buuk.top / Kevin Liang
While sunscreen is arguably the most critical step in your daily skincare routine,1moisturizer is a close second. An effective moisturizer can do everything from repairing the skins barrier to smoothing texture, all while maintaining your skins hydration.2
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Adebola Dele-Michael, you should "apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer after washing your face," both A.M. and P.M. And while you might slather on a formula with full-spectrum SPF in the morning, youll want to use something without sun protection at night.
Whether your complexion is extra-dry, oily, sensitive, or acne-prone, theres a lotion, cream, or gel out there with your name on it. Tons of wonderful formulas exist for every skin type, many of which dont cost an arm and a leg. Enter: drugstore moisturizers. "Drugstore" is kind of a loose term these days, but the point is, these formulas offer affordable, effective hydration—and you can find many of them at your local convenience store.
We conducted hours of research on the best drugstore moisturizers, evaluating each on their active ingredients and how effective they were at hydrating—while considering price and accessibility. Combined with expert recommendations from Dr. Dele-Michael and our product testers, we landed on these top-rated picks.
Scroll down for the best drugstore face moisturizers currently available.
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion at Amazon
Garnier SkinActive Gel-Cream Face Moisturizer at Amazon
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 at Amazon
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra-Sensitive Skin Face Moisturizer at Amazon
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream at Amazon
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Neutrogena Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gel-Cream at Amazon
Era Organics Oasis Super Hydrating 16 in 1 Moisturizer at Amazon
Nyakio Daily Defense Creme at Amazon
CosRx Advanced Snail 92 All in One Repair Cream at Amazon
In This Article
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Best Overall
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion for Face With Hyaluronic Acid
Amazon
View On Ulta
View On Target
Air-tight pump dispenser
Absorbs quickly
Non-comedogenic
Not cruelty-free
Cetaphil is one of the few drugstore brands most dermatologists can agree on. The no-nonsense, non-comedogenic Facial Hydrating Lotion flaunts a lightweight, oil-free formula. This affordable skincare essential is great under makeup but also nourishing enough for your nighttime routine.
Thanks to hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and powerful humectants, it instantly plumps your complexion and provides all-day moisture.3Though this moisturizer was made with dry skin in mind, its suitable for most other skin types. We also like that it comes in a hygienic pump bottle and absorbs notably fast.
Price at time of publish: $15
Active Ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, humectants |Skin Type: Dry, combination, sensitive | Size: 3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Budget
Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream Face Moisturizer
Amazon
View On Walmart
View On Walgreens
Budget-friendly
24-hour hydration
Lightweight
Not cruelty-free
Unhygienic container
If you dont want to spend more than a few bucks on a face moisturizer, we recommend Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue. Containing antioxidant fruit waters and skincare standbys like glycerin, this brilliantly lightweight gel-cream gets the job done morning or night.
Price at time of publish: $8
Active Ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin E, grapefruit extract | Skin Type: Combination | Size: 1.7 ounces| Cruelty-Free: No
Best With SPF
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
Amazon
View On Walmart
Full-spectrum sun protection
Mineral formula
Non-comedogenic
Not cruelty-free
If you take a one-and-done approach to skincare, youll appreciate Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer. This sunscreen-lotion combo nourishes and calms with oat kernel extract4 while delivering full-spectrum SPF 30 protection from the suns harmful rays.
Price at time of publish: $16
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium oxide, oat kernel extract | Skin Type: Sensitive, dry | Size: 2.3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
What Our Editors Say
"Ive tried all the moisturizers out there at many price points, and this is my trusted brand that helps keep my redness at bay." — Dwyer Frame, Dotdash Meredith VP of Commerce
Best for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra-Sensitive Skin Face Moisturizer
Amazon
View On Ulta
View On Dermstore
Air-tight pump dispenser
Lightweight
Award-winning formula
Not cruelty-free
Dr. Dele-Michael is a big fan of La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra, and its easy to see why. Formulated for sensitive skin, this soothing, fast-absorbing face lotion contains mineral-rich thermal spring water,5 neurosensine, and shea butter6to help restore the skins natural barrier without irritation.
