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12 Best Drugstore Moisturizers That are Perfect for All Skin Types
Whether your complexion is extra-dry, oily, sensitive, or acne-prone, grab the best drugstore moisturizers from our curated list here!
Moisturizers are a key part of any skin care routine, providing essential hydration to keep your skin soft, supple, and glowing. If you are looking for a great moisturizer that won't break the bank you must try out the best drugstore moisturizers.
"I wouldn't even ever recommend any department-store moisturizers, to be honest—not even the ones that are the 'superstars,'" says Shirley Chi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Southern California. She also added "When I'm looking for a moisturizer, I'm looking for the presence of certain ingredients and the absence of others." The good ones? Ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid—in that order.
Drugstore moisturizer is kind of a loose term these days, but the point is, that these formulas offer affordable, effective hydration. Moisturizers are a must just like how sunscreens are important for your skin. Here we bring to you the 12 best drugstore moisturizers that’ll help you beat the summer heat and quench your skin’s thirst. You may be looking to target a specific skin concern like dry skin or oily skin, or just need a new go-to favorite, we've rounded up the best drugstore moisturizers for every need.
Our Top Picks:
- Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion-Best For Combination Skin
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost-Dermatologist-Recommended
- CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream-Suitable For All Skin Types
- Palmer's Coconut Hydrate Facial Moisturizer-Cruelty-Free
- COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Skincare Weightless Water Cream-Affordable
12 Best Drugstore Moisturizers to Keep Your Skin Hydrated
1. Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion
Keep your skin healthy and hydrated throughout the day with Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion.This hydrating lotion with hyaluronic acid absorbs quickly to lock in moisture and lasts 24 hours to keep your skin soft and hydrated throughout the day (1). This substance helps your skin cells and connective tissues retain water for immediate and intense hydration. The unique blend of botanical extracts and antioxidants helps to protect skin from environmental damage and premature signs of aging while its oil-free formula is perfect for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. Use it day and night for soft, supple skin that looks and feels refreshed.
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Non-comedogenic
- No added fragrance
- Non-greasy
- Great for combination skin
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Watery texture
- Expensive
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
Add instant hydration and nourishment to your skin with Neutrogena Hydro Boost. Formulated with hyaluronic, it helps lock in hydration and replenish skin's natural moisture barrier. It also contains antioxidants that help to protect the skin from environmental damage. It's designed to help skin feel softer and smoother, and look more luminous. The quickly absorbing formula of this drugstore moisturizer makes it perfect for layering under makeup. It is suitable for all skin types, leaving you with a smooth, healthy-looking complexion.
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free
- Dye-free
- No fragrance
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Pricey
- Poor packaging
3. CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
Restore your skin's natural barrier and keep it healthy and hydrated throughout the night with CeraVe Cream. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, this night cream helps to intensely nourish and soothe your skin. It also contains niacinamide and ceramides, which help to promote a healthy skin barrier and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also improving skin tone, texture and hydration (2). Apply it every night before bed to experience visibly softer and smoother skin in the morning.
Pros
- Developed with dermatologists
- Non-comedogenic
- No harmful ingredients
- Non-irritating formula
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Small size
- Costly
4. Palmer’s Coconut Hydrate Facial Moisturizer
Palmer's Coconut Hydrate Facial Moisturizer is the ultimate solution for all your hydration needs. With the nourishing power of coconut oil, this moisturizer provides intense hydration while also replenishing and protecting your skin (3). Formulated with vitamin E and fatty acids, this luxurious formula helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. Its lightweight texture is quickly absorbed and won't leave your skin feeling greasy. With regular use, your skin will feel hydrated, refreshed, and radiant.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-approved
- No paraben
- Dye-free
- Mineral-oil free
- FSC recycled packaging
Cons
- Not 100% vegan
- Strong synthetic smell
5. EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
This is an amazing moisturizer that feels lightweight and gives your skin a soft feel. While it smoothens the skin texture and evens out skin colour and tone, it also stimulates the skin’s natural water system to moisturize without oil or heavy emollients. It contains hyaluronic acid to help bind moisture to the skin, and niacinamide to protect and condition the skin. This moisturizer helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple. Ideal for normal to combination skin types, its lightweight formula is designed to nourish and protect your skin from environmental aggressors, making it an essential part of any daily beauty routine.
