With dozens of drugstore moisturizers to choose from, landing the best one for your needs can feel downright impossible. I’ve tried my fair share of lackluster formulas over the years. Some drugstore finds left my skin greasy or failed to provide real hydration. However, a handful of affordable moisturizers have stood out for nourishing my skin incredibly well. These MVPs absorb easily without heaviness and deliver intense moisture to parched areas for smooth, balanced skin over time.
If you’ve felt perplexed finding the right drugstore moisturizer for your unique skin needs amongst the packed shelves, I’m here to help simplify the process! In this blog post, I review my top recommended drugstore moisturizers suited for dry, sensitive, oily and maturing skin types. I also cover tips on how to select the best formula for YOUR skin along with providing a helpful primer on the most common drugstore moisturizer textures. Read on for all the info you need to find skin-quenching affordably-priced hydration!
Vanicream’s daily facial moisturizer is specifically formulated for people with sensitive skin. It contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help repair the skin barrier and retain moisture. The moisturizer is free of common irritants like fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde, and gluten. The gentle formula moisturizes without irritation making it ideal for daily use on the face.
This Vanicream moisturizer lives up to its claims of being well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin. It provides light, daily hydration without greasiness or heaviness. The formula absorbs nicely without leaving behind residue. It works well under makeup too. The pump bottle makes it easy to dispense just the right amount of product. It’s fragrance-free and uses skin-healthy ingredients making it one of the best drugstore facial moisturizers for sensitive skin types.
CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion has an oil-free, lightweight formula that provides all-day hydration for dry skin on both the face and body. It contains three essential ceramides that help restore the skin’s protective barrier. Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture in the skin. The non-comedogenic formula won’t clog pores while moisturizing.
CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion stands out for its ceramide and hyaluronic acid content at an affordable drugstore price point. It absorbs quickly without greasiness and effectively hydrates dry skin on both the face and body. It contains skin-healthy ingredients for barrier repair and moisture retention. The fragrance-free, oil-free formula is suitable for normal to very dry skin without clogging pores. Overall, it’s one of the best drugstore moisturizers for very dry and sensitive skin types.
Holika Holika’s Good Cera Super Ceramide Cream deeply hydrates dry, rough skin with a rich, creamy texture. It contains a high concentration of ceramides to help repair the skin barrier and seal in moisture. Soothing panthenol and antioxidant-rich olive oil nourish and protect skin. This Korean skincare moisturizer leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.
Holika Holika’s Good Cera Cream is intensely hydrating thanks to skin barrier-repairing ceramides, moisturizing shea butter and soothing panthenol. The texture feels nicely rich and creamy without being too heavy. It provides long-lasting moisture to dry areas and leaves skin feeling baby soft. For best results, apply a few drops to dry areas of the face at night. It wears well under makeup too. This reasonably priced Korean cream is amongst the most moisturizing and effective drugstore face creams for very dry skin.
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel is a lightweight, mattifying moisturizer that hydrates oily and combination skin without leaving behind a sticky residue. The formula contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help repair the skin barrier and attract moisture. It also features niacinamide to help control oil and combat shine. The oil-free gel absorbs quickly, hydrates all day and leaves skin looking smoother and matte.
CeraVe’s Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel is an excellent choice for hydrating oily skin without excess heaviness, grease or to worsen acne-prone skin. It glides on smooth without a sticky, tacky or flaky mess and absorbs quickly. The balance of barrier-repairing ceramides, moisture-attracting hyaluronic acid and oil-controlling niacinamide helps balance and hydrate oily skin. It leaves a nice daytime matte finish without drying out the skin. Overall, it makes an effective lightweight drugstore face moisturizer for oily, combination skin types.
Vanicream’s Moisturizing Skin Cream offers calming moisture for sensitive skin. It features a rich formula with hydrating emollients that help soften and soothe dry skin. The dermatologist-tested formula is free of common irritants like lanolin, fragrance and preservatives. The vegan skin cream calms sensitive areas while helping repair and strengthen the skin barrier. It comes in a pump bottle for easy dispensing.
Vanicream’s Moisturizing Skin Cream excels at providing rich yet gentle moisturization for dry, sensitive skin types. The richness comes from a blend of skin-healthy emollients that supply lasting hydration without greasiness or heavily fragranced chemicals. It calms irritation rather than stinging or burning like some moisturizers do on sensitive skin. The convenient pump bottle makes it easy to access and apply too. Overall, we find this drugstore moisturizer cream to be amongst the best for dry, sensitive and easily irritated complexions.