Price at time of publish: $31
Active Ingredients:Thermal spring water, neurosensine, shea butter |Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 1.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free:No
buuk.top / Leigh Weingus
What Our Testers Say
"It kept my skin moisturized at a time when it needed it most, and it never felt heavy or like it didn’t seep into my skin like other moisturizers." - Leigh Wingus, Product Tester
Best for Eczema-Prone Skin
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Amazon
View On Ulta
View On Target
Approved by National Eczema Association
Non-comedogenic
Good for face and body
Unhygienic container
Eczema-prone? Reach for CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. This tried-and-true drugstore moisturizer can be used on your face or body to hydrate and calm irritated skin. Whats more, its gentle yet effective blend of hyaluronic acid and ceramides earned approval from the National Eczema Association.
Price at time of publish: $18
Active Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Eczema-prone, acne-prone, dry | Size: 16 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
What Our Testers Say
"This moisturizer is not only extremely hydrating, but it also feels effective on sensitive skin conditions. Its not too heavy or oily and doesnt sit on your skin." - Jen Adkins, Product Tester
Best for Mature Skin
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Amazon
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Hydrating formula
Improves elasticity
Promotes cell turnover
Contains parabens
Unhygienic container
Formulated with mature skin in mind, Olays Micro-Sculpting Cream contains plumping and regenerating niacinamide (vitamin B3),7extra-hydrating hyaluronic acid, and pro-elasticity peptides.8With one billion sales and counting, the iconic red jar has your back when it comes to minimizing fine lines and preventing volume loss.
Price at time of publish: $29
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, amino-peptides, niacinamide | Skin Type: Mature | Size: 1.7 ounces |Cruelty-Free: No
buuk.top / Bianca Lambert
What Our Testers Say
"Each morning, I woke up with hydrated skin, and no retinol-induced flakey patches." - Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
Best for Oily Skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gel-Cream
Ulta
View On Ulta
View On Target
Oil-free formula
Non-comedogenic
Lightweight
Unhygienic container
Not cruelty-free
If your skin is on the oilier side, your best bet is Neutrogena Hydro Boost. This superstar gel-cream delivers oil-free hydration with hyaluronic acid and olive extract while preventing clogged pores.
Price at time of publish: $20
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, olive extract| Skin Type:Dry, combination | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Dry Skin
Era Organics Oasis Super Hydrating 16 in 1 Moisturizer
Amazon
View On Walmart
Natural formula
Replenishes skin
Boosts healing
Unhygienic container
For folks with parched complexions, we highly recommend Oasis by Era Organics. This all-natural face cream contains ultra-moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter, and hemp seed oil, plus healing manuka honey9 and calming aloe vera.10
Price at time of publish: $17
Active Ingredients: Manuka honey, aloe vera, avocado oil | Skin Type:Dry, eczema-prone, combination|Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Combination Skin
Nyakio Baobab Youth-Infused Daily Defense Creme
Amazon
View On Target
View On Nyakio.com
Non-greasy formula
Nourishing
Unhygienic container
If your complexion cant decide whether its dry, oily, or sensitive, Nyakio Baobab has your name on it. This daily moisturizer cream replaces the skins natural oils with baobab oil and shea butter, then gently lifts and plumps with coffee extract11 and glycerin.12
Price at time of publish: $35
Active Ingredients:Baobab oil, shea butter, glycerin, coffee extract |Skin Type: Combination, dry, mature | Size: 1.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best K-Beauty
CosRx Advanced Snail 92 All in One Repair Cream
Amazon
View On Ulta
View On Dermstore
Good for all skin types
Ultra-hydrating
Unhygienic container
CosRx is a shining star in the Korean beauty industry and an up-and-comer in the western drugstore market. The brands beloved Advanced Snail 92 Cream contains 92 percent snail mucin, an all-natural source of ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid. While the formula isnt vegan, CosRx says no snails are harmed in the manufacturing process.
Price at time of publish: $26
Active Ingredients:Snail secretion filtrate (hyaluronic acid) |Skin Type: All | Size: 3.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Natural
Adiva Naturals Complexions Herbal Facial Moisturizer
Adiva Naturals
Natural formula
Good for all skin types
Not fragrance-free
For those who prefer au naturel formulas, we suggest the Herbal Facial Moisturizer from Adiva Naturals. Good for all skin types, this nourishing lotion contains gentle yet effective ingredients like aloe juice, glycerin, coconut oil, witch hazel, willow bark extract, and sweet almond oil.
