8 Drugstore Moisturizers That Work Just as Well (If Not Better) Than Expensive Ones
When it comes to skincare, price doesn’t equal performance. These editor-tested picks hydrate, protect the skin barrier, and actually work.
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If there’s one skincare product that can truly make or break my skin, it’s moisturizer. My skin is fickle—some days it’s breaking out like a teenager hitting puberty, and other days it’s dry, tight, and begging for a thick, hydrating cream. The right moisturizer leaves my skin bouncy, calm, and glowy. The wrong one? It sends everything into a tailspin, clogging pores and triggering everything from stubborn blackheads to red, angry cystic breakouts.
Over the years, I’ve learned that when it comes to moisturizers, ingredients and formulation matter far more than price. I’ve tried plenty of luxury creams that did absolutely nothing for my skin—and just as many drugstore options that delivered exactly what they promised, without a clogged pore in sight. A higher price tag doesn’t automatically mean better results; often, it reflects fancy packaging, big marketing budgets, or buzzy ingredients that have more affordable (and equally effective) alternatives.
Our favorite drugstore moisturizers of 2026:
Best Drugstore Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer
Read more
Drugstore moisturizers may have once had a reputation for being ineffective or full of filler ingredients, but today’s formulas prove otherwise. Whether you drop a pretty penny on your moisturizer or prefer to save and go the drugstore route (there’s no right or wrong answer!), the goal is always the same: keep the skin hydrated, the skin barrier protected, and your face happy. That’s why we rounded up the best drugstore moisturizers for every category and skincare need so that the next time you’re in a hydration pinch, you’ll know exactly what to grab instead of wandering the aisles and leaving empty-handed.
Best Deal
Pros
- Provides long-lasting hydration for smooth, supple skin all day
- Absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave behind any sticky or greasy residue
- Repeat Cosmo Beauty Award winner
Cons
- Contains petrolatum, which may be problematic for congested skin
- Some users say applying too much product or layering it on top of too many other products can cause it to slightly pill on the skin
Why we love it: Whether you rely on this non-greasy formula as your everyday moisturizer or reserve it for when your skin feels dry, itchy, and in need of some TLC, this fast-absorbing cream delivers a dose of instant hydration. Packed with ceramides, it’s super gentle yet super effective and works for every skin type and age, making it a household staple that works across the board.
Cosmo editor review: "The GOAT of drugstore skincare! CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream needs no introduction. The gentle yet highly effective formula is loved by dermatologists, editors, and Cosmo readers for its ability to moisturize skin and protect your skin barrier. The combo of ceramides and hyaluronic acid is tried-and-true for lightweight and long-lasting hydration." —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, petrolatum |
| Fragrance-free? | Yes |
Pros
- Made without pore-clogging ingredients
- Ultra-lightweight texture layers well with other products
- Loved by dermatologists
Cons
- May not be hydrating enough for dry, flaky skin types
Why we love it: Acne-prone skin needs moisture just like every other skin type does, but super-heavy creams have the potential to clog pores and trigger an onslaught of unwanted breakouts. But not Vanicream's tried-and-true face moisturizer. The lightweight, pH-balanced, non-comedogenic lotion provides long-lasting hydration, leaving the skin feeling baby-soft without causing breakouts.
Cosmo editor review: "I use a ton of actives (benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, azelaic acid, the list goes on) to help keep my hormonal acne in check, so I need to use a moisturizer that's hydrating, gentle, and won't clog pores. Vanicream fits the bill perfectly. It's the ideal last step in my morning and nighttime routine, and never contributes to breakouts or irritation." —LB
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, ceramides |
| Fragrance-free? | Yes |
Pros
- Repeat Cosmo Beauty Award winner
- Gentle enough or all skin types, including those with rosacea and eczema
- Comes in a version with SPF 30 as well
Cons
- Testers say it can be somewhat challenging to squeeze the cream out of the tube when it’s more than three-quarters of the way empty
Why we love it: There’s a reason dermatologists recommend this moisturizer repeatedly as a sensitive skin must-have. It’s gentle enough to soothe red, irritated, dry skin, but it works hard to repair the skin barrier after just one hour without leaving behind a greasy residue.
