    • “helped with my large pores”
    • “soothes irritated skin”
    • “great for sensitive days”
  • Softness & glow Often Mentioned
    • “skin looked smoother & glowy”
    • “leaves face feeling baby soft”
    • “gives a healthy shine”
    • “woke up with glowing skin”
  • Versatile usage Sometimes Noted
    • “pairs nicely with makeup”
    • “love using it as a weekly mask”
    • “great primer for foundation”
    • “use it AM and PM”
  • High price point Sometimes Noted
    • “very expensive for the size”
    • “wish it was cheaper”
    • “price is the only downside”
    • “luxury price tag”
  • Not moisturizing enough Sometimes Noted
    • “skin felt dry by morning”
    • “need something richer”
    • “not enough for winter dryness”
    • “absorbed too fast, needed more”
  • Confusing mask instructions Rarely Noted
    • “nothing left to tissue off”
    • “confused if I should wash it”
    • “absorbs so fast I can't remove it”
    • “instructions were vague”
  • Texture issues Rarely Noted
    • “texture is a bit thick”
    • “felt sticky at first”
    • “pores felt like they couldn't breathe”
    • “too heavy for humid weather”

Sources: lovi.care, boots.com, sephora.my, sephora.sg, esteelauder.com, nykaa.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes Estée Lauder Nutritious Melting Soft Creme/Mask a great fit for dry skin?

This cream is a great fit for your dry skin because it uses glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to draw in moisture, along with shea butter to soften and support your skin barrier. Niacinamide and green tea extract also help soothe your skin and keep it comfortable.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for dry skin?

This cream is a great fit for dry skin because it combines glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to draw in moisture with shea butter to soften and support your skin barrier. It also helps calm and comfort your skin with niacinamide and green tea leaf extract, leaving your skin feeling smooth and well-hydrated.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

What does Niacinamide do for dry skin?

Niacinamide helps dry skin by strengthening the skin barrier, increasing hydration, and reducing water loss. It supports ceramide production and helps keep the surface smooth and calm. This ingredient tends to be very well tolerated and is unlikely to irritate dry skin.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026

What does Hyaluronic Acid do for dry skin?

Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into dry skin, giving an immediate and lasting boost in hydration that helps smooth out fine lines and soften rough patches. It is very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation while improving overall skin smoothness and plumpness.

Dermatology and Therapy, 2021Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011

Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for dry skin?

This nourishing mask is a great fit for dry skin and goes in your weekly routine after a cleanser and makeup remover, followed by your treatment and moisturizer. It features glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and shea butter to deeply hydrate and support your skin barrier.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

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

Yes, you can use this cream with retinol by applying the retinol first and following it with this cream to help lock in moisture and keep your skin calm and comfortable.

How often should I use this cream?

This nourishing mask fits well into a weekly routine for dry skin. Daily application of moisturizers containing glycerin and sodium hyaluronate helps maintain hydration and improves skin barrier function.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Health Science Reports, 2021

Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?

This cream is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for dry skin, as its formula contains no harsh ingredients and is safe and gentle. It helps deeply hydrate and support your skin barrier while keeping your face calm and comfortable.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

What the research says

  • A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
  • Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
  • Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women.

    The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008
  • Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging.

    Dermatologic Surgery, 2005
  • Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011
  • Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.

    Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022
  • Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.

    BMC Oral Health, 2019
  • A combination cream of stimu-tex AS and saccharide isomerate reduced erythema, increased skin capacitance, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects after fractional CO2 laser procedure without causing serious adverse events.

    Lasers in Medical Science, 2025
  • A skin barrier restoring cream with shea butter, silkflo, and vitamin E increased type I procollagen synthesis, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, decreased reactive oxygen species generation, and promoted hyaluronic acid production in H2O2-stimulated human keratinocyte cells compared to untreated cells.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025
  • A skincare regimen containing Macrocystis pyrifera ferment consisting of a cleansing foam, a serum, and a moisturizer decreases the visible effects of inflammation and aging while promoting healing and improving patient satisfaction.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
  • Macrocystis pyrifera ferment-containing creams decrease visible inflammation and signs of aging while enhancing barrier resilience and recovery.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023
  • Aqueous extracts from Macrocystis pyrifera and Durvillaea antarctica exhibited antiviral activity against acyclovir-sensitive and acyclovir-resistant HSV-1 and HSV-2, and topical formulations significantly reduced the severity and duration of HSV-1 skin lesions in an animal model compared to mock treatment and acyclovir.

    Frontiers in Microbiology, 2020
  • Phenolic-rich pomegranate peel extract formulated into a serum and mask showed significantly better facial skin lightening efficacy than placebo in 30 volunteers over 28 days.

    Planta Medica, 2020
  • Topical application of a 2% cream containing combined fruit extracts for 56 days significantly reduced wrinkle depth by 11.5%, length by 10.07%, and area by 29.55% in 21 female subjects compared to a placebo.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015
  • A topical microemulsion containing Punica granatum extract significantly reduced skin erythema and melanin compared to a placebo in healthy Asian subjects over 12 weeks.

    Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii, 2014

Ingredients

Water, Heptyl Undecylenate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Trimethylolpropane Tricaprylate Tricaprate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Zinc Pca, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Jojoba Esters, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract Sunflower Seed Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Sucrose, Saccharide Isomerate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Vp Copolymer, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our 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.

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Prices checked 5 Nov 2026

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.