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The Best Drugstore Moisturizer For All Skin Types In 2024

If you’re looking for a great moisturizer that won’t break the bank, a drugstore moisturizer is the way to go. Luxury skincare products may be all the rage, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to get the same results.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best drugstore moisturizers for all skin types, so you can get soft, hydrated, and nourished skin without spending a fortune.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases on Amazon and other affiliate programs. This means on some purchases I make a commission. It doesn’t mean you spend more, it simply allows me to keep this blog going!

Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

IN A NUTSHELL

  • Fragrance-Free: Yes
  • Main Ingredients: Glycolic Acid
  • Key Features: Non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested, for face & hands, ideal for dry skin conditions, not oily
  • Cruelty-free: Yes

Is it for you?

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is the best drugstore moisturizer for sensitive skin due to its gentle, yet hydrating ingredients.

Budget all the way, but, don’t be put off by the basicness of this moisturizer. That’s exactly what makes this drugstore moisturizer so great! It’s ideal for skin that struggles to keep its moisture like ageing or dry skin but can be used for all skin types. Extremely gentle on the skin, the main job of this moisturiser is to restore hydration and moisture to the skin.

It’s also known for soothing irritated and itchy skin making it ideal for those with eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis and any other dry skin conditions. If you get breakouts from every cream you use, you need to try this one!

Recommended for all ages, including ageing skin that has trouble keeping moisture in. The second ingredient in the Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is petrolatum which is amazing at locking moisture into the skin preventing water loss.

You can simply use petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, but the advantage of the Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is that it has other beneficial ingredients too that help keep the skin soft and hydrated. You can use this moisturiser both day and night. The texture is on the thick side but it’s not oily and absorbs nicely and easily into the skin.


Best Hydrating: Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturizer

Simple Kind To Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturizer

IN A NUTSHELL

  • Fragrance-Free: Yes
  • Main Ingredients: Pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E and bisabolol
  • Key Features: For sensitive skin, lightweight, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic
  • Cruelty-free: Yes

Is it for you?

Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturizer is the best affordable drugstore moisturizer for sensitive skin. Hydrating, yet lightweight, it has the ideal balance.

Get soft and hydrated skin with the Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturizer. It’s intensely hydrating, yet at the same time, it’s lightweight, comfortable to wear and doesn’t clog the pores.

It’s a drugstore moisturizer, with a drugstore price. Extremely affordable and still does the job! Did I mention skin care doesn’t need to be expensive for it to work?! This moisturizer is proof of that!

Its fast-absorbing formula means you don’t need to wait around for it to dry and that’s one of my personal favorites of this moisturizer! With vitamin B5 and vitamin E, it gives you all the skincare benefits you need from a solid moisturizer. Made for all skin types, this is a moisturizer you simply can’t go wrong with!


Best for Acne: Neutrogena Refreshingly Clear Moisturiser

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Pink Grapefruit Facial Moisturizer

IN A NUTSHELL

  • Fragrance-Free: No
  • Main Ingredients: Active salicylic acid
  • Key Features: Ideal for acne-prone skin, oil-free, absorbs easily
  • Cruelty-free: No

Is it for you?

Neutrogena Refreshingly Clear Moisturizer is ideal for all skin types and is one of the best drugstore moisturizers for acne-prone skin

Neutrogena may be a drugstore brand, but it ranks right up there with high-end skincare products in terms of their effectiveness and results. Especially when it comes to their Neutrogena Refreshingly Clear Moisturizer.

It comes in a tinted moisturizer and a regular one. And both contain active salicylic acid to eradicate acne. It is a brilliant moisturiser that targets two birds with one stone. This moisturiser balances your oils and effectively erases your blemishes.

As for the tinted version, not only does it cover your skin beautifully and naturally, but it’s also not cakey or heavy on your face and gives your complexion a nice even colour.

It’s easy to apply and blend, and it leaves your skin with a fresh clean feeling that isn’t squeaky. More importantly, there is zero oily feeling or texture. It sits at an affordable price and is a must for people who have acne trouble on top of wanting a light moisturiser (tinted or not).

Although its claim to fame is helping acne-prone skin, it actually works on all skin types including combination and dry. I think you probably gather that I highly recommend this moisturizer! Read on about more oil-free moisturizers.


Best Budget: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA

IN A NUTSHELL

  • Fragrance-Free: Yes
  • Main Ingredients: Amino acids, dermal lipids, and hyaluronic acid
  • Key Features: Protects the skin barrier, lightweight, non-greasy
  • Cruelty-free: Yes

Is it for you?

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors is the best affordable drugstore moisturizer. Ideal for those looking for a quality moisturizer that doesn’t break the bank.

The first thing to know about The Ordinary is not to be intimidated by the fancy names of their products! Their products are actually pretty straightforward and are made from only a few ingredients that are always good for you.

Like all good moisturizers, The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors is formulated with ingredients that help protect the skin barrier as well as, hydrate the skin. Amino acids, dermal lipids, and hyaluronic acid are some of the beneficial ingredients.

