I started using the best drugstore moisturizers for dry skin because I was tired of dealing with constant flakiness and irritation. My skin felt tight, itchy, and uncomfortable, especially during the winter months. I needed something affordable and effective to provide the hydration my skin desperately craved.

I selected the best drugstore moisturizers for dry skin because I wanted to find products that actually worked without breaking the bank. I carefully checked all ingredients and considered vital factors like hydrating ingredients. I also carefully selected moisturizers with added SPF for daytime use.

I recommend these best drugstore moisturizers for dry skin because they have transformed my skin for the better. They're budget-friendly and can be accessed easily. So check out these moisturizers that are suitable for anyone who faces challenges with dry skin as these are game-changers for anyone dealing with dry skin woes.

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  Best All-purpose Hydrant

  CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

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Infused with goodies like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, this globally popular moisturizing cream from CeraVe effectively is developed by dermatologists and is a treat for the skin barrier, as it penetrates moisture deep into the skin and seals it in for lasting comfort. 

Being rich in nutritive components and free of nasties such as phthalates, paraffin, benzene, fragrances, etc. this cream is excellent for dry skin and sensitive skin needs, while it works equally well for other skin types. This premium quality moisturizing cream is multi-purpose, so you can apply it anywhere on the body or the face, however, for the face I’d still recommend using a facial moisturizer like the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion. 

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and ceramides

Fragrance-free: Yes

Quantity: 1.19 lb

2

Best for Aging Skin

St. Ives Face Moisturizer Cream

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This facial moisturizer combines the powerful skin-restorative properties of collagen and elastin, which makes it an excellent investment for dry and mature skin. This moisturizer provides deep hydration without feeling heavy or greasy, making it suitable for daily use. 

Unlike typical collagen-boosting formulations, this product is quite lightweight and quick to absorb into the skin, leaving the skin feeling supple and replenished. Moreover, it has a smooth, well-emulsified texture which melted onto my skin on use (and, in the most satisfying way possible). A cherry on the top — it has a mild and pleasant scent — not the kind that makes you wonder whether you’ll break out after using this — which you won’t as it is non-comedogenic!

Key Ingredients: Safflower extracts, collagen, and elastic

Fragrance-free: No

Quantity: 10 oz

3

Best Cold Cream

Pond's Crema S Nourishing Face Moisturizer

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An OG among drugstore moisturizers for dry skin needs, this face cream from Pond’s offers deep hydration that lasts for up to 24 hours. Its rich and creamy texture seeps deeply into the skin to comfort the skin and restore its natural balance. 

Enriched with emollients, this hypoallergenic moisturizer soothes and softens dry patches, leaving the complexion feeling smooth and supple. And, while it does contain nutritive goodies such as seaweed extracts, it is not packed with too many potent active ingredients that overwhelm the skin — a feature that makes it suitable for daily use.

Key Ingredients:  Seaweed extracts

Fragrance-free: No

Quantity: 14.1 oz

4

Best Travel-friendly

Olay Regenerist Micro-sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer

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Specifically designed to target multiple signs of aging, this moisturizer helps to visibly plump and hydrate the skin for a more youthful appearance. Infused with powerful humectants and soothing actives, this moisturizer is great for retaining moisture in the skin, improving skin elasticity, and maintaining a healthy homeostasis. 

The luxurious, creamy formula absorbs quickly into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy. With regular use, you can count on this product to smooth out your skin and renew its surface. 

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide

Fragrance-free: Yes

Quantity: 1.7 oz

5

Best for Eczema

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for Very Dry to Dry, Sensitive Skin

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Formulated with a blend of rich humectants and variants of vitamin B, this cream provides intense hydration, helping to replenish the skin's moisture barrier and restore its natural balance. Whether used as a daily moisturizer or as a targeted treatment for particularly dry areas, this gentle formula soothes and nourishes the skin immensely, and also offers some relief from irritations and other discomfort. Hence, I highly recommend it for those with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis!

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin

Fragrance-free: Yes

Quantity: 16 oz

6

Best Long-lasting

Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream

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Comprising a non-comedogenic and gentle formula, this dry skin moisturizer from Vanicream provides deep hydration without triggering any irritations in your skin. Having researched this product thoroughly, I owe this to its clean formulation, which is devoid of benzenes, denatured alcohol, pthalates, parabens, fragrances, etc., which are common irritants.

Ideal for those prone to eczema, psoriasis, or other skin sensitivities, this cream soothes and nourishes the skin, promoting a healthier complexion.  Dermatologist-tested and free from common allergens, it is suitable for daily use and can be applied as often as needed to maintain optimal hydration levels. 

Key Ingredients: Distilled water and white petroleum

Fragrance-free: Yes

Quantity: 1 lb

7

Best Non-greasy

Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream

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Infused with plant-derived Pentavitin and skin-loving minerals, this gel-cream formula delivers intense moisture while improving skin's hydration levels. Its non-greasy and fast-absorbing texture makes it perfect for daily use, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and supple. 

Free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and colorants, it is suitable for sensitive skin types, ensuring gentle yet effective hydration without causing irritation. With continued use, you can count on this cream to restore the skin's natural moisture barrier, leaving it visibly plump and radiant.

