Should oily skin skip moisturizer?

No, oily skin should never skip moisturiser. When you avoid hydration, your skin may overproduce oil to compensate, making it shinier and more prone to breakouts. Best moisturizers for oily skin: Gel-based formulas → lightweight and refreshing. Oil-free options → hydrate without clogging pores. Non-comedogenic products → specially designed not to trigger acne. Look for niacinamide or hyaluronic acid to balance oil and water levels. The right moisturiser can actually control oil and improve your skin’s texture.

Can I mix moisturizer with other skincare products?

Moisturisers can be layered with other products, but the order matters. Correct skincare layering: Cleanser Toner (optional) Serums (Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, etc.) Moisturiser Sunscreen (AM routine only) Moisturiser acts as a sealant, locking in the benefits of serums and prepping the skin for sunscreen or makeup.

How much moisturizer should I apply?

Applying too much or too little can affect results. General rule: Use a nickel-sized amount for your face and neck. Dab small dots across cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin, then gently massage in. Using the right amount avoids product waste, prevents buildup, and keeps your skin comfortably hydrated.

Is it okay to use the same moisturizer day and night?

You can use the same moisturiser day and night if it doesn’t contain SPF. Nighttime is when your skin repairs itself, so that a richer formula may provide extra benefits. When to switch: If your day cream has SPF → use a separate night cream. If you have very dry or mature skin → choose a thicker night formula with peptides or ceramides. One good, simple moisturiser is often enough unless you have specific nighttime concerns.

Are drugstore moisturizers as effective as high-end ones?

Absolutely. Many drugstore moisturisers use the same active ingredients as expensive brands. You often pay for packaging, marketing, or fragrance in luxury products. Affordable and effective ingredients you’ll find in drugstore brands: Ceramides → repair skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid → deep hydration. Glycerin → moisture-locking. Niacinamide → controls oil and brightens skin. Don’t underestimate drugstore options; many dermatologists recommend them daily.

Top 5 Drugstore Moisturisers Worth Trying: Budget-Friendly & Effective Picks

Published: 6 Jul 2025

Finding a great moisturiser doesn’t have to break the bank. With the rise of high-performing, dermatologist-recommended options available at your local drugstore, skincare lovers can now enjoy hydration, skin repair, and glow without spending a fortune. This guide’ll walk you through the top 5 drugstore moisturisers worth trying – all budget-friendly, highly rated, and effective for various skin types. There’s a perfect pick for you, whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin.

A lineup of five popular drugstore moisturizers including Neutrogena Hydro Boost, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, La Roche-Posay Toleriane with SPF, Aveeno Eczema Therapy, and CeraVe Ultra-Light Gel, displayed on a peach background with the title "Top 5 Best Drugstore Moisturisers" above.

Table of Content

Best Drugstore Moisturisers

Here’s a refined guide to the Best Drugstore Moisturisers, featuring expert picks and affordable favorites perfect for different skin types and needs. I’ve included a comprehensive breakdown and product recommendations to help you find your ideal match.

Top Picks from Trusted Sources

Based on recent expert reviews and dermatologist advice:

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel: A lightweight, gel-based formula loaded with hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Ideal for deep hydration without heaviness. Recommended by The Strategist, Byrdie, and New York Magazine.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer: Rich yet oil-free, packed with ceramides, niacinamide, and thermal water to repair the skin barrier and frequently named best overall by Esquire, Vogue, Real Simple, and Who What Wear EsquireReal Simple+1Who What WearVogue.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: A versatile, fragrance-free cream with essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, perfect for dry or sensitive skin. Praised as a top overall pick by Glamour and noted in testing by Real Simple.

Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream: A dermatologist-recommended, fragrance-free formula great for sensitive and eczema-prone skin great efficacy at a budget-friendly price. Esquire, Who What Wear, Vogue.

Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer: Tailored for oily skin, controls shine and hydrates appropriately, Glamour.

Highly Recommended by Dermatologists

Glamour’s Best Overall Picks:

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – Best overall.
Cetaphil DermaControl – Best for oily skin.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel – Best for dry skin.
Vanicream SPF 30 – Best with SPF.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion – Best for sensitive skin.
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream – Best for aging skin.
Starface Star Cream + Salicylic Acid – Best for acne-prone skin. Glamour.

Byrdie’s Favorites for Dry Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost (overall), Garnier SkinActive Gel-Cream (budget), Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion (lotion), CeraVe AM with SPF 30 (SPF option), No7 Future Renew Night Cream, L’Oréal Collagen Filler Cream, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra (sensitive skin), Vanicream (eczema), Olay Regenerist (mature skin).

