Our best overall pick is the Cetaphil Facial Hydrating Lotion
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.
Best Overall
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid
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.
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, olive extract | Skin Type: Dry, combination | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Overall
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion
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.1 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.
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, humectants | Skin Type: Dry, combination, sensitive | Size: 3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Budget
Garnier SkinActive Gel-Cream Face Moisturizer
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.
Active Ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin E, grapefruit extract | Skin Type: Combination | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best With SPF
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
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 extract2 while delivering full-spectrum SPF 30 protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
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
Best for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra-Sensitive Skin Face Moisturizer
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,3 neurosensine, and shea butter4 to help restore the skin’s natural barrier without irritation.
Active Ingredients: Thermal spring water, neurosensine, shea butter | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 1.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
“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
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.
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
Best for Mature Skin
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Formulated with mature skin in mind, Olay’s Micro-Sculpting Cream contains plumping and regenerating niacinamide (vitamin B3),5 extra-hydrating hyaluronic acid, and pro-elasticity peptides.6 With one billion sales and counting, the iconic red jar has your back when it comes to minimizing fine lines and preventing volume loss.
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, amino-peptides, niacinamide | Skin Type: Mature | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
“Each morning, I woke up with hydrated skin, and no retinol-induced flakey patches.” – Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
Best for Dry Skin
Era Organics Oasis Super Hydrating 16 in 1 Moisturizer
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 honey7 and calming aloe vera.8
Active Ingredients: Manuka honey, aloe vera, avocado oil | Skin Type: Dry, eczema-prone, combination | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Combination Skin
Nyakio Daily Defense Creme
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 extract9 and glycerin.10
Active Ingredients: Baobab oil, shea butter, glycerin, coffee extract | Skin Type: Combination, dry, mature | Size: 1.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best K-Beauty
CosRx Advanced Snail 92 All in One Repair Cream
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.
Active Ingredients: Snail secretion filtrate (hyaluronic acid) | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Natural
Adiva Naturals Complexions Herbal Facial Moisturizer
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.
Active Ingredients: Aloe juice, glycerin, coconut oil, witch hazel | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Dark Skin
Bolden SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer
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.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Lightweight
ROSEN Skincare Tropics Moisturizer
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,11 and ever-so-gently exfoliates with pineapple enzymes.12
Active Ingredients: Kojic acid, hyaluronic acid, pineapple enzymes | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best With Retinol
LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream Moisturizer
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 dullness13 while moisturizing with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, and vitamin E.
Active Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, vitamin E, green tea extract | Skin Type: Mature, acne-prone | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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.