Dry skin on a GLP-1: what to look for on a moisturizer label

Why your skin might feel drier on a GLP-1

Dry skin happens when skin loses too much water and oil, MedlinePlus says. It's common at any age and can come from cold or dry air, bathing too often or too long, harsh soaps, some medicines, aging and some health conditions. So a GLP-1 may not be the cause at all.

That said, a few things that can come with these medicines are worth knowing about:

• Fluid loss. MedlinePlus's semaglutide page asks you to tell your doctor if you've recently had diarrhea, nausea or vomiting or can't drink liquids, because these can cause dehydration. MedlinePlus lists dry, cool skin among the signs of mild to moderate dehydration.
• Eating and drinking less. With a smaller appetite, it's easy to drink less too.
• Skin changes the AAD describes. The AAD says GLP-1 drugs can affect the skin, and its skin care tips for people taking them include a moisturizer, a humidifier and plenty of fluids. It also warns that if you have dry skin after taking a GLP-1, retinoids may cause irritation and flaking.

If you're having trouble keeping fluids down, call your prescriber. That matters more than any cream.

Cream, ointment or lotion?

The AAD says ointments and creams add more moisture to skin and work better than lotions for dry skin. When you apply a cream or ointment, it can hold more moisture in your skin than a lotion.

Ingredients dermatologists suggest looking for

When you turn a jar or tube over, these are the ingredients the AAD and Mayo Clinic name for dry skin. You don't need all of them. One or two in a fragrance-free cream is a good start.

The AAD also suggests antioxidants in a moisturizer for people taking a GLP-1. If you're prone to acne, Mayo Clinic suggests products labeled noncomedogenic.

Label words that don't mean what you think

"Fragrance-free" vs "unscented." The AAD recommends products labeled "fragrance-free." It explains that an "unscented" product can contain chemicals that neutralize or hide the odors of other ingredients, and those can irritate dry, sensitive skin. The FDA says the same thing from the labeling side: some products labeled "unscented" may contain fragrance ingredients added just to mask other smells.

"Fragrance" on the ingredient list. The FDA says fragrance ingredients can be listed simply as "Fragrance" rather than one by one, because fragrance formulas are treated as trade secrets. If you're sensitive to fragrance, the FDA suggests choosing fragrance-free products and checking the ingredient list carefully.

"Hypoallergenic." Mayo Clinic suggests looking for products labeled hypoallergenic. But the FDA says there are no federal standards or definitions for the term, and that it "means whatever a particular company wants it to mean." Treat it as a hint, not a guarantee, and read the ingredient list.

Ingredient order. Under FDA labeling rules, cosmetic ingredients are listed in descending order of predominance, apart from fragrance, flavor and trade-secret ingredients. An ingredient near the top of the list makes up more of the product than one near the bottom.

What to skip when your skin is dry

The AAD says to stop using products with:

• Alcohol (hand sanitizer is the exception)
• Fragrance, including deodorant soaps
• Retinoids, while your skin is dry

Mayo Clinic adds that sodium lauryl sulfate can irritate skin and make dryness worse. The AAD also suggests asking a dermatologist before using anti-itch creams, because many contain ingredients that can irritate overly dry skin and make dryness and itch worse.

Habits that help the cream work

The best label won't do much without the right routine. The AAD's top tips include:

1. Keep showers short and warm. Five to ten minutes, not hot.
2. Pat, don't rub, your skin dry.
3. Moisturize right away, while your skin is still damp, and again whenever it feels dry.
4. Use a gentle cleanser only where you need it.
5. Run a humidifier, especially while you sleep, and clean it regularly.
6. Wear gloves for dishes, gardening and cold, dry air, and choose loose-fitting cotton clothes.
7. Use sunscreen with broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher.

Drinking enough fluids matters too. The AAD includes it in its skin care tips for people on a GLP-1.

Fluids and meals are where a health companion app can help. Olive checks in with you every day, looks at what you eat, and helps you build small habits that hold, like a glass of water with each meal on low-appetite days. It doesn't diagnose or treat anything.

If your face also looks thinner or older since starting a GLP-1, our guide to "Ozempic face" explains what's behind it. For a simple routine to build on, see our skincare routine by skin type.

When to see a dermatologist

The AAD says self-care often helps dry skin within about 2 weeks. If your skin stays dry or gets worse after trying those tips, the AAD says it's time to see a board-certified dermatologist. It says very dry skin can come from a condition such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or kidney disease. Call your prescriber promptly if you can't keep fluids down or have signs of dehydration.

Use cases: what to do in common situations

• Your skin got dry after you started a GLP-1. Switch to a fragrance-free cream, moisturize while damp, and check that you're drinking enough.
• You've had vomiting or diarrhea. Focus on fluids first and call your prescriber if you can't keep them down.
• Your face is flaky but you use a retinoid. The AAD says retinoids can irritate dry skin; ask your dermatologist whether to pause.
• You're comparing two moisturizers. Pick the fragrance-free one, check for one or two of the ingredients above, and prefer a cream over a lotion.

Frequently asked questions

Does Ozempic cause dry skin?

Dry skin isn't among the common side effects MedlinePlus lists for semaglutide. But fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea can cause dehydration, and MedlinePlus lists dry skin as a sign of dehydration. The AAD also says GLP-1 drugs can affect the skin.

What should I look for in a moisturizer for dry skin?

The AAD suggests a fragrance-free cream or ointment with ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, petrolatum, mineral oil, shea butter, lanolin, jojoba oil or lactic acid. Creams and ointments hold more moisture than lotions.

Is "unscented" the same as "fragrance-free"?

No. The AAD says unscented products can contain chemicals that hide other odors, which can irritate dry skin. The FDA says some products labeled unscented contain fragrance added to mask other smells. Look for "fragrance-free."

What does "hypoallergenic" mean on a label?

Not much, legally. The FDA says there are no federal standards or definitions for the term, so it means whatever a company wants it to mean. Read the ingredient list instead.

Can I keep using a retinoid if my skin is dry?

The AAD says retinoids can cause irritation and flaking if you have dry skin after taking a GLP-1, and lists retinoids among products to stop when skin is dry. Ask your dermatologist what's right for you.

When should I see a doctor about dry skin?

The AAD says to see a board-certified dermatologist if dry skin doesn't improve with self-care or gets worse. Call your prescriber promptly if you can't keep fluids down or notice signs of dehydration.

Stay on top of fluids and meals

Skin care works better when the basics are steady. Olive checks in with you every day and helps you build small habits that actually hold.

If steady habits haven't moved stubborn weight, Olive's Protocol is one option to look into.

See how Olive works →

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your clinician or a board-certified dermatologist about your own situation, and don't start, stop or change any medicine without your prescriber.