The 15 Best Drugstore Moisturizers Professionals Love

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No skincare routine is complete without a great hydrator, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank by adding one to your beauty regimen. The best drugstore moisturizers are equally as effective as their pricier counterparts, and often more widely available to boot.

In addition to supporting and strengthening your skin’s natural protective barrier, many of these staples also help fight free radical damage while they plump and hydrate. “There are many ‘luxury’ skincare products that are high quality that can be found in drugstores,” board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal tells Bazaar, and at the end of the day, you can get a great product at any price. Lal adds that the concept that more expensive equals better in beauty is, "simply not true.”

Whether you're looking for a formula that targets specific concerns like dark spots or oily skin, or just on the hunt for a new budget-friendly favorite that keeps your skin soft and supple, we've rounded up the best drugstore moisturizers from coveted brands like La Roche-Posay and Neutrogena that will keep your face and your wallet, happy. The following top picks have received gold stars from professionals, shoppers across the internet, and Bazaar editors alike.

Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Lal recommends this moisturizer for just about everyone, including those with sensitive skin. “This has ceramide 3, niacinamide, postbiotics, and micro resyl,” he explains. “This moisturizer is great for dry and oily skin and will keep your skin moisturized for up to 48 hours.”

One satisfied customer writes: "I have used a very expensive brand for the past few years to no avail. It actually made my skin worse. I tried this one and it works great. My dry skin is much less dry and no more flaking. It smells good and moisturizes perfectly. I will buy it again." —Tess

DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30

Another of Lal's favorites, the expert also recommends Cetaphil's oil-free moisturizer for those who deal with persistent breakouts. “It has technology that absorbs oil and reduces shine,” he says. “It’s also great for patients on isotretinoin, or Accutane as it contains sunscreen.”

One satisfied customer writes: "I've been using this daily for a few weeks. Zero irritation and no complaints." —Linda I.

Nourishing Cream

Although it’s oil-free, this moisturizer is still rich and nourishing enough to keep skin hydrated for up to 24 hours thanks to hydrators like vitamin E, niacinamide, and squalane. Its formula also helps repair the skin barrier while keeping your face supremely glowy.

One satisfied customer writes: "This is the best moisturizer I have ever used. It is light, it feels fantastic as I apply it on my face, it gives my skin a glow, I love it!!" —Carolyn R.

Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer

This lightweight moisturizer is like a cold drink of water for your face. It's packed with hyaluronic acid that helps plump skin right away and feels weightless—making it an ideal hydrator for oily and combination skin.

One satisfied customer writes: "This has been my go to moisturizer for years! It's amazing! I have very sensitive skin and have bad reactions to lots of products. My face is fairly dry, and most products I've used in the past to help with this have left my face super oily and greasy. This moisturizer is beyond lightweight and melts right into the skin." —Shaelyn M.

Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

Featuring skin-plumping peptides, Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer is just the sort of multi-tasking product we need for busy mornings. No wonder it's one of the most beloved face creams of all time.

One satisfied customer writes: "Great product for price. Can see visible difference in skin in few days. Great value and price." —Anonymous

Snail 92 Repair Cream

We're betting you've seen a lot of CosRX's best-sellers on your For You Page, including this moisturizer from the brand. Made with snail mucin, which is said to help restore the skin barrier, this K-Beauty face cream soothes every skin type—from acne-prone to sensitive.

One satisfied customer writes: "This stuff is wonderful. I am noticing my skin is very soft and helping with the dryness. At first, I was a little grossed out by it but I have to say I got over it and absolutely love the stuff. i’ll definitely continue to buy and use. I think it’s great." —Robina

Essential Eye Cream for Face

This is an eye cream...for your face. Though it sounds a bit confusing, the concept from South Korea is actually genius. Eye creams tend to be richer and ultra-gentle, so why not smear it all over your face? We love to apply a thick layer before bed when our skin feels really flaky.

One satisfied customer writes: "One of my favorite K-drama actress swears by it and she is stunning. I figure why not! This was so nice, no strong smell, works well under makeup, and no irritation. I have really sensitive eyes and can’t really used a lot of creams around the eye. This one was perfect without adding any milia or bumps." —Anonymous

AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

If you're looking for a basic, no-frills, easy-to-use sunscreen with moisturizer, consider this pick from CeraVe which dermatologists have long recommended. It's not only oil-free, but packed with ceramides to keep skin healthy and hydrated.

