The Best Drugstore Moisturizers for Radiant Skin on a Budget
You may think you need to spend your life savings in order to get healthy and glowing skin, but that's just not true—especially when it comes to a good moisturizer. Not only are drugstore options inexpensive and easily accessible, but they will give you soft and hydrated skin, too. What’s more, these picks come recommended by dermatologists.
You don’t want to pop into the drugstore and pick up any old cream, however. Nikki D. Hill, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin of Culture and Hair Center, says to first know your problem areas. For example, if you have dry skin, you’ll have to choose an appropriate moisturizer for your face type. If you want to defeat or prevent wrinkles, you’ll similarly need an option that has been formulated for that precise concern.
Next, consider the quality of the formula. Keith O’Briant, CEO of Hydrinity Accelerated Skin Science, says to look for products that have undergone dermatological testing and boast a concise list of well-researched ingredients. “Moisturizers should effectively hydrate while supporting the skin’s natural barrier without unnecessary additives that can cause irritation or offer little benefit,” he says.
In addition to Dr. Hill and O’Briant, we spoke with Dr. Y. Claire Chang, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC, to come up with our list of the very best drugstore moisturizers.
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It’s lightweight and suitable for even sensitive skin.
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It might not be moisturizing enough for extremely dry skin.
There’s a reason the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is loved by everyone, including dermatologists, celebrities, influencers, and even us—it’s the top pick in our roundup of best face moisturizers, drugstore or otherwise. The reasonably priced cream is suitable for all skin types (yes, even sensitive ones), goes on like a dream, and absorbs quickly into the skin leaving you with a hydrated face that lasts all day. In fact, it claims to replenish moisture for up to 48 hours.
Just take it from Wade Review beauty director Heather Muir Maffei, who uses this as her go-to moisturizer. “One thing I learned early on in my career is that products don’t have to be expensive to work,” she says.
“Most of the time, the brands on drugstore shelves have the most money to spend on research and development. This editor favorite doesn’t have (or need) all of the bells and whistles, but it’s packed with proven ingredients that get the job done. It hydrates without making my combo skin feel greasy, and they even have a matte version if the dewy dumpling finish isn’t your vibe.”
The formula contains ceramides, which are great for retaining moisture and restoring the skin barrier (after just an hour, no less), and niacinamide to soothe and repair troubled skin, and it’s oil free and non-greasy, making it a great base for makeup, too. It’s also made with prebiotic thermal water, an antioxidant rich in selenium, which is said to amp up the hydration. It won’t pill like some other options, and it’s fragrance free, which further adds to its suitability for sensitive folk.
This lightweight cream is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. It has a smooth texture, is paraben free, and has been tested and approved by dermatologists for allergies. It’s suitable for use in the morning and evening on the face and neck, and it’s a must in every skincare enthusiast’s cabinet—although you might need something a little richer if you have extremely dry skin.
Formulation: Cream | Key Ingredients: Ceramide-3, niacinamide, prebiotic thermal water | Size: 1.35 or 3.38 ounces
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