We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The 14 Best Drugstore Moisturizers of 2023

Our best overall pick is the Cetaphil Facial Hydrating Lotion

A collage of drugstore moisturizers we recommend on a grey background

Byrdie / 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 don't cost a fortune and they're 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, evaluating their ingredients. Then, our testers (with varying skin types and complexion concerns) put them through the ringer, slathering them on and weighing in on the texture, feel, absorption, and just how well they moisturized. When all was said and done we ended up with this list of the best drugstore moisturizers.

What We Like
  • Oil-free formula

  • Non-comedogenic

  • Lightweight

What to Consider
  • Unhygienic container

  • Not cruelty-free

If you want a seriously hydrating face moisturizer that doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy, your best bet is Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel. It's both dermatologist-recommended and a Byrdie fave; we loved how it hit the perfect balance, absorbing quickly and feeling super refreshing, but still imparting tons of moisture and leaving our skin feeling super soft. (Credit the fact that it's formulated with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid.) And since it's non-comedogenic, it won't clog pores, either. Wins all around.

Price at time of publish: $20

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, olive extract | Skin Type: Dry, combination | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

What We Like
  • Air-tight pump dispenser

  • Absorbs quickly

  • Non-comedogenic

What to Consider
  • 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. Though this moisturizer was made with dry skin in mind, it's 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

What We Like
  • Budget-friendly

  • 24-hour hydration

  • Lightweight

What to Consider
  • Not cruelty-free

  • Unhygienic container

If you don't 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

What We Like
  • Full-spectrum sun protection

  • Mineral formula

  • Non-comedogenic

What to Consider
  • Not cruelty-free

If you take a one-and-done approach to skincare, you'll appreciate Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer. This sunscreen-lotion combo nourishes and calms with oat kernel extract while delivering full-spectrum SPF 30 protection from the sun's 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

"I've 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

Read Full Review: This Derm-Approved Moisturizer Kept My Skin Hydrated, Never Greasy

What We Like
  • Air-tight pump dispenser

  • Lightweight

  • Award-winning formula

What to Consider
  • Not cruelty-free

Dr. Dele-Michael is a big fan of La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra, and it's easy to see why. Formulated for sensitive skin, this soothing, fast-absorbing face lotion contains mineral-rich thermal spring water, neurosensine, and shea butter to help restore the skin's 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

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra-Sensitive Skin Face Moisturizer on a white cloth surface

Byrdie / 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

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
PHOTO:

Amazon

Read Full Review: CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream Transformed My Dry Skin

What We Like
  • Approved by National Eczema Association

  • Non-comedogenic

  • Good for face and body

What to Consider
  • 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. What's 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. It's not too heavy or oily and doesn't sit on your skin." - Jen Adkins, Product Tester

What We Like
  • Hydrating formula

  • Improves elasticity

  • Promotes cell turnover

What to Consider
  • Contains parabens

  • Unhygienic container

Formulated with mature skin in mind, Olay's Micro-Sculpting Cream contains plumping and regenerating niacinamide (vitamin B3), extra-hydrating hyaluronic acid, and pro-elasticity peptides. With 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

Open jar of Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream on a grey surface

 Byrdie / Bianca Lambert

What Our Testers Say

"Each morning, I woke up with hydrated skin, and no retinol-induced flakey patches." - Bianca Lambert, Product Tester

What We Like
  • Natural formula

  • Replenishes skin

  • Boosts healing

What to Consider
  • 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 honey and calming aloe vera.

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

What We Like
  • Non-greasy formula

  • Nourishing

What to Consider
  • Unhygienic container

If your complexion can't decide whether it's dry, oily, or sensitive, Nyakio Baobab has your name on it. This daily moisturizer cream replaces the skin's natural oils with baobab oil and shea butter, then gently lifts and plumps with coffee extract and glycerin.

