What Dermatologists Want You to Know About Drugstore Moisturizers (2024)

But the drugstore moisturizers that go above and beyond do more than just hydrate. “Additionally, consider the presence of beneficial ingredients like antioxidants or SPF for added protection,” Dr. Rambhia suggests. “Reading labels and choosing products that are dermatologist-tested can also help ensure you’re making a safe and effective choice.”

Ahead, find the best drugstore moisturizers for all skin types according to experts and testing.

Dr. Rambhia, Dr. Farber, and Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, all sing the praises of this moisturizer. “This lightweight, oil-free moisturizer helps to hydrate and restore the skin barrier while soothing irritation,” Dr. Rambhia explains. “Its non-comedogenic formula ensures that it won’t clog pores, providing essential hydration without worsening breakouts.” Plus, “it’s great for nearly all skin types,” Dr. Farber adds.

What reviewers say: “The Double Repair Face Moisturizer is incredible! It’s so refreshing and has noticeably improved my skin’s texture and appearance in just a week. This is the ONLY facial moisturizer with sunscreen I’ve found that doesn’t clog my pores or leave a greasy feeling.”

All three dermatologists say CeraVe is a great affordable option for dry skin. “It contains ceramides to help repair the barrier as well as hyaluronic acid for hydration. It’s also fragrance free,” Dr. Jaliman says. “CeraVe products are also dermatologist-tested, making them a trusted choice for many,” Dr. Rambhia adds. “Additionally, the cream is incredibly versatile–safe for babies, children, and adults of all ages, it is perfect for those with sensitive skin and effectively moisturizes both the face and body.”

What reviewers say: “I have very dry skin so I slather this on every single day after I shower. CeraVe is amazingly moisturizing and absorbs well with no lingering stickiness,” said one shopper. “Great product, great value!”

“Neutrogena Hyrdo-Boost is wonderful for oily or acne-prone skin as it is a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer,” Dr. Farber says. It “contains hyaluronic acid, which hydrates without blocking the pores,” Dr. Jaliman adds. The weightless formula also makes it a great choice for wearing under makeup. Deputy Editor Emily Goldman uses this moisturizer daily and loves that it hydrates without leaving the skin feeling greasy. “It really is one of the best affordable finds I’ve tried in a long time,” she says.

What reviewers say: “Love this moisture-boosting cream, especially since it’s not greasy! Feels extra cool on the face, and makes your skin soft. Will definitely be buying more!”

This gentle lotion has been my go-to nighttime moisturizer for years. It provides gentle hydration without irritating my sensitive skin or causing breakouts. “It’s free from common irritants such as fragrances, dyes, and parabens, making it a trusted choice for those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea,” says Dr. Rambhia. Plus, “it absorbs quickly, providing long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy or heavy.”

What reviewers say: “This moisturizer is the BEST and I will never waste my money on a high end one ever again. I’ve seen drastic improvement in my acne and texture. It feels light and soft on the face (not greasy) and wears well under makeup.”

“Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is great for mature skin because it’s a fantastic hydrator and contains ingredients that are anti-aging,” Dr. Farber says. “It contains amino peptides to decrease fine lines and wrinkles and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin,” Dr. Jaliman explains. Plus, it’s free of common irritants like fragrance and contains Vitamin B3 to promote skin cell turnover.

What reviewers say: “This cream takes good care of my aging dry skin; I have no wrinkles and my skin doesn’t look dry or crepey. I no longer wear foundation as this skin moisturizing cream helps my skin look radiant, smooth, and natural.”

My dermatologist recommended this to me years ago as a daytime moisturizer/sunscreen and it’s been my holy grail ever since. Unlike other moisturizers with SPF I’ve tried, this one never pills or leaves a white cast. In fact, it leaves a sheer, glowy finish and evens my skin’s texture, making it an amazing base for makeup. “It contains soy to even skin tone and has glycerin to hydrate the skin,” Dr. Jaliman adds.

What reviewers say: “I have rosacea on my upper cheeks so when I use products they have to be for super sensitive skin or else my skin starts to burn and my rosacea flares up. This is very gentle on my skin, doesn’t cause flare ups, and smells AMAZING!”

“Maybelline’s lightweight formula offers sheer coverage while providing hydration and sun protection with SPF 30,” Dr. Rambhia says. “With a range of tints, it blends well into the skin, helping to even out skin tone and enhance complexion without feeling heavy. With it’s moisturizing properties and natural finish, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a quick and easy way to achieve a fresh, natural look.”

What reviewers say: “I’m an older lady (57) that doesn’t like to wear makeup. I’ve been using this BB cream for several years and it’s great. It moisturizes without being greasy, has sunscreen and just enough light tint so my skin looks nice and glowy and not so pasty and dry.”