Vogue Highlights:

Bubble Slam Dunk (Vitamin E + avocado oil) for normal skin.
CeraVe Ultra-Light SPF 30 with ceramides.
Olay Regenerist with peptides & niacinamide for mature skin.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost for oily skin.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane for nighttime.
Vanicream for sensitive skin.
Aveeno Calm + Restore for irritation. Vogue.

Honest Feedback from Skincare Enthusiasts

Community experiences offer valuable insights:

“Neutrogena Hydro Boost, Aveeno Calm & Restore gel and Versed Dew Point are all great drugstore options.”
“CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is great. Even dermatologists love this brand. Vanicream too. ” Reddit+1

Best Picks by Skin Type

Skin Concern	Recommended Moisturizer	Why It Works
Dry/Sensitive	La Roche-Posay Toleriane, CeraVe, Vanicream	Barrier-repairing ingredients, fragrance-free, and soothing
Oily/Combination	Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel, Cetaphil DermaControl	Lightweight, hydrating without greasiness, oil control
Sensitive/Eczema-Prone	Vanicream, Aveeno Calm + Restore, Cetaphil Daily Lotion	Ultra-gentle, minimal ingredients, hydrating essentials
Aging/Mature Skin	Olay Regenerist, La Roche-Posay Toleriane, CeraVe	Lightweight, hydrating without greasiness, and oil control
Need SPF in Moisturizer	Vanicream with SPF, CeraVe Ultra-Light SPF 30	Convenient hydration plus broad protection in one step

Drugstore moisturizers often deliver high-quality, skin-loving results with the same active ingredients found in high-end products. Key favorites include Neutrogena Hydro Boost, La Roche-Posay Toleriane, CeraVe Cream, and Vanicream. Choose what matches your skin’s needs. You’ll get noticeable results without breaking the bank with hydration, barrier repair, oil control, or soothing care.

How We Chose the Top 5 Best Drugstore Moisturisers

Our list is based on a combination of expert dermatologist reviews, ingredient quality, affordability, product effectiveness, and thousands of real user testimonials. We looked for:

Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin
Suitability for different skin types
Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free formulas
Positive long-term effects on skin texture and glow
Affordability (All under $25)

Five best drugstore moisturisers, including Neutrogena Hydro Boost, CeraVe Cream, La Roche-Posay, Aveeno, and CeraVe Gel, arranged on a peach background with the headline Top 5 Best Drugstore Moisturisers.

1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel – Best Overall Moisturiser

Why It Stands Out: This cult-favorite is lightweight, oil-free, and absorbs instantly. Packed with hyaluronic acid, it boosts hydration levels while feeling weightless on the skin.

Ideal For: Oily, combination, and dehydrated skin types.

Pros:

Fast-absorbing gel texture
Non-comedogenic
Fragrance-free option available

Price: Around $15

2. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – Best for Dry Skin

Why It Stands Out: Formulated with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this rich cream helps restore the skin’s natural barrier and deeply nourishes dry or flaky skin.

Ideal For: Dry, flaky, sensitive skin.

Pros:

Long-lasting hydration
Dermatologist-recommended
Suitable for face and body

Price: Around $18

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3. CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel – Best for Oily Skin

Why It Stands Out: Combining niacinamide, ceramides, and a gel-cream formula, this moisturiser hydrates without clogging pores or adding shine.

Ideal For: Oily, acne-prone skin.

Pros:

Lightweight, oil-free texture
Calms redness and irritation
Great under makeup

Price: Around $14

4. Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer – Best for Sensitive Skin

Why It Stands Out: This gentle, soothing moisturiser features colloidal oatmeal and feverfew extract to calm sensitive or reactive skin. It’s free from fragrances, alcohol, and parabens.

Ideal For: Sensitive, redness-prone, and eczema-prone skin.

Pros:

Non-irritating formula
Calms inflammation
Lightweight and non-greasy

Price: Around $17

5. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with SPF 30 – Best with SPF

Why It Stands Out: A two-in-one moisturiser with broad-spectrum SPF 30 and a deeply hydrating, barrier-repair formula. It includes niacinamide, ceramides, and prebiotic thermal water.

Ideal For: All skin types, especially those needing daytime SPF protection.