Cosmo editor review: "I recommend this moisturizer to legit everyone. It works on all skin types and hydrates and smooths without being greasy or causing irritation. It's honestly gentle enough that I can use it on my two-year-old son's eczema-prone skin. It's also incredibly versatile and works as a daytime moisturizer, night cream, and even a primer under makeup." —LB
Features at a Glance
| Fragrance-free? | Yes |
Pros
- Repeat Cosmo Beauty Award winner
- Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types
Cons
- It’s lightly scented, which could be irritating to sensitive skin
Why we love it: Neutrogena knows how to do good skincare, and this weightless gel cream is proof. The editor-favorite formula soaks right into the skin with zero residue, making it perfect for normal to oily skin. It leaves skin looking dewy and quenched, without feeling weighed down or heavy.
Cosmo editor review: "I have never gone through so many tubs of a product as I have this moisturizer. I love the gel-cream formula on my combination skin legit all year 'round, but I especially lean on it in the winter. It hydrates my skin better than $$$$ creams I've used." —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, amino acids |
| Fragrance-free? | Yes |
Pros
- Some testers like that the dermatologist-tested formula is lightweight and doesn’t feel greasy on their skin
- The trio of skincare actives gives a lot of bang for your buck
Cons
- The cream may be too intense for sensitive skin types since some users say it leaves the skin red and with a warm, intense feeling
Why we love it: We know how frustrating stubborn dark spots can be. This ultra-hydrating, serious brightening formula is a favorite because it supports the skin’s natural renewal process, reduces discoloration with vitamin C, and infuses the skin with a steady dose of moisture.
Cosmo editor review: “Vitamin C is one of my go-to skin brighteners—I never skip a day. The first time I tried this silky, gel-cream moisturizer, it was love at first sight despite some minor tingling. While it’s not necessarily for the faint of heart, my skin always looks bright and refreshed whenever I use this.” —ET
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Vitamin C, amino peptides, niacinamide |
| Fragrance-free? | No |
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer
Pros
- Users say the creamy formula glides on, leaving the skin swathed in softness
- Doubles as a makeup primer
Cons
- Some testers reported breakouts from the cream, suggesting a possible purging or adjustment period
Why we love it: If you hate layering on multiple anti-aging creams, then this do-it-all moisturizer is a must-have. Packed with a powerhouse trio of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinol, it’s the perfect morning and nighttime anti-aging moisturizer, delivering hydration, a boost of radiance, and reducing the look of wrinkles for a youthful glow.
Cosmo editor review: “This trifecta cream made my skin do a major 180 after two weeks of using it morning and night. I like that even though it contains retinol and vitamin C, it doesn’t leave my skin red, irritated, or compromised in the least. But here’s the best part: it wears well under makeup and never pills.” —ET
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, pro-retinol |
| Fragrance-free? | No |
Pros
- Works for dry, normal, combination, and oily skin types
- Users say that the under $15 cream provides a lot of value for the price
Cons
- Moisturizers in jars can cause the formula to oxidize more quickly because it is exposed to air
Why we love it: Multi-tasking skincare is a necessity for any busy morning skincare routine. While dermatologists say there’s no such thing as too much sunscreen, some moisturizers with SPF don’t get the job done. This lightweight, non-greasy formula is infused with SPF 30 to protect the skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays while moisturizing it, so you can rest assured that your skin is well-protected.
Cosmo editor review: “I’ve tested my fair share of moisturizers with SPF over the years, and the biggest problem I have with them is that most pill and ball up on my skin. I like that this one absorbs quickly, so when I put on makeup, my skin looks bouncy and not like it’s covered in little beads of product buildup.” —ET
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Glycerin, niacinamide, peptides |
| Fragrance-free? | No, but a fragrance-free version exists. |
Pros
- Testers say the cream works well both as a day cream and a night cream
- Makes for the perfect thick wintertime moisturizer to really hydrate dry skin
Cons
- Some users say the cream is heavily fragranced
Why we love it: Want to watch dry skin instantly transform? Swipe on a layer of this under $10 cream and let your skin drink up all the hydrating goodness this hypoallergenic formula has to offer.
Cosmo editor review: “The older I get, the drier my skin becomes, and I find myself reaching for thicker creams at night. I love slathering my skin with this one whenever I need a serious dose of moisture. By morning, any tight, flaky areas are transformed into healthy, happy, hydrated skin.” —ET
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Glycerin, petrolatum, mineral oil |
| Fragrance-free? | No |
How to choose the best drugstore moisturizer?
