I’ll be honest — there was a time when I used to believe that “expensive always means better,” with skincare products. But, it wasn’t until I got introduced to the best drugstore moisturizers for mature skin that I realized indulging in a good skincare routine doesn’t have to break the bank.  

As a skincare enthusiast, I have always advocated the use of moisturizers for every skin type, especially skin that has started to age. After all, hydration helps to rejuvenate it and boost the water content in the skin, preventing dryness and wrinkles. Even a study published in the NCBI confirms the same. In fact, skincare experts say that skin aging starts at around 25, so investing in richly moisturizing, anti-aging products is always a wise choice! 

Now, coming back to drugstore moisturizers — their affordability is not the only reason why I love them — well, that’s one, but there are so many other reasons, too! Their gentle formulations really nourish and pamper the skin, and are devoid of any ingredient that is too exotic or potent for the skin to tolerate or make peace with! 

For people with mature skin, drugstore moisturizers can do wonders in fighting the pesky signs of aging and unveiling younger-looking skin. After all, keeping your skin moisturized is important to prevent skin cells from shrinking.  

Now, I know that shopping for skincare items can be daunting, especially when you have mature skin. Hence, I have presented my top picks here for the best budget-friendly moisturizers for mature skin! Scroll down to see my recommendations!

• 1
  Best UV Protection Formula

  e.l.f . Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream - SPF 30

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If you haven’t ever heard of e.l.f. Cosmetics, then you sure must be living under a beauty rock. But don’t worry if you haven’t because I am going to tell you why to invest in this product. When I recommended this to my friends, they noticed that it has a lightweight texture and gets absorbed easily into the skin. What caught my attention is its SPF 30 formula — it not only hydrates your skin but also protects it from sun damage. Featuring hyaluronic acid and peptides — two holy grail skincare ingredients, this lightweight moisturizer penetrates deep into the skin to lock in moisture and shoo away dryness and dullness. Plus, it has cute little packaging, which is a treat for the eyes. 

Key Ingredients: Avobenzene 3.0%, homosalate 9.0%, octisalate 5.0%, octocrylene 7.0%, hyaluronic acid, and peptides

Size: 6.67 oz

2

Best Refreshing Formula

Pond's Crema S 24 Hour Moisturizer

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I have been using Pond’s moisturizers since I was a kid, and my love for their products hasn’t faded even now. This 24-hour moisturizer from Pond’s is formulated with botanical extracts that provide your skin with the essential nutrients it needs to stay fresh, soft, and supple. Infused with grapefruit extracts, this product is a boon for dry skin — as per a study published in ResearchGate, cosmetic products infused with grapefruit extract improve skin hydration and also lighten skin tone. Once applied, this moisturizer locks in moisture all day long, making you feel and look good wherever you go!

Key Ingredients: Grapefruit extract and apple fruit extract 

Size: 14.1 oz

3

Best Non-greasy Pick

L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Rosy Tone Moisturizer for Mature, Dull Skin

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As a huge fan of L'Oréal Paris products, I genuinely wanted to try this product, and after reading its reviews and features, I was more eager to use this. Bursting with the goodness of LHA, rosy pigments, and imperial peony, it truly does wonders in gently exfoliating your skin and reviving the skin’s natural tone. It’s specifically formulated, keeping in mind the needs of aging skin, which is why it is a hit among users, with some praising its smell while others falling in love with its texture. 

One happy customer writes, “This face cream feels and smells good. My face feels moisturized, and I receive compliments on how good my skin looks and isn't dry.” We, too, were amazed by its results and noticed that it delivers utmost hydration to the skin, making it look baby-soft. 

Key Ingredients: Rosy pigments, LHA, and imperial peony

Size: 1.7 fl oz

4

Best for Boosting Skin Elasticity

DerMend Fragile Skin Moisturizing Formula Cream

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When I first got this product, the list of its active ingredients was what made me swoon over it! And when I suggested this to my friends with mature skin, I was kind of sure it would work. How? First, it has retinol — one of the most potent anti-aging ingredients that helps rejuvenate the skin from within (study published in the NCBI). In addition, it has hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide — ingredients with a storehouse of vital nutrients to keep the skin healthy (study by Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology). 