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

What We Like
  • Good for all skin types

  • Ultra-hydrating

What to Consider
  • Unhygienic container

CosRx is a shining star in the Korean beauty industry and an up-and-comer in the western drugstore market. The brand's beloved Advanced Snail 92 Cream contains 92 percent snail mucin, an all-natural source of ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid. While the formula isn't 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

What We Like
  • Natural formula

  • Good for all skin types

What to Consider
  • 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

What We Like
  • Full-spectrum sun protection

  • No white cast

  • Air-tight pump dispenser

What to Consider
  • Can have an oily finish

Bolden's 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 won't 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

What We Like
  • Helps with hyperpigmentation

  • Lightly exfoliates

What to Consider
  • Unhygienic container

If it's lightweight hydration you're after, you can't go wrong with Rosen Tropics Moisturizer. The virtually weightless formula hydrates with hyaluronic acid, boosts radiance with kojic acid, and ever-so-gently exfoliates with pineapple enzymes.

Price at time of publish: $21

Active Ingredients: Kojic acid, hyaluronic acid, pineapple enzymes | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

What We Like
  • Air-tight pump bottle

  • Non-comedogenic

  • Can be used morning and night

What to Consider
  • 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 dullness while 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. Adebola Dele-Michael, MD FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology and dermatologic surgery. She is the founder of Radiant Skin Dermatology & Laser in New York.
  • 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 it's labeled as 'broad-spectrum' to ensure you're getting protection from both UVA and UVB rays, says Chen, and ideally an SPF of 30 or more.

FAQ
  • How do you apply a drugstore face moisturizer?

    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 it's fully absorbed.

  • How often should you use a drugstore face moisturizer?

    Dr. Dele-Michael says you should apply moisturizer after washing your face, whether it's 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 Byrdie

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 brand's 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 Byrdie since 2020, where she covers skincare, makeup, haircare, and workout apparel.

Updated by Shannon Stubbs
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. Sethi A, Kaur T, Malhotra S, Gambhir M. Moisturizers: The slippery roadIndian J Dermatol. 2016;61(3):279. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.182427

  2. Reynertson KA, Garay M, Nebus J, et al. Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skinJ Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(1):43-48.

  3. Seite S. Thermal waters as cosmeceuticals: La Roche-Posay thermal spring water exampleCCID. 2013:23. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S39082

  4. Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago J. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oilsIJMS. 2017;19(1):70. doi: 10.3390/ijms19010070

  5. Boo YC. Mechanistic basis and clinical evidence for the applications of nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to control skin aging and pigmentationAntioxidants. 2021;10(8):1315. doi: 10.3390/antiox10081315

  6. Maia Campos PMBG, Melo MO, Siqueira César FC. Topical application and oral supplementation of peptides in the improvement of skin viscoelasticity and densityJ Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(6):1693-1699. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12893

  7. McLoone P, Oluwadun A, Warnock M, Fyfe L. Honey: a therapeutic agent for disorders of the skincajgh. 2016;5(1). doi: 10.5195/cajgh.2016.241

  8. Hashemi SA, Madani SA, Abediankenari S. The review on properties of aloe vera in healing of cutaneous woundsBioMed Research International. 2015;2015:1-6. doi: 10.1155/2015/714216

  9. Safrida S, Sabri M. Potential of aceh arabica coffee extract (Coffea arabica L.) in rejuvenation of aging skin in ratJ Ked Hewan. 2017;11(3). doi: 10.21157/j.ked.hewan.v11i3.8050

  10. Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, et al. Safety assessment of glycerin as used in cosmeticsInt J Toxicol. 2019;38(3_suppl):6S-22S. doi: 10.1177/1091581819883820

  11. Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg Kv. Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: What is available? J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013;6(1):4. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.110089

  12. Muhammad ZA, Ahmad T. Therapeutic uses of pineapple-extracted bromelain in surgical care - A reviewJ Pak Med Assoc. 2017;67(1):121-125.

  13. Mukherjee S, Date A, Patravale V, Korting HC, Roeder A, Weindl G. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safetyClinical Interventions in Aging. 2006;1(4):327-348. doi: 10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.327

Related Stories