buuk.top / Lecia Landis
If you have dry skin, using a moisturizer on your face, neck, and chest daily is basically non-negotiable. The good news? There are plenty of high-quality finds out there that dont cost a fortune and theyre hiding out in the aisles of your local drugstore.
When choosing a moisturizer, look for one that addresses your specific skin type and needs. Whichever you choose, the best will contain three types of ingredients: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. To help you find the right one for your needs, we researched the top options for pampering parched, cracked, and eczema-prone skin.
Read on for the best drugstore moisturizers for dry skin.
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel
Neutrogena
$27
Buy on Ulta
$30
Buy on Target
$20
Absorbs fast
Lightweight
Hydrates with hyaluronic acid
Not for ultra-dry skin
If you want a seriously hydrating face moisturizer that doesnt leave your skin feeling greasy, your best bet is Neutrogenas Hydro Boost Water Gel. Its both dermatologist-recommended and a buuk.top fave. Formulated with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid, this gel absorbs quickly and provides all-day hydration. Since its non-comedogenic, it wont clog pores, either. Wins all around.
Price at time of publish: $20
Active Ingredients:Sodium hyaluronate |Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
buuk.top / Joline Buscemi
What Our Testers Say
"Despite colder weather and declining humidity, Hydro Boost has kept my skin from becoming too dry, and I think that’s part of the magic of the formula—despite its lightness, it seems to soak into the skin and hydrate it from the inside out." — Joline Buscemi, Product Tester
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St. Ives Renewing Collagen & Elastin Moisturizer
Courtesy of Amazon
$11
Rich, creamy feel
Provides intense hydration
Softens skin
Contains mineral oil
If youre on a budget, St. Ives Renewing Collagen & Elastin Moisturizer is an excellent choice. Infused with elastin and collagen, the hydrating cream may smooth dry skin, while safflower oil helps give your complexion a refreshed, healthy glow.1This drugstore moisturizer is also non-comedogenic, paraben-free, and certified cruelty-free by PETA. It can be used day or night, either on its own or underneath makeup. Lastly, with a rich, easily spreadable formulation, the 10-ounce container should last for months.
Price at time of publish: $14
Active Ingredients: Safflower seed oil, collagen, elastin | Skin Type: Dry | Size:10 fl. oz |SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Amazon
$20
Buy on Walmart
$14
Buy on Walgreens
$15
Available in two sizes
Rich, creamy texture
Helps relieve dry, cracked skin
Can be used on face and body
A little greasy
Contains parabens
When it comes to overall value, the best drugstore moisturizer for dry skin is CeraVes Moisturizing Cream (the price tag for its 19-ounce tub is pretty much unbeatable). With three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it smooths and restores skin while helping to keep it hydrated for up to 24 hours.2Its also hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free, so its fantastic for sensitive skin, too.
Price at time of publish: $20
Active Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size:12/16 fl. oz |SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
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Cetaphil Daily Advance Lotion
Courtesy of Amazon
$25
Gentle formula
Unscented
Can be used on face and body
Packaging could be improved
Dry skin thats also sensitive can be tricky to deal with. Thankfully, Cetaphil Daily Advance Lotion provides gentle, soothing relief. With shea butter, glycerin, macadamia oil, and vitamins E and B5, it hydrates and replenishes skin instantly.34Also, this rich facial lotion is non-comedogenic, so you shouldnt have to worry about clogged pores—youll simply be left with soft, moisturized, and smooth skin for up to 24 hours. Whats not to love?
Price at time of publish: $17
Active Ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size:16 fl. oz |SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
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CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Amazon
$20
Buy on Target
$13
SPF 30
Doesnt leave a white cast
Lightweight
Contains parabens
Instead of layering sunscreen over your daily moisturizer, why not kill two birds with one stone? For a facial lotion with SPF, we recommend CeraVes Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30. Similar to the brands Moisturizing Cream, it contains three ceramides for all-day hydration but also has broad-spectrum SPF 30 sun protection. Plus, the brands InVisibleZinc technology allows the extra-fine zinc formula to absorb easily without a white cast.52
Price at time of publish: $16
Active Ingredients:12 percent homosalate, 7.5 percent octinoxate, 2 percent octocrylene, 3.5 percent zinc oxide, niacinamide, ceramides |Skin Type: All | Size: 3 fl. oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free:
No
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Alaffia Coconut Reishi Night Cream
Courtesy by Amazon
$18
Nourishing, oil-rich formula
Smells great
Not greasy
Not ideal for acne-prone skin
Many moisturizers can be used during the day and at night. However, if you like applying an extra-thick cream before bed, we suggest Alaffias Coconut Reishi Night Cream. This nourishing facial lotion is formulated to protect and rejuvenate dry skin, thanks to nourishing ingredients like baobab fruit, green tea extract, sweet almond oil, shea butter, argan oil, aloe vera, and melon seed oil.6Though its ideal for dehydrated skin, those with normal, combination, and sensitive skin can also benefit from the moisturizing formula.