Pros:

Offers sun protection
Smooth, non-greasy finish
Dermatologist-tested

Price: Around $20

Bonus Picks

Here are some bonus pics related to Top 5 Drugstore Moisturisers Worth Trying: Budget-Friendly & Effective Picks:

1. Best for Acne-Prone Skin:

Differin Oil-Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30

Benefits:

Controls Excess Oil: Mattifying formula helps reduce shine throughout the day.
Sun Protection: Broad-spectrum SPF 30 shields acne-prone skin from sun damage and dark spots.
Non-Comedogenic: Won’t clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Fragrance-Free & Gentle: Suitable for sensitive, acne-prone skin.

Uses:

Ideal for daily use in the morning.
Use after acne treatments or Differin gel to hydrate and protect the skin.
Great for oily and combination skin needing lightweight moisture + SPF.

2. Best for Anti-Aging:

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24-Night Moisturizer

Benefits:

Reduces Fine Lines & Wrinkles: Contains retinol and niacinamide for visible skin renewal.
Improves Skin Texture: Boosts cell turnover overnight for smoother, brighter skin.
Fragrance-Free: Gentle on sensitive skin without irritation.
Deep Hydration: Provides 24-hour moisture while you sleep.

Uses:

Use nightly as the last step of your PM skincare routine.
Apply on cleansed face after serums or treatments.
Suitable for aging, dry, or uneven-textured skin.

3. Best Vegan Option:

e.l.f. Holy Hydration Face Cream

Benefits:

Vegan & Cruelty-Free: 100% plant-based and ethically made.
Hydrates Deeply: Formulated with hyaluronic acid and peptides.
Brightens & Balances: Includes niacinamide for improved skin tone and oil control.
Lightweight Texture: Suitable for all skin types.

Uses:

Perfect for both AM and PM routines.
Use before makeup as a hydrating primer.
Ideal for users seeking clean beauty and adequate hydration.

4. Best for Eczema:

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

Benefits:

Free from Irritants: No fragrance, dyes, parabens, lanolin, or formaldehyde.
Soothes Itchy, Inflamed Skin: Rich, gentle cream that restores the skin barrier.
Dermatologist-Tested: Widely recommended for eczema and sensitive skin.
Non-Greasy: Absorbs well without leaving a residue.

Uses:

Suitable for babies, children, and adults with sensitive or reactive skin.
Use multiple times daily on face and body as needed.
Especially beneficial during eczema flare-ups or dry winter months.

Key Ingredients to Look For in Drugstore Moisturisers

Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts and retains moisture
Ceramides: Help restore the skin barrier
Niacinamide: Brightens and soothes skin
Colloidal Oatmeal: Soothes inflammation and itchiness
Glycerin: Draws moisture into the skin
SPF: Protects against UV rays

How to Choose Based on Your Skin Type

Dry Skin: Choose thick creams with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. E.g., CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Oily Skin: Go for oil-free gels. E.g., Neutrogena Hydro Boost, CeraVe Ultra-Light Gel

Sensitive Skin: Look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic options. E.g., Aveeno Calm + Restore

Aging Skin: Look for anti-aging actives like retinol and niacinamide. E.g., Olay Regenerist

Combination Skin: Lightweight creams that hydrate without heaviness.

Bonus Tips for Making the Most of Your Moisturizer

1. Apply on Damp Skin:
Lock in extra hydration by applying moisturizer after cleansing while dampening your skin.

2. Use Upward Motions:
Gently massage your moisturizer using upward strokes to help with absorption and circulation.

3. Layer Correctly:
Always apply moisturizer after serums and before sunscreen (in the morning) or facial oils (at night).

4. Customize for Day & Night:
Use a lightweight gel with SPF during the day and a richer cream or retinol-based product at night.

5. Don’t Forget Your Neck:
The neck and chest need hydration, too, to extend your moisturizer beyond your jawline.

6. Patch Test New Products:
Always test a new moisturizer on a small skin area to avoid allergic reactions or breakouts.

7. Store Smartly:
Keep your moisturizers in a cool, dry place and consider refrigerating gel types for a refreshing feel.

8. Choose Seasonally:
In winter, switch to richer creams; in summer, opt for oil-free or gel-based moisturizers.

9. Keep It Consistent:
Regular use (AM and PM) delivers better results than occasionally switching products.

10. Avoid Over-Application:
More product doesn’t mean better results, too much can clog pores or feel greasy.

FAQs

Here are some questions and answers related to Best Drugstore Moisturisers.

Can I use drugstore moisturisers daily?