Price at time of publish: $18
Active Ingredients: Aloe juice, glycerin, coconut oil, witch hazel | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Dark Skin
Bolden SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer
Amazon
View On Walmart
View On Boldenusa.com
Full-spectrum sun protection
No white cast
Air-tight pump dispenser
Can have an oily finish
Boldens multi-action Brightening Moisturizer delivers serious hydration and hyperpigmentation relief, plus full-spectrum SPF 30 protection. Formulated with melanin-rich skin in mind, the zinc-free formula goes on clear and wont leave a white cast.
Price at time of publish: $27
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Lightweight
ROSEN Skincare Tropics Moisturizer
Target
View On Target
View On Nordstrom
Helps with hyperpigmentation
Lightly exfoliates
Unhygienic container
If its lightweight hydration youre after, you cant go wrong with Rosen Tropics Moisturizer. The virtually weightless formula hydrates with hyaluronic acid, boosts radiance with kojic acid,13and ever-so-gently exfoliates with pineapple enzymes.14
Price at time of publish: $21
Active Ingredients: Kojic acid, hyaluronic acid, pineapple enzymes | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free:Yes
Best With Retinol
LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream Moisturizer
Amazon
View On Target
View On Walmart
Air-tight pump bottle
Non-comedogenic
Can be used morning and night
Small bottle
For those interested in a retinol-infused formula, we suggest LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream. The mild yet effective lotion helps combat the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and dullness15while moisturizing with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, and vitamin E.
Price at time of publish: $23
Active Ingredients:Retinol, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, vitamin E, green tea extract| Skin Type: Mature, acne-prone | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Meet the Expert
Dr. Lucy Chen, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami, Florida.
Final Verdict
The best drugstore face moisturizer overall is Cetaphil Facial Hydrating Lotion. It stands out for its lightweight, non-comedogenic, oil-free formula that absorbs quickly and delivers all-day moisture—extra points for the air-tight pump bottle. Our favorite budget-friendly option is the Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream, which will keep your complexion hydrated for 24 hours. However, if you want something with sun protection, go with Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 30, which offers full-spectrum defense with a 100 percent mineral formula.
What to Look for in a Drugstore Face Moisturizer
Ceramides and/or Hyaluronic Acid
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lucy Chen, these are two of her favorite tried-and-true hydrating ingredients to seek out. Because, after all, you want your drugstore moisturizer to moisturize, right?
Consider Your Skin Type
Chen says skin type is really the most important factor to consider when looking for a good facial moisturizer. Oily? Seek out oil-free variants. Have sensitive skin? Make sure your pick is fragrance-free. Super dry? Thicker, oil-based options are your BFF.
Built-In SPF
Moisturizers with SPF are always a good thing, just make sure its labeled as broad-spectrum to ensure youre getting protection from both UVA and UVB rays, says Chen, and ideally an SPF of 30 or more.
Dispense about a dime-sized amount onto clean hands. Next, dab equal amounts onto your forehead, cheeks, chin, nose, neck, and décolletage (chest). Then spread it around and gently rub it in until its fully absorbed.
Dr. Dele-Michael says you should apply moisturizer after washing your face, whether its once or twice a day. Some people might opt to apply it following a toner, serum, or ampoule. And those with extra-dry skin may want to apply moisturizer more often. However, an oil-free formula is best in this case to avoid clogged pores.
Why Trust buuk.top
Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer with a background in lifestyle and beauty. For this story, she interviewed board-certified dermatologists and researched various ingredients and formulations for different skin types. Before making her final selections, she looked at dozens of products, pored over user reviews, and considered each brands formula and manufacturing process. From this list, she is partial to Cetaphil, CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, Aveeno, Era Organics, Olay, CosRx, and LilyAna Naturals. Theresa has been writing for buuk.top since 2020, where she covers skincare, makeup, haircare, and workout apparel.
Shannon Stubbs
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