When choosing a good drugstore moisturizer, the same rules apply as when buying a moisturizer anywhere else. Board-certified dermatologist Anetta Reszko, M.D., Ph.D, says to always start with your skin type and its overall needs. “Someone with acne-prone skin should pick non-comedogenic formulations with light textures and less occlusive ingredients, while dry or compromised skin may benefit from heavier creams that limit water loss and support barrier repair.”
From there, review the ingredients on the box. Board-certified dermatologist Lesley Clark-Loeser, MD, says an effective moisturizer will have a mix of three different types of ingredients:
- Humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol pull water into the skin
- Emollients such as ceramides, squalane, and cholesterol work to smooth and soften
- Occlusives, including petrolatum, dimethicone, and shea butter, lock in moisture. “Formulas that include ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids are especially good at repairing the skin barrier,” she adds.
While not all skin types respond to skincare products the same way, Dr. Clark-Loeser recommends being cautious about common troublemakers that can trigger skin reactions. “Be careful of moisturizers with fragrance and essential oils, which can cause irritation, denatured alcohol, because it can weaken the skin barrier over time, certain preservatives like methylisothiazolinone, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis, and strong exfoliating acids. Cooling ingredients like menthol or eucalyptus can flare sensitivity or rosacea, which is why simple formulas are better.”
Do drugstore moisturizers work as well as expensive ones?
According to Dr. Reszko, many drugstore moisturizers have the same ingredients as higher-priced ones, which she says does not necessarily correlate with the product’s efficacy or safety. “Head-to-head studies comparing different priced moisturizers have shown minimal differences in effectiveness since barrier-supporting ingredients and emollients are widely used across brands regardless of price.”
Can I use the same moisturizer in the morning and at night?
For the most part, it’s fine to use the same moisturizer in the morning and at night. “A single, well-formulated moisturizer can work for both if it balances hydration, supports the skin barrier without irritation, absorbs well and layers under sunscreen, and does not contain SPF, retinoids, or strong acids,” says Dr. Clark-Loeser.
But of course, there are exceptions to the rule. Dr. Reszko says if a moisturizer contains chemical sun absorbers, like avobenzone, they might be slightly irritating and, for this reason, are better left out of a nighttime routine. Plus, there’s no reason to wear sunscreen-infused products to sleep.
Another reason you may not want to use the same moisturizer in the morning and at night is that it may contain sun-sensitive ingredients, such as retinol or exfoliating acids, which can make the skin more susceptible to redness, irritation, and burns. “When that’s the case, apply a different moisturizer in the morning so that there’s zero risk of skin damage from your products.” Also, if a moisturizer is heavy and contains petrolatum or rich emollients such as lanolin, triglycerides, or squalene, Dr. Reszko says to wear it only at night. “Some of these ingredients make the skin greasy, while lighter, non-comedogenic formulations that layer well under sunscreen are more practical for daytime wear.”
Meet the experts:
- Anetta Reszko, M.D., Ph.D., is a world-renowned dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and an Assistant Attending Dermatologist at New York Presbyterian Hospital. She has published multiple scientific research articles and reviews and has contributed to leading dermatology and dermatologic surgery publications.
- Lesley Clark-Loeser, MD, is the co-founder of Precision Skin & Body Institute. She has authored and co-authored more than 15 professional articles and book chapters and has served as an investigator in over 25 clinical trials. While in private practice, her commitment to both peer, community, and patient education continues. Dr. Clark-Loeser is a diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology and maintains memberships in the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, the Women’s Dermatologic Society, and Broward Dermatologic Society.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and expert with 20 years of experience. A prolific content creator and trendspotter, Elise always knows what’s new, what works, and who’s the best to go to for treatments and procedures.
Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and expert with 20 years of experience. She started her career in public relations before shifting to editorial. Elise rose the ranks at NewBeauty magazine from an editorial assistant to Executive Beauty Editor, overseeing and reporting on all things beauty, plastic surgery, anti-aging, health, and wellness. A prolific content creator and trendspotter, Elise always knows what’s new, what works, and who’s the best to go to for treatments and procedures. She contributes to media outlets including InStyle, NewBeauty, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Beauty Independent, The Aesthetic Guide, Bazaar, and more.
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