Yes, Most drugstore moisturizers are perfectly safe for daily use. They’re formulated to keep skin hydrated, protect the barrier, and are designed for long-term results. Many affordable options contain active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin that work as effectively as high-end products.

Why daily use matters:

Keeps the skin barrier strong.
Prevents dryness and irritation.
Boosts elasticity and softness over time.

Consistency is the key: using your moisturizer daily will give you healthier skin in the long run.

Should oily skin skip moisturiser?

No, oily skin should never skip moisturiser. When you avoid hydration, your skin may overproduce oil to compensate, making it shinier and more prone to breakouts.

Best moisturizers for oily skin:

Gel-based formulas → lightweight and refreshing.
Oil-free options → hydrate without clogging pores.
Non-comedogenic products → specially designed not to trigger acne.
Look for niacinamide or hyaluronic acid to balance oil and water levels.

The right moisturiser can actually control oil and improve your skin’s texture.

What makes a moisturiser good for sensitive skin?

A moisturiser for sensitive skin should be gentle, soothing, and free from common irritants.

Key features to look for:

Fragrance-free & alcohol-free → prevents irritation.
Hypoallergenic → less likely to trigger reactions.
Calming ingredients such as:
- Oatmeal
- Aloe vera
- Ceramides
- Chamomile extract

These formulas help reduce redness, soothe irritation, and strengthen skin barriers.

Do moisturisers with SPF replace sunscreen?

Moisturisers with SPF can provide basic protection, but are not always enough.

When it works:

Staying mostly indoors.
Quick morning routine with little sun exposure.

When it doesn’t work:

Outdoor activities, commuting, or long sun exposure.
High UV index days.

Apply sunscreen separately on top of your moisturiser for maximum safety, especially outdoors.

Can I mix moisturiser with other skincare products?

Moisturisers can be layered with other products, but the order matters.

Correct skincare layering:

Cleanser
Toner (optional)
Serums (Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, etc.)
Moisturiser
Sunscreen (AM routine only)

Moisturiser acts as a sealant, locking in the benefits of serums and prepping the skin for sunscreen or makeup.

How much moisturiser should I apply?

Applying too much or too little can affect results.

General rule:

Use a nickel-sized amount for your face and neck.
Dab small dots across cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin, then gently massage in.

Using the right amount avoids product waste, prevents buildup, and keeps your skin comfortably hydrated.

Is it okay to use the same moisturiser day and night?

You can use the same moisturiser day and night if it doesn’t contain SPF. Nighttime is when your skin repairs itself, so that a richer formula may provide extra benefits.

When to switch:

If your day cream has SPF → use a separate night cream.
If you have very dry or mature skin → choose a thicker night formula with peptides or ceramides.

One good, simple moisturiser is often enough unless you have specific nighttime concerns.

Are drugstore moisturisers as effective as high-end ones?

Absolutely. Many drugstore moisturisers use the same active ingredients as expensive brands. You often pay for packaging, marketing, or fragrance in luxury products.

Affordable and effective ingredients you’ll find in drugstore brands:

Ceramides → repair skin barrier.
Hyaluronic acid → deep hydration.
Glycerin → moisture-locking.
Niacinamide → controls oil and brightens skin.

Don’t underestimate drugstore options; many dermatologists recommend them daily.

How long does it take to see results from a moisturiser?

After applying moisturiser, you’ll notice instant hydration and softness, but deeper improvements take time.

Timeline for results:

Immediate → skin feels smoother and less tight.
1 week → improved hydration, reduced flakiness.
2–4 weeks → noticeable texture, tone, and barrier strength changes.
Long-term → fewer fine lines, better elasticity, overall healthier skin.

Patience and consistency will reveal the real benefits of your moisturiser.

Can moisturisers cause breakouts?

Yes, but only if they contain pore-clogging or irritating ingredients. For acne-prone skin, always check labels.

What to avoid:

Heavy oils (like coconut oil).
Silicones (can trap dirt in some people).
Artificial fragrance or alcohol.

What to choose instead:

Non-comedogenic moisturisers.
Lightweight, gel-based or water-based textures.
Ingredients like niacinamide, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid.

Choosing the right formula ensures hydration without breakouts.

Final Thoughts

Drugstore moisturisers have come a long way. Whether you’re targeting dryness, oiliness, sensitivity, or just looking for a reliable everyday hydrator, there’s an affordable product. The top 5 picks in this guide are proven winners, trusted by experts and users alike. Explore, test, and let your skin enjoy these budget-friendly beauties.

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