The Best Drugstore Moisturizers for All Skin Types
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Whether you have acne-prone skin, sensitive skin, or oily skin, you are worthy of the best face moisturizers at a decently affordable price point. Lucky for you, finding a good moisturizer at the drugstore is actually pretty easy. My current holy grail moisturizer, Vanicream, is from the drugstore and I cannot sing its praises enough! I’ve included moisturizers just like it in this list of the best drugstore moisturizers for all skin types, too!
This list of the best drugstore moisturizers has it all, including the best moisturizers with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, ceramides, and more.
While all of these facial moisturizers offer great value, keep in mind that the best skincare products for yourself are the ones that are 1, in your price range and 2, work with your own individual skin type.
For your reference, I have noted with each of the drugstore moisturizer recommendations in this post what skin types they are the most effective moisturizer for. That way will be able to figure out which one of these amazing options is the best for your skin type easily.
If you are looking to change up your skincare routine and looking for some of the best drugstore products, check out these posts on the best drugstore cleansers for daily use, the best budget skincare products, and the best affordable anti-aging skincare products. You are sure to find everything you need between this post and those!
Best Moisturizers for All Skin Types
Before we dive in, I wanted to share a bit about what makes for a good quality moisturizer. This is going to vary depending on if you have dry, normal, or oily skin.
Here are a few things to consider when looking for a good moisturizer for your skin type:
Dry Skin: When looking for the perfect moisturizer for dry skin, prioritize ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin for optimal hydration. Seek out formulas with rich ingredients such as shea butter or ceramides to nourish and repair the skin barrier. Opt for fragrance-free options to make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin further, ultimately leaving your skin feeling silky, plump, and well-hydrated.
Normal: When looking for the ideal moisturizer for normal skin, it’s all about finding that perfect balance. Look for formulations with lightweight hydration, featuring ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep the skin refreshed. A good pick should absorb without any sticky residue, leaving your skin with that natural, healthy glow.
Oily: Opt for oil-free formulations that include ingredients like hyaluronic acid that ensures lightweight hydration. The perfect pick should feel weightless on your skin and leave a matte finish that’s fresh, not greasy.
Now, keep those things in mind as you read. I have included awesome drugstore moisturizers for each of the options below!
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
BEST FOR: Normal – Dry Skin
Meet the Vanicream Daily Moisturizer, my go-to for normal to dry skin that craves some serious hydration. I feel like I’m one of the only people talking about this amazing moisturizer! This gem not only blankets your skin in a cocoon of moisture but also boasts a fragrance-free cream formula—perfect for those with sensitive skin. Truthfully, I think this moisturizer will work for most skin types, but I think it may be too emollient for super oily skin.
In my opinion, this is the best moisturizer you are going to find from the drugstore that works well for normal to dry skin. I cannot get enough! I cannot even count how many times I have repurchased it at this point. It definitely comes head to head with frequently recommended but pricier moisturizers (this is honestly a fantastic dupe to the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream). I love how my skin feels after lathering this awesome drugstore find on!
Trust me, it feels like a soothing embrace, leaving your skin velvety smooth without any heavy residue. It’s the daily dose of moisture your skin’s been yearning for! It wears amazing under makeup, as well. This is one product that I constantly share on my “empties” stories over on Instagram. I cannot get enough of the perfectly moisturizing formula!
e.l.f. Holy Hydration Face Cream
BEST FOR: Normal – Dry skin
Introducing the e.l.f. Holy Hydration Face Cream, the second best drugstore face moisturizer for normal to dry skin seeking that perfect moisture balance. This has been a favorite of mine for quite some time. e.l.f. has seriously come a long way in the cosmetics world and I cannot get enough. They nailed the formula of this fragrance-free moisturizer!
This budget-friendly beauty not only delivers a surge of hydration but also comes packed with skin-loving ingredients.
The best part? It feels like a luxurious treat on your skin, leaving you with a dewy glow minus the heavy residue. Holy hydration, indeed!
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Extra Dry
BEST FOR: Normal – dry skin
Meet the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream Extra Dry, my secret weapon for normal to dry skin in need of a serious hydration boost. I have been a big fan of the Hydro Boost line for years, and my favorite thing about it over all that time is its power for dry skin. I love that this one is fragrance-free with a lighter texture, yet incredibly hydrating.