This power-packed formula helps eliminate dead skin cells, retain moisture, and improve skin texture. You can use it twice daily to lift your skin and your spirits — well, we feel so good when our skin looks fresh, isn’t it? With so many good things about this product, I just hope it was a bit friendly on the pockets, but with so many benefits it has to offer, I think it’s worth it!

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, retinol, glycolic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides

Size: 4.5 fl oz

Pro Tip:

Since this product contains AHA, it may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Hence, it’s advised to use sunscreen when using this product to avoid sunburn.

5

Best Skin Brightening Effects

Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Moisturizer Mature Therapy

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When it comes to products for mature skin, Olay is a brand that definitely takes the cake. Known for its anti-aging line, it delivers quick results with lean formulations. Here, we present to you an affordable moisturizer for mature skin that will make you look like an angel. Crafted with antioxidants and vitamins, its multi-action formula seeps deeper into the skin to nourish, hydrate, and soften the skin. 

You can use it both as an AM and PM routine and revitalize your skin. My friends loved how soft their skin became after using it, and they could see fine lines and deep wrinkles going away. However, a few of them didn’t like the greasy feel the product left their skin with. All in all, this product wonders, but for people with oily skin, it’s recommended to do a patch test before use.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin B3, pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, green tea, and antioxidants

Size: 1.7 fl oz

6

Best Cruelty-free

Fièra Apple Stem Cell Cream

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Fine lines? Check! Wrinkles? Check! Skin redness? Check! Yes, this cream from Fièra, with its potent formula, delivers nutrients to the skin and improves the symptoms of various skin problems, including redness and discoloration. Just like an apple a day keeps a doctor away, using this apple stem cell cream will keep all skin problems away. 

The moment I lay my hands on this plumping moisturizer, I couldn’t help but admire its key ingredients — hyaluronic acid, apple stem cells, sea buckthorn oil, vitamin E, and glycerin — it contains all these skin-friendly ingredients to boost skin luminosity. People love its creamy texture and mild scent. Here’s what a satisfied user has to say, “Love that it’s so rich and creamy and moisturizes beautifully. Lovely subtle fragrance, too. My skin feels so soft and smooth. Love it.” Hands down, this is a great inexpensive moisturizer for mature skin. 

Key Ingredients: Swiss apple stem cells, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, glycerin, and sea buckthorn oil 

Size: 1.69 fl oz

7

Best for All Skin Types

Yves Rocher Riche Crème

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The best drugstore face cream for mature skin is the one that has a creamy texture, absorbs easily, and is laden with nourishing ingredients. And the Yves Rocher Riche Crème, ticks all the boxes, making it an ideal pick for people with aging skin. As someone who’s in love with products with botanical ingredients, I was amazed at how this product is crafted — meticulously made with 30 humble oils, it possesses amazing anti-aging benefits to offer your skin the best nourishment. Other than the formulation, I also loved the cute little jar the product comes in — it makes the application process hassle-free!

Key Ingredients: Botanical ingredients (a blend of 30 precious oils, including castor seed oil, sweet almond oil, and rose oil.)

Size: 75 ml (2.5 fl oz)

8

Best for Sensitive Skin

Vichy Laboratoires Neovadiol Post-Menopause Day Cream

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It is common for women to notice changes in their skin once they hit menopause, from a decrease in collagen to loss of lipid production in the skin — there’s a lot your skin has to suffer post-menopause (study published in the National Library of Medicine). But don’t worry, as Vichy Laboratoires Day Cream is here to put an end to your skin worries. 

It contains vitamins, omegas, and minerals to replenish skin lipids, lift the skin, and improve the skin’s appearance. The product’s goodness is known all over the world, and most customers feel satisfied after using it. One customer shares, “Been using Vichy products for approx 50 years and blame it to the compliments I get all the time. Wonderful products.”

