Dry skin (xerosis) is a common problem, and ranges from mild dryness through to severe dryness and skin breakdown. The use of emollients continues to be the main therapeutic approach to this problem. However, patients and healthcare professionals do not always appreciate the importance of emollient therapy, and are faced with an overwhelming choice of products. This article aims to review skin barrier function and hydration, the factors causing dry skin and some of the issues that surround the use of emollients.