Finding the perfect drugstore moisturizer might take a little trial and error—and that’s actually a good thing. “This is one product category where experimenting pays off. You can often find a great match without spending a fortune,” says Dr. Shannon Humphrey, a board-certified dermatologist in Vancouver. Don’t be surprised if you spot her or another dermatologist browsing the skincare aisle.
Vogue’s Top Drugstore Moisturizers
Best for Normal Skin
Bubble Skincare Slam Dunk Hydrating Face Moisturizer
$15 at BUBBLE SKINCARE
Best With SPF
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
$20 at DERMSTORE
Best for Mature Skin
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
$27 $25 (7% off) at AMAZON
Here’s a pro tip: “Dermatologists often recommend drugstore moisturizers because they’re straightforward, effective, and affordable,” says Dr. Rayva Khanna, a dermatology resident at Georgetown University Medical Center. “In many cases, these budget-friendly options work even better than luxury creams, thanks to their simple yet powerful ingredients.”
While it’s hard to go wrong in this category, following expert advice makes it even easier. Below, you’ll find a curated list of the best and most cost-effective moisturizers for all skin types—including sensitive and mature skin. Healthy, hydrated skin has never been more within reach.
In This Article:
– Are drugstore moisturizers as good as expensive ones?
– What to look for in a drugstore moisturizer
– Meet the experts
Best for Normal Skin: Bubble Skincare Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer
Bubble Skincare Slam Dunk Hydrating Face Moisturizer
$15 at BUBBLE SKINCARE
Why We Love It: Vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested, this moisturizer contains vitamin E to nourish, avocado oil to calm redness, and essential fatty acids for deep hydration. It also includes a superfood-protein blend said to protect skin from blue light—perfect for those who spend a lot of time on screens. “This line appeals to teens through millennials,” notes Dr. Humphrey, “and it delivers excellent, no-fuss hydration.”
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, avocado oil, aloe leaf juice
Best For: Normal to dry skin, blue light protection
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Best With SPF: CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
$20 at DERMSTORE
Why We Love It: Developed by dermatologists, this lightweight lotion hydrates while offering broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. It contains ceramides to support the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture. “It’s ideal for oily skin,” says Dr. May Hall, a double-board-certified dermatologist. “It absorbs well and includes SPF, making it a great daily choice.” Dr. Khanna adds that ceramides are key: “They help restore and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.”
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 2.7%, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Best For: Normal to oily skin, sun protection
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Best for Mature Skin: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
$27 $25 (7% off) at AMAZON
Why We Love It: This cream is packed with amino peptides to firm skin, niacinamide to nourish, and hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate. It offers both moisture and rejuvenating benefits. “This is a solid drugstore option for those…”Dr. Humphrey notes, “This formula is ideal for those looking for an anti-aging boost without spending on high-end active ingredients. It combines multiple ingredients for hydration and skin renewal, making it a strong multi-active daily cream.” Dr. Khanna, also a fan, adds, “It has a great fragrance-free, velvety texture with niacinamide. I’ve seen it deeply hydrate, improve skin texture, and support the skin barrier.”
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, amino peptides
Best For: Firming, lifting, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, all skin types
Size: 1.7 oz
Best for Oily Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost HA Water Gel
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
$27 $15 (44% off) AMAZON
Why We Love It: This oil-free, non-comedogenic gel is unlikely to worsen acne and is allergy-tested and dermatologist-approved. Michelle Ventresca, an esthetician and acne expert, says, “Infused with glycerin and hyaluronic acid, it’s a lightweight, acne-friendly hydrating gel that moisturizes without clogging pores.” It absorbs quickly and works well under makeup. Dr. Hall agrees: “This is my go-to for acne-prone skin—lightweight yet nourishing.”
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Best For: Normal to oily skin
Size: 1.7 oz
Best for Nighttime: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
$25 AMAZON
Why We Love It: Suitable for all skin types, especially dry skin, this French pharmacy favorite is part of Keke Palmer’s routine. It hydrates for up to 48 hours and soothes the skin with niacinamide, ceramide-3, and thermal water. Dr. Hall says, “It’s great for nighttime, especially for dry or compromised skin barriers, thanks to prebiotic thermal water.” Dr. Khanna adds, “Ceramides and niacinamide moisturize and brighten, while niacinamide calms inflammation—perfect after retinol.”