“This lightweight, non-comedogenic formula is designed to hydrate dry areas while controlling excess oil in the T-zone,” Dr. Rambhia explains. “With added SPF 30 for sun protection, it helps to balance moisture levels and reduce shine without clogging pores. Its gentle formulation makes it suitable for sensitive skin as well, making it an excellent choice for those with combination skin.”

What reviewers say: “This cream does what it says it will do. It’s hard to believe but when you put it on after cleansing your face it keeps the oil at bay for most of the day and I have very oily skin. It’s smooth and lightweight, the size of the bottle isn’t big but you don’t need much, it goes a long way.”

According to Dr. Jaliman, this lightweight cream works like a dream under makeup.

“It contains peptides to stimulate collagen production and niacinamide to even out skin tone,” she explains. “It’s very lightweight and is great under makeup.” Plus, it leaves a matte finish so your skin won’t be left looking greasy.

What reviewers say: “This product delivers what it says it will deliver. It’s a great moisturizer and keeps the wrinkles away for as long as possible.”

“This moisturizer combines the brightening power of vitamin C with retinol to help improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and fine lines,” Dr. Rambhia says. “Its rich, hydrating formula works overnight to deliver visible results, promoting a more radiant complexion. With consistent use, this cream helps to enhance skin clarity and texture, making it an excellent choice for those looking to brighten their skin.”

What reviewers say: “This correcting cream really smooths out your skin QUICKLY, blends in those wrinkles, and gets rid of the brown spots from the sun or aging. Love it!”

“If you want a thick, moisturizing cream that keeps dry winter skin at bay, here’s your perfect pick,” says Digital Director Allie Early. “This lotion is my go-to for colder months (and I use it on my face and body). When I’m feeling dry, I also layer a serum under Weleda. It smells great, never breaks me out, and is so affordable. My husband also steals it often to keep his hands moisturized for rowing crew, which says a lot…it works!”

What reviewers say: “My skin has never felt so nourished and rejuvenated. The texture is light and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling supple all day.”

“This moisturizer contains a unique blend of ingredients, including peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, which work together to hydrate and restore the skin’s barrier,” says Dr. Rambhia. “While it doesn’t contain retinol, its formulation is designed to improve skin texture and firmness over time. This night cream provides rich moisture, making it ideal for mature skin that needs extra hydration and support for a more youthful appearance.”

What reviewers say: “This cream has been a great addition to my nighttime skin care routine,” said one shopper. “The texture is rich but not greasy, and it absorbs well, leaving my skin feeling soft and refreshed by morning. I’ve noticed my skin looking more even and plump after using it for a few weeks.”

Dr. Jaliman recommends this glowy lotion as a tinted option for those with dry skin. “It contains shea butter and glycerin so it’s super hydrating. Best for dry skin, though, not for acne-prone skin,” she says. It also provides a bronzing, highlighting effect that makes it a great dewey base for makeup. Martha Stewart even used it!

What reviewers say: “I’m really happy with this purchase. At 61, I’m no longer able to wear full-coverage foundation. As many can likely relate to, heavy foundations settle into wrinkles and appear cakey” said one shopper. “This product blends like silk and gives me a light sunkissed look.”

“This tinted moisturizer is gentle, hydrating, and comes in multiple shades to match any skin tone,” says Dr. Farber. “It also has mineral SPF for extra protection.” Plus, it contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane for a dewy finish.

What reviewers say: “This is so smoothing on my skin. Moisturizing but not greasy at all. Covers just enough with sheer coverage. It’s perfect on my 57 year old face. Polished looking, but not trying too hard.”

“La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo is fantastic for dry skin as it’s ultra-rich but doesn’t feel heavy,” says Dr. Farber. “It has squalane, dimethicone, and glycerin to hydrate and protect the skin barrier.” Plus, it’s free of fragrances, parabens, and alcohols, making it a great choice for sensitive skin.

What reviewers say: “I’m a 72-year-old woman who started breaking out after menopause. This product put an end to my breakouts,” said one shopper. “This product was a miracle for me.”

• Know your skin type. While all skin types will benefit from a good moisturizer, different skin types will react differently to certain products. “If you’re dry, a thicker product like a cream is best,” Dr. Farber explains. “If you’re oily or acne-prone, choose a lighter product like a lotion and make sure it’s oil-free.” If you have sensitive skin, Dr. Jaliman also suggests looking for a moisturizer with soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal.
• Read the ingredients. While browsing through the skin care aisle, it’s a good idea to check the ingredient labels on moisturizers. “Ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin are great for hydration,” Dr. Farber says. “Shea butter is also very moisturizing,” Dr. Jaliman adds.
• Avoid common irritants. Just as you want to look for certain beneficial ingredients, there are also some it’s a good idea to avoid. Dr. Jaliman suggests staying away from moisturizers that contain fragrance, for instance, especially if you have sensitive skin. Other common irritants to avoid are parabens, dyes, lanolin (if you have an allergy), and formaldehyde.