The e.l.f. Skin Daily Hydration Moisturizer features a lightweight gel-cream formula powered by hydrators like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, jojoba oil and shea butter. This moisturizer provides a surge of refreshing hydration that energizes the skin while plumping fine lines and wrinkles. The vegan and cruelty-free formula helps improve skin texture and suppleness with continued use.
The e.l.f. Skin Daily Hydration Moisturizer’s lightweight gel-cream texture and infusion of botanical extracts gives it an advantage over basic moisturizers. It provides substantial hydration yet absorbs quickly without leaving any tacky or filmy residue. The formula also contains antioxidants to combat environmental aggressors. For the affordable drugstore price, it delivers impressively smooth and supple skin with regular use. It works well for all skin types, including those sensitive to fragrance.
First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Oil Control Moisturizer is an oil-free, mattifying face moisturizer that hydrates oily, combination and acne-prone skin types. The lightweight formula contains shine-fighting ingredients such as willow bark extract, zinc oxide and pink clay. These ingredients help absorb oil and control sebum production to prevent greasiness throughout the day. Antioxidants like licorice root help soothe inflammation and redness too.
First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Oil Control Moisturizer does an excellent job of hydrating oily and acne-prone skin without promoting excess oil or breakouts. The lightweight cream absorbs quickly and provides daylong oil control thanks to shine-fighting willow bark and zinc oxide. Licorice root extract also helps soothe redness and inflammation. It wears nicely under makeup too. The oil-free texture makes it one of the best drugstore moisturizers for oily, acne-prone complexions.
The e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Hydro-Gel Moisturizer features an ultra lightweight gel formula containing purified water, hyaluronic acid and glycerin to provide plumping hydration for thirsty skin. The refreshing gel instantly quenches dehydrated skin to help smooth texture, soothe tightness and restore a supple, bouncy complexion. It absorbs quickly without any tackiness or residue.
The e.l.f Holy Hydration! Hydro-Gel Moisturizer delivers an impressive boost of hydration for a lightweight, affordable drugstore gel cream. It glides onto skin effortlessly and provides a cooling burst of moisture that noticeably improves dryness and tightness. Regular use helps restore supple texture and a healthy moisture balance without greasiness. For refreshed, glowing skin at a wallet-friendly price, it’s easily one of the best hydrating gel moisturizers available at the drugstore.
Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ provides all-day hydration for dry skin. The rich, creamy texture contains barrier-strengthening ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and urea. These hydrators attract and seal moisture into the skin. The pump bottle allows easy dispensing of just the right amount of lightweight lotion. It strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier without causing breakouts in oilier areas.
Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ makes effective use of humectants like hyaluronic acid and urea to provide multidimensional hydration without heaviness. Dry spots drink up the lightweight lotion while oilier areas avoid congestion. The formula absorbs well without greasy residue too. Regular use helps skin better retain moisture for a more even, healthier look. For balancing combination skin’s needs, it proves itself as one of the best oil-free drugstore moisturizers.
Pond’s Dry Skin Cream is an affordably priced facial moisturizer designed to replenish moisture for dry skin types. The rich cream hydrates with mineral oil and glycerin while allantoin and alpha hydroxy acids gently exfoliate. Regular use smooths texture by increasing cell turnover to reveal soft, supple skin. This budget-friendly moisturizing cream comes in a convenient pack of two 3.9 oz jars.
Pond’s Dry Skin cream delivers heavy-hitting hydration thanks to humectants like glycerin and emollient-rich mineral oil. The rich formula provides moisture where it’s needed most to combat tightness and flaking. We also like the addition of gentle exfoliants that renew skin texture with ongoing use. While it’s not the most elegant cream out there, it gets the job done of hydrating severely dry complexions well. Considering the budget drugstore price for a pack of two jars, it proves a great value moisturizing cream.
The St. Ives Renewing Moisturizer Collagen & Elastin formula contains hydrators like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to attract moisture into the deeper layers of skin. Marine collagen and elastin proteins also help visibly improve the look of aging by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. This lightweight facial moisturizer is dermatologist tested and absorbs quickly without greasiness.