Made for all skin types, including dry, sensitive and rosacea-prone skin. The moisturizer is lightweight and comfortable to wear. It doesn’t leave any tacky on the skin, that’s all too common with moisturizers.

Intrigued by The Ordinary? Check out my favourite skincare products by The Ordinary here!


Best SPF: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF

IN A NUTSHELL

  • Fragrance-Free: Yes
  • Main Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
  • Key Features: Oil-free, non-comedogenic, helps restore the skin’s protective barrier, absorbs quickly
  • Cruelty-free: No

Is it for you?

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is the best drugstore moisturizer with SPF. Made for all skin types, everyone can benefit from this gentle, non-irritating moisturizer, including those with sensitive skin as well as dry skin, oily skin and acne-prone skin.

CeraVe is another no-fluff skincare brand that is known for its quality products. Developed by dermatologists, they’re a brand you can trust. Cheap in price, yet effective on the skin, less is often more, and CeraVe is all about that.

This moisturizer is formulated with ceramides that are released slowly throughout the day, ensuring soft and smooth skin the whole day.

The fabulousness doesn’t end there, it also contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help repair the skin’s barrier and to keep the skin hydrated. Keeping the skin barrier healthy is one of the most important tricks to healthy skin.

In addition to all of that, it has broad-spectrum SPF 30, giving you protection from UVA and UVB rays. Basically all the protection your skin needs! This moisturizer should only be used in the morning because it contains SPF and you don’t need sun protection at night.

This moisturizer is:

  • Accepted by the National Eczema Association
  • Recommended for daily use by the Skin Cancer Foundation
  • Developed with dermatologists

If you’re looking for a higher SPF count, check out my post on The Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin.


Best for Mature Skin: Olay Regenerist Micro-sculpting Cream

Olay Regenerist Micro-sculpting Cream Face Moisturiser

IN A NUTSHELL

  • Fragrance-Free: Both options are available
  • Main Ingredients: Vitamin B3, hyaluronic acid, amino peptides
  • Key Features: Firms, hydrates and plumps the skin, reduces wrinkles
  • Cruelty-free: No

Is it for you?

Olay Regenerist Micro-sculpting Cream is the best drugstore moisturizer for those with mature skin. It helps reduce visible signs of aging and improves the skin over time.

Olay Regenerist Micro-sculpting Cream is part of Olay’s Regenerist collection. It reduces wrinkles and fine lines, hydrates the skin, improves elasticity and firmness and plumps up the skin.

Made with impressive ingredients, it’s easy to see why this moisturiser is a bestseller! It has vitamin B3 to improve the skin’s barrier and nourish and protect the skin. Hyaluronic acid increases moisture, amino peptides help to replenish collagen and antioxidants and shield the skin from free radicals.

Olay suggests that the Olay Regenerist Micro-sculpting Cream is to be applied as the last step in your nighttime skincare routine, however, you can also use it as a day moisturiser.

The moisturiser itself is a soft white cream, that is rich to the touch. When applying it, you can feel how creamy and moisturising it is on the skin, without the feeling of heaviness or greasiness that often comes with moisturisers.

It instantly blurs out the lines, especially under my eyes. The drying time is quick and leaves a demi-matte finish and smooth and hydrated skin! Over time you will notice changes like reduced lines and more supple and firm skin.

Be aware that for the first few days, your skin may appear drier as mine did but don’t panic, this is just the Vitamin B3 working hard on the skin’s regeneration. It essentially removes the dead skin on the surface of your skin. The only negative this moisturizer has is that for a drugstore brand, it’s on the pricey side. However, with the results you get, it’s worth the investment! Read my full review on Olay Regenerist Micro-sculpting Cream here.

Read more on the best moisturizers for mature skin here.


Best for Dry Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser

IN A NUTSHELL

  • Fragrance-Free: Yes
  • Main Ingredients: Hyaluronic Gel Matrix
  • Key Features: Oil-free, water-based, non-comedogenic, absorbs quickly, calming
  • Cruelty-free: No

Is it for you?

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer is the best drugstore moisturizer for dry skin due to its intensely hydrating ingredients and how it keeps moisture in the skin.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer is probably the best-selling budget moisturiser on the market and it’s easy to see why. It contains a unique formula called Hyaluronic Gel Matrix made from hyaluronic acid which is an ingredient often found in products for dry skin. This is because it helps to retain moisture in your skin.

The Hyaluronic Gel Matrix locks in moisture throughout the day and continuously releases the moisture keeping your skin soft and fresh the whole day. This is perfect for those with dry skin, you won’t need to worry about your skin getting patchy as the moisturizer takes care of that!

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser can also be used as a primer under your makeup. Get ready for your skin to be instantly refreshed and hydrated with this moisturiser.


Best Body Moisturizer: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

IN A NUTSHELL

  • Fragrance-Free: Yes
  • Main Ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin B5 and E, niacinamide
  • Key Features: Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, dermatologist recommended, lightweight, non-greasy
  • Cruelty-free: No

Is it for you?

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is the best drugstore moisturizer for the body, but it can also be used for the face. Ideal for sensitive and irritated skin, this cream reverses it, giving you soft and relieved skin.