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, pentylene glycol, saccharide isomerate, vitamin E, and lactic acid

Fragrance-free: No

Quantity: 1.7 oz

8

Best Lightweight

Garnier 24H Moisture Cream

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Enriched with the soothing properties of rose water and the hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid, this cream replenishes moisture levels, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and radiant for up to 24 hours. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue, making it perfect for daily use. Rose water helps to calm and refresh the skin, while hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates, promoting a plump and youthful complexion. 

Key Ingredients: Rose water and hyaluronic acid

Fragrance-free: No

Quantity: 1.7 oz

9

Best Texture

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Facial Moisturizer

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Infused with natural-origin hyaluronic acid, this face cream moisturizer provides intense hydration, replenishing the skin's moisture levels and restoring its natural balance. The innovative formula is enriched with Vichy Thermal Spa Water, renowned for its soothing and fortifying properties, ensuring gentle care for even the most sensitive skin types. 

With regular use, the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Facial Moisturizer helps to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier, protect against environmental stressors, and leave it feeling nourished and comforted.

Key Ingredients: Volcanic water, plant sugar, and natural origin hyaluronic acid

Fragrance-free: No

Quantity: 1.69 fl oz

10

Best Unscented

Aveeno Calm + Restore Redness Relief Moisturizing Cream

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Formulated with Feverfew extract, known for its calming properties, this moisturizing cream provides immediate relief for irritated skin, helping to restore its natural balance. Also, it contains the goodness of ceramides and oat extracts, which are proven to replenish the skin barrier and provide oodles of moisture (research by the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology and the Journal of Cosmetic Science). 

Moreover, its gentle yet effective formula makes it suitable for daily use, providing continuous hydration and protection against environmental stressors. Having tried it out, this product felt like a warm hug for my skin, which is why I highly recommend it!

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, oat extracts, and feverfew extracts

Fragrance-free: Yes

Quantity: 1.7 fl oz

11

L'Oréal Paris Triple Active Day Cream

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This moisturizer offers triple action benefits to provide comprehensive care for your skin throughout the day. Enriched with glycerin and vitamin E, it replenishes moisture, leaving the skin feeling soft and supple. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly without feeling greasy, ensuring comfort and hydration without clogging pores or causing irritation. Designed to soothe and calm sensitive skin, it helps to reduce redness and discomfort, promoting a more balanced and radiant complexion. 

Key Ingredients: Glycerin and vitamin E

Fragrance-free: No

Quantity: 50 ml

12

Thayers Barrier Bestie Ultra Whip Face Cream

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Infused with potent ingredients such as sugarcane squalane and ceramides, this rich cream replenishes the skin's moisture barrier, locking in hydration and preventing moisture loss. It restores suppleness and strengthens the skin's protective barrier, promoting smoothness and resilience. 

The ultra-whipped texture of the cream glides effortlessly onto the skin, delivering instant comfort and relief from dryness. Formulated without harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances, this cream is gentle on sensitive skin, providing a soothing and calming sensation upon application.

Key Ingredients: Sugarcane squalene, cholesterol, and ceramides

Fragrance-free: Yes

Quantity: 2.0 fl oz

13

Thena Natural Wellness Face Moisturizer For Dry Skin

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Crafted with a fragrance-free formula, this facial cream provides gentle yet effective hydration without causing irritation or allergic reactions. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and rejuvenated. Ideal for daily use, this moisturizer helps to strengthen the skin's natural barrier, protecting it from environmental stressors and preventing moisture loss. Whether used alone or as part of a skincare routine, it delivers luxurious hydration and barrier repair, leaving your complexion looking and feeling healthy and radiant. 

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, jojoba oil, and aloe vera

Fragrance-free: Yes

Quantity: 2.25 fl oz

Now that you have seen my product recommendations for the best drugstore moisturizers for dry skin, glance through my buying guide to make an informed purchase.

Choosing the best drugstore moisturizer for dry skin can feel like navigating a maze with all the options available. But fear not! Here's a simple guide to help you find the perfect match for your parched skin:

Look for Hydrating Ingredients: Opt for moisturizers with humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, emollients such as colloidal oats and shea butter, as well as occlusives such as petroleum jelly and plant oils. These ingredients attract moisture to the skin, help retain it, and replenish the skin texture, thereby boosting its health and softness.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Dry skin is already vulnerable to external aggressors, so steer clear of moisturizers containing harsh alcohol, synthetic and allergenic fragrances, benzene, formaldehyde, phthalates, propylene glycol, retinyl palmitate, AHAs, etc. that can further dry out or irritate your skin. Instead, opt for products labeled as hypoallergenic or fragrance-free.

Consider Creams And Ointments: For extra dry skin, thicker creams and ointments tend to provide more intense hydration compared to lotions. Look for rich, emollient formulas that create a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss.

Check for SPF: If you're going to be using the moisturizer during the day, consider one with added SPF protection. This way, you can hydrate your skin while also shielding it from the sun's harmful UV rays, which can further dry out your skin.

Remember, consistency is key when it comes to skincare. Once you find a moisturizer that works for your dry skin, make it a part of your daily routine, applying it morning and night for maximum hydration and protection.