Price at time of publish: $19
Active Ingredients:Baobab fruit extract and oil, green tea extract, shea butter |Skin Type: All | Size: 3 fl. oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Vanicream Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin
Target
$17
Buy on Walmart
$13
Buy on Walgreens
$15
Helps relieve dry, cracked skin
Moisturizes flaky patches
Absorbs fast
Strong scent
If you have eczema-prone skin, you know how hard it can be to find non-irritating products that keep skin hydrated. Vanicreams Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin isnt just affordable—it may also help restore normal moisture levels while soothing cracked, itchy, and irritated skin. The sensitive-skin formula is gentle enough for both adults and kids as its free of fragrance, dyes, lanolin, and parabens.
It can be used day or night on your face, hands, knees, elbows, and anywhere else that could use some protective hydration. And—if that wasnt enough—this dermatologist-tested cream has a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.
Price at time of publish: $17
Active Ingredients: Petrolatum | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size:16 fl. oz |SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
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e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream
$13
Visually plumps skin
Feels light on the skin
Works on all skin types
Not for ultra-dry skin
Unscented face lotions tend to be less irritating than their scented counterparts—especially for those with dry skin. E.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream is not only fragrance-free but is also free of phthalates, parabens, and sulfates. So, what does it contain? This face cream has moisture-locking and plumping hyaluronic acid, squalane for balance and elasticity, and niacinamide for a bright, even complexion.78Its also formulated with peptides, which may give dry skin a refreshed, healthy-looking glow thats never greasy.
Price at time of publish: $13
Active Ingredients:Squalane, peptides, niacinamide |Skin Type: All | Size: 1.8 fl. oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel
Courtesy of Amazon
$40
Buy on Dermstore
$40
Lightweight
Refreshing feel
Can be used around the eyes
Expensive
If youre partial to gel formulas, reach for Avènes Hydrance Aqua Gel. A favorite of buuk.top senior editor Hallie Gould, this moisturizer is enriched with Avènes thermal spring water, as well as hyaluronic acid to hydrate dry skin and seal in moisture.3Plus, its super versatile, as it can be used as a daily moisturizer, a night lotion, and an eye cream, or even applied in a thick layer as a hydrating, plumping mask.
Price at time of publish: $38
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, thermal spring water | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.6 fl. oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
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Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream
Courtesy of Amazon
$12
Nourishing formula
Softens skin
Absorbs fast
Texture is a little pasty
It can be hard to find a moisturizer that addresses dryness without clogging pores, but this non-comedogenic formula from Eucerin does all that and more. The lotion contains antioxidants like vitamin E, beta-carotene, and Coenzyme Q10 (also known as CoQ10) to improve the look of fine lines and protect against free radicals. It also contains more skin-loving ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and biotin.34Just use daily for a soft, healthy glow.
Price at time of publish: $11
Active Ingredients:CoQ10, shea butter, biotin |Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
What to Look For in a Moisturizer
Skin Type-Specific Ingredients
The first step in choosing a moisturizer is to find one that addresses your specific skin type. If you are acne-prone, moisturizers that are oil-free and non-comedogenic may be best, and some moisturizers help keep your skin matte, reducing oiliness and sheen. Those with sensitive skin may require only simple ingredients in their moisturizers.
People with fine lines and wrinkles may want additional anti-aging benefits, and those with dry skin should seek moisturizers that are richer and deeply hydrating.
Humectants
Humectants—which attract water to the skins surface—are one type of ingredient that moisturizers should have. They include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and other ingredients in your moisturizer that work in tandem with humectants to keep that moisture locked into the skin.7
Emollients
The second component that moisturizers should contain is emollients. Examples of emollients include oils, fatty acids, and ceramides. These saturated and unsaturated substances improve skin barrier function, membrane fluidity, and cell signaling, helping boost skin smoothness, texture, and appearance.7
Occlusives
Finally, occlusives are the third essential ingredient type youll find in quality moisturizers. Occlusives form an inert layer on the skin to prevent moisture loss by creating a seal to trap in hydration.7
Examples include waxes and oils such as petrolatum, beeswax, mineral oil, and lanolin.
What does moisturizer do for your face?
Moisturizers add to and protect the moisture in your skin, helping to hydrate dry skin or rehydrate after cleansing. Some moisturizers help soothe sensitive skin, improve skin texture, and boost appearance.
Should I use moisturizer every day?
Using a moisturizer every day is wise. Since daily face washing is recommended to remove dirt and impurities, moisturizing can help to replace any moisture or oils lost from cleansing. Additionally, proper moisturizers will help form a barrier to keep moisture locked into your skin.
Should I moisturize at night or in the morning?
Moisturizing at night and in the morning is best, especially after washing your face. For daytime use, a light moisturizer is ideal for layering with sun protection and makeup. At night, its best to use a moisturizer with ingredients suitable for your skins specific needs.
Article Sources
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Spada F, Barnes TM, Greive KA. Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skins own natural moisturizing systems. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:491-497. doi:10.2147/CCID.S177697
Milani M, Sparavigna A. The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:311-315.
Keen MA, Hassan I. Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(4):311-315.
Schneider SL, Lim HW. A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2019;35(6):442-446.
Lin T-K, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(1):70.
Sethi A, Kaur T, Malhotra SK, Gambhir ML. Moisturizers: The Slippery Road. Indian J Dermatol. 2016;61(3):279-287. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.182427
Wohlrab J, Kreft D. Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(6):311-315.
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