The St. Ives Renewing Collagen and Elastin Facial Moisturizer makes good use of hyaluronic acid and glycerin to provide plumping hydration and moisture retention daylong. The addition of marine collagen and elastin also imparts anti-aging benefits for more youthful-looking skin over time. The lightweight cream feels nice going on and absorbs well under sunscreens or makeup. For the affordable drugstore price, it works effectively as a daily facial moisturizer for mature skin showing signs of aging.
ANUA Heartleaf 70 Intense Calming Cream comforts irritated and sensitive skin types. It contains skin-healthy ceramides, panthenol and madecassoside from heartleaf extract. This rich Korean cream strengthens the moisture barrier, soothes irritation and calms inflammation. The formula absorbs well to moisturize without clogging pores or causing breakouts. Soothing botanicals provide relief for red, inflamed complexions.
ANUA Heartleaf 70 Cream utilizes smart K-beauty ingredients like barrier-repairing ceramides, soothing panthenol and anti-inflammatory madecassoside to comfort sensitive, irritated complexions prone to redness. The rich formula provides moisturization without feeling heavy. It calms, soothes and protects reactive skin exceptionally well. If you have sensitive skin that needs TLC, this Korean cream with skin-healthy botanicals ranks among the most soothing drugstore moisturizers available.
Synchro Cream features a rich European formula that adapts to your skin’s needs to balance, regulate and protect. It contains hydrating botanical oils like sunflower seed oil along with repairing ceramides to attract and seal in moisture. Soothing extracts also help reduce sensitivity. This self-regulating face cream adjusts to deliver nourishing, hydrating or matte finish based on skin’s requirements.
Synchro Cream uses Smart Biomimetic Technology that enables its texture to self-adjust from light to rich based on skin’s needs. The formula truly does seem to provide customized nourishment by absorbing differently across areas—quenching dry spots while controlling shine elsewhere. It contains protective antioxidants too. Impressively, it adapts on a day-to-day basis also based on changing weather or activities. For a moisturizer that uniquely auto-regulates to balance normal, dry and oily zones, it proves itself wise beyond its drugstore pricing.
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is a richly hydrating facial moisturizer formulated with hydrators like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide. This anti-aging face cream is designed to plump wrinkles and smooth skin texture over time. The fast-absorbing cream formula visibly firms and lifts the look of mature skin thanks to amino peptide complex. It leaves a velvety finish without feeling heavy.
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream provides outstanding hydration thanks to a cocktail of hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide. Its velvety texture melts nicely into skin without sitting on top or feeling tacky. The addition of firming amino peptides makes it excellent for maturing skin too by providing plumping moisture along with lifting and smoothing of wrinkles and texture. It wears beautifully under makeup as well. Overall, it impressively moisturizes and smooths signs of aging—making it a top anti-aging face cream available at the drugstore.
The Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream deeply hydrates dry skin with its rich yet lightweight texture. The K-beauty cream contains shea butter, jojoba seed oil and other natural botanicals that provide intense moisturization without feeling heavy or greasy. Centella and skullcap extracts soothe and calm stressed complexions as well. This versatile cream comforts dryness and balances oiliness for healthy, supple skin.
The Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream delivers outstanding hydration and moisture retention thanks to shea butter, nourishing botanical oils and protective antioxidants. Dry areas drink up the rich cream rapidly while oily zones never feel weighed down. The formula feels comforting and soothing upon application. It provides the right balance of richness and quick absorption to hydrate most skin types effectively, including sensitive and blemish-prone. For nourishing relief without greasiness, it ranks among the most versatile Korean moisture creams available at the drugstore.