Basic and straightforward, yet it does the job required! Don’t be put off by the fact that it’s not luxury and doesn’t it look it either. This cream fixes the skin barrier in just one week!

Fixing the skin’s barrier often has a cumulative effect on your skin, improving your skin in many ways, I can testify to that! It also keeps moisture locked in giving you long-term comfort. Made from glycerin which gives immediate relief to itchy and irritated skin, it’s also perfect for sensitive skin. It locks the moisture in with petroleum for minimum water loss.

The formula is lightweight, non-greasy and ideal for those extra dry areas that only seem to get drier with time, which happens to most people’s skin. It’s also ideal for sensitive skin and helps with dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness and a weakened skin barrier.

Sold as a body cream, it works well on the face too. Read more on the best body creams for dry skin here.


Best Dermatologist-Approved: La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30

IN A NUTSHELL

  • Fragrance-Free: Yes
  • Main Ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramide and glycerin
  • Key Features: All-day hydration, fixes skin barrier, non-comedogenic, dermatologists and allergy-tested, safe for sensitive skin, SPF 30
  • Cruelty-free: No

Is it for you?

La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is the best dermatologist-recommended drugstore moisturizer. It’s ideal for anyone with sensitive skin that’s dry and needs some intense nourishment.

La Roche Posay is a drugstore brand, but you can easily mistake it for a luxury one! Yep, their skincare products are that good and even though many moisturizers have similar ingredients to it, it’s the little details that make the biggest differences!

Loved by dermatologists worldwide, this is a product you can trust for your skin! La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer provides all-day hydration as well as ingredients that help with the skin barrier. In fact, they claim that in just one hour after application, your skin’s barrier will be replenished.

Gentle enough for sensitive skin, yet effective enough for dry, irritated and flaky skin. A little goes a long way with this moisturizer, it goes on smoothly, isn’t greasy and absorbs quickly. Loved by many, and it’s easy to see why! Since the moisturizer has SPF 30 it’s recommended to use it during the day.


Best for Aging Skin: The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer

The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer

IN A NUTSHELL

  • Fragrance-Free: Yes
  • Main Ingredients: Royal Epigen P5, Hydrating Peptide Solution
  • Key Features: Repairs skin, lightweight, fast absorbing, non-sticky
  • Cruelty-free: Yes

Is it for you?

The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer drugstore moisturizer for aging skin. Its ingredients target damaged and aging skin, but really, all skin types can benefit from this affordable moisturizer!

The clean brand The Inkey List is a relatively new brand, that quickly became a favourite skincare brand. They have a policy of transparency when it comes to their products and they’re all about ‘better knowledge powers better decisions’. They are known for their affordable prices, clean ingredients and simple and straightforward products.

The Peptide Moisturizer promotes cell renewal which is ideal for protecting and repairing damaged or aging skin. Don’t think that because you’re under 50, you don’t have to use products for aging skin! From the age of about 30, the skin starts to age. The earlier you use products that help against aging, the better it is for your skin.

This moisturizer increases collagen production which is the key ingredient to restoring elasticity and firmness to your skin. Also formulated with Royal Epigen P5 to even out the skin tone and delay the aging of cells and Hydrating Peptide Solution which supports the skin’s barrier.

Lightweight in texture and fast-absorbing, this non-sticky moisturizer gives your skin all the moisturising it needs along with all its anti-aging benefits too. It’s suitable for all skin types, and it’s even pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe, which is not something many brands test for!


Common Moisturizer FAQs

How often should you apply moisturizer?

The general rule of thumb is to apply moisturizer every morning and evening before you go to bed. That being said, everyone needs to assess their own skin and figure out the correct balance. Some need to apply moisturizer more, and some less, depending on how dry and irritated the skin is.

What step in the skincare routine is applying moisturizer?

Moisturizer is always the last step in your skincare routine before SPF. Obviously, in the evening, it’s the last step because you don’t need SPF. Apply your serums, retinol and any other creams before moisturising and wait a minute or two for them to absorb properly.

My Thoughts on Drugstore Moisturizers

Don’t be put off if you don’t hit bingo with the first moisturizer you try! Choosing the right moisturizer for your skin can take a little trial and error. That’s because everyone’s skin is individual and reacts differently to different ingredients and products.

With a range of affordable drugstore moisturizers and moisturizers for different skin types and concerns, there’s something for everyone. These are some of the best moisturizers out there and looking after your skin has never been so easy!

These drugstore moisturizers are even better than many luxury ones, luxury and expensive do not mean better quality and better results! Check out these drugstore concealers and drugstore foundations for affordable, non-compromising makeup!

UP NEXT: 30 Best Beauty Tips For Women Over 30

Hollie xx

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About Hollie

Hi, I’m Hollie, and I’m passionate about everything beauty. Over the last decade and a half, I’ve tested thousands of products to bring you the best of the best! I also love bringing you fun and creative beauty looks. Learn more.

Beauty profile – 35, dry, aging skin, focused on aging well with a healthy glow and natural makeup look ✨



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