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- No oil
- No fragrance
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Does not absorb well
- Poor packaging
6. Olay Regenerist Hydrating Moisturizer
Olay Regenerist is the ultimate solution to provide your skin with a healthy boost of moisture. This best hydrating face moisturizer helps to keep skin nourished, while providing a gentle and luxurious feel. With nourishing vitamins and botanical extracts, it helps to replenish skin’s moisture while also fighting free radicals and other environmental stressors. Its special formula helps to restore elasticity and firmness, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With continuous use, skin will appear softer, firmer and more hydrated.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- No phthalates
- No mineral oil
- Does not clog pores
- No greasy residue
- Trial size available
Cons
- No SPF
- Small portion size
7. EltaMD Intense Moisturizer
Formulated with hyaluronic acid, natural oils, and nourishing botanicals to lock in moisture for long-lasting hydration, it will keep their skin looking and feeling its best.
This waterless, sensitivity-free moisturizer is well tolerated on extremely sensitive skin resulting from cosmetic and medical treatments, including radiation and tretinoin regimens. EltaMD Moisturizer also works well on minor to severe burns, including sunburn and thus is an ideal choice for all skin types.
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- No oil
- No fragrance
- Suitable for sensitive and dry skin
Cons
- Costly
- Very thick
8. COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Skincare Weightless Water Cream
COVERGIRL Water Cream is a luxurious, lightweight cream that hydrates and nourishes skin for up to 24 hours. Formulated with Hyaluronic acid and TruClean Cactus Water, it helps to soothe and protect skin from environmental damage, while lightening the appearance of dark spots and reducing the signs of aging. It is quickly absorbed, leaving your skin feeling refreshed, hydrated and silky smooth. Enjoy the look and feel of healthy, glowing skin all day with this face moisturizer suitable for all skin types.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Breathable formula
- Oil-free
- Affordable
Cons
- Strongly-scented
- Very sticky
9. Perricone MD Photo Brightening Moisturizer
An oil-free face moisturizer with SPF that visibly brightens, tightens and reduces the appearance of dark spots and also protects against environmental aggressors. The unique formula helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while providing a healthy, luminous complexion. Ideal for all skin types, this patented vitamin C Ester provides supercharged brightening and smoothing benefits with less irritation than traditional vitamin C.With its potent blend of natural and organic ingredients, you can trust that your skin will be well hydrated and nourished.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- No fragrance
- Oil-free
- Contains SPF 30
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Small size
- Very costly
10. Baxter of California Oil Free Moisturizer
This essential moisturizer is an outdoor-ready pick with broad-spectrum SPF15 daily protection for your face, neck and scalp. Formulated with natural ingredients, this moisturizer is designed to provide deep hydration to the skin without leaving it feeling greasy. It infuses the skin with essential vitamins and minerals, while keeping oily and acne-prone skin feeling refreshed and hydrated all day long. This quick-absorbing facial moisturizer contains SPF 15 for face, neck and scalp protection. It's best for oily skin type people who need a matte look on their skin.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Non-greasy
- Contains natural ingredients
- No white film
- Perfect for daily use
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Strong smell
- Thick texture
11. Rovectin Aqua Concentrate
This drugstore moisturizer is the best one you can find. Infused with niacinamide it acts as a brightening factor by evening the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation or blemishes. Rich in antioxidants, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. It is best for acne-prone skin as it has anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. With regular use, you can expect to see improved skin elasticity, reduced redness, and a healthier, more radiant complexion.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- No paraben
- No mineral oil
- Safe for all ages
Cons
- An overpowering smell
- Costly
12. Blue Sage Unplug Facial Moisturizer
It is the best drugstore moisturizer for those looking for an affordable and effective solution to keep their skin hydrated and healthy. This formulation will calm breakouts and promote healing to leave skin smooth and clear. With its luxurious texture, it's easy to spread and absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated. Use this daily to defend your skin from excess pigmentation, redness, and inflammation to slow down the appearance of ageing and promote the production of collagen.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Natural ingredients
- Dye-free
- No paraben and sulfate
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Strong scent
- Bad packaging
How to Choose the Best Drugstore Moisturizers?