Product | Key Feature 1 | Key Feature 2 |
---|---|---|
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer | Ceramides & hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free |
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion | Ceramides & hyaluronic acid | Oil-free lotion |
Holika Holika Good Cera Cream | Rich ceramide cream | Deeply hydrating |
CeraVe Ultra-Light Gel | Oil-free | Niacinamide |
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream | Pump dispenser | Fragrance-free |
e.l.f. Daily Hydration Moisturizer | Hyaluronic acid | Soothing aloe |
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream | Willow bark extract | Oil-free |
e.l.f. Holy Hydration Hydro-Gel | Hyaluronic acid & glycerin | Ultra lightweight gel |
Clinique Dramatically Diff. Lotion | Hyaluronic acid & glycerin | Combination skin |
Pond’s Dry Skin Cream | Mineral oil | Exfoliates skin |
St. Ives Collagen Elastin Cream | Hyaluronic acid | Smooths fine lines |
ANUA Heartleaf Cream | Ceramides | Calms irritation |
Synchro Self-Regulating Cream | Ceramides | Self-adjusting texture |
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting | Hyaluronic acid & niacinamide | Firms & smooths skin |
Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream | Shea butter & jojoba oil | Soothing botanicals |
With countless moisturizers lining drugstore shelves, choosing the right one for your skin can get confusing. Here are some tips when selecting the best drugstore moisturizer for your needs:
Consider your skin type – Look for products specifically formulated for normal, dry, oily or combination skin. This ensures ingredients target your skin’s needs. For example, rich creams and emollient-rich formulas work best for very dry skin while gel textures suit oily complexes better.
Examine the formula – Check the ingredient list for hydrating components like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, plant oils and ceramides. These attract moisture and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. Avoid alcohols which can dry skin out.
Read reviews – See what actual users with your skin type say. Do they confirm the moisturizer hydrates without greasiness or breakouts? Does it address their needs and provide good value for money? Reviews from those with similar skin prove indispensable when choosing.
Consider added skin benefits – Many moisturizers also contain ingredients that address specific concerns like boosting collagen, controlling acne, calming irritation or smoothing wrinkles. Figure out your skin goals to choose optimal added perks.
Test it out – Every skin reacts a little differently. Ideally sample a moisturizer first or buy from stores with lenient return policies to test risk-free. Ensure it hydrates sufficiently and layers well without problems.
There are several categories and formulations of moisturizers available at affordable drugstore prices. Here’s a quick look:
Lotions – Typically most affordable, lotions have high water content to refresh and hydrate. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, some offer added SPF. Best for normal to slightly dry skin that doesn’t need intensive moisturization.
Creams – Thicker than lotions with higher oil and butter content, creamy moisturizers seal in hydration. Great for dry skin but can feel too rich for very oily types. Tend to be most versatile for combining hydration and nourishment.
Gels – Featuring high humectant content suspended in a water base, gels deliver lightweight hydration. They absorb fast without greasiness, making them ideal for oily and breakout-prone skin. The cooling feel refreshes skin too.
Balms – Ultra rich balm-like textures intensely nourish and seal moisture into parched skin. Often used as overnight masks or targeted spot treatments for severely dry areas like elbows and hands. Typically too heavy for facial use for most skin types.
Mists – Hydrating mists or sprays infuse a quick moisture boost when skin needs a pick-me-up midday or after air travel. Refreshing but usually not hydrating enough as the sole moisturizer. Best layered under/over creams or used for a moisture power-up.
The CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion makes an excellent moisturizer for all skin types. It contains skin barrier-restoring ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid in a lightweight formula that absorbs well without greasiness or blockages.
Some top budget-friendly moisturizers under $10 include:
The Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream works wonderfully for maturing skin. It deeply hydrates while also improving tone, firmness and smoothing wrinkles thanks to niacinamide, amino peptides and antioxidants.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen is top-rated for providing broad spectrum SPF 30 protection alongside hydration. It restores the skin barrier with ceramides and is non-comedogenic.
For acneic skin, try the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oil-Control Moisturizer. It hydrates without oiliness or blockages thanks to shine-fighting ingredients zinc oxide, willow bark and clay. The formula is also non-comedogenic.
The Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is the best drugstore face moisturizer for mature skin. It deeply hydrates with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide while also improving skin’s firmness and elasticity thanks to its amino peptide complex. It absorbs quickly into skin while smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles associated with maturing complexions, leaving a more youthful appearance.
While I have not reviewed any specific drugstore tinted moisturizers in this blog post, some top rated options contain beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, mineral oil and antioxidants alongside sheer coverage color to provide hydration while evening tone. When choosing, avoid alcohol-based formulas which could dry skin out further and look for “non-comedogenic” on the label as that indicates it won’t clog pores.
The best drugstore moisturizer specifically formulated for acne-prone skin is the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oil-Control Moisturizer. This oil-free, lightweight cream hydrates without heaviness or clogging pores thanks to shine-controlling ingredients like willow bark, zinc oxide and clay. It helps sop up oil and reduces breakouts while soothing any inflammation or redness in existing blemishes with licorice root extract.
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