Alright, friends let’s talk Moisturizer. We all know how frustrating it can be to find a moisturizer that actually delivers serious hydration without costing an arm and a leg or leaving you feeling greasy. Over the years, I’ve tested my fair share of drugstore gems that rival those high-end creams hype-wise but won’t send your wallet running for cover.
So, if you’re on the hunt for something that will plump your skin back to life and is easy to find at your local store (or just a quick click away), you’re going to love this list.
Drugstore moisturizers have seriously stepped up their game. We’re talking ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, non-comedogenic formulas you name it. Whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, or somewhere annoyingly in between, there’s a wallet-friendly option that actually delivers.
After way too many late-night Google deep dives, empty bottles, and patch tests (some more successful than others), I’ve narrowed it down to 14 of the best drugstore moisturizers that hydrate like champs without draining your bank account.
Let’s get into it.
1. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
- [ DAILY MOISTURIZING LOTION ] Smooth, light-weight texture that is absorbed quickly, leaving skin feeling smooth and hyd…
- [ LONG-LASTING HYDRATION ] Contains Hyaluronic Acid to help retain skins natural moisture and MVE technology to provide …
- [ GENTLE ON SKIN ] Holds National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance. Fragrance free, allergy-tested, non-comed…
Skin type: Normal to dry
Star ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Why I love it: Lightweight but still packs a punch. My skin feels plump without any greasiness. Plus, it plays well with sunscreen and makeup.
Price range: ~$10–15
This is one of those products that lives up to the hype. I keep a bottle in my bathroom and another in my travel bag. Zero drama, zero breakouts just dependable hydration.
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer with signature fragrance instantly delivers weightless hydration that …
- Ideal for normal to oily skin types and gently formulated for everyday use. This daily face moisturizer is clinically-pr…
- This gel formula absorbs quickly and magnifies the power of hyaluronic acid, a dermatologist recommended hydrating ingre…
Skin type: Normal to oily
Star ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Why I love it: It feels like a drink of water for your face. It’s cooling, smooth, and absorbs lightning fast.
Price range: ~$17–20
If you’ve got oily skin or just hate the feeling of heavy creams, this one is your best friend. The texture is like a jelly-slash-serum and it wears beautifully under makeup.
3. e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream
- LOCK IN MOISTURE: The e.l.f. Daily Hydration Moisturizer is lightweight and deeply nourishing for smoother, suppler skin…
- ANTIOXIDANT-INFUSED: Infused with Aloe to help soothe the skin, Jojoba Oil & Shea Butter help hydrate the skin, Vitamin …
- LIGHTWEIGHT, CREAMY FORMULA: Absorbs easily and nourishes the skin without weighing it down, revealing a naturally radia…
Skin type: Normal to dry
Star ingredients: Peptides, squalane, niacinamide
Why I love it: It’s a sneaky dupe for high-end moisturizers at a third of the price.
Price range: ~$12
Honestly, e.l.f. has no business being this good at skincare. This cream feels luxe, sinks in fast, and never pills under makeup. Bonus points for the cruelty-free label.
4. Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
- 1.7-ounce container of Aveeno Calm + Restore Fragrance-Free Oat Gel Facial Moisturizer for sensitive skin with Prebiotic…
- Aveeno Calm + Restore designed for sensitive skin with prebiotic oat, goes beyond soothing to strengthen skin’s moisture…
- The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula contains prebiotic oat, to soothe skin, & feverfew, effectively helps calm irrit…
Skin type: Sensitive
Star ingredients: Oat extract, feverfew
Why I love it: When my skin is throwing a tantrum, this is the peacekeeper.
Price range: ~$17
This one’s gentle enough to use during a flare-up or post-peel. No fragrance, no sting just soft, hydrated skin.
5. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Ultra hydrating face moisturizer helps restore skin barrier for healthy looking skin. Formulated with a high concentration of Prebiotic Thermal Water, Ceramide-3, Niacinamide & Glycerin. Fragrance free & oil free, wont clog pores. Delivers up to 48hr hydration & helps restore skin’s barrier in just 1 hour, for immediate & long lasting results
Skin type: All
Star ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin
Why I love it: French pharmacy magic that actually made it to Target.
Price range: ~$20
A little richer than your basic lotion, but never suffocating. This saved my skin during a particularly dry winter and now I swear by it.
6. Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturizer
- 12 HOURS OF HYDRATION: Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Face Moisturizer instantly doubles skin’s hydration and wor…
- MADE WITH SKIN-LOVING INGREDIENTS: Our face moisturizer is enriched with Pro-Vitamin B5, glycerin, bisabolol, and allant…
- SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: Simple face moisturizer is made with no artificial perfumes or dyes and no harsh chemicals that…
Skin type: Sensitive, dry
Star ingredients: Pro-vitamin B5, glycerin
Why I love it: No-frills, fragrance-free, and it just works.
Price range: ~$8
This is the moisturizer I recommend to literally everyone who says their skin is “just sensitive to everything.” It’s boring, yes but in the best way.
7. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
- ADVANCED ANTI-AGING FACE MOISTURIZER: This clinically-tested face cream for women deeply hydrates and visibly firms agin…
- TRY BEFORE PRICEY PROCEDURES: Before considering expensive anti-aging cosmetic procedures, try this face lift cream to e…
- POWERFUL ANTI-AGING INGREDIENTS: Formulated to deliver Niacinamide, Amino Peptides, and Hyaluronic Acid 10 layers deep i…
Skin type: Mature, dry
Star ingredients: Amino peptides, niacinamide
Why I love it: It’s a glow-up in a jar.
Price range: ~$25–30
Okay, technically on the pricier end of “drugstore,” but still a steal compared to department store creams. My mom swears by this and so do I. The texture is rich without being greasy, and it visibly smooths things out with regular use.
8. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
- CETAPHIL FACE & BODY MOISTURIZING LOTION FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: Lightweight, fast absorbing, non-greasy body lotion that’s …
- INSTANTLY SOOTHES AND PROVIDES 48 HOUR HYDRATION: Immediately boosts skin hydration and continues to strengthen skin moi…
- IDEAL FOR USE ON THE ENTIRE BODY: Non-greasy, formula absorbs quickly and is excellent for hands, feet, elbows and knees
Skin type: Very dry, sensitive
Star ingredients: Glycerin, sweet almond oil
Why I love it: Thick, but not sticky. Hydrates for hours.
Price range: ~$12
I use this on my elbows, hands, face pretty much everywhere. It’s a go-to for winter or when my skin feels like it’s about to crack.
9. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Skin type: All
Star ingredients: Amino acids, hyaluronic acid, dermal lipids
Why I love it: Minimalist, but effective.
Price range: ~$6
It’s not the fanciest texture (a bit creamy-matte, if that makes sense?), but it gets the job done without irritating even the fussiest skin.
10. Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Gel-Cream
Skin type: Normal to combo
Star ingredients: Grape water, glycerin
Why I love it: Fresh and light with just the right amount of bounce.
Price range: ~$8–10
A budget-friendly option that feels way more expensive than it is. Also smells vaguely like spa water in a good way.
11. Pond’s Dry Skin Cream
Skin type: Dry
Star ingredients: Mineral oil, beeswax
Why I love it: Retro, thick, and oddly satisfying.
Price range: ~$5
This is old-school, and yes, it smells like something your grandma used but don’t sleep on it. It’s ultra-moisturizing and gives serious glow under makeup.
12. Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
- Vanicream is the #1 Dermatologist recommended Brand for Sensitive Skin: Source IQVIA ProVoice Survey, 12 months ending J…
- Ingredients for sensitive skin: Free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens and formaldehyde releasers…
- Directions: Apply moisturizer as often as needed to face, hands, feet and body or as directed by a physician. Ideal for …
Skin type: Ultra-sensitive, allergy-prone
Star ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane
Why I love it: No fragrance, parabens, dyes none of the usual suspects.
Price range: ~$10–12
It’s one of those rare formulas that moisturizes well without any bells and whistles. If your skin hates everything else, try this.
13. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer
- Anti-aging moisturizer cream: This anti-aging retinol face cream addresses multiple signs of aging skin in just 1 week: …
- Moisturizer with Retinol: Formulated with 3 top recommended ingredients: Pro-Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. Pro…
- Hydrating Moisturizer: Gift your skin a daily dose of hydration from Revitalift anti-wrinkle retinol night cream to prov…
Skin type: Mature
Star ingredients: Pro-retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid
Why I love it: It’s like skincare-meets-glam.
Price range: ~$20–25
This feels and performs like a prestige product. My fine lines look less… fine, and it adds a lovely glow. Sits great under makeup too.
14. Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion
- NOURISHING INGREDIENTS: One 1.8 oz. bottle of Burt’s Bees Calming Day Face Lotion With Aloe and Rice Milk
- SENSITIVE SKIN LOTION: Moisturizer face lotion with aloe and rice milk delivers intense hydration without harsh irritant…
- SOOTHING FORMULA: Cotton extract in this sensitive skin face moisturizer replenishes skin and protects against irritants
Skin type: Dry, natural skincare fans
Star ingredients: Clary sage, glycerin
Why I love it: Nourishing, with a slightly herbal scent that feels cozy.
Price range: ~$15
This one’s great if you lean more toward natural products. It’s rich but breathable and has never caused me to break out.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to blow your paycheck on hydration drugstore moisturizers can and do deliver. The trick is knowing what your skin needs, watching for those powerhouse ingredients (ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide), and not falling for fancy packaging.
It took me years of trial and error (and a few suspicious rashes), but these 15 picks have earned their spot in my bathroom cabinet. Whether you’re looking to treat dryness, soothe redness, or just find something that won’t break you out you’ve got options.
And hey, the money you save? Put it toward a facial, a new serum… or let’s be real, more snacks.
Let me know if you try any of these or if I missed your ride-or-die moisturizer. I’m always down to test something new.