To help you make the best decision, here are a few factors to consider when you choose the best drugstore moisturizer for your skin:
1. Skin Type:
The first step to choosing the best drugstore moisturizer for your skin is to consider your skin type. Different moisturizers are formulated for different skin types, so it’s important to choose one that is suitable for your skin. If you have oily skin, look for a moisturizer that is specifically formulated for oily skin. If you have dry skin, look for one that is designed for dry skin.
2. Ingredients:
The second step to choosing the best drugstore moisturizer is to check the ingredients. Look for ingredients that are known to nourish and hydrate the skin, such as glycerin, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid. Avoid products that contain fragrances, parabens, and sulfates, as these can irritate your skin.
3. Price:
When it comes to drugstore moisturizers, the price can vary greatly depending on the brand and the ingredients. It’s important to find a product that fits into your budget, but still provides the hydration and nourishment that your skin needs.
4. Reviews:
Finally, take the time to read reviews about the different drugstore moisturizers available. Reviews can provide important insight into how a product worked for other people’s skin, which can help you make an informed decision.
Thus you will be able to find the best drugstore moisturizer for your skin. Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so find a product that works for you.
How to Use the Best Drugstore Moisturizers?
- Start by cleansing your skin with a gentle cleanser that won’t strip away the natural oils from your skin.
- After your skin is clean and dry, you can apply a pea-sized amount of the moisturizer to your face and neck.
- Gently massage the product into your skin in upward and outward motions to spread it evenly over your face.
- Next, make sure to give your moisturizer enough time to properly absorb into your skin. This can take anywhere from five to 10 minutes, so be sure to give it the appropriate amount of time.
- Seal in the moisturizer by using a lightweight facial oil or serum. This can help lock in hydration while also providing additional nutrients to your skin.
- Lastly, don’t forget to use your moisturizer regularly. Apply it twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening – for best results.
With innovative formulas and natural ingredients, these moisturizers can provide you with long-lasting hydration and nourishment. Whether you are looking for a product that is light and non-greasy, or a heavier, more luxurious option, the best drugstore moisturizers have you covered. From gel creams to lightweight lotions, these moisturizers are sure to leave your skin feeling soft and supple. Ultimately, the best choice for you is the one that best meets your individual skin needs. Don't hesitate to try out one of these top-rated drugstore moisturizers and give your skin the love and care it deserves.
Why Trust Pinkvilla?
Drugstore moisturizers are affordable and easily available forms of skincare that can be found in most pharmacies and supermarkets. They cater to every skin type and budget, providing adequate hydration and nourishment to the skin. Skincare expert Anoushka believes that despite their low price point, they are a very effective form of skincare. After testing all the products on the list, she noticed that one of them stood out from its competitors. Cetaphil’s Daily Oil-free Hydrating lotion is a must-have because of its impressive features – it gives you soft and moisturized skin for up to 24 hours. Plus, it’s non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and travel-friendly as well!
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Sources
1. Advantages of Hyaluronic Acid and Its Combination with Other Bioactive Ingredients in Cosmeceuticals
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8347214/
2. Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article/143/3/524/6691624?login=false
3. The Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil Loaded Solid Lipid Particles (VCO-SLPs) on Skin Hydration and Skin Elasticity