This lightweight gel-cream formula not only quenches your skin’s thirst but does it with an extra surge of moisture. One of the best ways to use this gel moisturizer is by lathering it on right after your shower. Your skin will thank you!
This great option feels like a refreshing splash on your face, sinking in seamlessly without a trace of heaviness, leaving your skin plump and happy. A dream for someone with dry skin who doesn’t want a heavy feeling moisturizer!
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
BEST FOR: Dry/sensitive skin
Say hello to the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5, my go-to for normal to dry skin in need of some serious TLC. This moisturizing balm is a dream come true for anyone with both dry and sensitive skin. When I hear that a friend on social media has dry skin, this is the product that I recommend first for its price and value.
This powerhouse of a moisturizing cream not only moisturizes like a dream but comes armed with special features like soothing Panthenol and repairing Madecassoside. It is quite the find for a local drugstore product.
Because it comes in a pretty small tube, I like to use this in conjunction with another moisturizer when I want to increase hydration and heal the skin. This one is especially wonderful in dry winter months when skin needs more. If your skin gets chapped, you’re feeling extra flaky, or you need to repair your moisture barrier, you need this in your arsenal.
CeraVe PM Moisturizing Lotion
BEST FOR: All skin types
Enter the CeraVe PM Moisturizing Lotion, my top pick for all skin types seeking the perfect hydration balance.
CeraVe has become a very popular skincare brand over the last few years and I have to say, it is well deserved! They are one of my favorite affordable drugstore brands for skincare and I love all of their products, but this night cream has my heart and is a great pick!
This gem not only moisturizes but also brings a squad of special features like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to the skincare party. Picture this: it feels like a silky veil on your skin, effortlessly absorbing and leaving you with that lit-from-within glow. Say hello to well-hydrated, happy skin!
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
BEST FOR: OilY skin
Meet the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, my top pick for normal to oily skin in need of a lightweight hydration pick-me-up.
Now, I’d say this is the O.G. of popular and quality-made drugstore moisturizers. It feels amazing on the skin and it is the first thing I recommend when friends ask for a good moisturizer for oily skin. I love the jelly-like texture that dries down to a soft matte finish. This one does have a slight fragrance, but it is very light and dissipates. I don’t find it to be irritating at all.
This high quality superstar not only moisturizes like a dream but also packs the punch of hyaluronic acid for that extra boost of skin-plumping goodness.
It feels like a cool drink of water for your face, effortlessly sinking in and leaving your skin refreshed, never greasy. Total game-changer for that coveted hydration fix!
Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion
BEST FOR: normal – oily and acne-prone skin
Introducing the Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion, a great product for oily and acne-prone skin seeking the perfect hydration balance.
If you have oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin, you have got to try out Cetaphil products, especially this face cream. Not only are they affordable, but they work wonders and this specific Cetaphil moisturizer deserves an award for its amazing work for normal to oil skin.
This gem not only moisturizes with a feather-light touch but also boasts special features like hyaluronic acid to keep your skin happily hydrated. I love that it’s fragrance-free, as well.
It feels like a gentle caress on your skin, sinking in effortlessly without any sticky residue, leaving you with that fresh and moisturized glow. A must-have for your daily skincare routine if you are looking for 24-hour hydration!
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer
BEST FOR: oily and acne-prone skin
Meet the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer, another amazing option for oily and acne-prone skin seeking the perfect balance of hydration without the unwanted shine.
Oftentimes moisturizers don’t mesh well with oily skin and tend to give it even more of a shine. Well, not this one! I have seen it at work and she really does sink into the skin seamlessly while leaving a soft matte finish.
This multitasking wonder not only moisturizes but also comes armed with special features like prebiotic thermal water and ceramide-3 for a skin barrier boost.
It feels like a velvety embrace on your skin, effortlessly absorbing and leaving you with a matte finish that’s anything but dull. Total game-changer for those craving moisture with a touch of matte perfection!
Moisturizing is just one step of your skincare routine. Make sure you are finishing off with quality daily sunscreen (that post has some amazing options) as well for the final step of your skincare routine! I believe a quality facial sunscreen is one of the most important factors of a skincare routine.
Another thing to consider is how mature your skin is. If you are nearing your 40s or well into/past them, some anti-aging skincare might be your next step after finding out if one of these drugstore moisturizers works for you!