One satisfied customer writes: "Been using it for years. I have dry skin and it works wonders." —K.H.

Toleriane Ultra Soothing Repair Moisturizer

This ultra-lightweight cream uses shea butter and neurosensine to minimize redness and irritation while providing sensitive skin with the perfect balance of hydration.

One satisfied customer writes: "I had bad acne, and after using their acne product was left with dry skin (to be expected!). I wanted something that would last longer and keep my skin moisturized. This has been awesome. It has no scent, and is not oily. It lasts a long time and you don't need a lot to keep it on. I love the locking mechanism of the product, it is nice for traveling." —Emma

Age Perfect Night Moisturizer

This anti-aging face cream cools skin by two degrees, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to drift off to sleep. After a few weeks, you'll notice smoother, brighter, and more supple skin thanks to vitamin E and antioxidants that help with cell turnover.

One satisfied customer writes: "I started the midnight line about three weeks ago and I've taken about seven years off my face. I love this stuff I've already ordered two more just to have when I run out or the price shoots up. I keep it in my mini fridge and a little goes a very long way." —Tink82

Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Anti-Aging Daily Face Moisturizer

The original drugstore retinol, this fragrance-free cream is perfect for newbies to the powerhouse anti-aging ingredient. It gently stimulates collagen production to make wrinkles and spots look less noticeable as soon as just one week.

One satisfied customer writes: "After using many face cream products, I am now using this. Makes face and neck feel soft and smooth. Not greasy. Plan on using this again and again." —GE

Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer Cream with Sunscreen SPF 25

Here's a moisturizer for those who can't stand the feeling of beauty products on their skin. Olay's Regenerist Whip combines all the anti-aging power of its original formula in a new and improved barely-there texture.

One satisfied customer writes: "This is a wonderful moisturizer and the one I have been using for many years. I like that it is light but it does a great job as a moisturizer. My face doesn't feel greasy after I use it and it is very effective for fine lines. It has a light fragrance which is not over powering. Olay is a brand that I trust and recommend." —Hanna D.

Hello Hydration! Face Cream

This streamlined yet effective hyaluronic acid and peptide face cream softens skin without leaving behind any residue. After you've applied it along with your SPF, you can seamlessly move right onto your face makeup without the threat of piling.

One satisfied customer writes: "This holy hydration cream creates an oasis of soft silky skin. It’s never oily. It soaks in as quickly as you put it on your face. The price is great! I’ve been using this skin cream for about two years and have no desire to stop using it. You have got to try it!" —Teresa B., RN

Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream

Aloe and green tea join forces in this gel-cream from Versed, made specifically for ultra dewy skin. All you need is a peanut-size amount to hydrate your face, neck, and chest.

One satisfied customer writes: "It is a great lightweight moisturizer. It absorbs quickly and is great under makeup." —KC

AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer Lotion

EltaMD does more than just make great sunscreen; it also makes one of our favorite moisturizers. It has niacinamide, willow bark extract, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, vitamin C, and willow bark extract to smooth out skin texture and lock in moisture. It's also super lightweight and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores.

One satisfied customer writes: "I’m 74 and I have dry skin. How many products have I tried? So many. This AM moisturizer is the one that actually does what it says. I wear it daytime and at night. When I get up my skin feels soft and it looks and feels moisturized. With others, I wake up to dull dry skin. This is the answer for me." —Janelle

What makes drugstore moisturizers different than others available to shop?

"The differences here are less about formulation and more about branding and marketing," board-certified dermatologist Hadley King explains. "A moisturizer does not need to be expensive to be effective." She adds that sometimes you're just paying for additional ingredients that go beyond moisturizing, but drugstore moisturizers will do the job just as well as an expensive one when it comes to keeping skin hydrated.

What ingredients are important in a drugstore moisturizer?

According to King, moisturizers usually contain three components: humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, emollients such as squalane, and occlusives such as petrolatum. Ideally, you'll want to look at all three for maximum moisture. But if you're skin can't handle some of those ingredients, don't sweat. Just pick a moisturizer that works best for your needs.

What's the most effective way to use one of the best drugstore moisturizers?

King generally recommends this order of product application to her clients: cleanser, toner and/or essence (both of which are optional), serum, moisturizer, and lastly sunscreen.

Meet the Experts

• Karan Lal, D.O., F.A.A.D, is a double board-certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

• Hadley King, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

• Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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