Key Ingredients: Proxylane, cassia extract, Vichy volcanic water, vitamin B3, and omega 3-6-9

Size: 50 ml (1.69 oz)

9

Best Skin Smoothening Effects

Eucerin Hyaluronic Acid Night Cream

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What does it take to be the best drugstore moisturizer for dry, mature skin? Let me tell you! It should have natural humectants, seep deep into the skin, and seal moisture into the skin. And this night cream from Eucerin does it all, effortlessly, and that too at wallet-friendly prices. These were the reasons why I used it and suggested it to my fellow teammates as well. After using it continuously for a few weeks, we all noticed one common thing — it keeps the skin hydrated for a long time while also blurring fine lines and wrinkles. What I personally disliked about this was its fragrance — however, owing to its great moisturizing abilities, I can make peace with that!  

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, saponin, and enoxolone​

Size: 50 ml (1.69 oz)

10

Best Antioxidant Formula

PCA SKIN HydraLuxe Intensive Hydration Cream

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The name of this product from PCA Skin itself defines its marvelous characteristics. Formulated with anti-aging and hydrating ingredients, this day-and-night cream from PCA Skin not only fights the signs of aging but also repairs the skin barrier and maintains skin volume, leaving you with clear and younger-looking skin. Upon testing the product, we found that it easily melts into the skin and makes it feel refreshed without any sticky feel. 

Here’s a customer testimonial to back this up, “Oh my gosh, I wish I didn’t love this so much! It is everything I have ever wanted in a moisturizer. Soothing, hydrating, and not greasy at all. I wish I could buy a gallon size, and I wish it wasn’t so expensive. But to me, it is worth every penny!!! I love PCA products!!”

Key Ingredients: Snow algae, chicory leaf extract, and peony extract 

Size: 1.8 fl oz

So you see, the best drugstore moisturizers for mature skin do more than just hydrate your skin — a few of them are blessed with anti-aging properties, while others boost the skin regeneration process. With plenty of options available, you can get confused about which one to buy. Below is a shopping guide to help you spend your money on the right one!

1. Know Your Skin Type: Is your skin type dry, oily, normal, or combination? You must look into this before investing in a product. A thick, creamy moisturizer works best for people with dry and flaky skin. Whereas individuals with oily and acne-prone skin should look for lightweight formulas with the label ‘oil-free’ and ‘non-comedogenic.’ Hypoallergenic and allergy-tested products are the best for those with skin sensitivities. 

2. Assess Additional Features: I love using moisturizers with added SPF — it helps my skin stay protected from harmful sun rays when I step out for work. The best drugstore moisturizers for aging skin often have added properties like UV protection, controlled sebum production, etc. When buying a product, pick one that comes with additional features that you want.

3. Key Ingredients: When it comes to hydrating mature skin, there are a few ingredients that definitely work better than others. These include hyaluronic acid, botanical extracts, vitamins, aloe vera, niacinamide, etc. Look for these key ingredients when picking a product, and at the same time steer clear of those laden with parabens, artificial preservatives, synthetic fragrances, etc. 

Our skin becomes dry when it loses water quickly ultimately leading to roughness, itchiness, flakiness, and scaliness. Dryness and compromised skin barrier go hand in hand — when the skin barrier is weak, you are more prone to get all sorts of skin problems, including redness, discomfort, skin sensitivity, and so on (research published in the National Library of Medicine). 

Plus, as your skin starts to age, it starts losing collagen and elasticity, leading to thinner skin. Fragile and thin skin is more prone to transepidermal water loss, which further compromises the skin barrier (research by Clinics in Dermatology).

When you moisturize your skin with a moisturizer that is packed with skin-hydrating ingredients, it penetrates deep into the skin to lock moisture in. Hydrated skin not only prevents dryness but also strengthens the skin barrier, thereby protecting your skin from environmental aggressors that can cause aging. 

For mature skin, moisturizers are specifically formulated with anti-aging ingredients that not only hydrate the skin but also boost elastin and collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and other signs of aging. 

In a nutshell, moisturization is important to keep skin nourished and prevent water loss!