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramide-3, thermal water
Best For: All skin types, skin barrier repair, post-retinol use
Size: 1.7 oz
Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
$14 AMAZON
Why We Love It: Part of Sofia Richie Grainge’s simple skincare routine, this gluten-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer is accepted by the National Eczema Association. Dr. Hall says, “It’s fragrance-free and hydrates well day or night for sensitive skin.” Dr. Humphrey adds, “A dermatologist favorite—simple, gentle, clean, and budget-friendly.”
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, glycerin
Best For: All skin types, sensitive skin
Size: 3 fl oz
Best for Irritated Skin: Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Moisturizer
$27 $13 (52% off) AMAZON
Why We Love It: Ventresca says, “This is one of my go-to drugstore picks—lightweight, non-comedogenic, with emollients from olive oil and fatty acids that lock in hydration and keep skin soft.” Made with prebiotic oat…To soothe irritation and support the skin barrier, this gentle cream contains feverfew extract, which is rich in antioxidants that reduce redness and further calm the skin. Dr. Humphrey notes, “This gel cream is lighter than Aveeno’s original formulas but still delivers meaningful hydration. With oat extracts, it’s well-suited for dry, sensitive skin—including those prone to eczema—offering soothing benefits at a fair price.”
Key Ingredients: Prebiotic oat, feverfew
Best For: Soothing the skin, all skin types
Size: 1.7 oz
### Everything You Need to Know
Are drugstore moisturizers as good as their more expensive counterparts?
According to Dr. Humphrey, drugstore moisturizers are often just as effective as high-end options. She explains, “When it comes to moisturizers, price doesn’t necessarily reflect performance. Luxury brands might offer more refined textures or packaging, but drugstore products frequently provide comparable hydration and barrier support.”
What to Look for in a Drugstore Moisturizer
Dr. Hall advises, “Ingredients are key when choosing a moisturizer. For dry skin, opt for a heavier formula with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid to help draw moisture into the skin.” For oily or acne-prone skin, she recommends a non-comedogenic, lightweight moisturizer with ingredients such as salicylic acid to help unclog pores.
Dr. Humphrey adds that personal preferences should also guide your choice. For example, “Do you prefer a gel or a cream, a tub or a pump?” With the variety of textures and packaging available in drugstore moisturizers, it’s easy to find one that feels customized to your needs.
Meet the Experts
– Dr. May Hall, DO: A double-board-certified dermatologist in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
– Dr. Shannon Humphrey, MD: A board-certified dermatologist and founder/medical director of Humphrey & Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology in Vancouver.
– Dr. Rayva Khanna, MD: A dermatology resident at Georgetown University Medical Center.
– Michelle Ventresca: An esthetician, acne expert, and founder of Live by Skin in Woburn, Massachusetts.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About TopRated Drugstore Moisturizers
1 What makes a moisturizer toprated by skincare experts
Toprated moisturizers are often praised for their effective ingredients affordability accessibility and proven results in hydrating soothing or treating common skin concerns like dryness sensitivity or acne
2 Why should I choose a drugstore moisturizer over a highend one
Drugstore moisturizers are budgetfriendly widely available and many contain similar highquality ingredients as luxury brands Experts often recommend them for their value and effectiveness
3 What skin types are these moisturizers suitable for
Most toprated drugstore moisturizers cater to a range of skin types including dry oily combination and sensitive skin Always check the label for specifics like noncomedogenic for oily or acneprone skin
4 Can drugstore moisturizers help with antiaging
Yes Many affordable options contain ingredients like retinol hyaluronic acid peptides or niacinamide which can reduce fine lines improve texture and boost collagen over time
5 How do I know which moisturizer is right for my skin
Consider your skin type and concerns For example if you have dry skin look for hydrating ingredients like ceramides or glycerin For oily skin opt for oilfree or gelbased formulas
6 Are there moisturizers for sensitive skin that wont cause irritation
Absolutely Look for fragrancefree hypoallergenic options with soothing ingredients like ceramides oat or aloe Brands like CeraVe and La RochePosay are often recommended for sensitive skin
7 Can I use these moisturizers under makeup
Yes many drugstore moisturizers are lightweight and absorb quickly making them ideal under makeup Gel or lotion formulas work best to avoid pilling or heaviness
8 Do I need a separate moisturizer for day and night
It depends on your needs Day moisturizers often include SPF for protection while night creams may be richer or contain active ingredients like retinol for repair Some allinone options work for both
9 How often should I apply moisturizer
At least twice a daymorning and nightafter cleansing If your skin feels dry